Best of Chile: Luxury Adventure

Itinerary Highlights

Chile is an abundance of natural phenomena, and it can be a challenge to decide where to start for the adventurous soul. There is no better way to experience the contrasting landscapes that Chile has to offer, all while luxuriating in three of Explora’s world-renowned properties and leading expedition company, and ending your stay at a charming luxury country home in the wine region.  

The Explora lodges guarantee action-packed days, with in-depth explorations of the remote yet impressive territories of Chile. The best part is everything is included during your journey - accommodation, all gourmet 3-course meals, transport, expert guided small group excursions and wine tasting.

Starting in the vibrant city of Santiago, you will then head for three nights in the expansive Atacama Desert. Explore one of the driest deserts on Earth and you will be mesmerized by the huge sand dunes, salt pans with flamingos, impressive volcanoes and cloudless skies. Over 30 explorations can be completed by hiking, biking, horseback riding, or the in-house astronomical observatory, to better discover the mysteries of the desert. 

After an overnight in Santiago, continue your journey for a unique and off the beaten path experience to Easter Island, which hides the mysteries of a unique and mysterious culture. Delve further into the local Rapa Nui history by snorkeling or diving to discover the underwater moai's, the enigmatic stone giants. 

Then you are off to explore nature’s most pristine example - Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. With a privileged location and exceptional views, choose among 40 explorations, which includes mountains, lakes, glaciers, lenga tree forests, prairies and rivers, in addition to the most iconic spans of the trekking circuit known as "W" as well as less explored routes.

Finish your adventurous journey in the wine estate of Rosario Valley, near Casablanca, at a luxury colonial country home, for delectable wines and relaxing in the sparkling pool. Embark on a tour of the winery and enjoy sampling world-class selection of wines during your stay.

Hotels and lodges described in the itinerary are recommended by Craft Travel but there are numerous options in each destination and we will customize your itinerary based upon your preferences. With your feedback, we will similarly customize suggested activities, time spent in each location and trip extensions to additional destinations of interest nearby.

Detailed Itinerary

Upon arrival to the airport you will be met by our representative who will transfer you in a private vehicle toward downtown Santiago for hotel check-in. Once you have settled in, you will head with your guide to explore the city of Santiago. Soak up in this impressive city during the private tour which includes visits to historical sites, such as the neoclassical La Moneda Palace, Plaza de Armas and San Cristobal Hill. Don’t miss out on the panoramic views of the mountains (Cordillera de los Andes) by traveling to the top of San Cristobal hill by cable car. Venture beyond the city into the varied neighborhoods like the bohemian artsy Bellavista or the high-end areas of Las Condes and Vitacura.

Overnight at The Singular Lastarria Hotel (no meals included)

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to Santiago International Airport for your departing flight to Calama, which is approximately a 2 hour flight. Once you arrive to Calama, you will be met by a representative for your 2 hour drive through the desert before reaching your lodge.  After checking in, you will immediately meet with a guide to discuss your interests as well as the Atacama highlights, in order to plan the excursions for the next few days. Afterwards, this afternoon is yours to rest, enjoy the property, or jump right into an exhilarating half-day adventure!

Overnight at Explora Lodge Atacama (Lunch & Dinner)

Explora Lodge proposes a new way of traveling based on in-depth exploration of the surrounding area, while always providing a touch of luxury and comfort. Choose from over 30 excursions offered, which can be reviewed beforehand on the Explorations Menu.

A few of Craft Trave'l’s favorite excursions is bike riding to the famed Moon Valley or horseback riding through the traditional area of Solar in Atacama. Hiking Social or Corona Volcano is also a great and rewarding challenging. Do not forget to explore the epic salt flats or spend the morning visiting the remarkable Tatio Geysers, a geothermal field with over 80 boiling water sources.  

Overnight at Explora Lodge Atacama (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Calama airport for your departing flight to Santiago for an overnight near the airport. The following morning, you will make your way to the mystical Easter Islands.

Overnight at Holiday Inn Santiago Airport (Breakfast)

After breakfast and check out, you will be transferred to the airport for you flight to Easter Island. Flying time is approximately 5 hours.

Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport by a lodge representative who will accompany you on your transfer to Explora Rapa Nui. You will meet with an expert guide to review the different excursions offered and learn the highlights of the island as well as plan for the next few days. Enjoy your first afternoon and evening at leisure or choose from any of Explora’s half day explorations to begin experiencing the wonder of Rapa Nui for yourself.

Overnight at Explora Rapa Nui (Breakfast and Dinner)

Rapa Nui, the most remote inhabited island in our planet, is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, yet with over 30 explorations offered, you are bound to have an experience filled with adventure. Choose from over 30 explorations found on the Explorations Menu, either on foot, bike riding or on a boat, offering travelers a deep exploration experience that includes visiting places that are even unknown to some locals and feeling the history of the Rapa Nui culture.

Some of Craft Travel’s favorite excursions are scuba diving to see sunken moan statues and bike riding along the cliffs on the way to Tahai. Don’t miss the opportunity to hike to Mahatua and visit the remains of the Rapa Nui kings who lived there (and bring your bathing suit for some of the island’s best beaches).

Overnight at Explora Rapa Nui (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Santiago for an overnight near the airport. The following morning, you will head to your final destination, Patagonia!

Overnight at Holiday Inn Santiago Airport (Breakfast)

After breakfast and check out, you will take a 3h20min flight to yet another example of Chile’s magnificent and contrasting landscape - Patagonia! Upon arrival to either Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales airport, you will be met by a lodge representative who will take you on a breathtaking journey through the countryside to Torres del Paine, where the lodge itself is located. You will meet with an expert guide to plan your adventure for the next few days. This afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy the property’s amenities, or jump right onto a late afternoon activity.

Overnight at Explora Patagonia (Breakfast & Dinner)

Choose from a list of over 40 explorations found on the Explorations Menu, carefully crafted to cover all areas of the park. From 1 hour walks to full day hikes up the mountainside, Explora has something for everyone and every day. Today, consider a boat trip to walk along the beach of Grey Lake, sailing past mighty glaciers, or a full day hike to view the Pehoé, Sarmiento and Nordenskjöld lakes from Bader Valley. Definitely consider a full day mountain hike to the summit of Cerro Castillo, taking in an unforgettable 360 ° view of the park and its surroundings.

Overnight at Explora Patagonia (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Enjoy a final morning at leisure, with complimentary late check-out available subject to availability. At the scheduled time your driver will meet you at your hotel to escort you to either Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales Airport for your flight to Santiago. Upon arrival at Santiago airport, you will be transferred to Rosario Valley, near Casablanca, for an approximate drive time of 1h15m. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure on this private estate, as well its excellent Equilibrio Restaurant for Chilean-inspired dishes.

La Casona Matetic (Breakfast & Dinner)

Enjoy a full day at La Casona Matetic. An assortment of outdoor activities, such as trekking, mountain biking or horseback riding, are offered in the valley. Alternatively, embark on a wine tour and visit one of the numerous wine estates dotted around this breathtaking landscape. Unwind after a successful day of adventures in the sparking swimming pool or retreat to the cosy living area, which boasts a roaring fireplace, pool table and honesty bar. A must-visit is the El Emporio wine shop and tasting room, where a world-class selection of wines from the estate can be sampled. Note: Certain activities require a supplemental cost.

La Casona Matetic (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

At the scheduled time, you will be privately transferred to the Santiago International Airport for your departing flight home. Late check-out may require a supplemental cost.

(Breakfast)

• 14 nights accommodation (based on double/twin occupancy)

• Daily breakfast

• All meals, snacks and soft drinks at all Explora Lodges

• All lodge-based activities in small groups at all Explora Lodges

• Wine Experience and Meals at La Casona Matetic

• Private guided excursion of Santiago city

• All ground transfers between airports and accommodations

• *Not included: gratuities, visas (if applicable), international and internal flights, meals and drinks not described above, items of a personal nature