Highlights of Chile

Highlights of Chile

Highlights: Santiago, Wine Country, Atacama Desert & Torres del Paine
You will visit Santiago and enjoy the capital’s restaurants and museums, taste some of Chile’s finest wines, stargaze beneath the breathtaking skies in the Atacama Desert, and hike the trails of Torres del Paine National Park.

Day 1: Arrival in Chile
Upon arrival at the Santiago airport, you’ll be met and taken to your luxury boutique hotel, located in the trendy Lastarria neighborhood. After settling in, you’ll be picked up at the hotel in the early afternoon for a private half-day city tour of Santiago. The tour will take you to the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, the city’s premier fine arts museum, and the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, which boasts a remarkable collection which showcases Mayan, Aztec, Incan, Mapuche, and other indigenous cultures. You’ll also visit the Plaza de Armas, and the neighborhoods of Providencia, Bellavista, and Las Condes. Santiago offers an extensive range of sophisticated dining options, and we will provide a wide range of restaurant recommendations, offering everything from local delicacies to fusion, modern, and traditional cuisines, so that you can choose the ideal dining experience for your evening.

Tatio Geysers, Atacama, Chile

Day 2: Into the Wine Country
Today, you will head west into the Colchagua Valley for a private tour of come of the finest wineries Chile has to offer. Known for producing the country’s most acclaimed varietal, the Carmenere, the valley is also home to some exceptional reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The tour includes a wine-pairing lunch at one of the wineries, where you can taste the best wines of the region alongside gourmet cuisine.

Day 3: To the North, to the Desert
You’ll be picked up at the hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Calama. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your all-inclusive luxury hotel, where you can choose from a wide variety of daily activities such as hiking, climbing, bird-watching, biking, or stargazing. All meals, soft drinks, house wines, and spirits are included, as well as the activities of your choice. The Atacama Desert area offers a mix of outdoor adventures and stargazing opportunities, set against one the clearest skies in the world. San Pedro de Atacama, the region’s main town, has an intriguing international vibe that’s also worth experiencing.

Day 4: Highland Lagoons
During your stay, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the highland lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques, located at an altitude of 13,860 feet. The panoramic views of the Altiplanic landscape, with its towering mountains, dramatic contrasts and extraordinary colors, are a sight to behold. A traditional lunch is served at a local restaurant in the village of Socaire, providing vital support to the local community.

Day 5: Tatio Geysers
We highly recommend a visit to the Tatio Geysers, located at an altitude of 14,190 feet. The geothermal field is closely tied to the region’s volcanic activity and features huge steam columns that can reach heights of up to 40 feet. Breakfast will be served as dawn breaks over the landscape. On your return journey to the village, you will have the chance to spot vicuñas and, with a bit of luck, foxes, vizcachas and ñandú (Andean ostriches). Before heading back to your hotel, you’ll stop at the picturesque hamlet of Machuca.

Atacama Desert, Chile

Day 6: Death & Moon Valleys
The surreal beauty of the Salt Mountain Range offers unparalleled views, such as the those of Death Valley, Moon Valley and the Andes Mountain range. You’ll enjoy short walks in several areas, where rocky outcrops, and landscapes shaped by winds, rain, and temperature changes in the desert have created a unique environment.
The half day excursion to the Salt Flats starts with a brief visit to Toconao village. Here, you’ll explore the village square and the historic church, as well as meet a local family who lives off the sale of their handmade crafts. Next,  you’ll visit the National Flamingo Reserve in the Atacama Salt Flat, home to three types of flamingos, that feed on the microscopic life in the lagoon. As the sun sets over the Andes, you’ll be treated to views that are nothing short of amazing.

Day 7: Head South into the Patagonian Wilderness
You’ll be picked up at your hotel and taken to the Calama Airport for your flight to Torres del Paine. Upon arrival, you’ll be taken to your all-inclusive luxury camp, where you’ll spend the next 4 nights immersed in the awe-inspiring Patagonian landscape. Activities such as hiking, biking, horse-back riding are available, and all meals are included, as well as the activities of your choice. Torres del Paine National Park is one of the world’s premier adventure travel destinations, offering countless options for  adventure enthusiasts.

Day 8: World-class Hiking
While in the park, we recommend signing up for one of the full-day hikes. A popular choice is the Lakal Sarmiento trail, which winds through lenga forests and offers stunning views of the pristine Laguna Lakal. The excursion ends on the Sarmiento Peninsula, providing a panoramic view of the Paine massif. Another great option is the challenging yet rewarding trek to Base Las Torres,  part of the famous W circuit of the Torres del Paine National Park. The trail takes you through lenga forests and the breathtaking Ascencio Valley and finishes right beneath the towering Las Torres.

Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile

Day 9: French Valley
For a more strenuous adventure, consider the French Valley, a challenging hike through one of the most well-known sectors of Torres del Paine National Park. The hike begins near Hostería Las Torres, and follows the trail along Almirante Nieto and into the French Valley. Along the way you’ll see the Hanging Glacier, Lake Nordenskjold, and the French Glacier. There are two extensions to this hike: the Plateau (rated very difficult) and the British Camp (difficult), both of which lead you to the heart of the dramatic granite massif.

Day 10: Riding in Patagonia
For those with some previous experience riding horses, we recommend an excursion to Puesto Segunda Barranca, which is a great way to explore the Patagonian Pampa. The path mainly runs over straight, flat land with the iconic views of Torres del Paine as a stunning backdrop. This medium-length ride offers many opportunities to gallop for those looking for a bit more adventure and excitement.

Day 11: Heading Home
You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the airport for your flight home, taking with you memories that will last you a lifetime.