16-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Chile
Chile is a land of extreme beauty and sophisticated hospitality. This 16-day itinerary is meticulously designed for travelers who demand the best, combining the rugged, raw landscapes of the Andes with the refined elegance of luxury eco-lodges and award-winning vineyards. You will traverse the length of this slender nation, moving seamlessly from the driest desert on earth to the dramatic glaciers of the deep south.
Throughout this journey, we prioritize premium intercity transport, including domestic flights and private transfers, ensuring your time is spent experiencing the wonders of Chile rather than navigating them. Expect high-end dining in Santiago, private stargazing in the Atacama, and exclusive wildlife safaris in Patagonia.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Santiago, Chile - Arrival & Skyline Vistas
Arrival at Santiago International
Touch down at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport and meet your private chauffeur for a transfer to the upscale Las Condes district.
Gourmet Lunch at Boragó
Experience innovative Chilean cuisine at one of the World's 50 Best Restaurants, focusing on indigenous ingredients.
Sky Costanera Observatory
Ascend South America's tallest building for a 360-degree sunset view over the snow-capped Andes mountains.
Welcome Dinner in Vitacura
Enjoy a refined evening meal at an upscale bistro in the fashionable Vitacura neighborhood.
Day 2: Santiago, Chile - Historic Luxury & Hills
Cerro San Cristóbal Funicular
Ride the historic funicular to the summit for panoramic views and a visit to the Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception.
Plaza de Armas Heritage Walk
Explore the historic heart of the city, including the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Central Post Office.
Museum of Pre-Columbian Art
Take a private guided tour of one of the finest collections of indigenous art in South America.
Wine Tasting at Vinolia
Indulge in a sensory wine tasting experience that replicates the terroir of Chile’s most famous valleys.
Day 3: Valparaíso, Chile - Coastal Art & Culture
Private Transfer to Valparaíso
A scenic 90-minute drive takes you to the colorful, UNESCO-listed port city of Valparaíso.
Cerro Alegre Walking Tour
Wander through steep alleys filled with world-class street art and bohemian charm.
Lunch at La Colombina
Enjoy fresh Pacific seafood with a stunning view overlooking the bustling harbor.
La Sebastiana Visit
Explore the eccentric former home of Nobel laureate Pablo Neruda, perched high above the sea.
Day 4: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile - Desert Transition
Flight to Calama
Transfer to Santiago airport for a 2-hour flight to Calama, the gateway to the Atacama Desert.
Transfer to San Pedro
A luxury private vehicle will take you across the lunar landscapes to the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama.
Relax at the Lodge
Check into your high-end desert lodge and enjoy the spa facilities and outdoor pools.
High-Altitude Stargazing
Enjoy a private astronomy session under some of the clearest skies on the planet.
Day 5: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile - Valley of the Moon
Morning at Pukará de Quitor
Visit the ancient 12th-century stone fortress that offers a deep dive into pre-Inca history.
Organic Lunch in San Pedro
Dine on locally sourced quinoa and desert-grown herbs at a boutique garden restaurant.
Valle de la Luna Sunset
Explore the salt caves and dunes of the Moon Valley, watching the colors shift from gold to deep purple.
Dinner at Baltinache
Savor a fusion of indigenous and modern flavors in this intimate, highly-rated dining spot.
Day 6: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile - Geysers & Hot Springs
El Tatio Geyser Field
Witness the dramatic morning steam vents at one of the highest geyser fields in the world.
Vicuña Spotting in the Altiplano
Travel through high-altitude wetlands to spot wild vicuñas and majestic Andean flamingos.
Puritama Hot Springs
Soak in the restorative, warm waters of these natural thermal pools hidden in a rocky canyon.
Fine Dining at Ckunna
Experience dinner in a historic setting, featuring traditional Patagonian and Northern Chilean recipes.
Day 7: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile - Salt Flats & Lagoons
Salar de Atacama Exploration
Visit the vast salt flats, stopping at Laguna Chaxa to photograph three species of flamingos.
Toconao Village Visit
Explore the white volcanic stone architecture and local craft workshops in this charming oasis village.
Laguna Cejar Float
Experience the sensation of weightlessness by floating in the high-salinity waters of Laguna Cejar.
Farewell Desert Dinner
A private dinner set under the stars at your lodge, featuring premium Chilean wines.
Day 8: Puerto Varas, Chile - Entering the Lake District
Flight to Puerto Montt
A morning flight takes you from the desert to the lush, green landscapes of the south.
Lake Llanquihue Scenic Drive
Drive along the shores of Chile's second-largest lake toward the charming town of Puerto Varas.
German Heritage Walk
Explore the colonial wooden architecture and the iconic Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Dinner at Cassis
Enjoy artisanal chocolates and European-influenced Patagonian cuisine by the lakefront.
Day 9: Puerto Varas, Chile - Volcanoes & Waterfalls
Saltos del Petrohué
Visit the turquoise waterfalls that flow over ancient basaltic lava flows.
Osorno Volcano Ascent
Drive up the slopes of the perfectly conical volcano for breathtaking views of the Lake District.
Lake Todos los Santos Navigation
Take a private boat tour across the 'Emerald Lake' for views of the Puntiagudo and Tronador peaks.
Dinner at Mesa Tropera
Feast on wood-fired pizzas and craft beers in a vibrant, lakeside atmosphere.
Day 10: Puerto Varas, Chile - Peulla & Wilderness
Andean Crossing Prelude
Travel deep into the Andes toward the mountain village of Peulla, near the Argentine border.
Peulla Nature Trek
Hike through temperate rainforests to the Bride's Veil waterfall.
Rural Countryside Lunch
Enjoy a traditional Chilean asado (barbecue) in a rustic mountain setting.
Return to Puerto Varas
Evening return to the comfort of your hotel for a relaxing spa session.
Day 11: Puerto Natales, Chile - Gateway to Patagonia
Flight to Puerto Natales
Take a direct flight to the heart of Chilean Patagonia, avoiding the long drive from Punta Arenas.
Seafood Lunch at Santolla
Sample the famous Patagonian King Crab (Centolla) prepared in various gourmet styles.
Last Hope Distillery Tour
Visit the world's southernmost distillery for a private gin tasting session.
Waterfront Walk
Stroll along the Seno Última Esperanza to see the historic Muelle Braun & Blanchard jetty.
Day 12: Torres del Paine, Chile - Grey Glacier
Drive to Torres del Paine
Enter the world-famous national park and begin your exploration of the southern ice fields.
Grey Glacier Navigation
Board a comfortable catamaran to sail close to the towering blue walls of the Grey Glacier.
Mirador Grey Hike
A moderate trek to see icebergs floating in the Grey Lake from an elevated viewpoint.
Gourmet Dinner at the Lodge
Dine on organic, locally-grown produce paired with the finest Chilean Carménère.
Day 13: Torres del Paine, Chile - The Granite Towers
Base Torres Trek
Embark on the iconic 8-hour round-trip hike to the base of the three granite towers (Las Torres).
Picnic Lunch with a View
Enjoy a high-energy, gourmet packed lunch at the base of the towers before the descent.
Return to Lodge
Relax your muscles with a professional massage at your lodge’s luxury spa.
Patagonian Lamb Roast
Experience a traditional 'Cordero al Palo' (lamb on a spit) at an authentic local estancia.
Day 14: Torres del Paine, Chile - Wildlife & Waterfalls
Puma Tracking Safari
Join a specialized wildlife guide to search for the elusive Patagonian puma in its natural habitat.
Salto Grande Waterfall
Take a short walk to see the powerful rush of water connecting Lake Nordenskjöld and Lake Pehoé.
Nordenskjöld Lookout
Capture the classic postcard shot of the 'Cuernos del Paine' across the turquoise water.
Final Patagonia Dinner
Celebrate your journey with a multi-course tasting menu at your luxury basecamp.
Day 15: Santiago, Chile - Urban Farewell
Return Flight to Santiago
Transfer to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas for your flight back to the capital.
Shopping in Alonso de Córdova
Visit high-end boutiques and local designer stores for unique Chilean leather and lapis lazuli jewelry.
Relaxation at Bicentenario Park
Take a gentle stroll through one of the city's most beautiful and modern green spaces.
Farewell Dinner at Mestizo
Dine on contemporary Chilean cuisine at this architecturally stunning restaurant in the park.
Day 16: Santiago, Chile - Last Sights & Departure
Artisan Market Los Dominicos
Pick up high-quality handicrafts and traditional souvenirs at this peaceful, colonial-style market.
Farewell Coffee in Lastarria
Enjoy a final cup of Chilean coffee in the artistic and historic Lastarria neighborhood.
Last Chilean Lunch
Enjoy a casual but high-quality lunch of 'Empanadas' or 'Pastel de Choclo' before heading out.
Private Airport Transfer
Relax in your private vehicle as you are transported back to Santiago International for your flight home.
Best Time to Visit Chile
The best time to visit Chile depends on the region. For this cross-country luxury itinerary, the Chilean spring and summer (October to March) are ideal. During these months, the weather in Patagonia is at its most stable, and the Atacama Desert remains pleasantly warm during the day. If you prefer to avoid the peak crowds of January, late October or early March offer a perfect balance of good weather and exclusivity.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Chilean Peso (CLP). While luxury hotels and high-end restaurants in Santiago and major tourist hubs widely accept international credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), it is essential to carry some cash for smaller purchases in remote areas like San Pedro de Atacama or inside Torres del Paine. Tipping is customary in Chile; a 10% gratuity is often added to the bill as a 'sugerencia,' but 15% is appreciated for exceptional service in luxury establishments.
Getting Around Chile
Due to Chile's extreme length, domestic flights are the most efficient way to travel between the north (Calama), the central region (Santiago), and the south (Puerto Montt and Puerto Natales). For the luxury traveler, private transfers and high-end car rentals provide the most comfort. Within the Lake District and Patagonia, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended if you choose to drive yourself, though most luxury lodges provide private excursions and transfers as part of their inclusive packages.
