Chile is, without a shadow of doubt, blessed in the scenery department. From the remotest corners of Patagonia to the peaks of Torres del Paine to the bucolic wine valleys, there is a plethora of gorgeous places to escape into. Better still, each and every destination has a collection of world-class properties to call home. So grab a cuppa (and perhaps your passport) and get ready to find out how to explore Chile in luxury.
A Chilean Adventure from the desert to glaciers
Your trip begins in the capital city of Santiago where the days will fly by in a flurry of museums and art galleries, delicious dining and architecture. Pay a visit to the former home of poet, Pablo Neruda, groove to live jazz in the park, and scour the bustling Mercado Central for some treasures to add to your suitcase.
Then it’s time to head north, your compass set for the Atacama Desert. Here, you’ll explore the surreal landscape on foot, marvelling at the rock formations and erupting geysers, lunar valleys and glinting salt pans, not to mention clouds of pink flamingos. For an added dash of adventure, there’s fat biking, sandboarding and horse riding too, all rounded off with a cooling dip in one of the salty lagoons. At night, the stargazing is out of this world, whether you fancy visiting one of the observatories or simply laying back and turning your eyes skywards.
Your final stop is the staggering Torres del Paine National Park, home to some of the most incredible hiking trails in the world. Trek across the Grey Glacier alongside sky-blue lakes and in the shadow of the iconic peaks, then turn your hand to kayaking adventures, riding horseback in search of pumas, and scenic drives to the furthest corners of the park. There’s no end to the wonders you’ll discover – or the ways in which you can do it.
Opulent spots to stay
In Santiago, the Singular boasts a rooftop pool with views all the way to the famous San Cristobal Hill and a selection of uber-stylish rooms. At the Explora in the Atacama Desert, enjoy a little pampering in the thermal pools – the larger suites have their own hot tub – and head to the private observatory for some serious stargazing. Set in a private reserve on the edge of Torres del Paine, Awasi Patagonia has a dozen villas in a secluded location overlooking Lake Sarmiento, the Patagonian Steppe and the iconic towers. Each villa has its own wood-burning hot tub and a dedicated vehicle and guide.
The highlights of Chile
This trip begins in the verdant wine valleys of central Chile, where you’ll taste your way from vineyard to vineyard, all the while watched over by the majestic Andes. Next up, the quirky and colourful Valparaiso welcomes you into its world where Smartie-coloured houses dot the (many!) hills and vivid street art adorns every corner. The city has plenty of history to discover and delight in – that is when you’re not enjoying a bowl of ceviche and a glass of red.
After a brief stop in capital city, Santiago, it’s off to the Lake District for hiking galore, accompanied by visits to chocolate box towns, skiing, hot springs, and cruises to the enchanting Chiloe Island. If you thought hiking in the Lake District was good, just wait until you arrive in the Torres del Paine National Park where there are lofty, snow-laden peaks, indigo lagoons and glaciers in every direction — you can even make the trek across the formidable Grey Glacier.
In northernmost Chile, the Atacama Desert awaits with its mystical, striking landscapes. Hike, bike or drive your way between the valleys, fizzing geysers and lagoons (don’t forget to stop for a refreshing dip), sandboard down apricot dunes or enjoy sunset picnics in Moon Valley. Every moment here truly holds something special. Your final stop lies 3,700 kilometres off the coast of Chile and is one of the most remote and unique destinations on Earth: Easter Island. Here, you’ll trek amidst volcanoes and fossilised lava tubes, marvel at the giant moai figures and the enigma of their making — there are even some under the water — and laze on pink sands as the sun sinks below the horizon.
Opulent spots to stay
An architectural gem, the Vik is a handsome option in the Wine Valleys complete with grape-infused spa treatments and private dining in fabulous, secret locations. Relax at Casa Higueras in Valaparaiso, an original 1920s mansion with an infinity pool and hot tub overlooking the city. In the Lake District, &Beyond Vira Vira boasts a fabulous array of activities, and in Torres del Paine, you can’t get much closer to the ‘Towers of Blue’ than the Explora, which boasts over 50 curated excursions and a divine spa to retire to afterwards. In the Atacama, Awasi has a stellar collection of suites, each with their own guide and vehicle, while Explora Rapa Nui is the perfect introduction to Easter Island — the infinity pool will quickly become your favourite place to be.
Vineyards, desert scenes & Easter Island
Your journey begins in the immaculate Wine Valleys, which just happens to be one of the most impressive grape-growing regions in the world. Taste the many offerings, or do a little exploring by bike or horseback. Then it’s off to Valparaiso, where clackety funiculars and wooden staircases take you on a voyage from one hill (cerro) to the next, discovering dazzling artwork, historic quarters and museums as you go.
Then, you’re heading north to one of the oldest deserts on Earth, the Atacama, a sensational landscape where geysers erupt in spectacular displays, alpacas and vicunas wander from valley to valley, and the sunsets belong in an oil painting. Stick around for stargazing beneath one of the clearest skies you’ve ever seen.
The trip ends with a bang on Easter Island, a novel-worthy setting where there are ancient relics to be discovered, rugged terrain to be explored, and beautiful beaches ring the entire island.
Opulent spots to stay
A vision in curving steel, the Vik sits right on the edge of a lake in the Wine Valleys and is always one of our favourites to soak up the laid-back atmosphere of the region. In Valparaiso, the Hotel Palacio Astoreca drips in contemporary artwork and the spa is just the ticket after a day out. Awasi Atacama has 12 impeccable suites (the best have a private solarium and outdoor shower) and each boast their own guide and vehicle. On Easter Island, Nayara Hangaroa does everything to the nines with heavenly stone bathtubs, four-hands massages and a pool overlooking the vast ocean.
