By Erin Lindholm, Brides
Rugged, remote and breathtakingly
beautiful, the Patagonia region of South America has rightfully earned
its place in the pantheon of must-see destinations for adventure seekers
and nature lovers in general. And while you can camp and hike your way
through different sections of Patagonia, which sprawls across large
swaths of Chile and Argentina's southernmost territory, the good news is
that you don't have to tent it on your honeymoon
(unless, of course, you want to). Even better news: If Patagonia is a
bucket list destination for both you and your fiancé, this spectacular
corner of the world is more readily accessible than you might have
imagined.
[post_ads]While Patagonia is closer to
Antartica than just about anywhere else on the planet (yes, you might
see penguins), some of the region's most famous treasures — including
the glacial fjords of Chilean Patagonia and the craggy peaks and scenic
vistas of Torres del Paine National Park — are now just a couple flights away, thanks to new connections between Santiago, Chile, and Puerto Natales,
a small port town that's considered the gateway to Torres del Paine and
a main departure point for Patagonia expeditions by land and sea.
Ready to start planning the Patagonia honeymoon of your dreams? Here's what else you need to know.
Getting There
South
American airline LATAM offers direct overnight flights to Santiago, as
do several major U.S. carriers, from airports including Atlanta, Miami,
Dallas, Houston and New York City. While the flight is long (8-10
hours), the good news is that when traveling to South America you'll
never have to deal with jet lag. At most, time zones only change by a
few hours — no different than what you'd otherwise experience when
traveling within the States. LATAM's service into Puerto Natales aligns
with Patagonia's peak travel season, which runs from December through
February, aka summertime in the southern hemisphere. (Airfare for the
2017-18 season goes on sale in July.)
Where to Stay
The
closest hotel to the airport also happens to be one of the region's
best. A mix of new construction, modern amenities and luxurious details
that blend seamlessly with the property's industrial heritage, The Singular Patagonia
is an ideal home base for your Patagonia honeymoon. Located on the
grounds of a nationally recognized landmark building — a cold-storage
structure that was built between 1912 and 1914 and was in operation
until the 1970s — the property offers a fascinating glimpse into what
life was like in Patagonia in the early 20th century.
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Elevated,
well-lit walkways help guests to navigate the cavernous spaces of the
sprawling warehouse complex, which still contains some of the original
industrial machinery; the property is also a museum. Rooms, however, are
completely modern and all come with panoramic, floor-to-ceiling views
of the Almirante Montt Gulf, one of the main waterways of Chilean
Patagonia, as well as a deep-soak bathtubs and chic and cozy
furnishings. Also on site: An elegant but informal restaurant featuring
such specialties as Chilean lamb and locally-caught seafood and king
crab, as well as an extensive Chilean wine list; the property also
features a full-service spa and a heated, indoor-outdoor swimming pool
that overlooks the gulf.
What to Do
By
land, by sea, on horseback, on foot — your options for immersive
Patagonian expeditions are plentiful and can be fully tailored to your
interests, as well as difficulty level. One honeymooning couple raved
about their guided, 8-mile hike through Torres del Paine National Park,
although shorter, less strenuous hikes (which are just as scenic) are an
option, too. The Singular has an activities desk that can arrange for
whatever local adventures pique your interest, including cycling,
horseback riding, fly fishing, even an open-topped 4x4 photography tour.
For
a different perspective of Patagonia's majesty, a fjords cruise is a
must (weather permitting). One of The Singular's signature expeditions
is the Patagonian fjords cruise
that includes visits to Serrano and Balmaceda glaciers, a short morning
hike, as well as a traditional Patagonian lunch at the Singular's
private ranch and options for an afternoon horseback ride, an
exploratory trek through the rugged terrain, or to just relax and enjoy
the comforts of the ranch home.
Santiago Stopover
[post_ads]Since
you'll be flying through Santiago in both directions, why not take a
few extra days to explore the Chilean capital? Cosmopolitan Santiago is
the perfect counterpoint to the rugged and remote beauty of Patagonia; a
Santiago stopover is a chance to experience Chilean culture from a
completely different perspective, one that will have you appreciating
both destinations all the more.
A
sprawling city of 5.5 million, the best way to take advantage of only a
few days on the ground is to opt for a hotel that's centrally located,
and you can't get more central than Santiago's charming Lastarria
neighborhood, located adjacent to Santa Lucia Hill, the precise location
where Santiago was founded in 1541. An easy stroll through the hillside
park rewards with panoramic city views, as well as glimpses of the
majestic, snow-capped Andes mountains in the distance. Dining options
are plentiful in the pedestrian-friendly neighborhood; Bocanáriz, a casual wine bar and gastropub, is a favorite with locals and visitors alike, while Restaurant The Singular,
at the sister property in Santiago, has a farm-to-table ethos. For a
deeper dive into Chilean culture, Upscape Travel offers guided tours of
Santiago's colorful food markets, as well as a full-day tour exploring Santiago's highlights. As a special occasion splurge, Upscape's intimate winemaker's dinner is honeymoon worthy, indeed
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