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Discovering Chile's Culinary Heritage and Cultural Traditions

(A Culinary Exploration of Chile's Most Enchanting Destinations)

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$4,998 USD *
(For One Person, Double Occupancy)
* Plus taxes. Tours sold on an availability basis.
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9 days | 8 nights

An Indulgent and Flavorful Exploration
of the Unique Flavors and Wines of Chile

Chile offers a diverse culinary scene that reflects its varied landscapes and cultural influences. In the metropolitan region of Santiago, you will delve into the vibrant food scene, sampling traditional Chilean dishes like empanadas and cazuela, as well as exploring international flavors in the city's numerous restaurants. And of course, no visit to Santiago is complete without trying some of Chile's world-renowned wines, produced in the nearby vineyards of the Casablanca Valley and the Island territories. As you travel to the Valparaíso region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colorful houses, you can indulge in fresh seafood caught along the prodigious coastline, paired with crisp and refreshing white wines. Moving to the Los Lagos region, also known as the northern gateway to Chilean Patagonia, you will enter into the natural beauty of Puerto Varas with its volcanoes and Llanquihue Lake, and explore the mystical world of Chiloé Island with its wooden churches and Palafito houses. Indulge in the flavors of Chiloé Island and the Los Lagos region, where traditional dishes like curanto, a mixed seafood and meat stew cooked in an underground oven, showcase the rich culinary heritage of the region. Whether you are exploring the local markets, sipping on a glass of Chilean wine, or savoring the diverse flavors of Chilean cuisine, the culinary experiences in Chile are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Discovering Chile's Culinary Heritage and Cultural Traditions

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Itinerary Accommodations Map FAQ
VACATION HIGHLIGHTS
Please note: Tour inclusions can change depending upon seasonality and weather conditions.
•8 Nights Deluxe Accommodations
•Round-Trip Airport Transfers
•Round-Trip Inter-Air Transfers
•8 Chilean Breakfasts Each Morning
•4 Cooking Classes with Master Chefs
•5 Dinners, 2 Lunches
•Santiago City Bus Tour
•Vineyard and Cellar Visit
•Food Market Tour
•Cerro Alegre and Concepcion Cultural Tour
•Chef Lorna Munoz's Culinary Heritage Restaurant
•Agro-Tourism Farm Earth Pit Curanto Bake
•Ferry Ride to Chiloé Island
•Chiloé Island Oyster Tasting
•Brewery Visit with Tasting
•2 UNESCO Guided Site Visits
•Bird Sanctuary Visit at the Bay of Caulín
•Fogon Outdoor Cooking Experience
•Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
•Visit to Puerto Octay
•Espantapájaros Restaurant Experience
While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs, and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is appropriate for your situation.
AVAILABLE DATES
This is a 9-Day tour that begins on a Saturday for each departure. This tour runs multiple weeks throughout the year, and has a minimum of 6 guests with a maximum of 12 guests.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.
Click arrows (▶) to show details
Day 1
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Private Transfer | Arrival and Check in to Your Santiago Hotel | Chilean Cooking Class Upon arriving in Chile, take advantage of your free time to explore the city by bus before embarking on an unforgettable Chilean Cooking Experience with renowned Master Chef Almendra Santibañez, an influential figure in Chilean cuisine and contemporary art. Engage in an interactive cooking class, where you will personally prepare a delectable meal under the tutelage of Chef Almendra, while also engaging in cross-culture conversations.
Day 2
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Chilean Breakfast A daily Chilean style breakfast is included in your package, served in the hotel's restaurant, featuring such cuisine as steamed corn cakes (humitas), savory empanadas, pastries, cheeses, cuts of meat, avocados, and fresh fruit, accompanied with café con leche, tea, and juices.
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Santiago to Maipo Valley Transfer | Vina Haras de Pirque Wine Tasting On the first day guests will begin with an unforgettable tour experience at Vina Haras de Pirque, where you will be captivated by the breathtaking view of the Pirque Valley and the majestic Andes Mountains. Your private tour will take you to the historic Maipo Valley vineyards, renowned as the oldest wine valley in Chile, where the Mediterranean climate fosters the ideal conditions for producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Delve into the captivating realm of organic viticulture in Maipo, discovering the magic behind sustainable winemaking practices. Savor the tantalizing flavors of three remarkable wines paired with tasty bites, as you bask in the enchanting ambiance of the spectacular cellar tasting room before returning to Santiago to enjoy an evening on your own.
Day 3
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Chilean Breakfast A daily Chilean style breakfast is included in your package, served in the hotel's restaurant, featuring such cuisine as steamed corn cakes (humitas), savory empanadas, pastries, cheeses, cuts of meat, avocados, and fresh fruit, accompanied with café con leche, tea, and juices.
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Valparaiso Cultural and Gastronomic Experience Today guests will enjoy a cultural and gastronomic experience in Valparaiso, a main port of Chile proclaimed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Begin your morning with a delightful journey to the renowned Caleta Portales fish and food market. Explore this charming cove and Cardonal market, relishing in Chilean traditional delights such as empanadas, ceviche, fish Calugas, and vegetarian options. Next, immerse yourself in a cooking course where the products sourced earlier will be transformed into mouthwatering dishes like Ceviche, Caldillos, and Pastel de Choclo. Savor these culinary creations alongside refreshing drinks and Chilean wine. After whipping up a few dishes, prepare for a captivating cultural tour of Cerro Alegre and Concepción. Meander through colorful streets and bask in the breathtaking views overlooking the bay and vibrant, multicolored hills. These picturesque inspirations have kindled the creativity of renowned painters, architects, draftsmen, musicians, and poets. Following this eventful day of exploration and cooking, retreat to your hotel and enjoy a tranquil evening at your leisure.
Day 4
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Chilean Breakfast A daily Chilean style breakfast is included in your package, served in the hotel's restaurant, featuring such cuisine as steamed corn cakes (humitas), savory empanadas, pastries, cheeses, cuts of meat, avocados, and fresh fruit, accompanied with café con leche, tea, and juices.
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Fly to Puerto Montt | Cooking Experience Upon your arrival at the Puerto Montt airport, a guide will accompany guests on an extraordinary journey to the enchanting island of Chiloé. Experience the captivating Bay of Caulin, a designated bird sanctuary, and savor the renowned, black-bordered Chilean Oysters. From there, continue your adventure to the island's vibrant capital, Castro, where you can check in at your hotel and unwind. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable evening where you indulge in the culinary delights of Chef Lorna Munoz's heritage restaurant, "Travesía." Nestled on the first floor of her ancestral home, this intimate setting resonates with the rich history of her family. Delight in Lorna's expertise in crafting extraordinary dishes using dried and smoked seafood, fragrant herbs, fresh local fish, and the cherished Chiloé potatoes. As the evening concludes, return to your hotel in Castro, relishing the memories created throughout this remarkable day.
Day 5
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Chilean Breakfast A daily Chilean style breakfast is included in your package, served in the hotel's restaurant. featuring such cuisine as steamed corn cakes (humitas), savory empanadas, pastries, cheeses, cuts of meat, avocados, and fresh fruit, accompanied with café con leche, tea, and juices.
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Chiloé - World Heritage site | Earth-pit Curanto Bake Set out on a captivating journey after a relaxed morning to witness one of the most captivating highlights of Chiloé Island - the enchanting wooden churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site, nestled along the island's east coast. In the afternoon, brace yourself for an extravagant gastronomic affair that truly captures the essence of Chiloé. Next, guests will experience Curanto – a culinary masterpiece that epitomizes the island's culinary heritage. Imagine succulent shellfish, tantalizing smoked meat, vibrant vegetables, and savory potato-based patties, all lovingly cooked in an earthy pit, adorned with aromatic Pangue leaves. Delight your senses as you savor this succulent feast complemented by the harmonious melodies of local live music, set amidst a local agrotourism farm on the Rilán Peninsula. As the Curanto feast comes to an end, you will be transported back to the hotel, fueled with memories and gratified by the flavors of the island, made even more memorable with local libations that accompany this extraordinary experience.
Day 6
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Chilean Breakfast A daily Chilean style breakfast is included in your package, served in the hotel's restaurant, featuring such cuisine as steamed corn cakes (humitas), savory empanadas, pastries, cheeses, cuts of meat, avocados, and fresh fruit, accompanied with café con leche, tea, and juices.
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Chonchi | Fogón Culinary Experience Enjoy a leisurely morning before delving into the captivating town of Chonchi, brimming with history, charm, and character. Chonichi's unparalleled beauty is uniquely situated on three natural terraces, aptly named the "City of Three Floors", or Ciudad de Los Tres Pisos. The first floor oversees the bustling port, the second floor flaunts the quaint houses on Centenario Street, and the third floor showcases the square and the church, complete with exquisite architectural grandeur. Next, you will be whisked away to El Cazador Quincho-Fogon, an idyllic countryside abode graced with an outdoor cooking area. Prepare to be dazzled by local cooking techniques that eulogize the freshest ingredients, sourced from both land and sea, curated by acclaimed chef Mauricio Ayala. An absolute visionary, Mauricio has lived in Chiloé for much of his life, honing his skills with local ingredients, reinventing gastronomy that pays homage to his Chilean roots, culminating in an unforgettable meal with drinks. Finally, unwind in the luxurious comforts of your hotel, fully satiated by an enthralling day of exploration and culinary delight.
Day 7
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Chilean Breakfast A daily Chilean style breakfast is included in your package, served in the hotel's restaurant, featuring such cuisine as steamed corn cakes (humitas), savory empanadas, pastries, cheeses, cuts of meat, avocados, and fresh fruit, accompanied with café con leche, tea, and juices.
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Traditional Cazuela Meal | Puerto Varas Hotel In the late morning you will go aboard a scenic ferry ride from the Island of Chiloé, leading to the charming city of Puerto Varas. As you journey through the region, guests will disembark at Pargua, to relish a local lunch, packed with flavors that truly represent Chilean cuisine. Savor the comforting and wholesome Cazuela, the namesake dish of the restaurant, renowned for its delectable variations. More than just a meal, Cazuela showcases Chile's culinary traditions and the essence of togetherness and nourishing loved ones with a hearty, warm meal, complemented by local wine. Guests will journey onto Puerto Varas and check in to Hotel Cabaña del Lago, providing you with a free evening to unwind, reflect on an unforgettable culinary journey, and immerse yourself in the Hotel's offerings.
Day 8
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Chilean Breakfast A daily Chilean style breakfast is included in your package, served in the hotel's restaurant, featuring such cuisine as steamed corn cakes (humitas), savory empanadas, pastries, cheeses, cuts of meat, avocados, and fresh fruit, accompanied with café con leche, tea, and juices.
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Petrohue Falls | Chilean Brewery | Patagonian Lamb After enjoying a tranquil relaxed morning, you will start your final day at a local Chilean brewery, where guests will delight in tasting an assortment of locally crafted beers. Prepare your taste buds for a symphony of flavors that pay homage to the region's brewing traditions. Next, immerse yourself in the unrivaled beauty of nature as we venture to the awe-inspiring Petrohue waterfalls, nestled near the mesmerizing Lake Todos Los Santos, located within the majestic Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. This enchanting journey into nature offers the perfect opportunity for guests to explore its magical surroundings and soak in the breathtaking views of the nearby Volcano. Continuing our voyage deep into nature's embrace, we will be accompanied by the captivating sight of a serene lake, leading us to the charming architecturally rich town of Puerto Octay where we will end our time at the esteemed Espantapájaros Restaurant, where guests will relish the opportunity to savor the succulent flavors of Patagonian lamb, an experience that will serve as a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable eight-day adventure filled with culinary delights and breathtaking natural wonders.
Day 9
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Chilean Breakfast A daily Chilean style breakfast is included in your package, served in the hotel's restaurant, featuring such cuisine as steamed corn cakes (humitas), savory empanadas, pastries, cheeses, cuts of meat, avocados, and fresh fruit, accompanied with café con leche, tea, and juices.
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Check-Out | Airport Transfer As the day dawns with a final hearty Chilean breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to this remarkable journey with a newfound admiration for Chilean wine and local cuisines that captivated your palate during your tour. Guests will be transported to Puerto Montt airport, to board a flight back to Santiago, connecting there with your international flight. Alternatively, for guests wishing to extend their South American adventure, our Culinary Travel Specialists are standing by to offer invaluable guidance to ensure guests make the most of any continued exploration. Que le vaya bien, Chao!
NH Ciudad de Santiago
The NH Ciudad de Santiago hotel is in the Providencia area of Santiago. What's great about the location is that you can easily get to the city's best landmarks, either on foot or by public transport, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby, too. We don't have different room sizes – instead, all our guests have a Suite to stay in. The modern Suites, all tastefully decorated, come with a relaxing sofa, 2 TVs, a minibar and free Wi-Fi. (Please note that NH Ciudad de Santiago is used for all tour dates when in Santiago)
Hotel Enjoy Chiloé de la Isla
Located in Castro, the Chiloé's Island Hotel, Hotel de la Isla, will welcome you with the natural and traditional southern Chilean charm and culture guests come to expect. This intimate boutique hotel invites guests into a restful and peaceful environment, making it the perfect home away from home to relax while enjoying your culinary vacation.
Hotel Cabaña del Lago
Noted as the hotel of choice in Puerto Varas, Hotel Cabaña del Lago welcomes guests with stunning views of Llanquihue Lake and the majestic beauty of the volcano range. The hotel itself is ensconced in beauty, rising majestically over the city of Puerto Varas displaying its distinct architecture features. Centrally located, Hotel Cabaña del Lago is the doorway to all the attractions southern Chile has to offer.
Solace Hotel Puerto Varas
One look at Solace Hotel Puerto Varas, from our sophisticated guest rooms and suites to our elegant restaurant and bar and amenities that include convenient function rooms and a well-equipped fitness center, and you'll see what makes us a premier hotel in Puerto Varas. Sophisticated and chic, our 35-square-meter (376 sq. ft.) Junior Suites are spacious and functional, with impressive views of the city, Church of the Sacred Heart and the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. Please note some suites can be combined to offer 70 square meters of space for families and groups. One King or two double beds, complimentary wireless, minibar, hairdryer, safe box, flat screen TV, bath amenities. (Please note that Solace Hotel is used for September, October and November, 2024 plus January and February, 2025 tour dates when in Puerto Varas)
Santiago, Chile•Valparaiso, Chile•Chiloe Island, Chile•Lake District, Chile•Puerto Varas, Chile•Vincente Perez Rosales National Park•Puerto Octay, Chile
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What Currency is being quoted?
The Currency Code is listed directly after the published amount. If it states USD, then the quoted price is in United States Dollars. If it states CAD, then the quoted price is in Canadian Dollars. If it states EUR, then the quoted price is in European Union Dollars…etc. However, please note that all charges are processed in USD, and Epitourean’s Merchant Bank automatically calculates the currency conversion on the day of the charge.
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What does Double Occupancy mean?
Two persons traveling together, and staying in the same room. Tour prices are normally quoted as “per person, double occupancy” in case two people are traveling together and staying in the same room, but paying separately. The cost of the lodging is also shared by two people, thereby reducing costs. This could be a married couple, two friends or relatives.
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What is a Single Supplement?
Whenever a person travels alone, the cost of their lodging cannot be shared by another person. When tour products are priced, they are normally stated as “per person, double occupancy.” Whenever a guest occupies a room as a solo, the whole cost of the lodging must be incurred by that one individual. Tour companies accommodate this by charging a Single Supplement. Epitourean does its best to keep the single supplement as low as possible, but it is a real cost that tour companies must absorb, and must pass along to the single traveler.
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If I am a Solo Traveler, will I be paired with another person?
Epitourean never pairs a solo traveler with another person without a special request. If you book Single Occupancy, you will have a room entirely to yourself. However, should you wish to be paired with another solo traveler to save on the single supplement, you may make this request. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate such requests, since it would take another solo traveling on the same tour for the same dates. But if requested, we will certainly try.
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Are flights included in the tour price?
No. Flights are never included in the price of our land-only tours. Epitourean does not provide air, rail or sea travel, unless expressly noted in the itinerary.
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May I give a culinary tour as a gift?
Yes. Epitourean has a special program designed specifically for this purpose. Our Gift Packages come with features such as special messages to the recipient, gift box option, gift link (without pricing), and floating dates (should you not know when the gift recipient wants to travel). Contact a Culinary Travel Specialist at 800-390-3292 or customerservice@epitourean.com to receive additional information about this unique offering.
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May we request separate beds if sharing a room?
Yes. In most cases, Epitourean can accommodate a request for two beds to be placed in one room. Just make sure to make this request in the comments section of the reservation process.
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Does each guestroom have a private bathroom?
Yes. Epitourean partners with the best lodging options in each destination, and private (en suite) bathrooms are a requirement. However, you should inquire as to the configuration of bathrooms should you have a special need. For example, some tours include accommodations in medieval villages, where either a shower or bath(but maybe not both) are present.
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Can your tours accommodate my dietary restrictions?
In almost all cases, Epitourean can accommodate dietary choices and restrictions. But we do request that you ask a Culinary Travel Specialist prior to making your reservation so that we can assess your individual situation.
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If I am unable to use a portion of the tour, can I get a partial refund?
Unfortunately, due to vendor and supplier contracts, we are unable to provide partial refunds for unused portions of any tour or tour component.
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Are Transfers included in the Itinerary?
Round-trip transfers from the airport or train station are normally included in our international tours. Transfers to the destination (for both international and domestic tours) are not included in the tour price. Please see the Sample Itinerary. If it mentions that transfers are included, then yes, transfers are included at no additional cost.
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What meals and excursions are included in the tour?
The Sample Itinerary should be your reference. If the meal or excursion is described in the Sample Itinerary, then it is included at no additional charge. For those days where it expressly notes Free time, then any optional activities you elect to participate in might have an additional cost. In addition, if the itinerary states "evening on your own," it would imply that you have the opportunity to visit a restaurant of your own choosing, and at your own expense. If you have any question about inclusions, please submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button under the price section.
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Is it possible to book pre or post tours or stays through Edible Destinations?
Yes, we often do have optional 2 and 3 night excursions that are priced separately from the tour. We can also assist with pre and post night stays in a hotel if you choose to come in early before the tour starts, or stay on after a tour ends. The price of those hotel stays are not included in the price of the tour, but we would be happy to provide a quote. Simply ask your Culinary Travel Specialist, or submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button.
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Are Guide or Host Gratuities included in the price of the tour?
Since tipping guidelines and customs vary widely between countries, we do not include gratuities in the price of the tour. Your Culinary Travel Specialist can provide you with recommendations. But the general rule is to tip modestly when you are pleased with a guide’s services, either at the end of the tour, or at the conclusion of a specialty day excursion where you will only be with that guide (or chef) on that day.
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Should we plan on any personal expenses during the tour?
All lodging, meals, transfers, classes and excursions mentioned in the Sample Itinerary and Vacation Highlights are included in the price of the tour. However, we highly recommend taking local currency for purchasing personal items, souvenirs, tipping, etc. You can either get the local currency at an airport exchange service, ATM or from your local bank prior to travel. However, you should note that many hosted destinations do not accept credit cards for personal purchases.
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Do you recommend Travel Protection?
We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans can include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. For more information on the available plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0248. The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (formerly known as Stonewall Insurance Company), 1314 Douglas Street, Suite 1400, Omaha, NE 68102. 11.17 E7N
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