Author: Admin_Holiday

7 Typical Chilean Foods not to be missed this Fiestas Patrias 2023

17 de January de 2024Written by Admin_HolidayCategory: Gastronomy

Fiestas Patrias 2023 are about to arrive and we know you are counting the days to try the varied gastronomy of our country! In this article, we will remember 7 classic dishes that you must try once in your life if you are Chilean at heart or if you are visiting our country.

The 7 Typical Chilean Foods You Must Try this Fiestas Patrias

1. Empanadas

Empanadas are a true jewel of Chilean gastronomy and a must for Fiestas Patrias. Although there are many types, the classic “empanada de pino” is one of everyone’s favorites, and its delicious combination of flavors baked to a golden brown and crunchy exterior but soft filling, make it a classic that is eaten all year round. There is no Fiestas Patrias in Chile without empanadas, and each region has its own special touch.

2. Asado

Perhaps it is not a dish and it is not unique to our country, but the asado is another essential dish in the Fiestas Patrias of all Chileans. It is not only a feast of grilled meats and vegetables, but also a space that brings together and spreads joy throughout the country’s fondas. In a Chilean grill you can see cuts such as ribs, choripanes, chicken, sausages, meats and more. Accompanied by its good Chilean salad, pebre and as expected, a rich and sweet wine. The asado is an experience that represents the essence of Chilean culture and our passion for celebrating with our loved ones.

3. Humitas

Humitas are a typical Chilean dish very popular during the national holidays. They consist of a corn dough mixed with different seasonings and wrapped in corn husks, steamed or simmered. Their soft texture mixed with their sweet and creamy flavor make them a unique culinary experience in our country. Humitas are enjoyed as a main dish, appetizer or side dish and continue to be a classic of Chilean gastronomy. If you are in Chile, don’t miss the opportunity to try them!

4. Corn Pie

Pastel de choclo is an emblematic dish of Chilean cuisine and a favorite in many Chilean homes. It is a delicious gratin pie, whose base is made of beef, chicken, onion and seasonings, covered with a soft corn dough whose smell when prepared wraps the family around an irresistible dish that mixes salty and sweet flavors that will make you repeat throughout September.

5. Mote con Huesillo

Although it is available all year round, during the Fiestas Patrias you can’t miss mote con huesillo. Our typical and refreshing drink gives you the right amount of sweetness to go to the fondas and enjoy all the activities. Its preparation consists of cooked and sweetened mote, combined with dehydrated peaches that give it a sweet and juicy flavor. The mote con huesillo is ideal to start enjoying the authentic Chilean flavor during this September 18.

6. Sopaipillas

Sopaipillas are the lifesaver of all students and workers who move around the city during the year, but it is also one of the typical meals during the Fiestas Patrias. These fried delicacies, made of pumpkin dough, are served hot, crunchy and can be enjoyed alone or with pebre and different toppings. There is also a version called “Sopaipillas pasadas” where the fried dough is bathed in chancaca and other spices, providing a sweet and comforting dish. Whatever your favorite, sopaipillas are irresistible and will give you a Chilean experience full of flavors and textures.

7. Curanto

We move to the south of our country with a classic of our beautiful Chiloé. The curanto is a typical Chilean dish that consists of cooking various ingredients, such as seafood, meat and potatoes, in a hole dug in the ground and covered with pangue leaves and sod. This traditional preparation gives it a unique and smoky flavor that surprises all the spectators of this laborious preparation. Accompanied by milcao and chapalele, curanto is a culinary experience not to be missed in the Chilean culture and of course you can try its version in special pots that are usually sold in different restaurants throughout the country.

Craving? Here are seven unmissable typical Chilean foods for you to explore, taste and discover new flavors during this Fiestas Patrias. Whatever your favorite is, each dish represents a part of the rich culinary culture of our country, so don’t miss the opportunity to try these traditional delicacies and enjoy these national holidays with your family!

Historic Florida Street

12 de January de 2024Written by Admin_HolidayCategory: Travel tips

The Historic Florida Street

Florida Street is one of the most famous and visited streets in the Province of Buenos Aires. This street has a lot of history behind it, besides being the first pedestrian street in the country, it starts at Rivadavia Avenue and ends at Plaza San Martin. In Florida Street you can find stores with the most recognized brands, as well as clothing, handicrafts, books, shoes, and much more. You can also enjoy the beautiful street shows of singers, guitarists, folklore bands and tango dancers.

Galleries to enjoy in Florida Street

Güemes Gallery
Known as one of the architectural heritage of the city of Buenos Aires, this incredible building pays homage to one of the greatest heroes of the province of Salta: General Martin Miguel de Güemes. This incredible construction pays homage to one of the greatest heroes of the province of Salta: General Martin Miguel de Güemes, inside the gallery there are different offices and shops of different brands, but what stands out the most is the viewpoint where you can appreciate the progress of the city.

Pacifico Gallery
A National Historic Monument, the Galeria Pacifico Shopping Mall is one of the buildings with the most history of art and fashion in Argentina, where you can find the shopping gallery and the railroad offices. It has a bureau de change, a polishing salon, guided tours and different tourism sectors.

Where to stay near Florida Street?
Besides being a place to go shopping and visit a little of the history of Buenos Aires, it is also a very comfortable place to find accommodation as we can find hotels from 3 * and 4 * in the area that are highly recommended, besides having a great service, one of them is the successful franchise that was established with its hotels in Buenos Aires, Holiday Inn Express located in the heart of the city are headquartered in the neighborhood of Puerto Madero a historic area of the city.

Enjoy the comforts of one of the best hotels in South America, we are located in:
Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Iquique, Chile.
Las Condes, Santiago de Chile.
Antofagasta, Chile.
Temuco, Chile.
Concepción, Chile.
Puerto Montt, Chile.
Aeropuerto Santiago de Chile.

La Tirana Festival: when, where and why to go

12 de January de 2024Written by Admin_HolidayCategory: Activities

La Tirana Festival is a religious celebration that, year after year, takes place in the town of La Tirana, located in the commune of Pozo al Monte (Tarapacá region). This town, of no more than 560 inhabitants, receives more than 250,000 people during the week in which the festivity that honors the Virgin of Carmen takes place, becoming the most popular religious festival not only in the north, but also in the whole country.

When is the celebration of La Tirana?
The town of La Tirana -located in the middle of the Pampa del Tamarugal, about 80 kilometers from Iquique- begins to prepare for the celebration several months before the thousands of pilgrims arrive here both to thank and venerate the Virgin and to witness the various cultural manifestations. This anticipation is related to the making of the striking costumes that dress the dancers of La Tirana. We are talking about highly detailed clothing, which adorns those who -for hours- will dance to the rhythm of various dances, such as the popular diabladas or the caporales.

So, when is the festival of La Tirana celebrated? If you do not want to miss any milestone of the biggest festival in Chile, take note of the schedule of activities: July 10. This is the actual start of the La Tirana Iquique festival.

It should be noted that this is the second year that the professionals of our institution have the opportunity to improve their skills thanks to a strategic alliance with the University of Chile and the scholarship that Coanil Foundation grants to its collaborators.

The festival of La Tirana, being the largest religious festival in the country, is a spectacle that all Chileans -and foreign tourists- should witness. A celebration of faith, dance and songs in honor of the Virgen del Carmen that takes practically a whole week. Do you dare to be part of this event?

From Iquique, you can rent a car to move with more tranquility, or take a tour to go to Pozo al Monte and La Tirana. It is approximately 55 km. from the city to the town.
From Santiago, the most convenient way is to take a plane to Diego Aracena Airport – located about 45 km. south of Iquique (approximately 25 minutes by car) – and then continue to Pozo al Monte.

5 reasons to enjoy the snow in Chile with Holiday Inn Express Santiago

10 de January de 2024Written by Admin_HolidayCategory: Activities

The Andes Mountains crown Santiago de Chile and offer travelers a great diversity of alternatives to enjoy all year round. However, winter has something special and it is noticeable when you get off the plane. Fluffy layers of snow decorate the peaks of the hills, a spectacular sight for those who love skiing or snowboarding.

What makes this city so ideal for enjoying a ski trip to Chile? Find out, below:

1. The snow is closer than you imagined
The main ski resorts in the capital are located less than 70 kilometers from the Holiday Inn Express Santiago. Among them, Valle Nevado stands out -the largest in South America- a luxury property where you can enjoy multiple snow activities. El Colorado, La Parva, Farellones and Portillo are other alternatives in the area.

2. You can visit a beautiful mountain village
If you plan to make your ski trip to Chile with your family, and you want a day of rest instead of hitting the slopes, you can visit Farellones, the beautiful mountain village near the resorts. In winter it is a magical place: its wooden houses covered with glittering snow look like something out of a movie. The best thing to do is to stay and watch the sun go down over Santiago: the colors are ideal for a good photo session.

3.Valle Nevado and Portillo organize dream events
These resorts are known for dedicating entire weeks to certain themes to entertain snow enthusiasts. Both have events for the whole family, with children’s entertainment, games and gourmet activities, such as wine festivals, cooking classes with renowned chefs and food tastings. The best part? All these activities are compatible with a fun day of skiing. For more details, you can check Valle Nevado’s calendar or Portillo’s list of activities.

4. Farellones offers fun activities
Not everything is skiing and snowboarding. In the Farellones mountain park you can enjoy activities for the whole family, such as canopy of 180 meters, tubing or tour the place in the panoramic chair. You can also get started in the white sport on the Magic Carpet, two 100-meter conveyor belts ideal for those who are just starting to experiment with snow.

5. Satisfy your desire for adrenaline
If you love extreme sports, maybe Heliskiing in Valle Nevado is the activity for you. A helicopter will drop you off in a totally virgin snow zone, where you will be the one in charge of tracing the routes you want. With the help of experienced mountain guides, special equipment and a safety protocol that meets the highest standards, it will be a day you won’t forget.

Did any of these alternatives catch your attention? You can access all of them from the Holiday Inn Express Santiago Hotel (Las Condes), a place that allows you to enjoy the best of the central area in winter.

Additionally, we invite you to enjoy the comforts of one of the best hotels in South America, we are located in:
Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Iquique, Chile.
Las Condes, Santiago de Chile.
Antofagasta, Chile.
Temuco, Chile.
Concepción, Chile.
Puerto Montt, Chile.
Aeropuerto Santiago de Chile.

5 Not to be missed for a family vacation in Iquique

10 de January de 2024Written by Admin_HolidayCategory: Travel tips

The beautiful city located in the foothills of the driest desert in the world is also one of the most requested sectors by Chilean families to enjoy their vacations.
Iquique has something for all tastes and budgets. That is why, below, we show you some of the must-see places in this jewel of northern Chile:

1. Humberstone and Santa Laura
The city of Iquique is truly a paradise full of history. Previously, it was not such a paradisiacal place, especially for those who made a living in the saltpeter offices. Although there was money to be made from the boom in this resource, the workers toiled from sunrise to sunset in the city built by the administrators of Humberstone. A ghost town abandoned in the early decades of the twentieth century, converted into an open-air museum worth visiting. The best part: it is very cheap -about $3,000 per person- and it is on the outskirts of the city.

2. War of the Pacífico
The War of the Pacific has its heart in the Iquique Naval Combat, an event that you can relive based on objects and stories of the time. For young and old, visiting the Esmeralda Museum recreating the last moments of the corvette is a treasure for Chile. Upon entering the Costanera, you will find this really exciting scale replica and, for more adventure, there is the option of visiting the buoy where this historic ship sank.

3. Baquedano Promenade
Day or night, a warm breeze that invites you to rest makes downtown Iquique a colorful and historic walk, with the joy of pubs and restaurants, along with the unique architecture of the place, the streetcars of memory and its spectacular balconies. In its surroundings, the fantastic Theater, the Arturo Prat Square, the Croatian Club, and many other monuments.

4. Cavancha Beach
We can’t leave out its beach and warm waters. If you want a relaxing day with your family, the beach and palm trees are ideal, because there are several activities surrounding the beach: mini-zoos, bike paths, monuments and terraces. Also, remember that this is one of the world capitals of surfing.
The main hotels in Iquique are located around this beach, evidence of its importance for local tourism.

5. Views and Farellón Costero
The drive down is formidable, and the contrast between the desert and the sea, exciting. But even more so if you have an adventurous spirit: skydiving from the Farellón is one of the latest novelties in adventure sports. Spectacular!

As you can see, the offer of panoramas in Iquique is extremely varied: from history lovers to inveterate adventurers; from those who enjoy nature to those who enjoy architecture, everyone can enjoy to the fullest. A luxury vacation that you must ensure by booking in advance your stay in one of the hotels in Iquique.

Adicionalmente, te invitamos a disfrutar las comodidades de uno de los mejores hoteles de Sudamerica, estamos ubicados en:
Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Iquique, Chile.
Las Condes, Santiago de Chile.
Antofagasta, Chile.
Temuco, Chile.
Concepción, Chile.
Puerto Montt, Chile.
Aeropuerto Santiago de Chile.

6 essencial things for your next business trip

10 de January de 2024Written by Admin_HolidayCategory: Travel tips

When it comes to traveling regularly for professional reasons, some small details can enhance the experience. Business travelers require certain specific services, different from what vacationers need. Finding an accommodation fully adapted to their needs is the key to ensure a comfortable and productive trip.
So, what are the things that should be included in your next business trip? Here are a few must-haves:

1. Free and unlimited WiFi
The availability of Internet connection in your room is one of the first considerations. Be sure to check into a hotel that offers free WiFi throughout the property. Read online reviews from other guests to see if the connection works regularly and if it is fast enough to work and make business calls.

2. An interesting neighborhood
Knowing the area where you are staying is important to organize your day’s activities. On the Internet you can search for information about the best restaurants in the area and identify the nearest streets for shopping. Knowing the neighborhood will also help you choose the best way to move between the hotel and meeting points with eventual clients.

3. Breakfast buffet
Having a good breakfast at the hotel will help you save time in the morning. Business hotels offer a buffet breakfast to their guests, with options for all tastes and healthy proposals. Each accommodation starts and finishes serving breakfast at different times, so you should find out how it works in your hotel.

4. Meeting rooms
If you will have to meet with clients or meet with other people for professional reasons, it is important to have a well-equipped space within the hotel to do so. Some business hotels have fully equipped meeting rooms, including equipment such as printers, long distance telephony and similar services.
Therefore, when you check in, find out if it is necessary to make reservations in advance to use these spaces.

5. In-room amenities
Like any business traveler, you need a comfortable desk in your room with easy access to power outlets for charging your electronic devices. Items for preparing small meals – such as a coffee maker or microwave oven – can be very useful if you plan to work from your room. Finally, a few extra items – such as a clothes iron or hair dryer – are important to prepare for each meeting.

6. Gym
If you’re spending several days in another city, having access to a gym is a plus. Exercising will help you not only to stay in shape, but also to relax after a long day of work.

A business traveler needs certain services and amenities, so -when looking for lodging- make sure you opt for a hotel that has all the points we have reviewed.

Additionally, we invite you to enjoy the comforts of one of the best hotels in South America, we are located in:
Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Iquique, Chile.
Las Condes, Santiago de Chile.
Antofagasta, Chile.
Temuco, Chile.
Concepción, Chile.
Puerto Montt, Chile.
Aeropuerto Santiago de Chile.