0203 019 3722
Highlights of Chile
A luxury tailor-made adventure combining Santiago, Valparaiso, Atacama Desert, Winelands and Patagonia
12 nights from £7,650 per person sharing, including accommodation, guides, flights and transfers
Best time to go: September to March
Kick off your adventure in cosmopolitan Santiago before embarking on your tailor-made journey discovering the highlights of Chile, starting with colourful Valparaiso, a UNESCO world heritage site on the Pacific Coast. From there you'll head north to the magical lunar landscapes of the star-laden Atacama desert and take in the artistic vibe of San Pedro de Atacama. Chile is a land of contrasts and your next stop will be the gloriously green Casablanca Valley to savour crisp white wines in the home of Chile's famous vineyards; then on to Patagonia for glaciers, fjords and the extraordinary Torres del Paine National Park.
Day 1: UK to Santiago
Overnight flight to Santiago - maximising your time in Chile
Day 2: Santiago
On arrival, you'll be met at the airport and driven to The Singular Santiago in the vibrant, bohemian district of Barrio Lastarria, renowned for its galleries, cafes and nightlife and perfectly placed for exploring. When you're ready, head out to experience life in this vibrant city - a place best explored on foot. Wander through the atmospheric neighbourhoods, taking in the Andean vibe and the surrounding mountain views. Explore the architecture and meander through the boulevards, or visit the museums and galleries at your own pace.
Day 3: Valparaiso
After a leisurely breakfast, we'll drive you to Valparaiso on the Pacific Coast, about 90 minutes away. Valparaiso is a UNESCO city where the alleys are canvas to Latin America's best street art. Wander through a maze of cobbled streets and coloured houses as your private guide tells you about the poets, philosophers and artists that contribute to the magic of this romantic city. Overnight at Palacio Astoreca - an elegant boutique hotel with a superb location on the crest of Cerro Alegre overlooking a picturesque bay and the Pacific Ocean.
Day 4: Atacama
Today it's a 2 hour flight north to Calama, gateway to the geological and archaeological wonders of the Atacama desert. There’s time to explore before moving on to San Pedro de Atacama with its pretty adobe-flanked streets and gentle artistic vibe. Your luxury desert hideaway - Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa - is just 10 minutes from the village, nestled in a valley of sublime beauty, in the shadow of the Pukará de Quitor ruins and with the San Pedro River winding its way alongside. The lodge is a beautiful work of architecture - inside and out - and blends seamlessly into its surroundings very much like the typical dwellings of the area.
Days 5 & 6: Atacama
The desert wilderness and surreal lunar landscape of Atacama can be deceptive, as there are many hidden treats waiting to be revealed and with 2 days here there's plenty of time to explore. Take a dip in the steaming El Tatio geysers, marvel at the vast salt pans and snow-capped mountains, hike up one of the many volcanoes, and ride the dunes on a 4WD adventure. Everything is tailored to suit your interests. In the evening, take advantage of some of the world's clearest skies and enjoy some star-gazing (with an expert on hand). Overnight at Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa
Days 7 & 8: Atacama to Wine Country
It's now time to move from one spectacular destination to another, and enjoy the contrast of the desert with the lush greenery of Casablanca Valley, in the heart of Chile’s wine lands. The Mediterranean climate here is the ideal environment for the crisp, zesty white wines the region is famous for; you will be staying at La Casona, a boutique wine lodge, where you can relax by the pool after a wine tasting session, and explore the estate on foot or horseback.
Day 9: Fly south to Patagonia
Fingers crossed that the skies are clear on your flight south to Patagonia as the views are exceptional, passing over glaciers, crater lakes and volcanoes as you descend towards Torres del Paine National Park, en route to your base for the next 3 nights: The Singular Patagonia, an ultra-cool design hotel set on the shores of the Last Hope fjord, just outside the pretty town of Puerto Natales. This unusual luxury hotel is actually an historic frigorifico (cold storage plant) from the days of Patagonia's thriving sheep trade - declared a National Monument in 1996. Your stay here ensures a totally unique Patagonian experience, in the ideal location for exploring the Chilean fjords, Patagonian wilderness and the nearby Torres del Paine National Park.
Days 10 & 11: Patagonia
Enjoy the dramatic sights of Torres del Paine on a variety of guided excursions, tailored for all levels of ability. This extraordinary landscape is best explored on foot, horseback, mountain bike or boat and you'll discover lakes, glaciers and towering granite peaks. At the end of each day's adventures, you can relax in the spa, put your feet up by the fire, enjoy a drink in the bar followed by top quality Patagonian cuisine cooked in an open kitchen and accompanied by an extensive wine list. Overnight at The Singular Patagonia
Day 12: Patagonia to Santiago
It's time to head back to Santiago and enjoy a guided visit to Bellavista, the city's arts quarter. Spend your last night enjoying a jazz concert or a sumptuous dinner at one of Santiago's fine seafood restaurants. Overnight at The Singular Santiago
Day 13: Santiago to UK
Stroll Santiago’s cosmopolitan streets, stocking up on presents for friends and family, before enjoying a last leisurely lunch in one of the city's superb eateries. The flight home is overnight, but if you can't bear to leave just yet, extend your adventure by flying deep in to the Pacific to visit Easter Island, dotted with hundreds of its famous gigantic Moai stone statues. Or stop over in Rio for a couple of nights at Belmond Copacabana Beach
Time to Start Planning?
Please call us on 0203 019 3722 or complete the quick and easy form below. Our Latin America specialists look forward to arranging the perfect Chilean adventure for you. Think of us as your private travel concierge, with expert knowledge, on-the-ground teams, ATOL protection and 24/7 support whilst you're away.
International callers should dial +44 203 019 3722