A journey through Chile’s most dramatic landscapes, from high desert to Patagonian wilderness and the forested south.
A journey through Chile’s most dramatic landscapes, from high desert to Patagonian wilderness and the forested south.
This journey begins in the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, where salt flats, volcanoes and high-altitude lagoons shape a landscape unlike any other. From here, travel to Santiago, Chile’s vibrant capital, before continuing south to Torres del Paine National Park, a region defined by soaring granite peaks, glacial lakes and vast open plains.
The journey then continues to the Lake District, where forests, rivers, volcanoes and strong cultural identity offer a different perspective on southern Chile. Designed for first-time visitors seeking scale, variety and natural drama, this journey balances guided exploration with time to absorb each environment at a comfortable pace.
3 nights Atacama Desert | 2 nights Santiago | 4 nights Southern Patagonia | 3 nights Lake District
Stay: Atacama Desert
Highlights: Arrival via Calama, desert landscapes, lodge-based introduction
On arrival at Santiago International Airport, you are welcomed and assisted in connecting to your domestic flight to Calama. On arrival, transfer by road into the Atacama Desert, where the landscape immediately begins to shift into one of stark beauty and geological drama.
Settle into your lodge and begin to absorb the character of the region – terracotta tones, mountain backdrops and the rare stillness that defines the desert. The remainder of the day is at leisure, with time to settle in before meeting your hosts to plan the excursions for the days ahead.
Stay: Atacama Desert
Highlights: Desert excursions, geological contrasts, lodge-guided exploration
Spend the next two days exploring the Atacama through excursions arranged by your lodge.
The region offers access to some of Chile’s most compelling desert scenery, including geysers, hot springs, volcano trails, desert canyons and archaeological remains, with each outing shaped by the extraordinary geology of the area.
Between excursions, return to the lodge to enjoy the seclusion of this desert setting.
Stay: Santiago
Highlights: Arrival in the capital, private transfer to hotel, half-day city tour
Day 4 is a shorter transition day, allowing time to settle into the city after the desert. Santiago serves as the ultimate urban counterpoint to the stillness of Atacama.
The next day is dedicated to a half-day city tour. The experience is designed to provide a broad introduction to the capital, moving through historical, commercial and residential areas to reveal the city’s layered identity. From civic landmarks and older neighbourhoods to greener districts and more contemporary urban development, the day offers a panoramic sense of Santiago’s character.
Stay: Torres del Paine National Park
Highlights: Flight to Punta Arenas, overland journey to Patagonia
After breakfast, transfer privately to Santiago Airport for your flight south to Punta Arenas. On arrival, you are met and continue by shared transfer to your lodge in the Torres del Paine area.
This is a major travel day, carrying you from Chile’s centre into Southern Patagonia.
As the journey unfolds, the scenery opens into broader, wind-shaped landscapes that signal the beginning of the Patagonian leg of the itinerary.
Stay: Torres del Paine National Park
Highlights: Guided excursions, iconic viewpoints, hiking and scenic exploration
Spend the next three days exploring Torres del Paine through excursions arranged by your lodge, from full-day hikes such as Base Torres to lighter scenic outings including Sarmiento Lake. Horseback riding and navigation experiences may also be available.
This section of the journey is shaped by choice and physical range, allowing a more tailored experience. Across all excursions, the defining constants are the scale of the landscape, the ever-changing Patagonian weather and the dramatic presence of the Paine Massif.
Stay: Lake District
Highlights: Puerto Natales flight, onward to Puerto Montt, transfer to &Beyond Vira Vira
After breakfast, transfer to Puerto Natales Airport for your flight to Puerto Montt. On arrival, continue by shared transfer to &Beyond Vira Vira in the Lake District.
This marks a clear shift in tone and environment. After the exposed grandeur of Patagonia, the journey moves into a greener and more sheltered landscape of rivers, forests, volcanoes and farmland.
Stay: Lake District
Highlights: Lodge-based activities, volcanoes, cultural experiences
Discover &Beyond Vira Vira, the region’s best-kept secret and your home for a few memorable days.
The Lake District offers a wide range of nature- and adventure-based experiences, from trekking and horseback riding to explorations around Villarrica volcano and the surrounding national parks. There is also a strong cultural and culinary dimension, including cheese-making, time in the organic garden, or encounters that reveal more of the region’s Mapuche heritage. Alternatively, there’s also time to relax and enjoy the lodge’s quieter pleasures.
Departure
Highlights: Farewell breakfast at the lodge, transfer to Temuco, domestic flight to Santiago
After breakfast, transfer to Temuco Airport for your domestic flight to Santiago, where the journey comes to an end as you connect with your onward international flight.
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