WATCH PART 3 “THE ART OF THE ASADO”

 

What Makes Patagonia, Patagonia.

There’s something different about this “ends-of-the-earth” destination that’s hard to put a finger on, but this video hits the nail on the head. While the landscapes, the helicopters, the views, and the amenities are anything but ordinary, the real essence of Patagonia is part of a much larger story. We hear it over and over from anyone who visits: The people at Rio Palena Lodge are the cornerstone of the Patagonia experience. Beyond the intricate planning, all-day adventuring, and every meal served in between, they’re real people who welcome you into a strong sense of place, an unmistakable feeling of home, and the powerful connection of making memories amongst friends. Alejandro Reyes, Rio Palena Lodge’s Executive Chef, is one of those people.

Watch “The Art of the Asado”

Alejandro Reyes, Executive Chef at Rio Palena Lodge. 

“Eleven really made our team feel at home… We played music, had a huge feast together with our guides, and shared with them, instead of being dragged through experiences by them… While the lodge, the service, and the food are luxury tier, the stifling air that comes with those labels is completely absent…It’s not very often that the [native culture and a foreign organization] blend so seamlessly that even a language barrier can’t stop the laughter, fun, adventure, and feeling of safety that came with this experience.” ⁠⁠ ⁠ – Brandon Williams, Photographer @theeyesofb.

Cultura Chilena

Patagonia, Chile embodies a distinct culture that distinguishes it from all of its neighbors. Upon arrival, Rio Palena Lodge’s team of local chefs, guides, Experience Managers, and lodge staff invite guests to share in the rich tradition of language, cuisine, and customs. Chile champions a spicier iteration of the Spanish language, woven with one-of-a-kind colloquialisms and faster-than-light pronunciation. Their food and traditions are equally as unique.

A local live band playing music at the asado. 

A Taste of Patagonia, Chile

As Alejandro explains in Part 3, culturally driven meals and beverages are top of the menu. Taste the comfort of Chilean Empanadas, prepared in a traditional mud oven, alongside Chile’s favorite appetizer, Sopaipillas con Pebre, with garden salads topped with avocados bigger than your hand. For those with a taste for the sea, Chile’s colorful offering of mussels, scallops, sea bass, salmon, and congrio are just a few of the Pacific’s many gifts. Thanks to Chile’s diversity of ecosystems, an expansive array of world-renowned wines are procured for any guest’s palate. But you haven’t tasted Chile until you’ve imbibed an ever-popular Pisco Sour, a citrusy tart cocktail poured with native Pisco liquor and topped with delicately frothed egg whites.

The Art of the Asado

The culmination of Eleven’s immersion into local tradition, however, are the storied Asados. Perhaps the most cherished experience at Rio Palena Lodge, this intimate rendezvous is typically celebrated on the last night of each group’s stay. The festivities kick off riverside, across from the lodge’s sweeping lawn under massive trees strung with lights. A chef-prepared spread of local lamb, beef, and vegetables is grilled at the outdoor fire, along with every classic Chilean side dish imaginable. Traditional music, a fully stocked bar, gaucho games, and a Karaoke stage animate the night, capturing the essence of Patagonia, and branding lifelong memories into guests’ hearts.

Discover the Magic of Patagonia This Season

We cannot wait to welcome you to Patagonia, Chile this coming summer season, which kicks off in December. Here at Rio Palena Lodge, you’ll meet Alejandro, taste his spectacular creations, and, if you dare to let Patagonia touch your heart and soul, we bet you’ll truly discover the wild personality of Patagonia that makes it so indescribable, and Discover the Wild Within yourself.

Watch “The Art of the Asado”

 

WATCH DISCOVER THE WILD WITHIN: PART 1

WATCH DISCOVER THE WILD WITHIN: PART 2