Epic Chile

Tick off some of Chile’s absolute best bits, doing the coolest things and staying at funky properties. Explore wild and remote landscapes, photos of which will make your friends jealous, uncover the meaning behind urban street art and dine at trendy restaurants, soak up some sun and relax beside the pool after learning all about Chilean grape varieties.

1. Fly to Santiago

2. Days 1-3: Santiago

   Upon arrival in the capital Santiago, you will be met and transferred to your chic hotel in the vibrant city centre. To help with your bearings, we have included a guided bike tour of some of the city’s hippest neighbourhoods and historical highlights of downtown Santiago. If you have time, we recommend you head up to Cerro San Cristobal (not far from your hotel), it’s one of the major attractions boasting glorious views out over the skyline, flanked by the impressive Andes mountain range. With a thriving gastronomy scene, taking influences from all over the globe and plenty of cool outdoor spaces where you can enjoy a glass or two of wine, there’s a lot to like about this buzzing metropolis. Don’t miss your hotel’s rooftop terrace and bar, a popular hangout spot amongst Santiago’s fashionable crowd, especially on weekends when the DJ turns up the volume to accompany the sunset.

   Accommodation: Hotel Magnolia (2 nights)

3. Days 3-6: San Pedro de Atacama, Northern Chile & Atacama Desert, Chile

   The real adventure starts today as you fly to the north of the country and transfer to the spectacular Atacama Desert. The highest and driest desert in the world, its stunning and varied landscapes won’t need any Instagram filters to amass likes! Home to some of the highest geysers on earth, multi-coloured moonlike rock formations, flamingo filled lakes and dazzling salt flats, it should be on every traveller’s wish list.

   The lack of pollution combined with its clear desert night sky makes Atacama one of the best places on earth for stargazing and we are confident it’ll be one of your favourite places on this trip. We’ve included several guided excursions to really maximise your time here, but don’t worry we’ve allowed for plenty of time to chillout by the pool and catch up on your favourite podcasts too. Your hotel is slap bang in the centre of the small frontier town of San Pedro de Atacama, where you’ll find a good choice of restaurants and several lively bars to enjoy after a long day of visiting the main sights. We are confident this will be one of your favourite places and you’ll want to stay longer!

   Accommodation: Hotel Desertica (3 nights)

4. Days 6-8: Valparaiso

   This morning you’ll fly back to Santiago and transfer to the picturesque port town of Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with quirky cafés, hip wine bars and vibrant street art on every corner. Together with a local guide, explore the historic downtown with its labyrinthine maze of streets and brightly coloured buildings, and unpick Chile’s fascinating history through the town’s cool graffiti art. There’s a real bohemian feel to the place and the laidback vibe makes it ideal for just wandering around and popping into little shops and cafés. Soak up some late afternoon sun on the outdoor terrace, perhaps with a cocktail or two and some nibbles whilst enjoying the glorious sunset over the Pacific Ocean, before heading out to dinner at one of the funky independent restaurants.

   Accommodation: Zero Hotel (2 nights)

5. Days 8-12: Torres del Paine

   Today marks the start of your Patagonian adventure. Leaving densely populated urban areas behind, fly south to Chile’s remote wilderness and explore the stunning Torres del Paine National Park, where towering jagged mountains meet glistening turquoise lakes. It’s a long journey but once you get there, you’ll realise what all the fuss is about! You should arrive at your unique and luxurious lodge, occupying arguably the best spot around Torres del Paine National Park, with enough time to put your drink order in at the bar and enjoy the spectacular sunset over the towering snow-peaked mountains.

   All the guest rooms and common areas look out over the legendary Paine Massif, one of the most photographed landmarks of the Patagonian region. However, to really make the most of it you’ll need to lace up your walking boots and take to the park’s famous hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. The park can also be explored on horseback and there are mountain bike circuits as well. On your first day your guide will explain what excursions are available and will make recommendations based on your specific interests. If you want to give your legs a rest, there are also plenty of low impact activities on offer, including vehicle and boat tours. One of the most popular excursions is a boat trip, which takes you right up close to the face of a massive bright blue glacier whilst navigating past floating icebergs.

   Back at the property, you can soothe any achy limbs at the wellness centre, complete with huge indoor swimming pool (with awesome view of course), bubbling hot tubs and treatment rooms. The lodge prides itself on its gourmet food offering, so you can tuck into fine cuisine paired with excellent Chilean wines. To make life easier you can leave your wallet in your suitcase, the hotel offers an excellent all-inclusive package...with meals and snacks, bar service, airport transfers and guided excursions all taken care of. Just make sure you have enough storage space on your phone for all the amazing photos you’re going to take!  
   

   Accommodation: Tierra Patagonia (4 nights)

6. Days 12-14: Central Valley

   After all these wholesome outdoor activities and copious amounts of fresh air, we know you’ll be ready to indulge in some well-earned relaxation time. The final stop on your Chilean adventure is the beautiful, sun-soaked wine region of Casablanca Valley, where you'll stay at one of our favourite properties. While away lazy afternoons on the comfy day beds beside the glistening outdoor swimming pool or mount a horse and enjoy a hack through the vineyards. Of course, you're here to enjoy the wine, so take a tour of the facilities and discover some of Chile's best bottles. The food at the two onsite restaurants are noteworthy in themselves, enjoy delicious tapas style dishes at lunch and a more formal gourmet offering at dinner, best paired with another bottle of locally produced wine!

   Accommodation: La Casona at Matetic Vineyards (2 nights)

7. Fly home from Santiago

   Make the most of your last day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a final swim in the pool before transferring back to Santiago to check in for your flight home.

Santiago, Atacama Desert, Valparaiso, Torres del Paine, Casablanca Valley