51011 TRAVEL - THE CHILE CHALLENGE
PRESENTER – CHRIS BROWN
STORY ANGLE
One unique thing that Chile has to offer is: surf and ski in the one day. Miguel
STORY SYNOPSIS
Miguel and Chris immerse themselves in Chilean surf culture meeting up with
two local surfers, including the country’s number one big wave rider, Ramon
Navarro. The surfers take them to South America’s prime surf beach, Punta
De Lobos host to annual big wave contests. After watching the pros, it’s
Chris’ turn and then Miguel’s – with the help of Chris’ tips. Feeling energized,
the presenters take off headed for the Andes Mountains for some heliadventure activity. There’s no better way to end this jam-packed day than
with a hearty Chilean barbeque or ‘asado’. Miguel shares his cooking tips with
Chris and serves up a feast to some locals at the stunning Andino Lodge. The
locals indulge the boys in some Chilean culture with a live traditional band and
some ‘cueca’ dancing lessons.
FAST FACTS
 Punta de Lobos is one of the world’s hottest surf destinations, claimed
to have the best wave in South America
 The Quicksilver Big Wave Invitational event is held here
 The Andes are the 2nd highest mountains in the world
 Chile is considered the best place in South America for skiing ( Ski
season is Mid June – September)
 Adventure travel in the Cajon del Maipo is one of the attractions with
the highest demand of Santiago tourists
 BBQs or ‘asados’ are a major part of their Chilean life
PUNTO DE LOBOS
3 hours ex Santiago and 7kms south of Pichilemu
Mediterranean climate with heavy winter rains however rest of the year is dry,
often windy and sometimes with coastal fog.
“Punta de Lobos is the poster wave of Chile”
source: http://bigwaveworldtour.com/events/quiksilver-ceremonial-chile
The waves at this beach are the best for surfing in Chile, even in South
America. The waves that run toward the left are famous around the world, and
are ideal for surfing all year round. It is praised for its consistency of good surf
(it can go for days at a time), and the lengths last as long as 800 metres with
a maximum height up to 8-9 metres. Serious surfers leap off the point and
ride the waves from the start. In the middle of the beach it is a lot calmer and
is where surf classes take place – there are 3 different surf schools at this
beach.
Sea lions can also be spotted off the rocks here.
Surf Comps at Punta de Lobos
The World Cup Tow-In Surfing Championships have been held here – 2007 &
2008. The last three years it’s been host to the Quiksilver Ceremonial Big
Wave Invitational. Local surfer, Ramon Navarro won 2 nd place in this 2011.
Surfer Talent: RAMON NAVARRO – Chilean Pro Surfer
Ramon is considered Chile’s leading pro surfer. Ramon travels the world
surfing and was born in Punta de Lobos.
PICHILEMU TOWN
Pichilemu is a little surf town south of Santiago in the O’Higgins Region. It has
a very laid back & relaxed feel with a range of affordable hostels, restaurants
and bars. There is a beach just infront of the town which is a beach with timid
waves. Punta de Lobos is one of its famous beaches, short drive from the
town.
THE ANDES MOUNTAIN RANGE
Apart from Asia, the Andes range is the world's highest mountain range. The
highest peak, Mt. Aconcagua, is about 6,962 m (22,841 ft) above sea level.
The range stretches along the western coast of South America and is about
7,000 km (4,300 mi) long, about 200 km (120 mi) to 700 km (430 mi) wide and
of an average height of about 4,000 m (13,000 ft). The Andes extend from
through seven South American countries; Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia,
Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela.
CAJON DEL MAIPO REGION
This is a canyon that winds through the Andean foothills and mountain slopes
situated in the southeastern part of the Santiago Metro Region. It
encompasses the upper Maipo river basin where there lies a series of rivers
and streams. Nature reserves, springs and extreme sport activities can be
found here.
Rancagua is the capital of this region, the O'Higgins Region which hosts the
annual rodeo championships. To get a taste of rural Chilean traditions head
here or to Santa Cruz where seeing locals sporting typical huaso costumes
(Chilean cowboy gear) is common.
SKIING IN CHILE
The ski season begins in mid-June and runs to October, but best skiing
conditions in Chile are generally mid July to early September. Chile boasts
more than 4000 kms of mountains and is often referred to as the best skiing
destination in South America and one of the world’s top ski venues. The
stunning landscapes and close proximity to urban centres make it highly
unique. The ski resorts in Central Chile have the largest ski surfaces and best
supporting infrastructure.
THE TRADITIONAL CHILEAN BARBEQUE “ASADOS”
As in Australia, barbecues are an important part of life in Chile. Family and
friends regularly gather around a bbq to catch up or celebrate special
occasions. Just as with Aussie barbeques, the essential elements are meat,
heat and a good supply of beverages. There are however some distinctive
elements make a true Chilean ‘asado’.
The equipment: The barbecue consists of a metal grill, or parilla, above a
coal or wood fire. To assist the coals along, fan the flames with newspaper
and once the fire is going, cooking can commence.
The starter: Choripane is a spicy chorizo or longaniza sausage on a bread
roll. Great to get the appetite going!
The meat: It could be a variety of meat and cuts but the most common are rib
eye steaks, long racks of pork ribs and meat skewers, called anticuchos.
Lamb and chicken are other popular choices also. A generous portion of salt
is sprinkled over all meat.
The sauce: The country’s national condiment is pebre - made of diced onion,
tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, cilantro and chilli peppers, it packs a spicy
punch.
This is the perfect complement to a choripan or juicy steak.
The side dishes: ensalada chilena (“Chilean salad”) is the most popular and
comprises of thinly sliced tomatoes, raw onion and cilantro. The other
favourite is Russian Salad made up of diced potatoes, other vegetables and
boiled eggs combined with mayonnaise.
MIGUEL’S RECIPES FOR CHILEAN BBQ:
Chilean charcoal corn with chilli and cilantro
4 cobs husk on
2 chili
1/2 bunch cilantro
30 ml extra virgin olive oil
Place the corn cobs in cold water and soak for 10-20 min. Peel back
but don't remove the husks from the cob, remove and discard the
silk, then bring the husks back over the cob.
Set over the parrilla turning frequently cooking at the same time than
the chuletas (cutlets) and pinchos (skewers).
In a mortar purée chili, cilantro roots with extra virgin olive oil till a
rough purée.
When the cob starts charring brush the marinade on top and serve.
Pintxos
500g boneless chicken thigh skin on cut into 4x4cm
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp smoked sweet paprika
1 tbsp dry chilli
1 tbsp cilantro seeds
1 lemon juiced
1 tsp flaky salt
Pepper
Marinate chicken with all ingredients in a bowl. Set them in metal
skewers and grill inside the parrilla on charcoal for 5 min till cooked.
Perfect to serve with Pebre sauce typical from Chile.
Pebre sauce
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 ripe small dice tomatoes
1 bunch chopped fresh cilantro
1 bunch chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
splash red-wine vinegar
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 habanero chiles, seeded finely chopped
1 green shallot
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
Mix in a bowl all ingredients like a tomato salsa.
Charred lamb cutlets with jalopeño and fresh mint
10 lamb cutlets not frenched
2 large jalopeño peppers
1 bunch of mint
50 ml extra virgin olive oil
Mix all ingredients in a mortar pestle till a chunky consistency.
Rub marinade on lamb cutlets and set inside the parrilla with the
chicken skewers.
Serve with Pebre sauce as well.
NATIONAL DANCE: THE CUECA
This dance has roots in both African and Native American cultures. The
dance plays out the courtship of a chicken and rooster. The dancers hold
handkerchiefs, symbolizing the feathers of the bird, and wave these above
their head. The dancing requires moving in semicircles back and forth and
turning to and away from the partner. The dance is done to instrumental
music, and before dancing the couple clap their hands in rhythm to the music.
WEBLINKS www.chile.travel
La “Posada Punta de Lobos”
http://www.posadapuntadelobos.cl/
A lodge accommodation situated in natural surroundings and close to Punta
de Lobos beach.
Lodge Andino Il Ingenio
http://lodgeandino.cl/home/
A colonial style Chilean lodge situated in the Central Andes Mountains in
Cajon del Maipo, 90 minutes drive from Santiago.