“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.”
-Anonymous
CHILE
DESTINATIONS TO ROOT FOR !
Easter Island
Easter Island is a Chilean island in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, at the southeasternmost point of the Polynesian Triangle. Easter Island is famous for its 887 extant monumental statues, called moai, created by the early Rapa Nui people. In 1995, UNESCO named Easter Island a World Heritage Site, with much of the island protected within Rapa Nui National Park. Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world and one of the most interesting.
Santiago
Santiago de Chile or simply Santiago, is the capital and largest city of Chile as well as one of the largest cities in the Americas. The city has a downtown core of 19th-century neoclassical architecture and winding side-streets, dotted by art deco, neo-gothic, and other styles. Santiago's cityscape is shaped by several stand-alone hills and the fast-flowing Mapocho River, lined by parks such as Parque Forestal. The Andes Mountains can be seen from most points in the city. The city outskirts are surrounded by vineyards. The Cathedral on the central square (Plaza de Armas) is a sight that ranks as high as the Palacio de La Moneda, the Presidential Palace. Also, there is the National Library, one of the largest libraries of South America. Within the metropolitan area of Santiago, there are 174 heritage sites.
Torres del National Park
Torres del Paine National Park is a national park encompassing mountains, glaciers, lakes, and rivers in southern Chilean Patagonia. The Cordillera del Paine is the centerpiece of the park. It is one of the largest and most visited parks in Chile. The area also boasts valleys, rivers such as the Paine, lakes, and glaciers. The well-known lakes include Grey, Pehoé, Nordenskiöld, and Sarmiento. It is a popular hiking destination in Chile. There are clearly marked paths and many refugios which provide shelter and basic services. Hikers can opt for a day trip to see the towers, walk the popular "W" route in about five days, or trek the full circle in 8 to 9 days. The refugio locations also have campsites. For less adventurous visitors, there are several hotels located around the park. Visiting the park is recommended between September and April, during the southern spring, summer and early autumn.
MUST TRY DISHES !
Charquican Stew
Charquicán is a Chilean stew dish. It is also popular in Argentina, Peru, Bolivia and other countries in the Andean region. Charquicán is made with ch'arki or beef, potatoes, pumpkin, white corn, onion and sometimes peas and corn. It was originally made from dried and salted llama meat or beef. The modern Chilean version of Charquicán is made with minced beef and topped with a fried egg.
Pebre Sauce
Pebre is a Chilean condiment made of coriander, chopped onion, olive oil, garlic and ground or pureed spicy aji peppers. It may contain also chopped tomatoes.
Pebre is most commonly used on bread. It is also used on meat, or when meat such as choripán is provided in a bread roll.
Porotos Con Riendas
Porotos con rienda (beans with reins) is a typical Chilean dish made of boiled beans with spaghetti. The reins correspond to the noodles , which are added almost to the end of the preparation to increase the flavor and give even more forcefulness to a dish that continues to amaze palates. Although, if it is a matter of force, there are those who add a piece of sausage-a sausage-on top of the plate, and a fried egg.