Santiago, Santa Cruz & Valparaiso: A Luxurious Chilean Escape

Chile lies nestled between the magnificent Andes and the glistening waters of the Pacific Ocean. A fascinating land of dramatic landscapes, natural wonders and timeless cultures, this is a part of the world that remains widely untouched and quintessentially South American. It’s a paradise for anyone looking to completely immerse themselves in the extraordinary and, if you consider yourself to be a free-spirit, we’re pretty sure that this is the country for you.

Yes, Chile is well known for its mountainous landscapes and colourful traditions and travellers have been exploring within its borders between October and May for years. But what about the quieter months in-between?  What about the raw beauty that Chile boasts throughout its winter? Free-spirits choose to roam, choose to understand a destination, and in our humble opinion, travelling to Chile between June and August is the best time to truly gain an insight into life here, without a crowd in sight. This trip will take you from historic city to sweeping valley to soaring mountains at a time of year we’re starting to think might just be our new favourite …

The Cultural Capital

First stop; the capital city of Santiago. After you’ve acclimatised to your incredible setting (an urban hub with a back-drop of vast mountain ranges; it’s enough to take your breath away) it’s time to go exploring. Start by making a visit to Parque Metropolitano for unbeatable views over the city and a closer look at the Iconic statue of Cerro San Cristobal. Then, once you’ve had your fill of all of this beauty (if that’s even possible) allow yourself time to simply wander through the lanes and into the local shops with a private guide at hand. It’s the best way to truly feel the pulse of any city and is a perfect opportunity for a spot of people watching. For an insight into the art scene of Chile, the Cultural Centre of Gabriela Mistral is bursting with examples of contemporary and historic art and will keep you mesmerised for a good hour or two. Be sure to wake up early on your next morning here and make your way over to Mercado Central, where you’ll be able to watch as the locals barter with fishmongers and grocers to get the best deals on the freshest Chilean ingredients.

Mountains Dusted in Snow

As well as being a city of incredible beauty and cultural significance, Santiago also happens to be a short hour’s drive from the drama of Valle Nevado, where you’ll be spending a few days on the snowy slopes. There’s a wealth of on- and off-piste activities to get involved in here, so even if skiing isn’t your thing, you’ll have plenty of other opportunities for exploration. Take, for example, a cross-country expedition over the stunning ice fields. A day out trekking the ice fields will enable you to completely absorb the spectacular views that surround you and gain a deeper understanding of what Chile is all about. Of course, we’ll have a hot stone massage waiting for you upon your return. No matter how immersive you want to get, we’re here to ensure the luxury element remains, which brings us on to the next part of your trip …

After an active few days, we will whisk you away to Santa Cruz, where you will stay in a place known for its utter tranquillity. Luxurious and eco-friendly, Clos Apalta Residence is one of our favourite places for some serious time out. Set in the most breath-taking landscape – and perfectly positioned to catch a spectacular Chilean sunset – you are surrounded by at least 12 different vineyards. You’ll dine on gourmet food, sip on local wines and revel in the luxury and organic nature of this astounding residence.

A Historic Port City

Your next port of call (quite literally) is Valparaíso. A beautiful seaport city of cobbled lanes and colourful buildings, you’ll find it easy to immerse yourself in the unique nautical lifestyle of here. Hike up to the famous resident artist Pablo Neruda’s house for heart-stopping views of the harbour before taking a private tour around the port, exploring the hidden alleyways leading to the bay. Local restaurants will serve up flavoursome and traditional Chilean dishes that pair perfectly with local artisan beers and a private boat ride will enable you to take in the beauty of Valparaíso from afar.

One for the road

On the final day, your private guide will pick you up from your hotel in Valparaíso and drive you south-east, back towards Santiago. But before you get into plane mode, enjoy the journey through the beautiful Chilean landscape and get ready for a stop off in the Casablanca Valley. Famed for its fantastic wines, you will be able to meet the winemakers and sample some of their delicious produce. Sipping at four different world-class wines from this boutique winery, you will be left with a true flavour of Chile before you finally reach the airport and the end of your adventure.