Peru: Cuisine & Culture experience.

Peruvian cuisine is renowned worldwide and ranks among the most exquisite in Latin America. Its variety stems from the use of an astonishing variety of indigenous products grown in the country´s extremely diverse climates, and the wise use of planting and harvesting techniques. But it is also accounted for the century -old contributions of regional and foreign cultures.Quantity and quality go hand in hand in the exquisite foods that combine the taste, color, smell and texture of ingredients without equal around the world. Delicious fruits, grains, vegetable, tubers, fish, shelfish, fowl and meats are seasoned with spices, sauces, liquors and herbs capable of pleasing the most demanding taste. And the perfect setting for such superb regional food is provided by typical restaurants variously called "huariques", "picanterias" and cebicherias, or fish restaurants.

The Peruvian cuisine is an experience that you will no forget and you
will bring home with you.

The Stars & the Wines of Chile.

The Elqui valley in the desert north of Chile boasts one of the world´s greatest concentrations of astronomical observatories and spectacular muscatel grape vineyards. From Vicuña, home of Gabriela Mistral, one of Chile´s most beloved writers, the valley climbs through quiet rural villages where pisco is distilled and the mystical spirits of the mountains are celebrated. Snow melt from the Andes waters these green slopes and long nylon curtains protect the delicate grapes from the daily winds blasting down from the peaks. The stars and the pisco of Elqui are an unbeatable combination! The Elqui Valley is located at the southern extreme of the Atacama desert, in what Chileans refer to as the Little North. The valley cuts through the high Andes and opens directly to the South Pacific Ocean at La Serena. Unique microclimates make this the best place in the world to grow muscatel grapes and to produce pisco, the Chilean national drink. The clarity and dryness of the air also makes this one of the most popular places in the world for astronomical observatories. In the Elquí Valley you can feel the spirits rising through the earth and the closeness of the heavens as they become one.

At Home in Chile - Year around.

“EL Olivar” (“Olive Orchard”) is a spectacular family get-away paradise in one of the most popular holiday regions of Chile. “EL Olivar” is in a gated condominium perched on a hill overlooking the coastal Andes to the east, and the sparkling Pacific Ocean and the nearby beach resorts of Concón, Reñaca and Viña del Mar to the west. Lounge around the swimming pool, stroll a fenced acre (5000 square meters) of landscaped gardens and forest, and discover the many attractions in this beautiful part of Chile.

Four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, an office, family room/library, formal dining room, living room and an American style kitchen provide plenty of space for your family, friends and visitors. The master bedroom on the second floor has a broad view of the ocean, a walk-in closet, a private deck and private bathroom with tub/shower. The second floor blue room overlooks the pool and also has its own complete bath. On the main floor the American room opens to the garden and the pool while the French room has its own patio and view of the “secret garden”. These two bedrooms share a full bath.

The kitchen is completely stocked for preparing and serving gourmet meals which are the specialty of the full-time maid. It also includes a table for enjoying a quick breakfast among the wonderful smells of the day’s lunch preparations. The living room opens up onto a shaded deck fully outfitted with lounge chairs, picnic table and picnic chairs. Vaulted ceilings, comfortable furniture, abundant art and artifacts collected from the owners many travels, full bookcases, and music from the stereo system gives “ El Olivar” a warm Chilean homey feeling.

Ten minutes away are private beaches offering horse back riding, hiking, biking and sunbathing. Twenty minutes away is Concón, a popular ocean side resort with family style restaurants, broad beaches, farmer’s markets and super markets. Thirty minutes away are Reñaca and Viña Mar with popular seafood restaurants, museums, shopping malls and night life. A little further around the bay is Valparaiso, a UNESCO Heritage for Humanity City, and the most colorful port city on South America's Pacific Coast.;

The area is only one and a half hours from Santiago via limited access highway. Along this route you pass through the Casa Blanca valley, blanketed with vineyards and full of welcoming wineries. To the east of “El Olivar” are the agriculturally rich valleys of the Aconcagua River, and Portillo, a ski resort at the pass over to Mendoza in Argentina. 

Sitio Web: At Home in Chile