Santiago, Chile’s energetic capital, is your first port of call. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your luxury, boutique hotel at the heart of the city’s bohemian quarter, where you’ll find yourself within steps of top attractions, restaurants and museums. During your stay you will enjoy a city tour taking in the cultural Lastarria neighbourhood, the bustling Central Market and the historic Santa Lucia Hill where you’ll be able to drink in a breathtaking overview of the city.
Stay: One night in a superior room in the Lastarria Boutique Hotel – bed & breakfast
After the busy city comes something completely different. You’ll fly over to Punta Arenas and drive into Torres del Paine National Park – a World Biosphere Reserve rich in indigenous wildlife, untouched forest, granite peaks and glacial lakes.
You’ll be staying at the modern Awasi Patagonia, where you’ll be welcomed by majestic views of the surrounding lakes, rocky tundra and snow-capped Cerro Paine Mountains. During the day you can follow hiking trails through rich lenga forest, go horseback riding or simply chill out beside sparkling waterfalls.
Stay: Three nights in a villa room at Awasi Patagonia – full board
Punta Arenas
After breakfast you will head back to the beautiful city of Punta Arenas, a scenic journey of just over four hours. Once there you’ll be able to head out and explore the city’s top sights including the Main Square and the Cerro La Cruz lookout point.
Stay: One night in a panoramic view room at Yegua Loca Hotel – bed & breakfast
Chilean Lake District
From one breathtaking wilderness to another, today you’ll journey to the lively town of Pucón in the Chilean Lake District. Make up of wild green forests, deep blue mountain lakes and towering volcanoes, it’s no wonder the area is often compared to the photogenic landscapes of Switzerland.
Your hotel sits along the peaceful shores of the Liucura River, and offers a wide range of activities and excursions to make the most of the stunning surroundings. Snowshoeing, trekking to glaciers, climbing the Villarrica Volcano and exploring on horseback are all part of your Chilean Lake District experience.
Stay: Three nights in a hotel suites room at Vira Hotel – full board
From the lush Lake District comes an exploration of the driest, and one of the oldest, deserts in the world – the Atacama in Chile’s northern territory. You will fly to Calama, via Santiago, where a vehicle will be waiting to take you to your hotel just outside the famous oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama. Enroute you will be able to capture some great photographs of the Andes mountain range, the Atacama Salt Lake and the active Lascar Volcano.
You will find yourself perfectly located to explore the desert’s salt flats, spouting geysers and astonishing local attractions such as the Valley of the Moon – all in the company of expert guides. Horseback riding and mountain bike excursions can also be arranged, whilst cultural and heritage tours offer a fascinating insight into the local way of life.
Stay: Three nights in a Catarpe room at Alto Atacama – full board
Vik Vineyard
Flying back to where you started, Santiago, you will be transferred to the Vik Lodge in the Cachapoal Valley where you’ll be spending your final nights in Chile surrounded by rolling vineyards, tranquil lakes and scenic mountains. In addition to biking and hiking, you can enjoy winery and vineyard tours to learn more about the production process. Otherwise you can indulge in fine Chilean cuisine at the two restaurants, take a dip in the infinity pool or relax in the sauna.
Stay: Two nights in a suite room at Vik Lodge – full board
Santiago - London
Today you will be transferred to the airport where you will board your flight back to London.
It has been wonderful to discover that there remain places like this in the world, where one can find peace amid wild nature. This has been the highlight of our stay in Colombia and we look forward to telling our friends about it.
- ZA, Colombia, 2014
