Chile

Chile is the longest, thinnest country in the world, stretching 2,600 miles from the driest desert on Earth in the north to the glaciers and fjords of Patagonia in the south. That geography creates one of the most geographically diverse countries on the planet, with landscapes that shift from moonscape to vineyard to volcanic lake to ice field as you move along its length. It is a country built for people who love the outdoors, and it delivers experiences that are genuinely world class.

Where to Go

Torres del Paine National Park in southern Patagonia is the reason most travelers put Chile on their list. The three granite towers that give the park its name rise dramatically from the steppe, and the surrounding landscape of glacial lakes, waterfalls, and guanaco herds is stunning from every angle. The W Trek, a four to five day hiking circuit, is one of the most celebrated multi day hikes in the world. Day hikes to the base of the towers and to Grey Glacier are excellent options for those with less time.

The Atacama Desert in the north is the polar opposite of Patagonia but equally spectacular. The Valley of the Moon, with its eroded rock formations and sand dunes, looks like the surface of Mars. The El Tatio Geysers erupt at dawn in the freezing predawn air, sending columns of steam into the sky. Flamingos wade through high altitude salt lagoons of improbable blue. And the night sky here is among the clearest in the world, with astronomy tours revealing the Milky Way in detail that will change how you think about the universe.

Santiago, the capital, is a cosmopolitan city surrounded by Andes peaks. The Maipo and Casablanca wine valleys are within an hour’s drive, producing excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, and Sauvignon Blanc. The Lastarria and Bellavista neighborhoods have excellent restaurants, street art, and a creative energy that makes Santiago one of the most underrated cities in South America.

The Chilean Lake District around Pucon and Puerto Varas has a volcanic landscape of snow capped cones, clear lakes, and araucaria (monkey puzzle) forests that draws comparisons to the Swiss Alps at a fraction of the cost.

Where to Stay

Explora Patagonia in Torres del Paine is the premier lodge in the park, offering all inclusive packages with guided hikes, horseback rides, and gourmet meals. Tierra Patagonia is a design hotel with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the park. In Atacama, Explora Atacama, Alto Atacama, and Tierra Atacama are the three luxury lodges, each offering multi day all inclusive programs with daily excursions. In Santiago, The Singular and The Ritz Carlton are the top hotels.

Let Us Plan Your Chile Trip

Chile is a country of extremes, and the logistics of connecting its far flung regions require planning. Domestic flights between Santiago, Atacama, and Patagonia are essential, and lodge availability in Patagonia’s short high season books up months in advance. We will design an itinerary that captures the range of this extraordinary country and handle the logistics that make it work.