Nature - Chile’s National Tourism Service is gearing up tourism infrastructure in Patagonia’s Northern Ice Field in Region XI – an area known for its impressive scenery, glaciers and lagoons. The project will involve building an observation center for studying climate change and glacial monitoring, at least two refuges (each with a capacity to sleep 30 people), roads, pathways, signs, ramps, and lookouts. “Patagonia is one of the most visited zones in the country because of its glaciers,” said SERNATUR Director Oscar Santelices. “This has to be promoted. We want tourists from all over the world to come, but at the same time we want the area to be a place of scientific interest.” source LA TERCERA - The Santiago Times

Accommodations - The Cliffs Preserve, Patagonia - Located on an 8000 acre private preserve on the ocean, the property is for just 36 guests. This is the main draw: you are one of just a few guests on a large private preserve, staying in luxury villas, with private guides. Private guides are an integral part of this experience, with each experience tailored to the individual guest's level of comfort and activity. The guides are at your disposal for hiking, horseback riding, walks, boating (weather permitting), penguin watching, and more.

To reach this hotel, you arrive into the Puerto Montt airport, and take a private transfer via SUV, through absolutely stunning and unspoiled land, for miles and miles and miles. The property itself is ocean front, with miles of coast, islands, and rainforest.The air here is clean and fresh, filtered pure by the cold southern winds and blue ocean sprays.

The Cliffs has its own five star chef, Pablo Galvez. The meals Pablo prepared were wonderful - so wonderful that this month he travels to Australia with the President of Chile! A lovely Chilean post-prandial tradition is to have personalized herbal infusions. A bowl of fresh herbs is presented at the table after the meal, and each person selects the herbs they desire, places them in a teacup, and hot water is added. The infusion may be sweetened if desired. The result is a fresh, soothing, and healthful hot beverage, a very nice way to conclude a complex meal.

The stars and constellations here are incredibly clear - the Chilean sky is one of the clearest in the world.

Ellen has special contacts at the Cliffs. Contact her for more details at:
ellencraig@sterlingtvl.com