Discover Chile's diverse natural landscape from Patagonia in the south to the Atacama Desert in the north staying in luxury at Explora lodges

1Overview
Overview

This private journey combines world-class hikes in Chilean Patagonia and the other-worldly landscapes of the Atacama Desert with luxury eco-lodge accommodation. Commencing with an overnight stay in Santiago, fly to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas, followed by a scenic road journey to Explora Torres del Paine. Perched on a ridge overlooking scenic Lake Pehoé and the Paine Mountain Range, your home base for the next four nights is a comfortable sanctuary to return to after full days exploring the rugged peaks and windswept plains of Torres del Paine National Park. A range of guided excursions are options here including Grey Glacier cruises and the famed Towers Base Hike and French Valley. Next travel north to continue your Chilean adventure in the Atacama Desert. On arrival recharge at Explora Atacama's impressive spa facilities, or jump straight in with a guided experience in the unique desert landscape. Highlights include the Rainbow Valley, the Atacama Salt Flats and the Puritama Hot Springs. This unforgettable private luxury tour includes all meals and beverages, guided experiences customised to your preferences, road transfers and internal flights, all complemented by warm Chilean hospitality.

Explora Torres del Paine Exterior 6
Explora Atacama Experience salt flats
View Gallery
2Trip Highlights
Highlights

Atacama Desert, Chilean Patagonia and Santiago

Highlights of the W-Trek and hiking in Torres del Paine NP

The Andes mountains and other-worldly landscapes of Atacama Desert

Grey Glacier

Luxury all-inclusive accommodation at Explora Lodges

Wildlife viewing opportunities galore, including flamingos, pumas, Guanacos and condors

3Rates & Inclusions
What's Included
  • Four nights of luxury accommodation at Explora Torres del Paine
  • Four nights of luxury accommodation at Explora Atacama
  • One-night luxury accommodation in one of Santiago's best boutique hotels in the buzzing Lastarria neighbourhood
  • Guided walks, horse riding, cycling and other activities throughout your journey
  • Opportunity to hike the best of the W-trek and visit Grey Glacier as excursion options in Torres del Paine National Park
  • Opportunity to visit the Salt Flats, Rainbow Valley and Salt Mountain Range in San Pedro de Atacama
  • All-inclusive dining and beverages (house wines and spirits included) at both Explora lodges
  • Breakfast included at your Santiago hotel
  • Private return transfers from Santiago Airport to your Santiago accommodation
  • Return shared transfers from Calama Airport to Explora Atacama
  • Return shared transfers from Puerto Natales (or Punta Arenas) airport to Explora Torres del Paine
  • One-way direct flight from Santiago to Puerto Natales (or Punta Arenas in shoulder months)
  • One-way direct flight from Punta Arenas to Calama (San Pedro de Atacama)
  • One-way direct flight from Calama to Santiago

From pricing is per person twin share, based on the shoulder season (October and April); please enquire about the applicable rate for your month of travel.

          4Location & Access
          Location & Access

          Your journey commences and concludes in Santiago, Chile. All flights and transfers within Chile are included with this journey. Fly to Santiago direct from Australia (Sydney, Melbourne), United States (several major cities) or Buenos Aires, among other popular air routes.

          WIL MAP SOUTH AMERICA Southern Patagonia
          6Itinerary
          Day-by-Day Itinerary

          Day 1

          Your Chilean journey begins when you land in Santiago. You'll be met at the airport and introduced to the city en route to your hotel. Enjoy a self-guided walk through the Lastarria neighbourhood this afternoon and a restful overnight stay in your luxury hotel.

          Included: D

          Lastarria District Santiago cr Singular

          Day 2

          Enjoy an early breakfast before the transfer to Santiago Airport for your flight to Puerto Natales (or Punta Arenas) in Chilean Patagonia. Here, you'll meet your Explora driver for the scenic road transfer to Explora Torres del Paine. Set in the heart of its namesake National Park with incredible lake and mountain views, this all-inclusive luxury lodge is your sanctuary for the next few nights. Upon arrival, you'll meet with the excursions team to plan a customised itinerary for the duration of your stay based on your preferences and abilities. Settle in with a Chilean cocktail at the bar this afternoon, or enjoy a self-guided lakeside walk to one of the many scenic viewpoints within a short distance from the lodge. Later, sit down to a delicious three-course dinner with Chilean wine in the hotel's restaurant overlooking Lake Pehoé.

          Included: B - L - D

          Explora hotel exterior pat 02

          Day 3

          Following breakfast, join your guide for your first Torres del Paine National Park adventure. To help acquaint yourself with the park's spectacular landscape, you may prefer to start with a gentle walk or horse ride to picturesque vantage points or join a 4WD excursion with the opportunity to spot native wildlife including Guanacos, pumas and condors. In the afternoon relax back at the lodge in the heated, covered pool, or in one of the four open-air hot tubs with panoramic views of the Paine River. Enjoy a pre-dinner Pisco Sour from the bar before your evening meal.

          Included: B - L - D

          French Valley Hike LR

          Day 4

          Fuel up with a hearty breakfast this morning before lacing up your boots and setting off for a full-day hike exploring the National Park. Choices today include one of the iconic sections of the W-Trek, commencing with a scenic cruise on Lake Pehoé aboard Explora's catamaran. You may wish to hike the forested ‘Valle Frances’ (French Valley) with spectacular views of the hanging glaciers, or discover Grey Glacier from varying perspectives with a combined hike and boat trip. Back at the lodge, reward tired muscles with a massage treatment or a relaxing steam in the sauna, before another wonderful dinner to finish the day.

          Included: B - L - D

          Explora Torres del Paine Experience 10

          Day 5

          For your last full day in Torres del Paine, we recommend culminating your Patagonian adventure with a hike to the base of the Torres del Paine, often considered one of the world's best walks. After a challenging uphill climb through native lenga forests and rocky hillsides of the Ascencio Valley, the majestic granite Towers appear before you, with the glacial lagoon visible below. Return following the same trail, with memories of those spectacular views and the promise of a delicious meal and warm bed spurring you on. Tonight's dinner will surely be a celebratory one as you reflect on your Patagonian adventure and toast your achievements with new-found friends.

          Included: B - L - D

          Towers Base Hike Torres del Paine National Park NK

          Day 6

          Start your final morning in Torres del Paine with a leisurely breakfast and perhaps time for a quick relax in the spa before your transfer to Puerto Natales (or Punta Arenas, depending on the season). Fly north to Calama Airport, where your driver awaits to take you to Explora Atacama near the quaint village of San Pedro de Atacama. Once again you'll plan out a personalised itinerary of Atacama adventures with the experienced Explora excursion team based on your preferences - choose to do as much or as little as you like. This afternoon make the most of the lodge's extensive spa facilities, including four temperature-controlled pools set among pampas grass. Tonight's dinner will feature traditional flavours and local produce to continue the authentic Chilean experience.

          Included: B - D

          Explora Hot Tubs

          Day 7

          Contemplate your options for the day ahead over a delicious breakfast this morning. You may wish to consider exploring the Atacama Salt Flats by bike, horseback, on foot or by van. Highlights include Los Flamencos National Reserve at the picturesque Chaxa Lagoon for bird-watching opportunities and the secluded desert village of Toconao, with its soft white stone walls, artisan workshops and community gardens. This afternoon, escape the blazing desert sun with a refreshing drink at the bar or a cool dip in the pool. If you're feeling active, stroll into the nearby village of San Pedro de Atacama and explore its dusty streets, adobe houses and arts and crafts market where you can pick up some locally hand-crafted souvenirs to take home with you. Refuel with another delicious dinner and restful sleep before tomorrow's adventures.

          Included: B - L - D

          Explora Atacama Experience salt flats

          Day 8

          After breakfast, set off on another adventure with your local guides. You may wish to squeeze in two half-day activities today. One possible option is a relatively short but moderately challenging walk along the river and through rock walls and vegetation to Puritama Hot Springs. Maintaining a constant temperature range between 28° and 31° Celsius, the eight thermal pools are set within canyon walls and surrounded by native vegetation. Enjoy a relaxing soak before returning along the same path. You may also consider an excursion to the Domeyko Mountain Range where you'll have the opportunity to discover archaeological sites featuring different styles of petroglyphs or explore the striking multi-shaded, mineral-laden walls and rock formations that give the Rainbow Valley its colourful name. Return to the lodge for drinks and dinner with fellow guests in the restaurant and bar lounge tonight.

          Included: B - L - D

          Explora Atacama Puritama Hot Springs

          Day 9

          Today, we recommend exploring the other-worldly valleys of the Salt Mountain Range. A range of excursions with varying degrees of difficulty by bike or on foot are possible. Discover the lunar-like landscape of the aptly named Moon Valley and the dramatic ravines and culturally significant sites of the Catarpe Valley. Return to the lodge for an afternoon siesta or opt for one more excursion - perhaps a gentle horse ride exploring local social and farming communities - to make the most of your last chance to explore the unique Atacaman landscape. Enjoy a final dinner in the lodge restaurant this evening, sharing stories of your Chilean adventures with fellow guests and new friends, followed by an evening of stargazing at Explora's onsite observatory.

          Included: B - L - D

          Explora Atacama Exterior at night

          Day 10

          Enjoy a leisurely start to the day, taking in the Atacama views one last time over breakfast. You'll be transferred to Calama airport later this morning for your flight to Santiago where your luxury Chilean journey concludes.

          Our Journey Designers will be happy to assist with extension options including the Chilean Lakes District or Easter Island.

          Included: B

          Explora Atacama Interior lobby lounge
          7Season & Departure Dates
          Season & Departure Dates

          Year-round with any day departure available

          Get in touch

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