Chile comprises a narrow coastal strip between the Andes and the Pacific, meaning neither the mountains nor the ocean are ever far away. In the north, the Atacama Desert contains great mineral wealth, primarily copper. The relatively small Central Valley, which includes the capital, Santiago, dominates the country in terms of population and agriculture. The south of the country features a string of volcanoes and lakes, and its coast is a labyrinth of fjords, peninsulas and islands. In addition to the stunning landscapes, Chile is the world’s fourth-largest exporter of wine, making it an ideal destination for wine lovers.
On your Chilean journey, you will travel the entire 3,000-mile length of the country. Should you decide to follow in our footsteps, you will stay in places that offer exemplary comfort and fine service. Delicious food and fascinating guided expeditions will also add enormously to the pleasure of your trip.
Our itineraries are for your inspiration. Please contact a travel advisor to customize this itinerary to fit your needs.
From the airport, take a private transfer to the The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago, which has an extensive spa with a sauna, whirlpool, indoor pool and sundeck on an adjacent terrace.
Make a short trip to San Cristobal Hill, which offers a panoramic view of the city and the Andes Mountains beyond. Nearby, the Bellavista neighborhood is a lively area with distinctive restaurants, boutiques and galleries.
Explore a charming handicrafts village called Los Dominicos, with dozens of shops selling woven goods, carvings, antiques and objects sculpted from copper and lapis lazuli.
The next day, embark on a full tour of the city. Accompanied by a guide, follow a tree-lined avenue to the stately Palacio de La Moneda, opened in 1805 as a mint and now the seat of the Chilean government. A colorful guard-changing ceremony takes place at 10 a.m. on every odd-numbered day.
From there, head to the Plaza de Armas, which is surrounded by historic buildings that include the Metropolitan Cathedral. A short walk to the north, the delightful Central Market is packed with stalls selling fruits, vegetables and a marvelous array of fresh fish.
Later visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, with works by Chilean and European artists from the 16th to 20th centuries. For dinner, opt for Astrid & Gastón (see our Santiago restaurant reviews).
A two-hour flight from Santiago brings you to Calama in the Atacama Desert. From there, make a 90-minute drive to the little town of San Pedro de Atacama, ideally located for excursions into the most spectacular parts of the desert.
Your resort, Awasi Atacama, offers an extensive menu of activities, however, it is such a distinctive and atmospheric place that you can slow down and enjoy leisurely afternoons by the pool.
Linger beside the fire pit after nightfall, sip a pisco sour and enjoy the starry sky.
The journey from the Atacama to Southern Patagonia generally requires an overnight stay in Santiago. From the capital, it is a three-and-a-half-hour flight to Punta Arenas.
Although the subsequent drive from the airport to Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa takes four hours, the journey passes extremely quickly, thanks to the mesmerizing landscape of jagged mountains and sheep-dotted steppes.
Tierra Patagonia is located just outside the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park, famous for its extraordinary granite spires. The surrounding area offers some of the finest hiking anywhere in the world, amid surroundings of scarcely believable splendor. For birders, consider an excursion to Lago Azul, owing to the large number of Andean condors. You can also enjoy a tour of a local estancia, a visit that provides real insight into Patagonian life, as well as the opportunity to dine on wonderful roast lamb prepared by one of the gauchos.
Puerto Natales is a seaside town about an hour south of Tierra Patagonia. Check in to The Singular Patagonia. The hotel offers a full range of expeditions and hikes in the Torres del Paine National Park. However, it also affords guests the opportunity to visit some of the coastal glaciers by speedboat.
Make the 150-mile drive from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas, and from there fly back to Santiago. Then journey three hours southwest to the Colchagua Valley, one of the prime wine regions of Chile.
You will stay at the extraordinary Lapostolle Residence. There isn't a more idyllic spot in which to lounge beside a pool in the sunshine. Although there are many activities to take advantage of — including hiking, bicycling and horseback riding — you can also tour nearby wineries.
On your last day, idle over a late lunch and then head to the Santiago airport.
Contact a travel advisor to book your custom itinerary. Fill out the form or call (630) 734-4610.
Andrew Harper members have access to full travel-planning services through Andrew Harper Travel.
1 (800) 375-4685
Open M-F 8:30AM-5:30PM CT
