Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/613854
36 | Chile A nation as complex as the wine it's known for, Chile is full of subtle surprises. Only 5% of the population is indigenous, and European influence is evident. In the capital city of Santiago, jumping into that mix is easy with museums, jazz and salsa venues, huge shopping malls, and the bohemian Barrio Lastarria; a short car ride leads to the Valparaíso region, where "The Garden City" of Viña del Mar sits. Near the end of the Pan-American Highway, fjords, snow-capped volcanoes, and agricultural fields decorate the horizon, while valuable lapis lazuli embellishes the Puerto Montt lake district. Pelluco is the most common base for travelers to the region, a beachfront resort area with access to rarities like the Punta Pelluco Fossil Forest. In Punta Arenas, the world's southernmost major city, is Tierra del Fuego, where views of historic mansions can be exchanged for those of penguin and whale colonies in minutes. Torres del Paine's 12-million-year-old towers and rock formations are another adventurer's treasure—a rugged finish to a zesty vintage. CHILE Where the Land Ends 0 500 miles 0 500 km Santiago Asunción La Paz Montevideo Buenos Aires Valparaiso Iquiqui Punta Arenas Cape Horn Falkland Islands S O U T H P A C I F I C O C E A N S O U T H A T L A N T I C O C E A N BRAZIL PERU ARGENTINA PARAGUAY URUGUAY BOLIVIA Brasília CHILE Consult your travel agent for more details on these and other tours. Half-Day Excursion to Viña Concha y Toro Enjoy an exotic oenophile's experience with a drive to the Maipo Valley and the village of Pirque, both famous for their red wine production. Founded in 1883, the winery featured is the largest exporter of Chilean wine. A tour of the gardens, cellars, and grapevines—some of which were planted by the original owner, Don Melchor Concha y Toro—is part of the visit. Full-Day Excursion to Viña del Mar & Valparaíso Travel through the valley and vineyards of Casablanca to the Pacific Coast to Viña del Mar, a famous beach destination known for its stunning landscape. The picturesque 16 th century port of Valparaíso is the next stop, with narrow streets, long stairways, and a series of lifts that date back to the late 1800s. An optional visit to the Museum House of Pablo Neruda, La Sebastiana, is also offered en route back to Santiago. VACATION ENHANCING TOURS From deserts in the north to glaciers in the south, there's no end of intriguing adventure. Make the most of every minute by pre-booking your tours.