Extraordinary Chile

Ready for something a little different? This exciting but somewhat unusual itinerary will introduce you to some of Chile's more alternative landscapes and deeply rooted cultures, whilst affording you the opportunity to dine at hip restaurants, watch spectacular sunsets and splash about in the sea!

1. Fly to Santiago

2. Days 1-3: Valparaiso

   From Santiago airport you’ll be whisked off 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 town’s funky independent restaurants.

   Want to discover more about Chile’s famous grape varieties? On the way to Valparaíso you will pass some of Chile's best vineyards. If you would like to visit one (or some) of these for a tasting session and lunch, just let us know and we can include this in your itinerary.

   Accommodation: Casa Higueras (2 nights)

3. Days 3-6: Easter Island

   Today the adventure really ramps up as you board a flight to the amazingly unique and super remote Easter Island (known locally as Rapa Nui) in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. This tiny island, originally populated by Polynesians but a Chilean territory for some time, is about as far removed from feeling Latin American as is feasibly and geographically possible! During your time here, your guide will whisk you off to some of the island’s most interesting sites as you unpick myths and legends. Of course, there will be plenty of time for photo opportunities standing alongside the famous moai, or giant stone heads, a classic Instagram post! But you’ll soon realise there is much more to Easter Island as you learn about the fascinating history of its people, visit traditional ceremonial villages and hike around the island’s largest volcanic crater.

   Your hotel is the best on the island, with stunning architecture, huge windows from every room and a pool offering sweeping views, not to mention the amazing spa treatments on offer! When you're not on one of the many excursions on offer, there are plenty of cool places around the hotel to chillout, read a book and enjoy a beer. Enjoy waking up each morning to a delicious organic breakfast, which includes tropical fruits from its own garden and yummy homemade pastries. Dinners are mouthwatering local delicacies too, complete with the best Chilean wines or choice of local cocktails. And although much of the coastline is defined by rocky coves and tall cliffs, there are some sparkling white sandy beaches where you can go swimming too.

   Accommodation: Explora Rapa Nui (3 nights)

4. Days 6-7: Santiago

   After breakfast, it’s time to pack your bags and return to the mainland. Upon touching down in Santiago, you will be transferred to your super stylish hotel, slap bang in the centre of the trendy Lastarria neighbourhood, home to hip restaurants and buzzing bars. If you have time, we recommend you head up to Cerro San Cristobal (not far from your hotel), it’s one of the city’s major attractions boasting glorious views out over the skyline, flanked by the impressive Andes mountain range. Your hotel boasts an incredible rooftop pool and funky bar area, which also enjoys similar views out over the city, so you might just want to kickback with a cocktail and watch the sunset from the comfort of one of the day beds instead. With an exciting foodie scene 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.

   Accommodation: The Singular Santiago (1 night)

5. Days 7-10: Puerto Varas and surrounds

   Your next stop is Chile’s picturesque Lake District region, where you’ll spend a few days at the luxurious and visually stunning Hotel AWA, located just outside the adventure hub of Puerto Varas, the perfect base for exploring the surrounding area’s natural beauty. The hotel sits on the shores of shimmering Lake Llanquihue, the turquoise waters reflecting the perfect conical peaks and plumes of smoke coming off the volcanoes on the horizon.

   Ranging from the extreme to the more sedate, there are numerous adventures to be had here and you can decide what you want to do once you arrive. Whether its climbing one of the volcanoes, enjoying a boat trip across the lake, hiking to the icy-blue Petrohue Falls, getting wet and wild whilst river-rafting, having a go at fly-fishing, or taking a bike out to visit the Bavarian influenced towns and sampling locally brewed craft beers, there’s plenty to keep you occupied!

   Back at the hotel, you can soothe achy limbs and joints at the spa and wellness centre, complete with huge indoor/outdoor swimming pool (with awesome views of course), bubbling hot tubs and a variety of treatments and therapies to choose from. Once the evening draws in, you’ll want to snuggle up beside the roaring fireplace with a nice glass of wine whilst you update your friends and family back home with photos of your escapades so far. We suspect you’ll have worked up quite the appetite after all these activities, which is a good thing, as the hotel’s restaurant has a daily changing menu that heroes local produce, much of which is sourced from its own organic garden.
   

   Accommodation: Hotel AWA (3 nights)

6. Days 10-13: Santiago and Central Valley

   Okay, now it’s time for you to kickback and relax! You’ll need to catch a flight back to Santiago before a three-hour road transfer to a hip little place not many people know about on Chile’s wildly beautiful coast. Hotel Alaia is an exciting take on a chic boutique beach property, nestled amongst the sand dunes just across from Punta de Lobos beach.

   The gorgeous sandy coastline and rolling dunes beg to be explored by foot. Whilst some guests spend their days paddling out in the waves, which makes this area a popular surf spot (lessons can be arranged), there are other distractions such as yoga classes, wood-fired hot tubs and a buzzing restaurant, that proudly serves the best produce from within a 100 kilometre radius of the hotel. The cool adjoining bar is where guests congregate to relax in the evenings, you’ll find a fun sociable atmosphere which is helped by an enviable selection of wines, craft beers and cocktails (including a delicious take on Chile’s famous Pisco Sour).

   With low-slung hammocks and daybeds scattered across the fabulous sundeck and an attractive slate-tiled swimming pool with views out towards the ocean, we completely understand if all you want to do is grab that book you’ve been meaning to finish and embrace the laidback vibe. It’s a holiday after all!
   

   Accommodation: Hotel Alaia (3 nights)

7. Fly home

   Try to make the final moments of your holiday count. Hopefully you can squeeze in a quick swim in the ocean before a long leisurely breakfast, and then it’ll be time for your transfer to Santiago airport where you will check in for your flight home.

Santiago, Easter Island, Lake District, Pichilemu