Miami, Fla.: I find southern Chile beautiful. Does anyone offer horseback excursions through the lake country? Any other tips on logistics to this remote region would be appreciated.

Wayne Bernhardson: There are horseback excursions near Puerto Varas through Campo Aventura, whose operators speak very fluent English.

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Madison, Wis.: Where are the best wine regions in Chile? Are tours available? What time of year is best to travel for vineyard purposes?

Wayne Bernhardson: My favorites are the Casablanca valley between Santiago and Valparaiso (www.casablancavalley.cl) and the Colchagua valley near Santa Cruz (www.rutadelvino.cl). The best time is the fall harvest, from February through April, when the wineries are most active and the weather is ideal.

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New York, N.Y.: It used to be that the best way to pay for things in a foreign country was to use a credit card. The amount spent was automatically converted to American dollars, and you simply paid the bill. Now, it seems that all credit cards are charging a fee (I believe it is a percentage of each transaction) to use the credit card. Are there any credit cards that will simply allow you to charge purchases and services in a foreign country without a service fee? If not, which card(s) have the lowest fees?

--Dawn

Wayne Bernhardson: This is more a general than Chile-specific question and banks vary greatly in their policies. I would, however, suggest avoid ATM cards of major US banks, which are now collecting unconscionable service charges. I use my credit union ATM.

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Manhattan Beach, Calif.: Hi Wayne,

I'm an avid fisherman, and would like your opinion on fishing opportunity locations (freshwater and salt water) in Chile.