TURISMO CHILE ANNOUNCES NEW PROPERTIES AND EXPERIENCES FOR 2012, FURTHER EXPANDING TRAVELERS' PROSPECTS FOR UNFORGETTABLE TRIPS   Stretching 2,700 miles long, Chile showcases a rich and diverse tapestry of immersive experiences for travelers, no matter what their interests.

Encompassing vast and dramatic contrasts in microclimates, landscapes and activities, Chile tops the list of today's “must visit” destinations. Turismo Chile is sharing the best new properties that opened this year by region for a guide to the most memorable trip possible, with travel options grouped by experiences: sports and adventure, culture and heritage, food and wine, leisure and lifestyle, health and wellness, and natural inspiration.   Starting at the northern region, the Atacama is the driest desert on earth where advanced astronomy and absence of interfering lights allow travelers to essentially live among the stars – and connect with the earth by enjoying the region's geyser fields. Santiago's buzzing metropolis and lush vineyards in the Central region lay at the heart of the country with some of the best wines in the world as well as spectacular skiing.   Avid fishermen can take advantage of the fly fishing opportunities in the Lakes and Volcanoes area, and rushing rapids can make the heart race for more adventurous types. The Patagonia region with its icy peaks and remarkable hiking in Torres del Paine National Park extends to the edges of Antarctica. Travelers can also explore the most remote place in the world and the mystical moai statues on Easter Island, and the vast white wilderness of Antarctica.   Atacama: Adventur-Camp, the first nomadic camping experience in South America, offers a new concept of indulgent camping which is geared toward travelers who enjoy participating in outdoor activities with all the comforts of a hotel. Guides take travelers through excursions such as quad and mountain biking, horseback riding, and 4x4 rides while incorporating the culture of local ancestral people. Afterwards, guests can relax under the clear skies and enjoy gourmet meals before retiring to one of the 10 Sibley tents. Rates start from $2,480 per person for two nights based on single occupancy and includes round-trip transfers, all meals, drinks and excursions. For more information, visit www.adventurcamp.com.   Santiago: Lastarria is a charming boutique hotel where guests will feel at home with the 14 spacious bedrooms and private areas as well as its garden with an outdoor swimming pool. Situated in historical center of Santiago, the hotel is surrounded by the best museums, galleries, trendy shops, antique stores, theatres and innovative restaurants.  Rates start from $190 per person, per night based on single occupancy and includes breakfast, parking and Wi-Fi. For more information, visit www.lastarriahotel.com.   Noi Vitacura Located in the heart of the chic neighborhood of Alonso de CĂłrdova, Noi Vitacura offers the best view – from its terrace – of the greenest valley in Santiago where guests can savor an evening of cocktails and appetizers. The hotel has 72 exclusive rooms and 15 suites with top features including Italian silk robes and electric curtains. Its exclusive spa offers the best beauty and relaxation treatment where guests can pause in the midst of the buzzing city. Guests can arrange tours of the city and surrounding areas to discover every corner of Santiago. Rates start from $359 per person, per night based on single occupancy and includes Premium Honor Bar and spa access.  For more information, visit www.noivitacura.cl/en.   Central Region: The holistic Vik Winery & Hotel is located in Colchagua Valley, a terrain that makes a prime setting to produce the best wine. Guests can relish in exquisite views overlooking the vineyard and the beautiful reservoir, Cordillera de los Andes, on one of the two large terraces.  The hotel offers an intimate experience with just four bedrooms, a dining room and a cozy living room.  Vik serves up wine tastings, guided tours of the winery (by foot or mountain bike) and special Chilean dishes created to match Vik's wine not to mention barbeques in the middle of the vineyard.  Rates start from $400 per person, per night based on single occupancy and includes breakfast, dinner with the VIK Icon wine, a private tour and tasting at the winery with an introduction to the precision viticulture, as well as either horseback riding or mountain bike trips in the vineyard and into the surrounding hills.  For more information, visit www.vik.cl/en.   Patagonia: Patagonia Sur Wilderness Lodges are a collection of conservation-oriented eco-luxury retreats situated on different properties within Patagonia Sur's private nature reserve, each representing a different ecosystem of remote Patagonia.  Delicious family-style meals showcase local flavors, as well as familiar favorites, and are complemented by world-class Chilean wines. Outdoor enthusiasts can have their pick with fly fishing, horseback riding, nature walks, river/sea kayaking, mountain biking, bird watching, cooking classes, helicopter tours, and community and conservation activities. Rates start at $5,800 per person based on double occupancy for a 7-night program, in which guests can combine the two properties and includes a private charter airfare between the Puerto Montt airport and Patagonia Sur. For more information, visit www.patagoniasur.com.   An inspired mix of traditional Patagonian architecture and modern interior design, Dos Lagos Lodge combines the warmth and comfort of local hardwoods, period pieces and locally spun wool rugs with the utmost connectivity technology can offer throughout the 10 rooms.  Large picture windows offer  breathtaking views of the Paloma Lake's blue waters and its towering grey cliffs, while others showcase the Andes with its peaceful native forest. The Lodge occupies a unique area where five interconnected lakes, four large rivers, four smaller rivers plus numerous streams allow for a staggering choice of fisheries – all less than an hour away. Rates start from $12,000 for four people for a five night stay and includes all meals and drinks (house wine and liquor), fishing and outdoor guides, mountain bike clinic, use of sports equipment such as fishing rods, mountain bikes, kayaks, ATVs and UTVs. For more information, visit www.doslagoslodge.com.   Feel the authentic Patagonia from The Singular Hotel refurbished at the site of an antique cold storage plant which became a National Monument: the Frigorifico Puerto Bories. A private collection of the centennial industrial machinery in the original facilities sets the scene for this historic 57-room hotel.  Exclusive excursions in the heart of Patagonia are available especially for guests. Rates start from $580 per person, per night based on double occupancy for full board including all meals and expeditions. Round-trip transfers are provided with three night minimum stays. For more information, visit www.thesingular.com.   Tierra Patagonia, located on the edge of the Torres del Paine national park brings luxurious design, five-star service and legendary Chilean hospitality to one of Chile's most iconic destinations. The hotel, which opened in December 2011, offers flexible all-inclusive packages, with exclusive adventure itineraries and spa experiences. The intimate resort, with only 42 guestrooms and suits, occupies a unique location on the shores of Lake Sarmiento and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, enveloped by stunning 180 degree views of the legendary Paine Massif. Rates start from $1,950 per person for three nights, based on double occupancy, including full board, including airport transfers in Patagonia and excursions. Closed April 30- September 1, 2012. For more information, visit www.tierrapatagonia.com/en-us.   For more information, please visit www.chile.travel, and get up-to-date news on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.  ### *Photos available upon request.   CONTACT: Megan Vibert/David Kleinman Spring O'Brien & Co. 212-620-7100 meganv@spring-obrien.com davidk@spring-obrien.com