An unforgettable journey through four of Chile’s most contrasting landscapes
The Best of Chile
Atacama Desert, Santiago, Patagonia, Lake District
Ideal for couples, families, and small groups
Expertly guided & hosted by skilled local guides
Perfect for outdoor lovers and avid hikers
Encounter a multitude of exquisite wildlife
Fascinating culture heritage and learnings
Breathtaking views and picturesque landscapes
Your journey at a glance
Embark on a 13-day adventure into the soul of Chile, exploring some of its most diverse landscapes: the Atacama Desert, vibrant Santiago, the rugged wilderness of Patagonia, and the enchanting Lake District.
Your journey begins in the Atacama Desert, in the north of Chile, one of the world’s driest and most desolate regions. San Pedro de Atacama, a small town, serves as the gateway to this impressive area. Today considered the archaeological capital of Chile, San Pedro stands as a silent witness to the passage of time. Geological transformations sculpted the desert, giving rise to mountain ranges, volcanoes, salt flats, and luminous lagoons amidst the arid landscape. Thermal pools, geysers, and marshes also dot the region. A surprising array of flora and fauna has adapted to these extreme conditions, including llamas, guanacos, vicuñas, foxes, viscachas, rheas, and lizards.
The next leg of your journey takes you to the spellbinding capital, Santiago. A modern, sprawling metropolis, Santiago is flanked by the dramatic Andes on one side and the coastal range on the other. Here, a series of tours cater to diverse interests, ranging from historical and cultural explorations to excursions focused on food, architecture, and art.
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After immersing yourself in Santiago’s vibrancy, prepare to be awestruck by Patagonia’s beauty. Situated within the National Park, the Torres del Paine Mountain Range stands as a magnificent icon of the region. The immensity of the ice floes, the majestic peaks, and the vastness of the lakes create a constant sense of wonder. Torres del Paine National Park boasts a rich tapestry of ecosystems, making it a haven for Chilean wildlife.
Your adventure culminates in the Chilean Lake District at &BEYOND Vira Vira, located just outside Pucón, celebrated as the country’s adventure capital. This area offers a plethora of outdoor activities like rafting, trekking, skiing, kayaking, fly-fishing, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Beyond the thrill of adventure, Vira Vira also allows you to embark on captivating cultural excursions, gaining insights into the Mapuche people’s fascinating traditions. Savour delicious cheese varieties at the lodge’s renowned cheese factory. Unwind with soothing wellness treatments, yoga sessions, or an indulgent soak in a bubbling hot tub under the starlit sky.
3 nights Atacama Desert | 2 nights Santiago | 4 nights Southern Patagonia | 3 nights Lake District
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A taste of what to expect…
Day 1: Arrival
San Pedro de Atacama
Nayara Alto Atacama Desert Lodge and Spa
Upon arrival at Santiago International Airport, you will be greeted by an &BEYOND representative, who will assist you with your connecting flight to Atacama. A representative will also greet you upon arrival at El Loa Airport (Chile’s third-largest airport based in Calama) and assist you to your vehicle for your 90-minute transfer to your hotel, Nayara Alto Atacama Desert Lodge and Spa.
At an altitude of 2,260 m (7,414 ft) in the very heart of the Atacama Desert, Calama is your gateway to the geological and archaeological wonders of this arid region.
The Atacama Desert is the world’s driest landscape, cut off from storm systems by high-pressure air currents and by Chile’s twin mountain ranges. No precipitation has been recorded in some areas of this vast desert since the days of Spanish colonisation, said to be over four hundred years ago.
Day 2 & 3
San Pedro de Atacama
Nayara Alto Atacama Desert Lodge and Spa
Nestled within the stunning landscape of the Catarpe Valley in the Salt Mountain Range, just outside San Pedro de Atacama, Nayara Alto Atacama Desert Lodge and Spa offers guests a variety of exciting adventures to choose from for the next two days:
Some of the unforgettable experiences* available at Nayara Alto Atacama Desert Lodge and Spa
*All vehicle, trekking and cycling excursions are weather dependent and at the discretion of your guide
- Likanantai Culture Tour (approximately 4 hours): After a short walk from the lodge to Pukara de Quitor, you’ll drive to the historic town of San Pedro de Atacama. Explore its picturesque streets, visit the revered church and esteemed museum. Delve into the past at the archaeological ruins of Tulor, a 2,800-year-old settlement, encountering remnants of ancient villages along the way.
- Jauna Trek (full day): Located approximately 65 km (40 mi) north of San Pedro de Atacama, this trek offers breathtaking scenery. Beginning at a high altitude of 4,200 m (13,779 ft), explore the unique flora and fauna of the wetlands. The trek covers roughly 8 km (4.9 mi), providing ample opportunity to immerse yourself in nature.
- Devil’s Throat Cycle (approximately 4 hours): Beginning at the Ayllu (settlement) of Quitor, traverse the spectacular gorges of the Cordillera de la Sal in the Catarpe Valley by bicycle. Continue your journey to the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat), named for its connection to local myths. Conclude your cycle with a visit to San Isidro and its beautiful church.
Day 4
Las Condes
Following breakfast, you’ll be transferred to El Loa Airport for your flight to Santiago, Chile’s capital city. Upon arrival in Santiago, an &BEYOND representative will greet you and assist with your transfer to The Ritz-Carlton, located in the sophisticated El Golf neighborhood of Las Condes.
Santiago is rapidly emerging as a major destination, attracting multinational companies with its entrepreneurial spirit. This has solidified its position as the premier business hub in South America. The city’s tranquillity, stability, green spaces, and cleanliness consistently impress visitors. Santiago boasts a high quality of life, along with a vibrant cultural scene and diverse culinary offerings, making it a highly desirable destination.
Enjoy the rest of your day at your leisure.
Day 5
Las Condes
Embark on a captivating half-day tour of Santiago, offering a panoramic perspective of the city from various viewpoints. You’ll encounter historical landmarks, bustling commercial districts, and charming residential areas.
Santiago’s modern uptown areas boast impressive avant-garde architecture and a relaxed pace. In contrast, the city centre pulsates as the administrative heart, housing the grand Government Palace (La Moneda), the Plaza de Armas square, and its majestic cathedral. Pedestrian boulevards invite exploration, leading to captivating museums and tranquil plazas.
Trendy neighbourhoods like Providencia, Bellavista, Las Condes, and Vitacura showcase a fusion of commercial and culinary delights, cutting-edge architecture, and vibrant nightlife. Soaring above the cityscape, the iconic Torre Costanera – designed by Cesar Pelli – offers a breathtaking viewing platform on clear days.
Santiago boasts several verdant escapes. Hike or bike the leafy trails of Cerro San Cristóbal (Parque Metropolitano) or take the charming funicular to its summit. Explore the Parque Bicentenario, inaugurated in 2010, or stroll through the scenic Parque Forestal. Cerro Santa Lucia, the birthplace of Santiago in 1541, offers another historical green space.
Afterwards, return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Day 6
Torres del Paine National Park
Explora Torres del Paine Lodge
This morning you’ll be transferred to Santiago Airport for your flight to Punta Arenas.
Upon arrival, you will be met at the arrivals hall by a local representative who will assist you to your vehicle for your approximate 5-hour transfer to your lodge located in Torres del Paine , Explora Torres del Paine.
From here, you will explore the awe-inspiring beauty of Patagonia for the next two days.
Day 7 to 9
Torres del Paine National Park
Explora Torres del Paine Lodge
Nestled within the stunning Torres del Paine National Park, Explora Torres del Paine Lodge offers a range of exhilarating trekking and horseback riding adventures to explore the region’s diverse landscapes.
Your experienced local guide will assist you in choosing the perfect excursions to suit your preferences and fitness level.
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Some of the unforgettable experiences* available at Explora Torres del Paine Lodge
*All trekking and horseback riding excursions are weather dependent and at the discretion of your guide
Trekking adventures
- Mirador Pehoé: Half-day hike | 4 km (2,4 mi)
- Highlights: Local flora, Lake Pehoé, and breathtaking panoramic views
- Laguna Azul: Half-day hike | 1.1 km (0.7 mi)
- Highlights: Local tree species, and panoramic views of the Blue Lagoon and Paine Towers
- Mirador Cóndor: Half-day hike | 4 km (2,2 mi)
- Highlights: Panoramic views of the National Park with incredible lookout points of the surrounding forests
- Mirador Ferrier: Half-day hike | 6 km (3,5 mi)
- Highlights: Beautiful forests, and panoramic views of the southern ice fields and Lake Grey
- Glaciar Grey – Guardas: Full-day hike | 18.5 km (11.5 mi)
- Highlights: Grey Glacier, surrounding forests, and majestic icebergs
Horseback riding adventures
- Laguna Negra: Half-day ride | 4 km (2,5 mi)
- Highlights: Pristine lagoons and unbelievable birdlife
- Puente Grey: Half day ride | 9.7 km (6 mi)
- Highlights: Riverbank ride with remarkable panoramic views
- Serrano: Half-day ride | 13 km (8 mi)
- Highlights: Serrano River, surrounding forests and panoramic views
- Donoso: Full-day ride | 25 km (15.5 mi)
- Highlights: Serrano Plain, Grey River, and Donosito lookout of the surrounding forests
Day 10
Lake District
&BEYOND Vira Vira
Following breakfast, a local representative will greet you and assist with your transfer to Punta Arenas Airport for your flight to Puerto Montt. Upon arrival, an &BEYOND Vira Vira representative will welcome you and transfer you to your lodge in Pucón.
Settle into your luxurious accommodations at &BEYOND Vira Vira and savour the rest of the day exploring the lodge’s stunning surroundings.
Day 11 to 12
Lake District
&BEYOND Vira Vira
While staying at &BEYOND Vira Vira, you will have two full days of experiences arranged by the lodge. Your butler and guide will be able to assist, each day helping you choose the right excursions tailored to your preferences and fitness levels. Our staff at Vira Vira are passionate about their work, as well as about the incredible excursions on offer and can’t wait to assist you.
The area is a traveller’s dream when it comes to adventures and choice of experiences. The many surrounding natural parks, the majestic Villarrica Volcano with its unbelievable views, water sports, horseback riding, and trekking in the foothills of the Andes, are a vital part of the experience at Vira Vira.
All experiences are centred on nature and adventure, with treks and horseback rides of various durations. There are also explorations of the nearby Villarrica Volcano, visiting its labyrinth of tunnels, or even reaching the summit. There are also several cultural activities, aimed at revealing the secrets of the region. Vira Vira also offers some wonderful experiences at the hotel itself such as cooking, cheese-making, and even spending a day in the organic garden, amongst many others.
Day 13: Departure
Lake District
Today, it’s time for you to bid farewell as your wonderful journey comes to an end.
After breakfast, you will be transferred by an &Beyond representative to Temuco Airport for your flight back to Santiago.
In Santiago, we wave goodbye as you board your flight onward.
13 Days | From USD 13,605
Choose a rate that suits your budget and view the full tour. Please keep in mind that these tours can be tailormade by speaking to one of our Travel Specialists.
Rates based on 2 guests sharing double accommodation. Children and small group rates are available on request.
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