Ultimate Chile: Top to Bottom

Never ones to shy away from a good adventure, our 17-night tailor-made vacation to Chile will show you the best this truly intrepid country has to offer. With so much to see and do, delve deep into the adventure as you journey from top to bottom to see Chile in all its glory. Live the good life in the cosmopolitan hub of Santiago and let your inner explorer run wild as you kayak the ice-burg strewn waters of Patagonia, dine under the stars in the Atacama Desert, and discover Chile’s rich heritage on the remote islands of Chiloé. We’ll get you acquainted like no one else can.

Slink off to Santiago

Touch down in Santiago, Chile’s vibrant, cosmopolitan capital where you’ll be whisked off to your chic city bolthole leaving you perfectly poised to explore the sights and sounds of this buzzing city. Once rested up you’ll be treated to a tour of Santiago, starting off with the Alameda Bernando O’Higgins – the city’s grand main avenue. The last stop on the tour will take you to will take you to the arty and cultural hub of the city; Bellavista. Here you can peruse the tree-lined boulevards and admire the colorful historical architecture and chic boutiques.

Chilean Wines

Blessed with fertile land and a perfect climate, Chile is the ultimate haven for a rich variety of wines. To whet your appetite for Chile’s tipple you’ll travel south down the Panamerican Highway to Buin close to the Maipo River. Explore the extensive vineyards, grand estates and cellars that store some of Chile’s best wines. Once you’ve sampled some of the regions finest, it’s time for the main event. Bid farewell to your Santiago digs and head to the stunning Clos Apalta Residence, an authentic casita in the heart of the wine region. For the next two nights, you can indulge in some serious wine tasting paired with delicious food, and explore the stunning scenery with a mountain bike tour across the rolling green landscapes.

Desert Discoveries

From the lush greenery of Santa Cruz, you’ll then take a short flight north to the expansive desert landscapes of San Pedro de Atacama, the world’s driest desert. For the next four nights, you’ll find yourself in the intimate oasis of Awasi Atacama, one of South America’s most unique retreats. Blessed with lunar-like rock formations, the natural playground of the Atacama Desert is all yours to explore for the next few days. Hike the volcanic terrain, set against piercing blue skies where geysers and thermal pools dot the landscape, and where salt flats and marshes are home to a wealth of exotic wildlife. After an active day out in the desert, head back to your hotel where you can unwind by the pool with a glass of Chile’s finest. For some added “wow factor”, we’ll sweep you off into the middle of the desert where a chef will whip up an authentic Chilean feast washed down with a few pisco sours. Just you, the sound of the crackling fire, and the star-flecked sky above makes this a pretty memorable experience.

Paradise in Valparaiso

A short flight from the desert and you’ll find yourself in the port city of Valparaiso.  Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, Chile’s oldest port city on the edge of the wild Pacific Ocean is a feast for the eyes with multi-coloured houses perched at jaunty angles all connected by narrow cobbled streets that lead to the ocean. For the next two nights stay at the boutique hotel Casa Higueras where you’ll be in the perfect place to explore the arty neighborhoods of Valparaiso and the glamorous beach resort of Vina del Mar, a favorite vacation hot-spot of Santiago’s well-heeled.

Volcanic landscapes and Fields of Ice

After a quick stop-over in Santiago, it’s time to journey southwards to Chile’s epic and mesmerising lakes and glaciers. Flying into Punta Arenas, travel deeper into Chile’s most iconic destination, Torres del Paine, where sprawling ice-fields meet snow-capped mountains.  Besides the stunning landscapes, the icing on the cake is your intrepid bolthole for the next four nights; Explora Patagonia, a contemporary lodge that blends seamlessly into the natural environment. From here you can get out and experience the great outdoors from kayaking your way past looming icebergs in the open ocean to trekking deep into the heart of the natural reverse with an expert guide at hand.

Lakeside living

Last up on your epic Chile adventure, we’ll take you far away from civilization for some laid-back relaxation time on the Chiloé Archipelago off the coast of Southern Chile. Staying at the sleek Tierra Chiloé on an isolated island once inhabited by natives, you’ll be encouraged to do as little or a much as you desire. After you’ve made use of the massage and treatment rooms explore the cultural aspects of these fascinating islands with a trip aboard a traditional Chiloé boat. 18 days and countless adventures later, the time then comes to return to Santiago and head home. But consider this just a taste of what Chile has to offer, with an open invitation to return and explore your favorite destinations further still.