Latin America

One of the best experiences in the wine region near Santiago is the cooking class at renowned vineyard and winery, Viña Vik. Tour their 100% organic vegetable garden and orchid and then started choosing ingredients and herbs for your risotto, salad, dressing and gazpacho. You will be learning loads about the ingredients and organic farming methods before feasting on the delicious meal with a cold glass of Chilean wine under the pergola with views across the gardens and vineyards!

During a city tour of Santiago, follow your private guide to Cerro San Cristobal, the highest lookout point with amazing views across the city. Take a funicular up to the top of the hill, and enjoy some time at the top, taking in the views, walking around the area, browsing some of the stalls selling local handicrafts and treats. Returning via a new route aboard a cliffside cable car, on the way down, you can see the mountain side and array of greenery and parks where people were enjoying their day cycling, walking their dogs and doing different sports.

Start this excursion around 7am, meaning you will be watching the sunrise across the mountains as you make your way to Hotel Lago Grey, from where the boat excursion takes place to get to the grey glacier. As you set sail, listen to commentary along the way explaining what you’re seeing, the geological formations and the history of the land. Out on the top deck, take in the views of passing icebergs and the first face of the glacier. You then continue to visit two other faces of the glacier, getting closer and closer to this magnificent piece of art. After endless photos and ‘wow’ moments, head back on the boat towards the hotel again, ready for a lovely lunch.

Exclusively available to Awasi for their guests is access to a private reserve called Yacu-I. Begin the day here with a beautiful kayak ride along the river with no other tourists around, just you and the jungle, full of colourful birds and hoards of beautiful butterflies. Then embark on a short hike into the jungle itself, learning about the endemic plants and trees, as well as insects and animals that inhabit the area. Finally, sit down for an ‘asado’ (an Argentine bbq), prepared fresh and served at a picnic table right by the lake. A day to remember!

At the start of hiking to the Puritama Hot Springs you will find a small canyon with small streams and waterfalls dotted along the way, and extremely long feather-like grass known as ‘pampas’. Pushing your way through the pampas, across the rocks and through the canyon, you will be hiking at approximately 3000m altitude. Upon arrival, bathrooms, changing rooms, towels and robes will be waiting ready for you to dip into the pools and swim in these volcanic-heated natural springs, before heading back to the hotel for lunch.