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See + Do

<h3 style="text-align: left;">The Experience</h3>
Patagonia inspires movement—this is the epitome of the great outdoors, and there are no limits as to what you can discover. 
The Singular Patagonia makes it a cinch to explore with a wide range of activities: You can embark on a rewarding hike through the Torres del Paine National Park, take a horseback riding lesson at the Puerto Consuelo ranch, kayak along the Señoret Channel, or fly fish for salmon and trout—all while in the company of an English-speaking guide.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-43117 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Singular-Banner-4_cropped_800x533.jpg" alt="The Singular Patagonia" width="800" height="533" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Singular-Banner-4_cropped_800x533.jpg 800w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Singular-Banner-4_cropped_800x533-450x300.jpg 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Singular-Banner-4_cropped_800x533-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />
If you find yourself craving some civilization, you can hop on one of the property’s bikes (which are free for rent) and pedal to the nearby town of Puerto Natales, only a 15-minute ride away. Resting on the shores of Seno Última Esperanza (Last Hope Sound), the beaches here are a bird-lovers delight, brimming with swooping condors, cormorants and Chilean skuas. 
While in town, check out the Museo Histórico for artifacts ranging from the Indigenous populations to colonization, pop into one of the galleries along the waterfront, sip a coffee in the main square or observe the daily local life at the Fisherman’s Wharf.  
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-43118 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Singular-Gallery-8_800x533.jpg" alt="The Singular Patagonia" width="800" height="533" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Singular-Gallery-8_800x533.jpg 800w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Singular-Gallery-8_800x533-450x300.jpg 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Singular-Gallery-8_800x533-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />
Come day’s end, relax your worked muscles with a dip in the heated indoor/outdoor pool, best experienced when the sun’s last rays dance across the water, eventually dropping behind the Patagonian fjords. 
For added indulgence, book a spa treatment at the eco-wellness centre, SPA (short for Salut Per Aqua or ‘health through water’), which uses plant and fruit oil extracts for your pampering.
<hr />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">The Dining</h3>
All this activity requires refuelling with a nourishing meal. Even the cuisine is evocative of The Singular’s vibe, focusing on substance over excess and using ingredients from the regional terroir. The food is fresh, healthy and always just the right amount, plated like a work of art.
<img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-43112 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Singular-Gallery-2_378x252.jpg" alt="The Singular Patagonia" width="378" height="252" />When booking, guests can choose from a bed and breakfast plan or a full-board option that includes all three daily meals. 
It begins with breakfast—a sumptuous spread of every imaginable fruit, viennoiseries, made-to-order omelettes, yogurt, cereal, just-squeezed orange juice—you get the idea. 
If you’re out on an excursion during lunch, the hotel will craft a picnic for you to enjoy amid the breathtaking scenery. 
Plan on sticking around for the day? Then head to The Singular Restaurant, where award-winning Executive Chef Hernán Basso prepares Chilean staples—like guanaco (a local type of llama), Patagonian lamb and king crab—with a French twist.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-43111 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Singular-Gallery-1_800x533.jpg" alt="The Singular Patagonia" width="800" height="533" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Singular-Gallery-1_800x533.jpg 800w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Singular-Gallery-1_800x533-450x300.jpg 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Singular-Gallery-1_800x533-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />
Before dinner, sink into a perfectly-worn leather couch with an author-inspired cocktail in the sleek bar, with its exposed-brick walls and wooden stairways that maintain the pared-back atmosphere. 
Once you and your appetite are recharged, make your way to the dining room to sink your teeth into yet another exquisite meal or check out the barbecue grill, El Asador, that offers an intimate experience and delicacies like rabbit, beef and more cooked over an open flame.
<hr />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">The Rooms</h3>
There are three categories to choose from: the Singular Twin with two double beds, the Singular King with one king-sized bed and the Singular Suite with a king-sized bed in addition to a couch and sitting area.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-43114 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/The-Singular-Room_800x462.jpg" alt="The Singular Patagonia" width="800" height="462" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/The-Singular-Room_800x462.jpg 800w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/The-Singular-Room_800x462-480x277.jpg 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/The-Singular-Room_800x462-768x444.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />
Each generously sized room (the smallest coming in at 45 square metres, equal to around 500 square feet) boasts an entire wall’s worth of floor-to-ceiling windows that look out at the fjords while the Last Hope channel wades in between. 
The decor is kept minimal with elegant touches like custom-made, Victorian-style furnishings and black and white photographs so that Mother Nature can remain the real showstopper. 
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-43115 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/The-Singular-Suite_800x462.jpg" alt="The Singular Patagonia" width="800" height="462" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/The-Singular-Suite_800x462.jpg 800w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/The-Singular-Suite_800x462-480x277.jpg 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/The-Singular-Suite_800x462-768x444.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />
All beds are outfitted with hypoallergenic pillows and 500 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, and every category has an ensuite marble bathroom with a separate bathtub and shower area. 
Despite being in the depths of the natural world, each guestroom comes with complimentary WiFi (and the common areas do, too).
<hr />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">How to get here</h3>
International flights will arrive in Santiago, Chile. During your stay in Santiago, consider booking a room at The Singular Patagonia’s sister property, <a href="https://thesingular.com/en/hotel/santiago">The Singular Santiago</a>. 
From Santiago, it’s a 3.5-hour flight to Punta Arenas, followed by a 2.5-hour drive to the hotel. It may not be the easiest place to get to, but I assure you, it’s worth the journey.

Spectacular Stays: The Singular Patagonia

<h3>The Mapuche People</h3>
The Mapuche indigenous people have been around since at least 600 years BCE, and are the most numerous first peoples in South America, at more than 1.5 million people. Most Mapuche live in south-central Chile, southwestern Argentina and parts of present-day Patagonia. There was conflict as the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th through to the 18th centuries, with much resistance from the Mapuche. As the Spanish gave way to Chilean independence, the Mapuche were moved to reservations and their traditional lands used for agriculture, with some land disputes continuing to this day.
A collection of various groups of people linked by their common language, Mapudungun, Mapuche means ‘the people of the earth’. Truly connected to the land, much of the culture features healing ceremonies and the use of traditional herbal medicine. There are traditions of the Mapuche shaman, the machi (usually female), who perform ceremonies to heal and ward off enemies or evil. There is also a rich tradition of textile-making (woven blankets or ponchos) that is passed down from one generation to the next, along with silverwork due to trade with Spaniards and Chileans.
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40209 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/mapuche-people-732.jpg" alt="" width="732" height="485" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/mapuche-people-732.jpg 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/mapuche-people-732-453x300.jpg 453w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" />
<h3>Nahuel Huapi National Park</h3>
The oldest national park in Argentina, established in 1934, it’s also one of the largest in the region, encompassing several ecozones in the foothills of the Andes and Nahuel Huapi Lake. The altitude of the park rises up to 3,574 metres (11,726 feet) and spans nearly 2 million acres of land. From white-topped peaks that feature year-round snow, this is the perfect place to explore the lakes, rivers, waterfalls, glaciers and deep forests of the Andes; on its western side, the Chilean border trims it.
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40213 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Nahuel-Huapi-lake-and-park-732px.jpg" alt="" width="732" height="490" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Nahuel-Huapi-lake-and-park-732px.jpg 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Nahuel-Huapi-lake-and-park-732px-448x300.jpg 448w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" />
<h3>Nahuel Huapi Lake</h3>
Located in the lake region of northern Patagonia and within the Nahuel Huapi National Park, this vast glacial lake takes its name from the Mapuche language, meaning “Island of the Jaguar”. A Jesuit mission was established here from 1670-1673, and another one in 1703, destroyed in 1717 due to a local dispute. There are seven branches in this lake, along with two islands: Isla Victoria and Isla Huemul. The lake is stocked with non-native fish (rainbow, brown and brook trout) ideal for recreational fishing, along with other outdoor activities like kayaking. According to legend, there is a giant cryptid living in the lake, called ‘Nahuelito’, and its sightings reportedly predate Nessie. In nearby Chile, the Puyehue-Cordón volcano complex (of four volcanoes) erupted in the year 2011, blanketing the lake’s surface in volcanic ash for a brief time.
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40207 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Bariloche-lake-960px.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="504" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Bariloche-lake-960px.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Bariloche-lake-960px-480x252.jpg 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Bariloche-lake-960px-768x403.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
<h3>Yerba Mate and tea culture in Argentina</h3>
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40210 alignright" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/yerba-mate-250px.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="376" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/yerba-mate-250px.jpg 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/yerba-mate-250px-199x300.jpg 199w" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" />The national drink of Argentina, the highly caffeinated herbal tea, yerba mate, is derived from the ground leaves of the plant ilex paraguariensis, actually a member of the holly family. Rich in caffeine as well as antioxidants, cholesterol-lowering properties and the vitamins B1, B2 and C, it is considered a healthy drink with medicinal properties by indigenous South Americans.
First cultivated and consumed by the indigenous Guarani people in Southern Brazil, the drink spread with European colonization, with Jesuits first successfully cultivating it commercially (although they tried to ban it in Argentina at first). Traditionally served loose-leaf in a hollow gourd and drunk through a perforated metal straw called a bombilla, the serving style is to pass the gourd to each person, drinking it communally; it is refilled continuously and shared. Being highly caffeinated, it is often drunk as a morning beverage. You’ll also find a variation of yerba mate called mate cocido, which is brewed from a tea bag and served with milk and sugar.
In Buenos Aires and in the Welsh regions of Patagonia, a fascinating mash-up of British and Argentine tea culture has sprung up with tea sandwiches and a late afternoon ritual, following the British tradition.
<h2>Where to Stay</h2>
<h3><a href="http://llaollao.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Llao Llao Resort, Bariloche</a></h3>
The most exclusive resort in Argentine Patagonia, Llao Llao boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes, forests, and the soaring Andes mountains. A magnificent indoor and outdoor pool, 18 holes of golf, and an amazing spa are just some of the amenities on offer at this grand hideaway.
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40215 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Llao-Llao-hotel.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="638" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Llao-Llao-hotel.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Llao-Llao-hotel-451x300.jpg 451w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Llao-Llao-hotel-768x510.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Llao-Llao-hotel-903x600.jpg 903w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
<h3><a href="http://lasbalsas.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Las Balsas Hotel</a></h3>
The prestige of this Relais &amp; Chateaux property set amidst the breathtaking Patagonian landscape is an opportunity to encounter Argentina at its natural best. Las Balsas is a haven for those who seek the serenity of wide open spaces, whether finding refuge in the hotel’s spa or pursuing a more active agenda in the surrounding countryside.
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40216 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Las-Balsas.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="480" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Las-Balsas.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Las-Balsas-480x240.jpg 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Las-Balsas-768x384.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
<h3><a href="https://www.andbeyond.com/our-lodges/south-america/chile/lake-district/andbeyond-vira-vira/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hotel Vira Vira</a> </h3>
Set in a marvellous park and surrounded by stunning volcanoes, Vira Vira sits proudly on the shores of the peaceful Liucura River. Its gourmet restaurant uses wonderfully fresh produce from the property’s farm to design the daily menu. The cozy ﬁreplace is the perfect spot to curl up with a glass of Chilean Carmenère in the evenings.
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40217 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Vira-Vira.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="679" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Vira-Vira.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Vira-Vira-424x300.jpg 424w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Vira-Vira-768x543.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Vira-Vira-848x600.jpg 848w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />

Lakes & Volcanoes: A New Way to See The Andes

Culture &amp; Lifestyle

Eat &amp; Drink

Vines &amp; Wines

Portfolio

Wine

<h2>Argentinian Wines</h2>
<a href="http://www.catenazapata.com/catena-alta-malbec.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-39372 alignright" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/table-setting-250px-1.jpg" alt="Must Drink Wines From Chile and Argentina" width="250" height="343" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/table-setting-250px-1.jpg 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/table-setting-250px-1-219x300.jpg 219w" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" />Catena Alta Malbec 2014 
</a><a href="http://www.catenazapata.com/catena-alta-malbec.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Nicolas Catena</a> might be Argentina’s version of California’s Robert Mondavi as a pioneer of the premium wine lifestyle. This wine is full-bodied and elegant, with very light presence of oak.
<a href="https://www.wine-searcher.com/find/trapiche+terroir+series+finca+ambrosia+malbec+gualtallary+tupungato+uco+valley+mendoza+argentina/2013" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Trapiche Terroir Series Single Vineyard Malbec “Finca Ambrosía” 2013 
</a>A softer style but nevertheless <a href="http://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews/argentina/mendoza/trapiche-uco-valley-gualtallary-finca-ambrosia-terroir-12636">this is still a powerhouse</a>, with a full 18 months in new French oak. Higher alcohol, but fresh and silky.
<a href="http://www.zuccardiwines.com/zuccardi/common/public/pdf/58811ec963a2b.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zuccardi Aluvional Gualtallary Malbec 2014 
</a>Rated 95 points by Robert Parker, the grapes come from several vineyards in the Gualtallary part of Tupungato in Valle de Uco, where the soils vary greatly. The wine is impressively structured, with a mineral quality that is the hallmark of the region.
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Bodega-Teho-205764002934578/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Teho Malbec Tomal Vineyard 2014 
</a>Fresh and lively but still sporting formidable tannins, <a href="https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/teho-2014-tomal-vineyard-malbec-mendoza/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this wine</a> hails from Mendoza and will easily hold for 10 or more years. The word “teho” means “blood of the earth.”
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-39398 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/dane-chile-vines-732px-1.jpg" alt="Must Drink Wines From Chile and Argentina" width="732" height="488" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/dane-chile-vines-732px-1.jpg 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/dane-chile-vines-732px-1-450x300.jpg 450w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" />

8 Must-Drink Wines From Chile and Argentina

Our Favourite Hotel Bars in the Americas

<h2>Trace the Tour de France in the French Alps</h2>
The peaks and passes of the gorgeous French Alps have been challenging people for centuries. With veering roads over steep grades, you can truly appreciate what it takes to ride in the Tour de France in the French Alps on a <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/start-planning/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bespoke bike trip</a>. While the climb itself is a feat to remember, the outstanding views will make for an unforgettable journey. And, of course, no trip to the French Alps would be complete without a trip to the famous crystal-clear Lake Annecy.
<img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-38648 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/French-Alps-embedded-image.jpg" alt="" width="752" height="450" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/French-Alps-embedded-image.jpg 752w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/French-Alps-embedded-image-480x287.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" />
<h2>Venture into the Atlas Mountains of Morocco</h2>
Morocco provides a variety of landscapes to traverse, from Berber villages to stunning oases. However, the true magic of Morocco lies in wandering the Atlas Mountains. The tranquillity and fresh air of the mountains are an escape from city life. Travel off the beaten path on our <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/morocco-walking/?mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiWmpZME9XVm1PVEZsT1dSaCIsInQiOiJTTks4MjBBYnpEXC84Z3Y4bmNnRHMxMWw2dk4reFZraEhCQnFTTmRtN1FRNlV4ZVJHNld1aTAyZkxYT1lyTlVtejdZYTRoZVwvWUJmcWtcLzBaeWNcL0RTV2c9PSJ9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Morocco Walking </a>trip where you will hike and dine in style every night.
<img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-38649 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Morocco-embedded-image.jpg" alt="" width="752" height="450" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Morocco-embedded-image.jpg 752w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Morocco-embedded-image-480x287.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" />
<h2>Experience the Yellow Mountains of China</h2>
In modern Beijing there is so much to see and do; ride past hutongs, walk through Tiananmen Square and climb the Great Wall. But delve deeper than China&#8217;s bustling cities and you&#8217;ll discover magical sites like the Li River, scenic bamboo forests and the stunning. Yellow Mountains. On a <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/custom/china-bespoke/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bespoke trip to China</a>, take time to appreciate the tranquil side of China while discovering mountain vistas overlooking infinite valleys that seem to stretch out forever.
<img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-38650 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/China-embedded-image.jpg" alt="" width="752" height="450" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/China-embedded-image.jpg 752w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/China-embedded-image-480x287.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" />
<h2>Trek Mount Etna in Sicily</h2>
Centuries of civilizations have left their mark; rich in culture, art, gastronomy and architecture, Sicily has immense opportunities to offer. Along with a rich history, one of the oldest attractions in Sicily is Mount Etna. Found on the coast of Sicily, this active volcano is the highest summit at about 11,000 ft. It is truly a sight to behold, taking in the stark contrast of black lava amongst the evergreen pine forest.
We love a good hike as much as the next person but something we love just as much (if not more) is a spectacular wine tasting at the end of an adventurous day. On our <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/eastern-sicily-walking/?mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiWmpZME9XVm1PVEZsT1dSaCIsInQiOiJTTks4MjBBYnpEXC84Z3Y4bmNnRHMxMWw2dk4reFZraEhCQnFTTmRtN1FRNlV4ZVJHNld1aTAyZkxYT1lyTlVtejdZYTRoZVwvWUJmcWtcLzBaeWNcL0RTV2c9PSJ9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eastern Sicily Walking</a> trip, we give you the best mix of adventure and wine that Sicily has to offer.
<img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-38651 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Sicily-embedded-image.jpg" alt="" width="752" height="450" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Sicily-embedded-image.jpg 752w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Sicily-embedded-image-480x287.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" />
<h2>Discover the Coastal Mountains of British Columbia</h2>
British Columbia feels untouched by human hands. Hike through ancient groves of giant trees and climb the breathtaking Coastal Mountain range. With an amazing mix of rugged nature and inspiring culture, British Columbia will keep you captivated at every turn.
If you don’t feel like climbing, why not chairlift to the top of the mountain for a scenic hike and views of the surrounding peaks? Feel like biking the Valley Trail, or kayaking to Meares Island, or maybe just walking along endless beaches? All this and more is possible on our <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/west-coast-multi-active-private/?mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiWmpZME9XVm1PVEZsT1dSaCIsInQiOiJTTks4MjBBYnpEXC84Z3Y4bmNnRHMxMWw2dk4reFZraEhCQnFTTmRtN1FRNlV4ZVJHNld1aTAyZkxYT1lyTlVtejdZYTRoZVwvWUJmcWtcLzBaeWNcL0RTV2c9PSJ9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">British Columbia Wilderness</a> trip where adventure awaits.
<img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-38923 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BC-embedded-image-1.jpg" alt="" width="752" height="450" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BC-embedded-image-1.jpg 752w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BC-embedded-image-1-480x287.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" />

Our Favourite Jaw-Dropping Mountain Ranges to Explore

Patagonia

<h2>Experience All Four Seasons&#8230;In One Day</h2>
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-36752 alignright" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/PABEW_20160117_SST_051-HikingMan350px-compressed.png" alt="" width="350" height="191" />Throw out what you know about the weather and the seasons; here in Patagonia, you can experience microclimates that shift unpredictably, and all four seasons in one day: wind, hail, rain, snow, sun&#8230;you name it, you are bound to experience it—whether it’s summer in the Southern Hemisphere or not.
It goes without saying that the mighty wind, “Escoba de Dios”—a nickname for ‘God’s Broom’—is so strong that it causes trees to grow horizontally. On a recent hike, the gales began to blow, and we all had to sit down and hold on to something to stay grounded. (In fact, what we experienced that day wasn’t much by Patagonian standards!). Such is the primal force of nature, something to be in awe of and have respect for.
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-36737 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/PABEW_20161030_AGA_-13-snow-hike-960px-comipressed.png" alt="" width="960" height="720" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/PABEW_20161030_AGA_-13-snow-hike-960px-comipressed.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/PABEW_20161030_AGA_-13-snow-hike-960px-comipressed-400x300.png 400w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/PABEW_20161030_AGA_-13-snow-hike-960px-comipressed-768x576.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/PABEW_20161030_AGA_-13-snow-hike-960px-comipressed-800x600.png 800w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
<h2>A Rich History</h2>
The story of humans attempting to make the most of this (seemingly) uninhabitable region is something to appreciate. From the first indigenous peoples who inhabited the region, the nomadic Tehuelches; to Spanish colonizers; Welsh immigrants attempting to preserve their culture and language away from Britain; Portuguese, Argentinian, Chilean and even Croatian settlers&#8230;there has always been a rugged and hardy edge to people’s attempts to tame this wildest of wild regions. Mining, whaling, livestock (especially sheep farming), and even agriculture have been ways in which people have participated in the economy.
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-36755 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/PATEG_20170119_TCA_021-ranch-732-compressed.png" alt="" width="720" height="398" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/PATEG_20170119_TCA_021-ranch-732-compressed.png 720w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/PATEG_20170119_TCA_021-ranch-732-compressed-480x265.png 480w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" />
<h2>The Landscape is the Star of the Show</h2>
Volcanoes. Glaciated lakes. Rising granite peaks and giant boulders. Verdant grasslands and pampas; high steppes; varied brush, and the most massive glacier that you will ever see&#8230;the Perito Moreno glacier. I think about the ever-changing light shifting through the fast-moving clouds, and an explosion of stars in the night sky, with the Southern Cross often viewable. Yes, Patagonia is one region, but it covers such a wide area&#8230;expect to see a real variety of terrain, enough to make everyone on your Instagram feed jealous. (Unless the weather kicks up a fuss…)
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-36750 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/PeritoMoreno-trip-960px-compressed.png" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/PeritoMoreno-trip-960px-compressed.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/PeritoMoreno-trip-960px-compressed-450x300.png 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/PeritoMoreno-trip-960px-compressed-768x512.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/PeritoMoreno-trip-960px-compressed-900x600.png 900w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
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Insider's Guides

The mountain’s name was bestowed by the Argentine explorer Francisco Moreno, who wanted to honour Robert Fitz Roy, captain of the HMS Beagle and the man responsible for chartering parts of the Patagonia coast.
<h5><img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-33362" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Things-to-Do-in-Patagonia-logo.jpg" width="200" height="227" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Things-to-Do-in-Patagonia-logo.jpg 300w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Things-to-Do-in-Patagonia-logo-265x300.jpg 265w" sizes="(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px" />The Emblem of Patagonia</h5>
You may also recognize the name, or the image of the mountain, from the successful outdoor clothing company <a href="http://www.patagonia.ca/home/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Patagonia</a>.
The logo for the eponymous clothing company is the skyline of Monte Fitz Roy, likely inspired after Yvon Chouinard and his friend Doug Tompkins took a trip down to Patagonia in the 1960s and successfully reached the summit of Fitz Roy.

<h2>Torres del Paine National Park</h2>
Another important park is the <a href="http://www.torresdelpaine.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Torres del Paine National Park</a>, which finds itself in Chilean territory while bordering Los Glaciares National Park to the north, in Argentine territory. Similar to Los Glaciares, this park heavily features mountains, glaciers, lakes and rivers.

The Torres del Paine are the three granite peaks that surge triumphantly from the Paine mountain range, or Paine Massif.
These pillars dominate the landscape and are often considered the main draw, but, again, once you are in the park there are numerous other attractions with arresting power. A variety of trails can take you through splendid forests, from open steppes to rugged mountains, across rushing rivers and towards the seemingly endless blue of the glacier.
<h2>Tierra del Fuego Island</h2>
This <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tierra_del_Fuego" target="_blank" rel="noopener">important archipelago</a> found off the southernmost tip of the South American mainland consists of a main island, Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, and a series of many smaller islands. Like so much of Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego is split between Argentina and Chile.
Tierra del Fuego, literally meaning “Land of Fire,” was a name provided by Spanish explorers who were journeying in search of the Spice Isles. Passing by the shorelines of what would become Tierra del Fuego, they saw the land dotted with man-made fires, and provided it with an apt (if a little on-the-nose) name.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-33357" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Things-to-Do-in-Patagonia-Tierra-del-Fuego-960x600.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="600" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Things-to-Do-in-Patagonia-Tierra-del-Fuego-960x600.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Things-to-Do-in-Patagonia-Tierra-del-Fuego-250x156.jpg 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Things-to-Do-in-Patagonia-Tierra-del-Fuego-480x300.jpg 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Things-to-Do-in-Patagonia-Tierra-del-Fuego-768x480.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
<h5>The Island’s Indigenous</h5>
<figure id="attachment_33358" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-33358" style="width: 350px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-33358" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Things-to-Do-in-Patagonia-Yaghan.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="245" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-33358" class="wp-caption-text">The Yaghan indigenous people of Tierra del Fuego</figcaption></figure>
Of course, indigenous communities had been living on the island long before it was “discovered” by the Spanish.
By all accounts it is clear that these communities must have been incredibly hearty to survive in such harsh climates. In fact, they were fierce warriors who, if necessary, applied greasy fish or animal fat to their bodies to protect themselves from the wind and cold.
Unfortunately, if you travel to Argentina today you will not see any trace of the indigenous communities that inhabited this area. While they were strong and persevered through much, the influx of foreign disease and culture proved too great a burden.
Discovery of natural resources brought the Spanish and then other European settlers who arrived with the goal of “civilizing” the local people. It didn’t take long before the distinctive cultures of these indigenous groups faded.
<h2>Monte Fitz Roy</h2>
This intimidating mountain can be found near El Chaltén village, located in the southern Patagonian ice field in Patagonia.
While it was first climbed back in 1952, it remains <a href="http://www.summitpost.org/fitzroy/153622" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one of the most technically challenging mountains</a> in the world. Though it certainly isn’t the highest in the world, it does boast sheer granite faces that present long and challenging climbing. As well, weather in the area can be especially inclement.

Insider’s Guide: A Few of Our Favourite Things to do in Patagonia

Need to Know

Combined with the newly paved roads (thanks to the privatization of tolls and upkeep of the Pan-American Highway, which freed up money for the rest of the roads in Chile), this makes for some of the best biking I have seen in this part of the world. Mile after mile of rolling roads through small villages with homemade beer in every bodega—I mean, come on!
<figure id="attachment_30081" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-30081" style="width: 450px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-30081 size-medium" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Vira-Vira-450x300.jpg" alt="Hotel Vira Vira " width="450" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Vira-Vira-450x300.jpg 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Vira-Vira.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-30081" class="wp-caption-text">Hotel Vira Vira</figcaption></figure>
I started in a place I have been hearing rumblings about for the past two years, <a href="https://www.andbeyond.com/our-lodges/south-america/chile/lake-district/andbeyond-vira-vira/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Vira Vira</a>—one of those hotels we dream about in the travel biz. It’s a privately owned property from a self-made banker who spent the majority of his adult life living in hotels and never found the perfect place, so he decided to build his own.
Along the way, he and his wife learned how to make cheese, cure meats, and turn this into an almost completely self-sustained place in the middle of adventure land Chile. It’s the perfect measure of luxury and rustic.
After three days there sampling the food and activities (including fly fishing at sunrise out of the backdoor of my suite), I went south to the <a href="https://hoteleracasachile.cl/casa-panguipulli/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Casa Panguilpulli</a> on my bike. This was some of the most stunning scenery I have seen from the back of a bike: volcano, lake, volcano, lake, repeat.
From Casa Panguipulli I kept going south to <a href="https://cantarias-lodge-spa.loslagoshoteles.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Las Cantarias</a>, a fly fishing dream spot on the steps of Puyehue Volcano. Here I met with the general manager, Javier Rosés Dietz, one of those guys living the dream, who cuts through the madness of hotels. He wears Patagonia clothing because he believes in <a href="https://www.patagonia.com/ca/patagonia.go?assetid=3351" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Yvon Chouinard</a> more than the brand. I was very impressed. This guy spends the off-season guiding in Montana, and he knows his fish worldwide.
<figure id="attachment_30082" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-30082" style="width: 400px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-30082 size-medium" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Puyehue-Lake-400x300.jpg" alt="Puyehue Lake" width="400" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Puyehue-Lake-400x300.jpg 400w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Puyehue-Lake.jpg 640w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-30082" class="wp-caption-text">Puyehue Lake</figcaption></figure>
But if fishing is not your sport of choice, the biking is killer, the rafting world class and the kayaking available right off the back steps in the Puyehue Lake. Plus, the sheer amount of hiking trails is head-spinning. That is really true of the whole region; thanks to the (ridiculously) diverse geography of Chile, there are myriad national parks and mountains to climb, all within a few minutes’ drive of each other.
All in all, I came back with a new trip and a new perspective on a region I’ll forever go back to.

In Chile, a New Perspective on a (Very) Old Place

Experts + Insiders

Profiles

Experts + Insiders: Veronika Macas

In Deep

<h3>The Conquest of the Desert</h3>
After Argentina became independent, Patagonia was largely left alone, until it was cleared of Indian occupation in the Conquest of the Desert campaigns of the 1870s.
An attempt was then made to settle the region and to make it part of the national state. However, immigration was not massive, though people did come, for various reasons: some to exploit the economic resources and others (like the Welsh) to enjoy religious or political liberties.
<figure id="attachment_24119" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-24119" style="width: 555px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-24119" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/La_conquista_del_desierto.jpg" alt="An 1889 depiction of the Conquest of the Desert, by Juan Manuel Blanes. " width="555" height="340" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/La_conquista_del_desierto.jpg 555w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/La_conquista_del_desierto-320x196.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 555px) 100vw, 555px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-24119" class="wp-caption-text">An 1889 depiction of the Conquest of the Desert, by Juan Manuel Blanes.</figcaption></figure>
The mineral wealth of the region in particular attracted immigrants from Chile, and Chileans seeking temporary work rather than a fixed domicile now constitute the largest proportion of the population. Apart from major concentrations at Comodoro Rivadavia and in the towns strung out along the upper valley of the Negro River, Patagonia’s sparse population is mostly rural.
<h2>Fantastic (and Fantastical) Flora</h2>
Patagonia&#8217;s vast landscapes vary widely from one end of the region to the other, giving birth to a variety of flora and fauna that at first glance appear to be more fantasy than reality.
<h3>Patagonian Steppe (or Desert)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_24129" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-24129" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-24129" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/800px-Paramela_flower_Adesmia_boronioides_by_Liam_Q-320x213.jpg" alt="The paramela flower. " width="290" height="193" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/800px-Paramela_flower_Adesmia_boronioides_by_Liam_Q-320x213.jpg 320w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/800px-Paramela_flower_Adesmia_boronioides_by_Liam_Q.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 290px) 100vw, 290px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-24129" class="wp-caption-text">The paramela flower</figcaption></figure>
With a precipitation of less than 400 mm (15.7 in) a year, the plants that exist here are limited.
They are primarily low perennial graminoid grasses, bushes and shrubs that can survive the cold winters, the dryness, and the strong winds.
The most common species here are coirón, calafate, mata negra, neneo, mata guanaco, and flowers called paramela, zapatitos de la virgen, and topa topa.
<h3>Pre-Andean Shrub and Transition Forest</h3>
<figure id="attachment_24126" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-24126" style="width: 320px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-24126" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/800px-Roble_Nothofagus_obliqua-320x214.jpg" alt="Nothofagus " width="320" height="214" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/800px-Roble_Nothofagus_obliqua-320x214.jpg 320w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/800px-Roble_Nothofagus_obliqua.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-24126" class="wp-caption-text">Nothofagus</figcaption></figure>
Increased precipitation towards the west permits the growth of more species and the beginning of forests of scrub and southern beech forests, Nothofagus.
The Nothofagus is of the same family as the beech in the Northern Hemisphere. The southern beeches are from an ancient stock that lived when South America, Australia, New Guinea, New Caledonia, New Zealand and Antarctica were united in a vast continent called Gondwana.
This zone is also home to medium-height shrubs, generally no taller than three feet. Typical vegetation of this area includes: ñire, farolito chino, barba de viejo, pan de indio; the shrubs chaura and siete camisas; and anemonas flowers.
<h3>Magellanic Forest</h3>
<img loading="lazy" class="alignright size-full wp-image-31372" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Patagonia-Redux-Magellanic-Forest-.jpg" alt="Patagonia-Redux-Magellanic-Forest-" width="400" height="258" />With an average annual rainfall of 800 to 2,000 mm, the lenga forests (another Nothofagus), the world&#8217;s southernmost forest, grow beside the glaciers.
The development of these forested areas is limited by two things: the presence of said glacier, and increasing altitude. Over 800 m above sea level, trees become smaller, eventually disappearing once they reach the tree line at 1,200 m (glaciers are 300 m above sea level). In this area, the following would be common: lenga, guindo or coihue de magallanes trees; and the notro bush.

In Deep: What You Need to Know About Patagonia

Notes From the Road

<h2>Magic and Majesty</h2>
The immensity of scale and the sense of isolation can be overwhelming, but the landscapes are truly breathtaking. Mountains and valleys, rivers and plains stretching out seemingly indefinitely reveal themselves through breaks in the cloud, behind violent rain squalls or sometimes just framed by nothing more than shockingly blue skies. There is a real sense of magic and majesty that emanates from every rock and blade of grass here.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-20179 size-large" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Pat_banner-1024x332.jpg" alt="Patagonia 2009" width="960" height="311" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Pat_banner-1024x332.jpg 1024w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Pat_banner-320x104.jpg 320w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Pat_banner.jpg 2000w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Estancias and gauchos provide the most visible human element to Patagonia, immigrants from Europe having mixed with indigenous peoples to try and eke out a living from the land. These (often European-looking) farms dot the landscape and are like islands amongst the immensity of open land. Even during the boom years of farming, life here was hard but the rewards could be said to compensate. The estancias are larger now, conservation and tourism having become important, but the sight of abandoned buildings is not uncommon.
The days of early European exploration and the written accounts of Magellan through to Darwin saw the mapping and our understanding of the land we call Patagonia grow as never before or after. That said, it is the easiest of things to be on a hike, just minutes away from the luxury of a lodge, and imagine yourself pioneering a path through unexplored land.

Notes From the Road: Patagonia Walking

<h2>Newly Discovered; Richly Rewarding</h2>
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-49426 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/sunset-patagonia.png" alt="Patagonia sunset " width="960" height="640" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/sunset-patagonia.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/sunset-patagonia-450x300.png 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/sunset-patagonia-900x600.png 900w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/sunset-patagonia-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
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I bet you’ll also be meditating about these kinds of things when you arrive in Argentina. You&#8217;ll see valleys spread out before you that were first seen by human eyes as late as 1901. If you’ve never felt like a true explorer, for the first couple of days in Argentina, you may experience this feeling for the first time.
Then we move on, where more glaciers await. As you view the rugged Patagonian landscape you’re bound to feel the call of the ice. That’s why no trip here is complete without trekking on a glacier—a quintessentially Patagonian experience.
In northern Patagonia, in warmer climates, deep evergreen forests and more immersion await. Just when you think you’ve seen every hue of blue, you (or rather, your raft) will plunge into the cool but welcoming waters of Rio Manso for a truly azure adventure.
<h2>Contemplate the Uncharted</h2>
As an Argentino and resident in Patagonia for many years, I’m proud to have contributed to the design of B&amp;R&#8217;s Argentina Biking trip. I think its greatest virtue is this sense of discovery. Even today, under the controlled conditions of a well-planned trip, the sensation is there.
In Patagonia, you can&#8217;t help but feel like the first human being to contemplate the uncharted.

In Patagonia, Adventures in Uncharted Territory 

Vines 101

<h2>Casablanca Valley</h2>
<img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-19134 size-full" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Casablanca.jpg" alt="Chilean wine" width="320" height="320" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Casablanca.jpg 320w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Casablanca-125x125.jpg 125w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" /> Home to Chile’s fastest growing wine region, the beautiful Casablanca Valley is located just an hour outside of Santiago. World-famous for its terroir and commitment to the finest winemaking technology, the Casablanca Valley produces some of Chile’s best white wines and cool-climate reds.
The region is a Denomination of Origin (DO) defined by the Chilean Appellation system, meaning the region is a legally defined and protected geographical area for specific grapes. Its clay and sandy soils are among the most unique in the world, blending combinations of clay, granite, iron and shell.
The first vines were planted in the Casablanca Valley in the mid-1980s during the revitalization of Chile’s wine industry. The region quickly made a name for itself with its whites, in particular Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, as well the cool-climate pinot noir. Despite being located closer to the equator than any European vineyard, the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean has a tremendous impact; the climate is similar to that of Sonoma or Napa in the United States, with cool misty nights and hot days providing ideal growing conditions. Wineries are open year-round.
The valley takes its name from the commune of Casablanca and rests just 30 kilometres (19 miles) from Valparaíso, one of Chile’s most historic and eclectic cities, filled with brightly-coloured buildings, cafés and spectacular ocean views.

Vines 101: Chilean Wine

Vineyards

<h2>A Well Kept Secret</h2>
The wines of the Matetic Estate (and the ambition of its owners) are symbolic of the revolution that has propelled Chilean wines up from the bottom shelves of wine stores. Confident in the valley’s microclimate (characterized by high temperature fluctuations and well-drained clay soil) the Matetic family built a state-of-the-art winery in 2004, which today produces 14,000 cases a year. There is a first and second label, EQ and Coralillo. Together they encompass a production of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, a Merlot-Malbec Blend and Syrah. The Matetic Estate became certified organic in 2004.
<figure id="attachment_9226" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-9226" style="width: 320px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-9226 " src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/restaurant1-320x212.jpg" alt="Equilibrio, Chilie Restaurants, Matetic Vineyards" width="320" height="212" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/restaurant1-320x212.jpg 320w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/restaurant1-124x82.jpg 124w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/restaurant1.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-9226" class="wp-caption-text">The estate&#8217;s new gourmet restaurant, Equilibrio.</figcaption></figure>
To the oblivious motorist passing by the towering eucalyptus trees and copses of pine that dot the undulating landscape, most of this is a well kept secret. Occasionally a herd of sheep can be seen grazing. A weathered wooden arch marks the entrance to the estate, through which a dirt road pocked with a pothole finish leads into the valley. It is only around the first bend that simplicity gives way to splendour.
To the left, a century-old colonial hacienda transformed into a seven-room luxury boutique hotel sits in the shade of towering old-growth trees. A short walk away is the café cum delicatessen boutique that sells cheese, cured meats and of course, wine. Across the manicured lawn and accessible only by bridge lays the new gourmet restaurant, <a title="Equilibrio" href="http://www.matetic.cl/casona/restaurant.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Equilibrio</a>. Beckoning from a ridge at the far end of the valley is the winery, housing a grandiose barrel cellar and unusual tasting rooms complete with waterfalls.
<h2>Something for Everyone</h2>
<figure id="attachment_9655" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-9655" style="width: 320px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-9655 " src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/patio-320x212.jpg" alt="Matetic Estate, Chilie" width="320" height="212" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/patio-320x212.jpg 320w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/patio-124x82.jpg 124w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/patio.jpg 640w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-9655" class="wp-caption-text">Savour the sun&#8217;s last rays on the terracotta-tiled patio.</figcaption></figure>
You don’t have to be an oenophile to love this place. With horseback riding, an extensive network of cycling and trekking paths and cheese-making classes to complement a full gamut of wine-related activities, there’s something for everyone. And in the evening, when the sun’s last rays add yet more spice and rotundity to your glass of Syrah, there are always the relaxing chairs on the hacienda’s terracotta tiled terrace. What better place (and companion) from which to ponder this unique and delightful spot?

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That’s exactly what’s so appealing about Patagonia, this constant sense of discovery. Yes, even today under the controlled conditions of a well planned trip you can feel as if you were the first human to lay your eyes on any given Patagonian landscape. The more I see, the more I marvel at the diversity.
<img loading="lazy" class="alignright size-full wp-image-852" src="/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/PABEW_3.jpg" alt="Patagonia" width="254" height="135" />Moving overland in Patagonia is easier today but distances are still challenging. Paved roads save a lot of time but it always happens that to get to the ultimate prize—the perfect view, the hidden lake or glacier—you need to move on foot or horseback, like in the old days. And the reward is always there, in the palette of colours you see when you approach the Andes Range, the turquoise of the lakes, the deep green of the nothofagus forests, the ever changing skies
Oh, and a couple of words about the weather. Tropical it is not. It can be rough. It can be challenging. But I made my peace with Patagonian weather the day I understood a simple truth. Weather is the artist, the sculptor that is constantly shaping this landscape. Glaciers are there because of it, five thousand millimeters of snow fall annually on top of that old ice, thickening it, feeding it. Keeping it alive.
So sure, weather can keep you on your toes sometimes but in it lays the essence of Patagonia. In the course of my years living there I was lucky enough to quench a little of my thirst for new, remote landscapes. But at the same time I realized that one life is not enough to see all there is to see down there. I met scientists, climbers, farmers and travellers who had spent many more years there than me, but none of them could tell me, ‘I’ve seen all there is to see in Patagonia’.”

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