Five years ago I had the privilege of filming 2 Passport to Adventure episodes in the Aysen region of Chilean Patagonia. I fell in love with the raw beauty of the place, and met so many wonderful people, I have returned with David, to visit and explore the region further! The more I explore, the more I realize there is so much more to see…

First stop, reconnect with friends at Cinco Rios lodge!

We are not much for checking stuff off a list, and we never have an agenda, which leaves us free to accept spontaneous offers. Our first choice is always to hang with the locals. Boy did we score – we were invited to join in the family reunion weekend out at Estancia del Zorro (their ranch).

Such a fun family – all 23 that we spent the weekend with!

We went horseback riding, watched the alpaca shearing, learned to play Chilean liars dice with the entire extended family, helped cook, practiced our meager Spanish, and shared homemade schnaps, wine and lots of laughs. We enjoy activities and sightseeing, but for us, getting to know the people is always the priority. For this type of travel, you must be flexible, not be in a rush, and not get too attached to seeing certain sights. For us, it’s all about connecting, that is why we travel.

David studying the family tree he requested, and Nacha drew up for us.