Chile is a spectacularly beautiful country with varied climate systems, incredible landscapes and snowcapped volcanoes. From desert landscapes to the beautiful lush lake district. Santiago is where I began my journey it is a cultural city.  I felt safe wherever I walked. Great shopping and restaurants.  The lake district was beautiful and I loved my lodge.  We went volcano climbing, horseback riding, rafting down the Trancura river.  There also is white water rafting which I did not do.  Atacama, the landscape all I can say is it is red.  Very dry, great hiking, El Tatio is about 90 minutes from San Pedro and absolutely worth the trip.  We went early morning before sunrise.  I didn’t realize it would be so cold about a 40 degree difference from where we were staying.  Needless to say I had to buy a jacket and of course they had Patagonia coats.  I still take the same coat on all my trips when I’m not sure what the weather will be.  It folds up to nothing. The geysers were incredible I have never seen anything like it and the sunrise took your breath away.  

I thought the food was great everywhere I went.  Every table had a spice called merquen, it’s a smoked chili spice. I  brought some home and I am still ordering it on Amazon.  I use it in so much of my cooking. Chile is known for its wine and it was terrific.  We did do wine tastings at a vineyard and lunch so much fun.  We also had a dinner at a chef’s home in Santiago she had won what is our equivalent of Master Chef but of Chile.  It really was a delightful evening.