18-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Chile
Chile is a land of dramatic extremes, where the world’s driest desert meets ancient glaciers and sophisticated urban hubs. This 18-day journey is designed for the discerning traveler who seeks both the thrill of adventure and the comfort of world-class luxury, featuring high-end boutique hotels, private transfers, and the finest culinary experiences South America has to offer.
From private wine tastings in the shadow of the Andes to helicopter transfers over Patagonian ice fields, every detail of this itinerary emphasizes exclusivity. Prepare to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the Southern Hemisphere while enjoying the unparalleled service and sophistication of Chile's premier travel infrastructure.
Day 1: Santiago, Chile - Arrival & Urban Elegance
VIP Airport Arrival
Upon landing at Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, clear customs via the priority lane and meet your private chauffeur for a transfer to the El Golf district.
Lunch at Boragó
Experience the innovative 'Endemic' menu at Boragó, consistently ranked among the world's 50 best restaurants, featuring foraged ingredients from across Chile.
Private Gallery Tour
Explore the private art collections in the Vitacura neighborhood with a specialized guide focusing on contemporary Latin American art.
Rooftop Cocktails
Enjoy sunset views of the Andes with craft pisco cocktails at a high-end lounge in the W Santiago.
Day 2: Santiago, Chile - Historic Charm & Skyline Views
Historic Center Walk
Walk through the Plaza de Armas and the Palacio de La Moneda with a private historian to understand Chile's complex political past.
Mercado Central Seafood
Dine on Centolla (King Crab) in the historic iron structure of the central market, a staple of Santiago's culinary scene.
Cerro Santa Lucía
Ascend this ornate hill for panoramic views of the city skyline framed by the towering mountains.
Dinner at Peumayén
Enjoy an Ancestral Food experience that pays homage to the indigenous cultures of Chile, from the Mapuche to the Rapa Nui.
Day 3: Valparaíso, Chile - Coastal Art & Pacific Breezes
Private Transfer to Valparaíso
A 90-minute drive takes you to the UNESCO-listed port city, famous for its colorful hills and steep funiculars.
La Sebastiana Exploration
Visit Pablo Neruda’s former home, a whimsical mansion overlooking the Pacific filled with the poet's eccentric collections.
Lunch with a View
Dine at Fauna in Cerro Alegre, offering exceptional seafood and views of the bustling harbor.
Street Art Safari
Walk through the open-air galleries of Cerro Concepción, discovering world-class murals and boutique design shops.
Day 4: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile - Into the High Desert
Flight to Calama
A luxury transfer to the airport followed by a 2-hour flight north to the gateway of the Atacama Desert.
Lodge Check-in
Arrive at your all-inclusive luxury lodge, such as Tierra Atacama, and meet with guides to plan your bespoke desert excursions.
Moon Valley Sunset
Witness the lunar-like landscapes of Valle de la Luna as the salt-crusted rocks turn vibrant shades of pink and orange at sunset.
Gourmet Desert Dining
Savor a multi-course dinner featuring local ingredients like Rica-Rica and Altiplanic salt.
Day 5: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile - Salt Flats & Flamingos
Salar de Atacama
Explore the vast salt flats, the third-largest in the world, and visit the Chaxa Lagoon to spot Andean and James's flamingos.
Laguna Cejar Float
Experience the high salinity of Laguna Cejar, where you can float effortlessly in the turquoise waters while gazing at the Licancabur Volcano.
Toconao Village Visit
Visit this historic colonial village known for its white volcanic stone architecture and local handicraft markets.
Astronomical Tour
The Atacama has the clearest skies on Earth; enjoy a private stargazing session with professional telescopes and an astronomer.
Day 6: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile - Geysers & Hot Springs
El Tatio Geysers
A pre-dawn departure to see the highest geyser field in the world at its most active, with steam vents rising against the sunrise.
Puritama Hot Springs
Relax in a series of eight thermal pools hidden in a volcanic canyon, exclusively reserved for high-end lodge guests.
Altiplanic Lunch
A gourmet picnic setup in the desert, featuring chilled wines and fresh Andean produce.
Leisure at the Lodge
Enjoy a signature spa treatment using volcanic mud and local desert herbs.
Day 7: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile - Hidden Lagoons
Baltinache Hidden Lagoons
Discover seven turquoise lagoons tucked away in the salt mountains, far from the main tourist routes.
Valle del Arcoiris
Explore the 'Rainbow Valley' where the hills are layered with rich minerals, creating a spectrum of reds, greens, and yellows.
Yerba Buena Petroglyphs
View ancient rock carvings left by caravan travelers thousands of years ago.
Farewell Desert Dinner
A private dinner set under the stars in the lodge's courtyard with live traditional music.
Day 8: Santa Cruz, Chile - Into the Wine Valley
Flight Back to Santiago
Private transfer to Calama for your flight back to the capital, followed by a direct drive to the Colchagua Valley.
Lunch at Rayuela Wine & Grill
Dine at the Viu Manent estate, focusing on grilled meats paired with their award-winning Malbecs.
Viu Manent Horse Carriage Tour
Tour the vineyards in a vintage horse-drawn carriage for a classic, old-world wine country experience.
Lapostolle Residence Stay
Check into one of the most exclusive wine lodges in the world, perched on a hillside with views of the valley floor.
Day 9: Colchagua Valley, Chile - The Art of Blending
Clos Apalta Winery Tour
Visit the gravity-flow winery of Clos Apalta, a masterpiece of architecture and winemaking.
Wine Blending Class
Learn to create your own signature blend under the guidance of a professional sommelier.
Colchagua Museum
Explore one of the best private museums in South America, featuring a vast collection of pre-Columbian art and fossils.
Dinner at Fuegos de Apalta
Savor the open-fire cooking of legendary chef Francis Mallmann, located right in the middle of the Montes vineyards.
Day 10: Casablanca Valley, Chile - Crisp Whites & Coastal Terroir
Transfer to Casablanca Valley
Head north toward the coast where the cooler climate produces Chile’s best Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
Bodegas RE Tasting
Experience 'Re-creation' at this boutique winery that uses ancient clay amphorae for fermentation.
Kingston Family Vineyards
Enjoy a private tasting of coastal Pinot Noir at this American-owned estate known for its pioneering techniques.
Overnight at La Casona at Matetic
Stay in this beautiful colonial manor house surrounded by the organic and biodynamic Matetic vineyards.
Day 11: Puerto Varas, Chile - Lakes & Volcanoes
Flight to Puerto Montt
Travel to the Lake District, a region of deep blue lakes and snow-capped conical volcanoes.
Puerto Varas Waterfront
Check into Hotel AWA and enjoy lunch overlooking Lake Llanquihue and the Osorno Volcano.
Frutillar Exploration
Visit this German-settled town to see the spectacular Teatro del Lago and sample traditional Kuchen.
Dinner at Cassis
Enjoy a lakeside dinner featuring fresh trout and southern Chilean specialties.
Day 12: Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, Chile - Emerald Waters
Saltos del Petrohué
Witness the powerful turquoise rapids of the Petrohué River as they crash over volcanic rock formations.
Lake Todos los Santos Navigation
Take a private boat across the 'Emerald Lake' for views of the Puntiagudo and Tronador volcanoes.
Lodge Picnic
Enjoy a catered lunch in a secluded spot on the lakeshore far from the main tourist ferries.
Osorno Volcano Ascent
Drive up the slopes of the volcano for panoramic views of the entire Lake District from the ski center.
Day 13: Chiloé Island, Chile - Myths & Wooden Churches
Full-Day Chiloé Expedition
Cross the Chacao Channel by ferry to explore the mystical island of Chiloé, famous for its palafitos (stilt houses).
UNESCO Churches Tour
Visit the unique wooden churches of Castro and Achao, remarkable examples of Chilote religious architecture.
Curanto Experience
Enjoy a traditional Curanto—a feast of seafood, meat, and potatoes cooked in a hole in the ground with hot stones.
Pinguineras de Puñihuil
A boat tour to see the only place in the world where Humboldt and Magellanic penguins nest side-by-side.
Day 14: Lake District, Chile - Wellness & Relaxation
Morning Kayaking
Paddle the calm waters of Lake Llanquihue in a private kayak session as the sun rises over the volcanoes.
Farm-to-Table Lunch
Dine at a local estancia that focuses on sustainable agriculture and Patagonian lamb.
Spa & Hydrotherapy
Spend the afternoon at the hotel spa, utilizing the heated pools and sauna with lake views.
Farewell Lake Dinner
A tasting menu at your lodge featuring the best seasonal ingredients from the Los Lagos region.
Day 15: Torres del Paine, Chile - Arrival in Patagonia
Flight to Puerto Natales
Take a direct flight to the heart of Chilean Patagonia, followed by a scenic 2-hour drive into the national park.
Check-in at EcoCamp Patagonia
Arrive at the world's first geodesic dome hotel, offering sustainable luxury in the shadow of the 'Towers'.
Laguna Azul Walk
A gentle introductory walk to Laguna Azul for the first classic view of the three granite towers.
Patagonian Asado
Enjoy a traditional lamb barbecue (Asado) in the lodge's dining dome with fellow travelers.
Day 16: Torres del Paine, Chile - Glaciers & Grey Lake
Grey Glacier Navigation
Board a private vessel to sail among massive blue icebergs and approach the towering face of Grey Glacier.
Gourmet Picnic Lunch
Dine in the wilderness with a high-end picnic lunch prepared by the lodge chefs.
Salto Grande Waterfall
A short hike to the park's most powerful waterfall, connecting Lake Nordenskjöld and Lake Pehoé.
Puma Tracking Discussion
Join a resident biologist for a briefing on the local puma population and conservation efforts.
Day 17: Torres del Paine, Chile - The Granite Towers
Base of the Towers Trek
The park's most famous trek; a challenging but rewarding private hike to the glacial lake at the base of the peaks.
Lunch at the Mirador
Eat your packed gourmet lunch while staring at the sheer granite walls of the Paine Massif.
Return to Lodge
Descend back through the Lenga forests, keeping an eye out for Andean condors overhead.
Celebratory Farewell Dinner
A final feast at the lodge, celebrating the completion of your epic Chilean journey.
Day 18: Santiago, Chile - Departure
Drive to Puerto Natales
Enjoy one last look at the guanacos and rheas as you head back to the airport.
Flight to Santiago
Relax on your 3-hour flight back to the capital with views of the Southern Ice Field below.
Last Minute Shopping
Visit 'Los Dominicos' craft market for high-quality lapis lazuli jewelry and copper crafts.
Final Departure
Private transfer to the airport for your international flight home.
Best Time to Visit Chile
The best time to visit Chile depends on your destination. For Patagonia and the Lake District, the Southern Hemisphere summer (October to March) offers the mildest weather and longest daylight hours. The Central Wine Valleys are best in the fall (March to May) during the harvest season. The Atacama Desert is a year-round destination, though winter nights (June to August) can be extremely cold. For this 18-day epic journey, the shoulder months of November or March offer the best balance of weather and fewer crowds.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Chilean Peso (CLP). While luxury hotels and high-end restaurants in major cities and tourist hubs accept all major credit cards, it is essential to carry some cash for tips and small purchases in remote areas like San Pedro de Atacama or Patagonia. Tipping is customary; a 10% 'propina' is often added to restaurant bills, but adding an extra 5% for exceptional service in luxury establishments is appreciated. Private guides and drivers should be tipped separately in cash.
Getting Around Chile
Due to Chile's extreme length, domestic flights are the most efficient way to travel between regions. LATAM and Sky Airline offer frequent premium-class services from Santiago to Calama (Atacama), Puerto Montt (Lakes), and Puerto Natales (Patagonia). For shorter distances, such as traveling to the wine valleys or coastal cities, private chauffeur-driven transfers are the standard for luxury travelers. While a high-quality bus network exists, it is generally bypassed by luxury itineraries in favor of private air and road travel.
