Santiago, Patagonia and Atacama

Itinerary Highlights

Explore the most iconic destinations of Chile in a land of dramatic geographic extremes while lodging at all-inclusive authentic properties. Your adventure begins in the remote Atacama Desert, one of the driest deserts in the world and the archeological capital of Chile. Vivid orange and red sandstone give way to turquoise ponds in which to swim and clusters of pink flamingos stand out against white salt flats. Clear night skies, low light pollution and high altitude make the Atacama one of the best places in the world to observe the Southern night sky. During your stay at Nayara Alto Atacama, savor the local Atacamenian culture that is so evident in the hotel's architecture and design, as it sits in a desert valley with the microclimate of an oasis.

From the desert, head to the thundering glaciers and fjords of southern Patagonia. Chilean Patagonia is one of the few places in the world that amazes you with its natural collection of mountains, lakes, ice fields and forests. Trek to the base of Torres del Paine, fly fish for salmon or trout, navigate the fjords and glaciers, or kayak along a beautiful valley. Experience a high level of comfort and sophistication while staying at The Singular Patagonia, a national heritage whose history and location positions itself as one of the best in the south.

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 be briefed on all of the adventure that awaits for the coming days and discuss your interests with a guide. You will begin to plan the excursions for the next few days. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure in one of the many pools offered, followed by a night of stargazing at the lodge’s observation deck.

Overnight at Nayara Alto Atacama Desert Lodge (Lunch & Dinner)

Enjoy the next two days exploring the incredible region of the Atacama Desert. Each evening the lodge's expert guides will explain in detail the activities you may choose from for the next day. Choose from hiking and climbing excursions. Head to the epic Tatio Geysers, salt flats or Valley of the Moon. Get some active time biking or horseback riding. Discover the desert landscapes with the following excursions.

Overnight at Nayara Alto Atacama Desert Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Depart from Alto Atacama after breakfast and head to Calama Airport for your flight to Punta Arenas Airport. Your lodge representative will meet you upon landing for your direct transfer to your lodge for the start of your stay in Chile’s stunning Patagonia! You will meet with a guide to review the exceptional excursions that are offered by the lodge.

The Singular Hotel Patagonia is the transition between our small existence and the majestic, eternal surroundings. Declared national heritage in 1996, The Singular Patagonia, Puerto Bories Hotel, is a unique historic destination, set in a privilege setting and location which position it as one of the best in the south.  

Overnight at The Singular Patagonia Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

The next few days are yours to explore Patagonia and Torres del Paine National Park however you so choose.

Visit the Grey Glacier at the lake which shares its name. Kayak through the many lakes surrounding the national park or embark on a horseback riding tour. Bike around Puerto Consuelo or try out fly fishing. Choose from one of the lodge's many treks, including the signature trek to the Las Torres basin, a full-day adventure not to be missed. Your guides will be able to assist you in best determining how to maximize your time in this thrilling natural wonderland. Discover the Patagonian landscapes with the following excursions.

Overnight at The Singular Patagonia Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After breakfast head to Punta Arenas Airport to board your flight to Santiago where you'll connect for your departing flight home.

(Breakfast)

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

• Daily breakfast

• All meals, snacks and soft drinks at Nayara Alto Atacama Desert Lodge

• All meals, snacks and soft drinks at The Singular Patagonia Hotel

• All lodge-based activities in small groups at Nayara Alto Atacama Desert Lodge

• All lodge-based activities in small groups at The Singular Patagonia Hotel

• Private guided excursion of Santiago city

• All ground transfers between airports and accommodations

• Traveller Made ® Member Agency benefits at participating hotels:

  • Complimentary upgrade (subject to availability)

  • Early check-in and late check out (subject to availability)

  • Bespoke welcome room amenities upon arrival

  • Complimentary SPA treatment (30 min per person)

  • Spa voucher of USD $100 during stay

  • Local traditional gift

  • Benefits vary by property; member properties in this itinerary are: Nayara Alto Atacama and The Singular Patagonia

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

• Due to Atacama’s close proximity to both the Argentine and Bolivian border, some guests do arrive or depart the Atacama overland, rather than by a domestic flight. From San Pedro de Atacama, you can drive approximately 6 hours to get Salta, Argentina, a unique destination known for its Spanish colonial architecture and Andean heritage, and take the time to explore the wild Northwest of Argentina. Alternatively, you can combine Atacama with overland trips into the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia.

• For the best stargazing opportunities in San Pedro de Atacama, one should keep in mind the moon phases and organize the dates accordingly for the best visibility. Please consult with your Travel Designer on the best dates based on the moon calendar, if applicable.

• When is the best time to visit both the Atacama and Patagonia?

  • San Pedro de Atacama can be enjoyed year round. Although the Atacama receives less than 1.5cm of rainfall per year, occasionally there is a phenomena known as the "Bolivian Winter” that brings short periods of rain and clouds to the region from January - March. As such, the best time to visit both regions can be anywhere from September through December or March through April, with our preference being the shoulder months September and October as there are less tourists during this period and favorable weather conditions.

• For those guests that are sensitive to altitude, we may recommend an additional night in San Pedro de Atacama to properly acclimate before embarking on a trek or excursion to higher ground, such as viewing the iconic sunrise eruption of the Tatio Geyers, which stands at an elevation of 14,200 feet.

• From Patagonia, it is easy to travel overland across the border into Argentina to further explore the massive glaciers and world-class trekking outside of El Calafate and El Chalten. Travelers continuing on to Argentina can easily return home via Buenos Aires