The Cliffs Preserve - Los Muermos, Chile

[omegaet]

t-2-f... last year traveling in Chile, it was obvious the cost of goods and services (especially outside of Santiago) was a good bargain, especially compared to Western Europe. Although prices (upscale hotels and fine dining establishments) in Santiago or higher than in rural areas...they still remain a relative bargain when compared to similar sized cities in many other parts of the world.



The Chilean Peso vs the US Dollar was preferred in the smaller towns and villages (basically a matter of difficulty in exchanging currency for the locals...not necessarily a bank on every corner). In the larger towns and those frequently by tourists, commercial banks were available for currency conversion and ATMs were often present to dispense pesos as well.



btw...the exchange rate for the US Dollar vs the Chilean Peso has risen a bit over the past six or seven months....so, Chile remains a very favorable place to visit. This trend will likely not last forever...so if you are thinking about traveling in this part of the world...sooner is probably better than later!

[Mountie]

I am looking forward to a first hand report from bonniejoy 03 and omegaet after they have visited The Cliffs. Could be a place for me to visit early next year.

[bonniejoy03]

Thanks Mountie. I am having fun planning this trip to Chile. I think I have my Santiago ideas ready and now working on the Puerto Varas (lake district) portion. At the Cliffs, I will just "go with the flow!" Hoping to see penguins and whales and minature deer and monkeys!!

[omegaet]

Hey, mountie. You can count on us to post some comments and photos when we return from The Cliffs Preserve in Patagonia. Looks like the weather is improving day by day as we approach our departure date.



The Cliffs Preserve should be an exceptional adventure in a one-of-a-kind environment.chance to get back in the saddles with some huasos authentico and ride along the wind swept beaches of the Pacific

[Mountie]

Hey, bonniejoy03, isn't this upcoming week your departure for Patagonia?

[bonniejoy03]

Yes sir....any thing you want to pass on ........

[Mountie]

bonniejoy03, just have a great trip and be sure to post a detailed report.



Also, -O-, aren't you headed off to Chile this coming week or next week as well?

[omegaet]

mountie...we're about a week away from departing...will be visiting a different area in Chile beforegoing down to The Cliffs...so about two weeks away from the time in Patagonia. Looking forward to the time down there.

[exflygirl]

Cliffs Preserve Patagonia--A Field Report



Like the plot to a very good movie, I'm loathe to give away too much. However, given

the lack of write-ups about the property, I thought some information wouldn't be

unwelcome and hopefully won't detract from your own experience.


GETTING THERE
Prior to clearing customs and immigration in SCL, get in line to pay the reciprocity fee

if you're a US, Canadian, Australian, Mexican or Albanian (!?!) citizen. If you've been

to Chile before on the passport you're carrying, this isn't necessary as you may have

already paid. If not staying in Santiago for a few days, take the elevators to the 3rd

floor for the bag drop and pass through security for your connection.



In Puerto Montt, a guide and/or driver will be there to greet you past the glass doors

outside baggage claim. The first 30 minutes of the drive to the property will be on

paved road while the last hour will be on dirt road. It's worth it. There's nothing more

reviving than the wall of windows overlooking the bayin the lodge and the proffered

glass of pisco sour.



STAFF
Young and eager to please. Loved to surprise. Welcoming. Accommodating. They

take immense pride in what they do.



Our Spanish is limited as were some of the staffs' English. However, there was

always someone who could interpret; and everyone made do admirably.



Gratuities may be left in an envelope addressed to the resident manager prior to your

departure. You may also address an envelope to a specific member who you consider

provided exceptional service.



VIBE
Casual luxury. Fleece and hiking boots/walking shoes ruled the day (and night for

some). Slacks/jeans and cardigans/dress shirts during the evening. Didn't see

anyone in a suit, skirt, dress or stilettos heels.



This place is literally at the the end of the road. There are no bars or drugstore

around the corner.



The week we were there, the number of guests was never more than 10 and was 4 at

its lowest. We never ate dinner alone. We lucked out in that our fellow guests were

social and inclined to mingle. Of the four other couples who we interacted, two

purchased their package from Luxury Link, one's was part of a bigger travel itinerary,

and one owned property in the Cliffs community.



WEATHER
It's currently spring. The weather is constantly changing. When the sun was shining,

it felt like it was in the 60s. It was mostly in the 40s and 50s during the first week of

November. There are periods of rain, clouds, some sun and even a storm or two.

This affected the availability and viability of the activities offered/scheduled. Also, the

whales and penguins don't come 'till summer. Dress in layers, and make sure to bring

a raincoat.



AMENITIES
Our junior suite was in the villa closest to the lodge. For those farther away, a driver

was available to ferry one back and forth. We were provided a flashlight for our walk

back to the suite after dinner.



Suite #2 had two queen beds. There is a large picture window in front of one and a

sliding door in front of the other. This provided great views of the bay. There was no

TV and no alarm clock. We had no issues with the former; but we had more than

our share of "wake up call" requests so we would know when to go for meals and

activities.



We would leave for breakfast/lunch/activity and come back to a tidied-up room. We

came back from dinner with the beds turned down and a little surprise on the

nightstand.



Each villa has its own wood-fired hot tub. Ours was surrounded by trees and bush

which protected us from the elements but provided no view of the ocean (the 5th and 6th

villas' tubs were in open air).



FOOD
We ate well. It was akin to cruise dining except the food is infinitely better--fresh

and not mass-produced. Other than breakfast, we never had the same meal twice.

The portions were not overly large.



Breakfast consisted of a selection of sliced meats and cheeses, packaged cereal

and yogurt, bread, and juices, tea and coffee. Fried eggs and omelets were available

upon request.



Lunch and dinner were three course affairs in which one may select from two of each

offered--appetizer, main course and dessert. We opted to order one of each so we

could try everything. There was nothing that disappointed.


We had amazing time--I hope all who visit does as well. It was hard to leave. We

will definitely be going back.



efg
Message Edited by exflygirl on 11-09-2009 07:30 PM
Message Edited by exflygirl on 11-09-2009 07:38 PM

[bonniejoy03]

Hi E....GREAT POST and thank you before we leave. Did you stay in Santiago at all before you went to the lodge? What activities would you recommend at the lodge? Any thing to pack that you might suggest to us? How many nights did you stay at the lodge? Any neat wildlife that you saw? Was laundry service provided gratis? Thank you and welcome back.. PS-Was this an LL package that you used? Did you use the spa? What time did they serve dinner?