Chile & Argentina: A Journey Through Wine, Wilderness, and Culture

South America, Unscripted: From Chile’s Wine Valleys to the Soul of Buenos Aires

Some trips are about checking destinations off a list. Others remind you why you fell in love with travel in the first place.

This journey through Chile and Argentina—beginning with a Relais & Châteaux familiarization trip and ending in Buenos Aires for Emotions Travel Show—was firmly the latter.

It was a study in contrast: vineyard landscapes and desert skies, gaucho traditions and cosmopolitan cafés, centuries-old culture layered with modern luxury. More than anything, it was a reminder that South America doesn’t reveal itself all at once—it unfolds slowly, generously, and often in the moments you didn’t plan for.

Why Relais & Châteaux in South America

Relais & Châteaux is more than a hotel collection—it’s a global network of independently owned properties chosen for their sense of place as much as their luxury.

Across Central and South America, that means everything from vineyard retreats and gaucho estancias to desert hideaways and culinary-driven city stays. What ties them together is a commitment to authenticity, local culture, and exceptional dining rooted in regional traditions.

For travelers who value personality over polish alone, this portfolio is one of the most compelling ways to experience the region.

Chile: Beyond the Expected

Chile has a way of surprising you. It’s long, dramatic, and geographically diverse in ways that are hard to grasp until you experience it firsthand—moving from rolling vineyards to desert valleys under some of the clearest skies on earth, all within a single trip.

Clos Apalta: Wine Country, Reimagined

Just over two hours from Santiago in the Colchagua Valley, Clos Apalta Residence feels less like a hotel and more like an invitation into someone’s private world.

For travelers who love wine but want something more intimate than larger, more commercialized regions, this is a standout. Villas—each over 1,000 square feet—are built into the hillside, designed to resemble wine barrels or birds’ nests, with sweeping vineyard views and private plunge pools.

At the center is a striking gravity-flow winery, but what lingers isn’t just the design—it’s the warmth. Meals are exceptional, and experiences like chef’s tables, cooking classes, and vineyard tours create a deeper connection to the land and the people behind it.

This is Chilean wine country with depth, beauty, and soul.

Casa Molle: Desert Stillness in the Elqui Valley

From vineyards to desert, the shift is immediate.

Located in the Elqui Valley—Chile’s pisco region—Casa Molle is a true oasis, just 30 minutes from La Serena. The landscape opens up, the pace slows, and there’s an almost palpable sense of calm.

Often compared to Sedona for its spiritual energy, the valley invites you to unwind in a different way. Days are spent hiking, exploring, or leaning into wellness experiences like sound baths. Evenings are reserved for the sky.

The Elqui Valley is home to some of the clearest night skies in the world—and it shows. Stargazing here feels less like an activity and more like an experience you won’t forget.

Argentina: Tradition, Warmth & Energy

Estancia La Bamba de Areco: Gaucho Culture, Elevated

Set in La Pampa just outside Buenos Aires, La Bamba de Areco offers a completely different side of Argentina.

This is gaucho country—wide-open landscapes, horses, fire-cooked meals, and traditions that have been passed down for generations.

From arrival (complete with a horseback escort) to the small, thoughtful details throughout the stay, everything feels personal without trying too hard. Within hours, the team knows your name, your preferences, and how to make you feel at home.

Experiences aren’t staged—they’re lived. Horseback riding across the land, traditional asados shared around a communal table, and visits to nearby San Antonio de Areco to meet artisans all feel authentic and unfiltered.

It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave.

Buenos Aires: Sophisticated, Chaotic, Irresistible

Buenos Aires doesn’t fit neatly into a category—and that’s exactly why it works.

It feels like a blend of European elegance and Latin American energy. Stylish yet slightly chaotic, refined but deeply passionate, it’s a city that rewards curiosity.

A few things that define the experience:

• Flower stands line the streets, scenting the air as you walk by

• Dogs are everywhere—and incredibly well-loved

• Evenings start late, because life here is meant to be savored

Instead of a traditional tango show, experiencing a local milonga offers something far more intimate. Time in Palermo reveals a different side of the city—boutiques, cafés, and a dynamic food scene that continues to evolve.

And beyond the energy and style, there’s depth. Stops like Plaza de Mayo offer a powerful reminder of Argentina’s history and resilience.

Why This Trip Stays With You

South America rewards travelers who are willing to go deeper.

It’s not about rushing between landmarks—it’s about slowing down in a vineyard, listening to stories by a fire, watching stars appear over the desert, and lingering over dinner long past what feels “scheduled.”

Chile and Argentina offer something rare in luxury travel: experiences where beauty is matched by warmth, and style never overshadows substance.

Planning Your Own Journey

If South America has been on your list, this is your sign to do it right.

The magic of this region lies in thoughtful pacing, the right mix of landscapes, and access to properties and experiences that go beyond the obvious. That’s where we come in.

Reach out to start designing a journey that feels personal, seamless, and entirely your own.