I’ve been working tirelessly to update our website with all the tours slated for 2025. Sneak peek–brace yourselves for a myriad of tours featuring exciting new destinations! One location that’s got me buzzing with enthusiasm is the Chilean Wonders tour to Patagonia and the Chilean Lakes District scheduled for January 20–31, 2025. This marks our grand return to Patagonia after a long hiatus. After hearing nothing short of rave reviews from my alumni travel pals in the Pac-12 and B1G, I knew it was high time for our alumni to explore the breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and diverse wildlife of the region.
In the upcoming weeks, keep an eye out for a brochure in your mailbox showcasing the Chilean Wonders tour, highlighting cosmopolitan Santiago, picturesque Petrohue Falls, and marvelous Cape Horn. Let’s not forget about indulging in the delectable food and wine of Chile along the way–empanadas, pastel del choclo, cazuela, curanto, ceviche, and pisco sours? Count me in!
Since this will be my maiden voyage to Chile, I’m doing my homework to soak up as much knowledge about the area as possible, ensuring I’m fully prepared to revel in every moment of the tour. I’m thrilled to share with you my preparation guide:
Chilean Wonders Reading List
As a proud member of the UOAA Alumni Book Club, I’d be remiss if I didn’t steer you toward immersing yourself in literature about this spectacular region. Here are three book recommendations: two works of fiction and one non-fiction gem.
The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende: A sweeping saga that spans four generations of a family in Chile during turbulent times.
Savage Detectives by Robert Bolano: A cult classic that follows two young poets on a quest across Latin America in search of an elusive writer.
In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin: A classic travelogue that captures the essence of this remote and mysterious land.
Chilean Wonders Movie List
If you’re in the mood for some cinematic delights that showcase the beauty and diversity of Chile and Patagonia, here are three suggestions: one drama, one documentary, and one biopic.
No by Pablo Larraín (drama): A gripping story about the 1988 referendum that brought an end to Pinochet’s dictatorship in Chile.
Patagonia Rising by Brian Lilla (documentary): An eye-opening film shedding light on the environmental and social impacts of hydroelectric dams in Patagonia.
Neruda by Pablo Larraín (biopic): A poetic portrait of the Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda and his cat-and-mouse game with a police inspector who pursues him for his political views. (Paulo Larraín sure knows how to capture the essence of Chilean stories!)
Stay tuned for more updates on our 2025 tours. I’ll be making a grand announcement once everything is live on our website. I hope to see you on one of our upcoming journeys! Let’s make memories and have a blast together with our fellow alumni travelers. Buena onda and Go Ducks!