Ultimate Chile

Chile has a wealth of dramatic landscapes to discover and this itinerary takes in some of the real highlights, including the spectacular Torres del Paine in Patagonia and the rugged Atacama Desert to the north, staying in unique and quality accommodations throughout.

1. Fly to Santiago

2. Days 1-4: San Pedro de Atacama, Northern Chile

   On arrival to Santiago, board a connecting flight up to the north of Chile for a desert adventure in the Atacama. A 2-hour flight from Santiago brings you to Calama, from where you take a road transfer to the wonderful Explora Atacama, the perfect base for making forays into the extraordinary desert landscapes. Explore the Valley of the Moon, geyser fields at El Tatio, watch flamingos congregate in the Altiplano lakes and enjoy some spectacular hiking, mountain biking and horse riding. The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on earth and its arid atmosphere creates the clearest skies in the Southern Hemisphere; there’s no better place to take in some stargazing and admire the galaxies above.

   Accommodation: Explora Atacama (3 nights)

3. Days 4-6: Santiago

   From here fly down to Santiago to enjoy the bright lights of this capital city, flanked by the Andean mountains. The city has undergone a gastronomic revolution in recent years. Explore the city and enjoy a gastronomic tour around local markets, learning about the heritage of some of Chile's best dishes. Spend your evening in any one of Santiago’s exciting and excellent restaurants, headed up by up-and-coming and innovative chefs.

   Accommodation: The Singular Santiago (2 nights)

4. Days 6-9: Torres del Paine

   Your next stop is Patagonia to the south, visiting the spectacular Torres del Paine national park with its crystalline blue lakes and imposing granite peaks. The area is an outdoors paradise, with more than 50 guided hikes to get up close to the Patagonian terrain, horseback rides and countless photographic opportunities.

   Accommodation: Explora Patagonia (3 nights)

5. Days 9-12: Pucon and surrounds

   Your next stop is Chile’s picturesque Lake District region, where you’ll spend a few days at the simply incredible &Beyond Vira Vira, located just outside the adventure hub of Pucon, the perfect base for exploring the surrounding area’s natural beauty. Images of the hotel online never do it justice, please trust us: any of our specialists who have had the pleasure of staying at &Beyond Vira Vira will tell you it defies expectation and is one of the best hotels they’ve stayed at, in Chile or the world over. The food is exquisite, really something to write home about and the hotel’s commitment to supporting local lifestyles and culture in everything they do, really shines through.

   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 to the icy peak of the Villarica volcano to stare into its lava-filled belly below, enjoying a boat or kayaking down the river, hiking through the forest to hidden waterfalls, 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 in a hot tub perched on the river, with a pisco sour or a bottle of champagne. Once the evening draws in, you’ll want to snuggle up beside the roaring fireplace with a glass of Chile’s finest. 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, all of which is sourced from its own organic garden or local suppliers.

   Accommodation: &Beyond Vira Vira (3 nights)

6. Days 12-14: Central Valley

   Fly back to Santiago from where we suggest taking a couple of days to escape the city and gently explore Chile's beautiful wine country, the perfect place to unwind before returning home. Superb wines to taste in spectacular artistic settings, exquisite cuisine and a horseback ride through the vineyards make for a wonderful end to your journey.

   Accommodation: Vik Chile (2 nights)

7. Fly home from Santiago

Atacama, Santiago, Lake District, Torres del Paine and Winelands