Exploring Chile In Comfort And Style
Tour Introduction
Reef & Rainforest has designed this itinerary to showcase the diverse attributes which make Chile such an exciting country to visit, without compromising on authentic Chilean comfort and style. From a luxurious desert lodge and spa in the Atacama Desert to the highest quality accommodation available within Torres del Paine National Park. From a sophisticated hillside mansion in the port of Valparaiso to sipping fine wines while staying in a vineyard’s boutique hotel in the Colchagua Valley – we invite you to treat yourself to the best that Chile has to offer in terms of locations and hotels. You may only visit Chile once, so make sure it is done in the most satisfying and discerning way possible.
Full Itinerary
Met on arrival and transfer to hotel. Afternoon guided exploration of the historical and modern sights of Santiago. This will include La Moneda, a walk through the pedestrian streets of Huerfanos and Ahumada, the Plaza de Armas, and Santa Lucia Hill where the Spanish founded Santiago in 1541. Continue on to the cultural and artistic neighbourhood of Bellavista, explore San Cristobal Hill, and finish in elegant Providencia before returning to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Staying at Hotel Le Reve. Includes Breakfast.
Transfer to Santiago Airport, fly to Calama, and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. Afternoon shared activity.
Staying at Hotel Alto Atacama Desert Lodge and Spa. Includes All Meals.
Enjoy two half days or one full day of shared excursions exploring the Atacama Desert. These could include a drive to the Moon Valley, Tatio Geysers or altiplano lagoons, hikes, mountain biking, volcano climbing (depending on physical fitness), and star gazing.
Staying at Hotel Alto Atacama Desert Lodge and Spa. Includes All Meals.
Enjoy two half days or one full day of shared excursions exploring the Atacama Desert.
Staying at Hotel Alto Atacama Desert Lodge and Spa. Includes All Meals.
Enjoy a final shared half day guided excursion then transfer to Calama in the afternoon and fly to Santiago.
Staying at Holiday Inn Santiago - Airport Terminal. Includes Breakfast.
Fly to Punta Arenas in the far south of Chilean Patagonia and transfer overland to your luxury accommodation within Torres del Paine National Park. Torres del Paine is home to 26 species of mammals including guanaco, puma (Chile’s largest carnivore), the endangered South Andean deer (the Huemul, Chile’s national symbol), two species of fox, and the Patagonian skunk. Bird species number 118 and include wading birds such as the Chilean flamingo which live in the numerous lakes and lagoons across the park, 15 species of birds of prey
including the Andean condor, and South America’s largest bird, the flightless
rhea, which lives on the Patagonian steppe.
Staying at Explora Patagonia. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
Enjoy two half days or one full day of shared excursions exploring Torres del Paine National Park and some less visited areas outside the National Park. These could include a hike to the Cuernos viewpoint, French Valley or the Base of the Towers, horse rides, or vehicle based excursions to some of the principal sites of interest within the National Park.
Staying at Explora Patagonia. Includes All Meals.
Enjoy two half days or one full day of shared guided excursions exploring Torres del Paine National Park and its environs.
Staying at Explora Patagonia. Includes All Meals.
Return to Punta Arenas and fly to Santiago. Met on arrival and transfer by road to Valparaiso on the coast.
Staying at Casa Higueras. Includes Breakfast.
A day at leisure. Perhaps explore the historic quarter of Valparaiso (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), ride a cable car, stroll along Atkinson and Gervasoni boardwalks, see Plaza Sotomayor and finish with a visit to La Sebastiana Museum.
Staying at Casa Higueras. Includes Breakfast.
After a relaxed morning, have a private transfer to your stylish boutique hotel attached to a French-owned winery in the Colchagua Valley wine region.
Staying at Lapostelle Residence. Includes All Meals.
Enjoy a day to learn about the wines of the area with a private tour and tasting at Clos Apalta Winery, including a visit to the family’s private cellar, and walks, or mountain biking, through the vineyards.
Staying at Lapostelle Residence. Includes All Meals.
Transfer to Santiago Airport and catch your international flight home.
Includes Breakfast.
Tour Accommodation
Alto Atacama Desert Lodge and Spa
Overview
The hotel is located in the Catarpe Valley, just over a mile from San Pedro de Atacama’s main square. There are a total of 42 rooms and suites, all with private terrace, ceiling fan, central heating (for the cool winter), minibar with water and soft drinks, and safety deposit box. There are no TVs in the rooms. All rooms have showers only, no bathtubs.
Guests on the full board programme have access to the Puri Spa, buffet breakfast and a three course lunch (except on full day tours when a packed lunch is provided). Dinner is included, as well as all drinks (except for premium spirits, wines and champagne). Free shuttle transfers to/from San Pedro Village are available between 0900 and 2330. Services not included are spa treatments, massages, phone calls and laundry.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
The main building houses a restaurant, lounge with fireplace, and bar. Outside there are six small pools and an outdoor Jacuzzi, outdoor bar and dining room, as well as outdoor lounge areas with fire pits. The Puri Spa options include Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, Scottish showers, and indoor and outdoor hot tubs.
Optional Activities
The hotel offers over 30 guided excursions which vary in length from half to full days by van, on foot, or by mountain bike. Sites include the Valle de la Luna, Geysers del Tatio, Salar de Atacama, Toconao, Quebrada de los Cardones, and Laguna Cejar.
Casa Higueras
Overview
Perched on Valparaiso’s steep hills with spectacular views over the bay, Casa Higueras is an hotel with real character, an elegant base for exploring this fascinating Chilean port and surroundings.
The hotel’s 20 rooms on five levels of a renovated 1920’s mansion are complimented by warm Chilean hospitality and fine cuisine. All rooms include complimentary WiFi, minibar, safe, cable TV and DVD. The tiered gardens feature a spa, sauna and swimming pool. The neighbourhood of Cerro Alegre is UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel houses one of Valparaiso’s top restaurants, which offers beautiful views across the bay and hills of the picturesque city.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Montealegre restaurant, living room, panoramic terrace and garden, sauna and outdoor Jacuzzi, outdoor pool, massage treatments, room service, laundry and complimentary WiFi.
Explora Patagonia
Overview
Located within Torres del Paine National Park on the banks of the Salto Chico waterfall, Explora Patagonia affords commanding views across the turquoise waters of Pehoe Lake to the Paine Massif and granite towers. The 49 rooms and suites have views of either the Macizo de Paine or the Salta Chico Waterfall, and are equipped with a hydromassage bath for a relaxing soak after a day of exploration. The massage room and pool area is located 100 metres away from the main building down a sloped wood path. There is a covered heated pool, sauna, massage service, and four open air Jacuzzis with views of the Paine River.
Explora Patagonia offers over 50 inclusive half day or full day guided hikes and horseback rides ranging from easy to expert. It is the only hotel in the area with its own horses which have been bred and trained especially for guests to explore the area on horseback.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, bar, lounge with TV, store, stables, Ona Boathouse spa, and WiFi in the communal areas.
Local Wildlife
There are 26 species of mammal in Torres del Paine National Park including guanaco, puma, south Andean deer, dwarf armadillo and Patagonian skunk. Bird species number 118 including Chilean flamingo, lesser rhea and Andean condor.
Holiday Inn Santiago – Airport Terminal
Overview
This 306 room hotel is located directly in front of Santiago Airport terminal making it an ideal place to stay for a late arrival/early departure. The comfortable rooms are equipped with cable/satellite TV, air-conditioning, complimentary WiFi and safety deposit box.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Lounge, restaurant and cocktail bar, indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, small fitness centre, laundry and room service (1000 – 0500).
Clos Apalta Residence
Overview
The Relais Chateaux Clos Apalta Residence is part of the exclusive Clos Apalta winery which is owned by the Marnier-Lapostolle family of Grand Marnier fame. It is located outside the town of Santa Cruz, about 2 hours 30 minutes of Santiago in Colchagua Valley.
There are just four luxurious casitas nestled into the forested hills with wonderful views of the Apalta vineyards and the mountains beyond. All have a private terrace and garden.
The restaurant serves a seasonal menu using products from their own organic vegetable garden, as well as from local produce markets.
During a stay at Clos Apalta Residence enjoy wine tours, explore the vineyards on horseback or mountain bike, hike in the forested Apalta hills, and visit nearby Santa Cruz town with its typical craft shops and the Colchagua Museum, the largest private museum in Chile.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, living room, wine tasting and conference room, outdoor pool, in room massages, and yoga classes.
Hotel Le Reve
Overview
This stylish boutique hotel is conveniently located in the Providencia district of Santiago within walking distance of a variety of bars and restaurants. There is a distinct French influence, though the hotel is Chilean owned! The 28 rooms and 3 suites are all equipped with LCD cable TV, complimentary WiFi, air-conditioning, minibar, safety deposit box and phone.
There is a cosy, attractive living room, and a lovely interior garden. Breakfast only is provided, though there are plenty of meal options steps from the hotel. Room service is available for breakfast, and the hotel also has menus from various nearby restaurants from which meals can be ordered. In the evening an honesty bar is set up in the lounge, and late night tea, coffee and snacks in the kitchen.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Living room, interior garden, honesty bar and complimentary WiFi.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Flight Info:
British Airways operates four direct flights per week from London Heathrow to Santiago. Other flight options from the UK to Santiago include Air France via Paris, Iberia via Madrid, LATAM via Madrid or Sao Paulo, and Avianca via Bogota.
Best Visited:
January to January
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
John Melton
Area Specialist
For the best star gazing in the Atacama Desert avoid visiting six days before and three days after a full moon.
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
I last used Reef and Rainforest 11 years ago when we went to Costa Rica. Once again we were very impressed with the level of organisation and attention to detail. Hopefully we will be using the company again.
