When I decided to travel to Santiago de Chile, I immediately thought of wine, vineyards and seafood. I was surprised when I found that this spectacular city has numerous things to offer that are not only related to that. A cosmopolitan city with amazing views and places, astonishing suburban areas full of vegetation and colors and contrasts, mountains and peaks with white thick snow, folklore, culture, and very kind people: these and much more, describes Santiago.

A modern cosmopolitan city with outstanding gastronomy, unique urban art, tempting shopping and off course fine wines. Santiago welcomes you with a thick and flavorful glass of cabernet and from there, the adventure starts.

A restaurant: Alma Restaurante, El Coihue 3886, esquina El Mañío, Vitacura, fono: 208-6095, cerrado los domingos. reservas@almarestaurant.cl, web: www.almarestaurant.cl Price per couple CLP$37.000. Reviewed in El Sábado (Chilean Press) as nouvelle international. Won in the best category in Santiago in the Wiken Awards 2006 published by El Mecurio. Loved this place.

A gallery: Galeria Animal, Av. Alonso Córdova 3105, Vitacura - Santiago - Chile Phone number (562) 371 9090. www.galeriaaminal.com Featuring extraordinary art in the best of the ambiances. Four different rooms full of paintings, sculptures and urban art. Wonderful

A Hotel: Hotel Plaza del Bosque, Plaza el Bosque Suites, San Sebastian 2800 Las Condes, Santiago – Chile. Surrounded by shops, restaurants, the financial district, and with a stunning terrace city view, this hotel makes you feel like at home. I recommend the breakfast, outstanding.

A place: Puerto Valparaiso, Very close to Santiago, Valparaiso Port, human patrimony, bohemian, artistic, a great scenario for great natural views

A Vineyard: Concha y Toro, vine yard and wine cellar- Excellent Cabernets and Carmeners, all the wonders of wine creations, all together at a Villa that hides a mysterious tale, the tale of EL Diablo…

A Drink: Besides from the spectacular Wine, I recommend the PISCO. No questions, just try it.

And for literature lovers, the opportunity of visiting the house of Pablo Neruda takes you back in time to a époque of creation and romanticism.
Santiago de Chile, in every possible sense, stunning. Fludes: Lodging, tours and excursions, Tango dinner show, Fiesta Gaucha, Visits to national parks, navigation of the Beagle Channel as well as the Lago Argentino and so much more! Does not Include.

Tacos, tequila, mariachi, enchiladas, Xochimilco? Sound familiar?

For some, a huge chaotic city, for many, the magic within the chaos. Mexico City surrounds travelers with contrasts of all kind. I stayed in Polanco, a modern town full of restaurants, bars, businesses and stores with all the hip and cool staff.

Music and Gastronomy were two beautiful aspects I found in this “out of the ordinary Latin American City”, but more than that I think the best thing that can happen to a tourist is the kindness of the Mexicanos. Wonderful welcoming people. One day in ciudad de Mexico starts with a rich Mexican breakfast full of Mexican flavors, and a trip to one of the magic places just south of the magic Mexico city: Xochimilco… An extended series of canals that remain from the ancient Lake Xochimilco. And the magic involved in visiting this place is in the colorful “tranijeras” – boats covered with flowers in where you can go sail along the canals seeing the wonderful vegetation of the place. Eating from a mobile restaurant, that comes close to you (another “tranijera” with tacos, and mexican delicacies, domestic beers and tequilas. And sing along with a Mariachi, that ofcourse, also comes close to you on their boat. Having lunch while you visit Xochimilco is a great idea. Afterwards, head over to Polanco for a great afternoon of shopping, in a hippest neiborhood in ciudad de Mexico. And at around five in the afternoon, enjoy salty tequilas, and juicy margaritas on the rocks. And from there.. enjoy the night