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Breaking bread with locals offers a glimpse into everyday life. It's more than just a meal, it's an opportunity to foster human connections and learn about their values, beliefs, culinary customs, and the stories behind the dishes they prepare.

In Buenos Aires, Santiago and Bariloche you can gather around the table with new friends to enjoy a traditional home-cooked meal including grilled meats and empanadas accompanied by fabulous local wines. Conversations flow naturally, and bonds are formed over shared experiences and shared meals. Those interested can lend a hand at the grill, getting involved and learning about typical preparation methods and recipes. And when the night winds down, you can expect music, singing, or even a bit of impromptu tango dancing.

In one of the world’s most exciting culinary destinations, join a local chef and take to the streets to experience Buenos Aires’ dynamic food scene and uncover its culinary gems. Stroll along charming streets, sampling handpicked treats that showcase the city's diverse flavours. Savour freshly roasted coffee, explore new tastes and immerse yourself in the true essence of the city through its food. As you dine alongside locals and soak in the lively atmosphere of neighbourhood eateries, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the city's rich culinary heritage and its role in shaping the identity of Argentina.

Framed by the majestic snow-capped Andes Mountains, Santiago is rapidly gaining renown as a foodie hot spot, offering a gateway to discover the rich and varied offerings of Chilean cuisine. A culinary tour led by a local expert is a fantastic way to discover the authentic flavours that define Chilean gastronomy. Explore the city’s prized markets like La Vega, a bustling produce market, where local families and top restaurants alike source their ingredients. The neighbouring Mercado Central is Santiago’s celebrated seafood market, which was listed by National Geographic as one of the “Top 10 Food Markets” in the world. Here, you'll have the opportunity to sample the freshest catches and experience the vibrant seafood culture that is central to Chilean cuisine. Santiagos’s markets are full of typical foods to sample such as empanadas, chorrillana (french fries topped with beef strips, onions, and fried eggs), sopaipillas (a pumpkin fritter), machas a la parmesana (clams with melted cheese), milcao (a potato pancake), or pastel de choclo (a type of corn casserole).

By learning how to prepare local food, we gain insight into the meaning and significance behind the dishes we enjoy. Cooking classes not only provide a hands-on way to learn new culinary skills but also foster a greater appreciation for the ingredients, techniques, and traditions that define a region's culinary identity.

At the feet of the mighty Andes, Mendoza provides a stunning backdrop for exploring the rich flavours and traditional techniques of Argentine cuisine with its breathtaking scenery and bountiful vineyards as far as the eye can see. Here, immersed in the pleasures of gourmet cuisine and fine wines, you can uncover the secrets of Argentine cooking alongside a renowned local chef in a winery kitchen. Learn time-honoured techniques and discover the rich, organic ingredients that define the country's culinary traditions. And what better way to savour the fruits of your labour than pairing them with some of the winery's exceptional wines?

Over in Chile, the quaint town of Frutillar instantly charms with its lush landscapes and stunning views of snow-capped volcanoes. Founded by German immigrants in the mid-19th century, their influence is still evident in the architecture of German-style houses with immaculately manicured gardens, and of course, in the local cuisine, which presents a fusion of German and Chilean flavours. Visitors can experience this fusion of culinary traditions firsthand during a gastronomic workshop. Led by a skilled chef, the workshop offers an engaging way to learn traditional cooking techniques and create delicious desserts using locally sourced ingredients which can be enjoyed afterwards in the garden with a cup of coffee or tea.

Food is deeply intertwined with traditions, customs, and values, offering a glimpse into a community's history and heritage. Exploring local dishes allows us to connect with locals and understand their way of life, making it an essential aspect of any travel experience. For instance, in Patagonia, the beloved tradition of Asado al palo brings people together to celebrate the region's rich history, ties to the land, and strong bonds among its people. Preparation begins hours in advance, with the lamb soaked in a brine of water, garlic, and coarse salt. Once ready, the meat is carefully positioned near the fire on the iron cross, tended to by the asador (grill master). After hours over the open flame, the lamb is served with a perfectly crispy exterior and tender interior. It's a hearty meal best enjoyed with full-bodied red wines such as Malbec, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon.

The enchanting archipelago Chiloé, off the coast of southern Chile, is famous for its stunning landscapes, colourful UNESCO World Heritage churches, and rich folklore steeped in indigenous mythology featuring stories of mythological creatures and ghost ships. It’s also known for its unique cuisine, heavily influenced by the island's maritime surroundings, with an emphasis on fresh seafood. One of its most iconic dishes is the curanto, a unique culinary tradition where a mix of seafood, meat, and vegetables is cooked underground. The process begins with a hole dug in the ground, where stones are carefully arranged at the bottom and heated until they glow red-hot. Layers of seafood, meat, and vegetables are then added, and giant nalca leaves are placed atop each layer to trap steam and infuse the ingredients with a rich, smoky aroma. Preparation and cooking take hours, providing the perfect excuse for a Chilote social event. The entire community contributes to the process with ingredients, music, and folkloric dance.

Similar to Chiloé's curanto, the umu in Easter Island is a traditional cooking method that involves slow-cooking meat underground. Because of its remote location, the island's cuisine relies heavily on local ingredients, and is particularly influenced by and dependent upon the offerings of the ocean. To prepare umu, a hole is dug in the ground and filled with kindling and volcanic rocks. After lighting a fire, banana leaves are placed over the hot rocks, creating a natural steam chamber. Layers of fish, meat, potatoes, and vegetables are then placed on the leaves, and the dish cooks slowly for up to six hours. This feast was traditionally prepared for special events and was a huge community gathering. Today, it remains a central part of community celebrations, such as weddings, religious festivities, and the annual Tapati festival in February.

These extraordinary dining experiences offer a culinary journey where the setting plays an equally important role as the food itself. What sets these locations apart is their ability to transport diners to another world, where the environment enhances the flavours and textures of the meal, creating a unique experience that adds a touch of magic to any journey.

In the driest desert in the world, you might not expect there to be much to begin a meal, but some of Chile's most iconic flavours come from the Atacama Desert. The cuisine here has been influenced by indigenous people like the Atacameño and Aymara, who have lived in the region for centuries, passing down recipes through generations. Local dishes are flavoured with a variety of native herbs and spices like rica rica, a versatile herb that’s used in everything from ice cream to dressings and is even used as a remedy for treating an upset stomach and problems with the heart, kidneys, and blood circulation. For a bespoke culinary experience that highlights the region’s finest ingredients, dining under the stars in the middle of the desert seamlessly blends the rich flavours of the Atacama with the breathtaking natural beauty of the region. Take your seat under the tented canopy for an exquisite three-course dinner amidst an otherworldly backdrop. As the sun sets and the night sky reveals its splendour, prepare to be mesmerised by the celestial display above.

Just 25 kilometres from Buenos Aires, the Parana Delta is a stunning labyrinth of waterways that wind through over 8,000 square miles of lush subtropical rainforest and numerous islands. Aboard a traditional Parana Delta vessel, glide along the intricate network of canals that meander through these vibrant wetlands to immerse yourself in the unique river culture that thrives here. And what better way to experience Argentine hospitality than with a traditional Argentine asado served onboard as you take in the serene beauty of the Parana Delta? This unique dining experience offers a perfect blend of culinary delights and natural wonders, providing a truly unforgettable adventure for all who embark on it.

For an escape into nature, dine amidst the sights and sounds of the lush rainforest in the Northeast of Argentina, just 45 kilometres from Iguazú. Overlooking the Paraná River, La Lorenza is a private reserve that offers an intimate dining experience that connects guests with the rich culture and flavours of the region. Each dish is crafted using locally sourced ingredients, and offers a glimpse into the region's history, from the historic encounters between the Guarani people and the Jesuits in the 17th century to the present-day lives of missionary families on the nearby farms.

Beyond Ushuaia, past Puerto Almanza, on the shores of the Beagle Chanel, you’ll find one of the most secluded restaurants in Argentina - the home of Diana Méndez. At the age of 23, Diana hitchhiked from Corrientes in the north of Argentina to Tierra del Fuego and never looked back. Since then, she's become a restaurateur, celebrated angler and one of the country's few female captains. Today she opens her home and kitchen and warmly welcomes just six diners at a time for a four-course meal. You won't just taste the flavours of the Beagle Chanel, you'll become a part of the culinary journey itself. Together with Diana, you'll craft a meal using the freshest catches and ingredients of the day. It's an intimate experience where every dish tells a story of the sea, the land, and the heart of this extraordinary region.