Hattie Mills
When I was 17 years old I made friends with a group of Argentines living (bizarrely) in the same Welsh border town I went to school in. They inspired me to visit Latin America for the first time in 2005 and of course, Argentina was my first stop. I went on to study Spanish at university and travelled to Latin America whenever I could. I worked for boutique vineyards in Casablanca Valley, Chile for many years before moving into bespoke travel planning. I live in Santiago de Chile with my husband and two daughters.
Hey, Hattie. Which was the first country you visited in Latin America? What were your impressions?
Argentina, and particularly Buenos Aires, knocked my socks off. The grand but slightly faded architecture, the incredibly glamorous porteños (Buenos Aires locals), the widest avenues I’ve ever seen, the late nights… It was intoxicating.
Tell us about a recent adventure of yours. What did a typical day look like?
This summer I finally visited Río Puelo, the Gateway to Chilean Patagonia. The drive there along dirt roads, the views across the fjords and the forests en route are epic. On Day 1 we hiked through Tagua Tagua Reserve up to the beautiful alerces lagoon. Day 2 was super wet (in high summer!) so we headed to the thermal springs which had the best views out to the mountains and lake. I was left wanting more and plan to go back to fish, ride and try pack raft.
From delicious wines to handicrafts, Latin America offers incredible creations- what is the best souvenir you’ve ever taken home?
Can I say my husband?! He’s Chilean and we met on my first visit to Chile. The intention was that he become a wistful memory I would reminisce over on grey English mornings back in London. We have been married for 10+ years and have two little Chilean/English girls.
Where will your next Latin American adventure be?
I’d really like to do a trip to Bolivia with my family, including the salt flats for some proper off grid adventure. Esteros del Iberá wetlands in northern Argentina are calling too. It feels like the Latin American answer to safari, given the variety of exotic animals and birds you can see up there and I think my girls would love it. It’s a dream of mine to take the train through the Andean highlands of Peru. I could go on.
What’s the most rewarding experience you’ve had in Latin America?
Climbing up the side less travelled of Villarica Volcano in the Chilean Lake District to reach the crater. We set off walking at 3am over the rocky lava boulders upwards onto snow and then ice with crampons, pickaxes and climbing gear and I wasn’t sure I’d make it to the top. As we ascended and the sun came up we saw the volcano’s shadow stretch across the lowlands and could see the tips of other volcanoes above the clouds in the distance. The 360° views were amazing – the toxic egg smell emanating from the belly of the crater less so.
Place you’d love to go back to?
Central America where we visited Mayan ruins at sunrise, slept in a jungle treehouse, kayaked at night into bat caves, climbed volcanoes, took the painted buses through Guatemala, sampled everything and anything at the Oaxaca food markets, went barracuda fishing off Belize and bought too many beaded necklaces.
Favourite Latin American musician or band?
The Cuban troubadour Silvio Rodriguez, particularly his song, Gota de Rocío. Calle 13 for their clever, satirical lyrics. Soda Stereo for Argentine indie rock. And of course, the legend that is Bad Bunny.
Favourite word from Latin America?
Yapo! Hurry up!
Considering a journey to Latin America or Antarctica? Speak to Hattie and the Plan South America team.
