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Chile

Highlights of Chile

TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

10 Days

Prices Start from

£3,950pp (ex. flights)

Explore the length of this filament of a country, full of vast and varied landscapes, from the lunar-like Atacama Desert in the north to the finger-like granite peaks of the Torres del Paine National Park in the south, with time spent amongst the snow-capped volcanoes and hot springs of the Chilean Lake District.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Meet the Chileans

Travel the length of Chile, meeting interesting locals along the way.

Patagonian Peaks

View the towering granite peaks of the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park.

Atacama Desert

Marvel at incredible clear night skies brimming with stars in the Atacama Desert.

Lake Nahuel Huapi, Bariloche, Lake District, Argentina

Kayak the Lakes

Explore the crystalline lakes in a sailboat or kayak, surrounded by alpine landscapes.

Why we like it

Encompassing the shimmering salt flats and powerful geysers of the Atacama Desert, the sparkling lakes and imposing volcanoes of the Lake District, and the iconic windswept wilderness of Patagonia, this journey from north to south illuminates the stark contrasts and incredible diversity of the longest country in the world with overnight stays in hand-picked accommodations.

Explore our suggested itinerary

Map View List View

Day 1

Santiago - San Pedro de Atacama
Days 2-3

San Pedro de Atacama
Day 4

San Pedro de Atacama - Puerto Varas
Day 5

Puerto Varas
Day 6

Puerto Varas - Punta Arenas - Torres del Paine
Days 7-8

Torres del Paine
Day 9

Torres del Paine - Punta Arenas - Santiago
Day 10

Santiago

Day 1

Santiago - San Pedro de Atacama

Days 2-3

San Pedro de Atacama

Licancabur and Juriques Volcanoes, Moon Valley, Atacama Desert, Chile

Marvel at incredible night skies brimming with stars in the Atacama Desert.

Day 4

San Pedro de Atacama - Puerto Varas

Day 5

Puerto Varas

Kayaking, Mascardi Lake, San Carlos de Bariloche, Patagonia, Argentina

Explore the crystalline lakes in a sailboat or kayak, surrounded by alpine landscapes.

Day 6

Puerto Varas - Punta Arenas - Torres del Paine

Days 7-8

Torres del Paine

View the towering granite peaks of the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park.

Day 9

Torres del Paine - Punta Arenas - Santiago

Day 10

Santiago

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

Speak to our experts

More details

Horse Riding, Moon Valley, Atacama Desert, Chile

Ride, Hike & 4x4 the Atacama Desert

Explore the striking Atacama Desert, where volcanoes, geysers, flamingo-filled lagoons and moon-like landscapes abound, discovering the remarkable scenery by day and gazing up at the incredible starlit skies by night. An area of rich vibrant colours, this unique desert boasts a myriad of earthy oranges, lagoon blues and pink sunsets that make for spectacular photographs and even better backdrops for active explorations on horseback, on foot or by 4×4.

High Altitude Vineyards

Travel to the Elqui Valley to visit a desert vineyard, savouring a distinctive glass while learning about the extremely harsh soil and salty irrigation water that produces grapes meticulously grown in the driest place on earth.

Lake Victoria, Bariloche, Lake District, Argentina

Sail & Kayak in the Lake District

Spend time amongst the snow-capped volcanoes and glacial lakes of the lush green Lake District, heading out to try anything from sailing and kayaking atop of the glistening lakes to biking and horse riding in the national parks. The more adventurous can try white water rafting on grade II to IV rapids, while leisurely amblers can walk amongst 4000-year-old alerce trees followed by an afternoon spent in a pretty resort town.

Photography, Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile

Patagonian Puma Tracking

Search for one of the estimated 50-100 elusive puma of Patagonia in the early morning light, accompanied by expert trackers who will point out the signs of a nearby big cat.

On Foot & Horseback in Patagonia

Travel to the far south of Chile to the iconic and impressive Torres del Paine National Park, renowned for its meandering rivers, ice-blue lakes, huge glaciers and the iconic jagged granite peaks of the Cordillera Paine. The most spectacular place for trekking, wildlife-spotting and photography, this gem of Chilean Patagonia is the place to be to witness electric blue icebergs and aquamarine lakes.

Moais, Ahu Tongariki, Easter Island, Chile

Suggestion: Easter Island Extension

Fly west to spend time on Easter Island, one of the most isolated and unique islands on Earth, to hike its coastal pathways and marvel at its mysterious carved Moais. With privileged views over the infinite blue Pacific Ocean and dotted with clusters of wild horses, the island presents opportunities to dive in some of the world’s clearest waters, cycle through prairies and interact with the aboriginal Polynesian inhabitants of the island.

Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

Estancia 440 £££££

Chile

Estancia 440 is a charming boutique B&B close to the centre of town and the lake front. The simple, stylish rooms are all ensuite and have retained many of the original features. Fabrics and decor throughout the property are heavily influenced by life on a Patagonian Estancia. Tasty breakfasts consist of typical regional produce.

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Awa Hotel £££££

Chile

Combining contemporary architecture with the traditional materials of the region, Awa Hotel is a striking building set within 50 acres of private land, in a magical lakeside setting. Facing the hotel is the imposing Osorno Volcano and all of the 16 spacious rooms boast views of the lake and volcano.

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Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa £££££

Chile
Wilderness

Blending seamlessly with the burnt red rock face that forms its backdrop, Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa is burrowed at the foot of the ruins of Pukara de Quitor and appears to melt into the encompassing rocky landscape. Thoughtfully built in the style of the centuries-old villages of the densely-cultural Altiplano, the property was designed with both authenticity and practicality in mind, so there are few luxurious touches with the exceptions of an aromatherapy spa and dazzling collection of six outdoor swimming pools.

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Awasi Atacama £££££

Chile
Wilderness

An intimate and authentic property that offers unexpected opulence within the arid Atacama Desert, Awasi Atacama is tucked behind an impressive ancient adobe wall that disguises the sumptuous accommodations within. Its 12 thatched-roof suite cottages, each skilfully constructed from local stone, adobe and wood, boast a private patio and a sitting area and are decorated with local handicrafts and cosy alpaca wool blankets. Moreover, each pre-Inca inspired cottage is allocated its own private guide and 4×4 vehicle to facilitate the memorable tailor-made experiences that the property is known for.

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Explora Atacama £££££

Chile
Wilderness

Designed to blend seamlessly with the colours and materials of the desert, Explora Atacama combines contemporary architecture with old stable yard-style accommodation blocks. Its 50 rooms, each accessed by crossing an original stone courtyard, are all at once authentic and comfortable in feeling, boasting large copper tubs, cosy handcrafted blankets, local materials and hand-selected furnishings. With views that range from the private stables to grazing paddocks to the milky pink volcanoes on the horizon, the surrounding landscapes ensure nights of deep and restful sleep after long days of exploration.

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Hotel Orly £££££

Chile
City

Found on a wide tree-lined avenue in Santiago’s buoyant Providencia district, Hotel Orly is a charming mansion property that is encompassed by trendy eateries and close to the efficient Santiago Cable Car. A charming glass-roofed sunroom serves fresh bread and juices at breakfast, while its street-front restaurant is a tribute to Santiago’s dynamic café-culture. Its 28 simple rooms are infused with country manor furnishings and pine floors, while some suites benefit from Juliette balconies and the spacious and elegant apartments offer the greatest views. A small courtyard filled with potted plants and climbers provides a quiet spot to sip a cooling drink in the mid-afternoon between city excursions.

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The Singular Santiago £££££

Chile
City

Positioned in Santiago’s historic and bohemian neighbourhood of Lastarria, The Singular Santiago fuses neoclassical architectural influences with contemporary artworks and sleek interior aesthetics. Its chic rooftop boasts a sophisticated bar and a dazzling plunge pool, while its award-winning chandelier-clad restaurant offers one of the most memorable French culinary experiences in the city. Its 62 bright and spacious rooms feature luxurious bathrooms and framed artworks and most boast private balconies, while the indulgent suite offers its own separate living room. Overlooking a bustling street, the atmospheric rooms are ideal for people-watching in-between explorations of the city, yet undeniably tranquil come nighttime.

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Hotel Las Torres Patagonia £££££

Chile
Wilderness

Located at the base of the Almirante Nieto Mountain near the Eastern entrance to Torres del Paine National Park, Hotel Las Torres is at the start of some of the best walking trails the area has to offer. The breathtaking pinnacles of rock that give the park its name are a three-hour hike away. Built on the Cerro Paine Ranch, Hotel Las Torres combines the traditional charm of the Patagonian estancia with tasty food and excellent service.

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Patagonia Camp £££££

Chile
Wilderness

Patagonia Camp is a beautiful property set within 37,000 hectares of private land, on the edge of Lake Toro and the Torres del Paine National Park. The camp is surrounded by native forests and offers views of the Paine Massif. Accommodation is in 20 private yurts with Chilean décor and fabrics handmade by local artisans. The yurts have private balconies and views to Lake Toro and the Paine Massif. There are three superior/family yurts with two rooms and an outdoor Jacuzzi. There are a restaurant and bar serving local Chilean cuisine and award-winning organic wines. There are endless guided activities on offer both inside the Torres del Paine National Park and within the private grounds of the camp, these include hiking, fishing, horse riding and kayaking.

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Explora Patagonia £££££

Chile
Wilderness

Benefitting from unrivalled views of the looming, snow-capped peaks of the Paine Massif mountain range, Explora Patagonia is a sleek base for exploration set amongst an isolated and silent landscape. Its 50 rooms boast a streamlined and simple design so as not to draw attention away from the epic views of the surrounding waterfalls, lakes, rolling valleys and the indescribable Paine Massif mountain range. A warming indoor aromatherapy spa is perched on the edge of a lake in its own building and features a heated pool and sauna as well as four open-air jacuzzis with views to the Paine River.

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Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa £££££

Chile
Wilderness

Overlooking Lake Sarmiento and the majestic granite towers of Torres del Paine National Park, Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa is a native lenga wood structure that rises discreetly from the earth at the “End of the World”. Subtly weaved in to the encompassing landscape, the property boasts a truly spectacular aromatherapy spa with a heated pool that enjoys panoramic views through glass walls, and features an enormous open plan lounge and Patagonian restaurant that overlooks the same wild landscape through wall-to-wall windows.

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James put together what proved to be a fabulous itinerary in Chile. We were slightly concerned that with 11 flights in 3 weeks we might be overdoing it, but the experiences in each location more than justified the travel, and James's first-hand experience proved invaluable.

Destination: Chile
Travel Expert: James

I would especially mention the positive and really helpful advice of James, who even met with me to chat face to face before putting together a bespoke trip that really met all of our expectations. As a result, our time in Chile was a lifetime experience that will never be forgotten.

Destination: Chile
Travel Expert: James

Paul created an itinerary that perfectly suited our interests, and we were particularly impressed with the properties that he selected for us. Thank you for recommending we visit the Atacama Desert, which we hadn’t even thought of visiting, but which turned out to be the highlight.

Destination: Chile
Travel Expert: Paul

What a fantastic trip to Argentina, Chile and Brazil superbly organised by James.

Destination: Argentina, Chile & Brazil
Travel Expert: James

A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

This Itinerary

Price

From £3,950 Per person

When to travel

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Chile in January

January and February is the peak season in Chile as it is the height of the summer. Weather can be ideal throughout the country, although the Atacama Desert can occasionally experience unusual rainfall at this time.

Chile in February

Chile in March

Heading into the autumn, this is a shoulder season for most of the country. This can make for a lovely time to visit as peak prices come down and the crowds ease slightly.