Chile for the discerning traveler

Ridiculously thin and unreasonably long, Chile stretches from the bellybutton of South America down to its big toe. Extending over 2,600 miles (4,200 km), this land of contrasts offers plenty of choices.

Chile’s breathtaking landscapes come in every taste, from the aridness of the world’s driest desert to the frigidity of Patagonian glaciers, from timeless lowland valleys to temperamental highland volcanoes whose patience is enviable. All of this is wedged between pristine Pacific beaches and a towering Andean mountain range that runs down the country’s spine. Adding to the geographical eccentricity of this land of extremes, Chile claims a far-off mythical island with its own mysteries to solve.

For those even mildly considering a trip here, or even the simply curious, here we’ve outlined what tour operators have found to be Chile’s top destinations — as well as our picks of ever-important accommodations in each area — with the hope of inspiring you to discover your own perfect Chilean adventure. 

Torres del Paine: Into the heart of Patagonia

Sitting in Chile’s frigid south toward the end of the world, Torres National Park covers nearly eight hundred square miles of rugged yet strikingly beautiful breathtaking natural terrain. Because of its breathtaking landscapes, the park is a designated 8th Wonder of the Natural World candidate.

Upon entering this renowned reserve, the first feature you’ll likely see is the park’s calling card: a trio of sheer granite needles pointing upwards toward the heavens. While these stone pillars of Torres del Paine (“Towers of Paine”) reign over the landscape, the park is much more than a one-hit wonder. Visitors soon realize other attractions possess the same wow power as those impressively diabolic-looking spires.

We’re talking about the park’s stunning diversity of landscapes, ranging from azure lakes to emerald forests, mineral-rich waterfalls, high-altitude rivers, and lagoons – not to mention one enormous, radiant blue glacier. The variety of terrain spans from rugged mountain ranges topped by looming snow-capped peaks to the vast openness of the grasslands. Completing this picturesque scenery, antelope-like guanacos roam the vast open steppe while Andean condors soar silently overhead.

In coming here, your biggest decision will be how you’d prefer to explore these mountains, valleys, plains, forests, rivers, and lakes; by foot, on horseback, or in the comfort of a 4×4?  

Torres del Paine lodges: Where nature meets elegance

In Torres del Paine, top-tier lodges like Explora Patagonia, Awasi Patagonia, Tierra Patagonia, and the adventurous Patagonia Camp provide their guests with Patagonian adventure balanced with world-class comforts.

While visitors are immersed in breathtaking landscapes and a host of outdoor adventure activities, after a long day of exploring, they can return to the warmth of their lodge for the most sublime indulgences. Here, they’ll find a gourmet meal paired with fine Chilean wine before relaxing in front of a fire pit and stunning views of surrounding mountain ranges and lakes.

Our preferred, Explora Patagonia, is located on the grounds of Torres del Paine National Park; the only 5-star lodge to earn that distinction. Its rooms are simple yet stylish and plush, while its dining is gourmet-class. As the lodge itself is built over the small Salto Chico waterfall, you’ll drift to sleep lulled by the sound of falling water. Truly, this is a haven created for travelers who love exploration and adventure as much as they love luxury.

Through a mix of pristine nature and upscale accommodations, Torres del Paine lodges such Explora as deliver a cutting-edge luxury experience in the heart of Patagonia. 

San Pedro de Atacama: An experience in stark desert beauty

With its lunar landscapes providing a sense of ethereal wonder, the Atacama Desert remains an unrivaled destination. For the adventure traveler, this unique destination presents no shortage of outdoor excursions.

Though the Atacama is the driest desert on earth, it offers some of the most remarkable sights in Chile, including wind-sculpted rock formations, sand dunes, steamy hot springs, sprawling salt flats, and magically appearing flocks of pink flamingos.

Add to the mix the planet’s tallest volcano, highest geysers, oldest mummies, and clearest skies, then you’ve got a recipe for an epic outdoor adventure; everything from hiking and horseback riding to tours in air-conditioned, chauffeur-driven 4×4 SUVs. But no matter the means of travel, a sense of wonder, magic, and isolation fills the air in these high Andean plains.

Your base for experiencing the desert will most likely be San Pedro de Atacama, an oasis village filled with Andean restaurants, craft vendors, and adventure outfitters – all tucked behind unassuming adobe facades.

From San Pedro, you can then begin exploring the desert, probably with the sense of having been beamed up to some nearby uninhabited planet; a feeling that can only come from firsthand experience in the Atacama Desert. Time spent here will be both meaningful and memorable, largely from the solitude and clarity you’ll find here. 

Atacama lodges: Blending opulence and natural desert beauty

In and around Chile’s “archeological capital,” the town of San Pedro de Atacama, a handful of desert-chic lodges serve as upscale oases amidst the rugged landscapes of the world’s driest desert.

Providing an unforgettable blend of luxury and natural beauty, these über-boutique properties, surrounded by striking views of the harsh environment, provide the ultimate escape from the routine pressures of everyday life. Awaiting visitors are spacious and smartly appointed suites, personalized service, gourmet dining, and wellness treatments that promise to reinvigorate your body and soul.

Upscale lodges such as Explora Atacama, Tierra Atacama, Alto Atacama, and Hotel Cumbres guarantee unforgettable adventures in one of the world’s most extraordinary deserts, whether for a romantic getaway, an adventurous family retreat, a break for overworked executives, or for the next adventure by civilized globetrotters.

Our favorite, Awasi Atacama, is a premier hotel renowned for its exceptional service and immersive experiences. This luxury retreat seamlessly blends with the rustic character of the area. The lodge’s uniquely appointed cabanas, for example, reflect local Indigenous culture and heritage. At the same time, a host of curated excursions reveals the region’s hidden natural wonders. Though exclusivity is the primary draw of this super-posh getaway, these highly personalized outdoor adventure experiences keep its well-heeled clientele coming back for more. 

Easter Island: Isle of the mysterious Moai

Rapa Nui, better known as Easter Island, is a treasure trove of cultural intrigue, folklore and fairytale, outdoor activities, and a unique ancient history, making it one of the all-time highlights of South America. On top of this, there are also traditional festivals, a range of luxury boutique properties and scuba diving to be enjoyed here. Plus, each day is rounded off with some of the best sunsets in the Pacific.

Not only is this volcanic island scenic and beautiful in its own right, witnessing the legendary Moai statues up close is something to behold. Carved from huge rocks somewhere between 1200 and 1500 A.D. by the hands of the little-known ancient Polynesians, these iconic figures litter Rapa Nui in their hundreds, all slightly different and few being fully understood. Many theories have emerged as to the reasons for their various locations and how they were physically transported or indeed carved at all. The best course of action for wide-eyed visitors is to simply see them for yourselves.
In addition to the Moia, you’ll discover crater lakes, beaches, and hidden caves, not to mention scuba-diving, cultural presentations, and fantastic food, to name just a few of the many reasons why a trip to Easter Island should feature on your Chile itinerary. 

Upscale Easter Island accommodations: Celebrating the island’s heritage in style

While an immersive cultural experience is provided by any visit to this volcanic destination, Easter Island also boasts luxury accommodations that cater to discriminating travelers seeking both comfort and exclusivity.

The standout options for enjoying the island’s natural beauty and unique heritage in style are Explora Rapa Nui and Nayara Hangaroa. Both hotels blend seamlessly into the island’s landscape through their use of minimalist designs inspired by the local culture.

In these settings of serenity and indulgence, guests enjoy spacious rooms, infinity pools, and gourmet cuisine. However, in addition to those refined creature comforts, these lodges provide personalized services such as private tours of the iconic Moai statues led by local Rapa Nui guides. After a full day of exploring, you can relax at your hotel with a spa treatment or nurse a cold drink while marveling at a brilliant sunset over the sea. 

Santiago de Chile: Much more than a simple stopover

With its vibrant nightlife, exclusive “shop till you drop” boutiques and no end of fine restaurants, we insist that Santiago de Chile is far more than a convenient layover en route to Patagonia or the Atacama Desert! True, Chile’s capital city may evoke a different sense of Latin American passion compared to vibrant Buenos Aires or the samba spirit of Rio de Janeiro, but this modern cosmopolitan city is just as interesting and intriguing once you get under its skin.  

Try visiting its Plaza de Armas historic district; it’s well worth a visit to take in the local atmosphere, something also found in the city’s many indoor food markets and taverns. Shop its exclusive boulevards, visit the national theatre, and stroll the many pedestrianized streets filled with bars and restaurants. They’re sure to satisfy every taste. And an introduction to the capital city’s nightlife and music is certainly worth highlighting again.

Consider also that a day trip to the wine region of the Central Valley is within easy striking distance, as are ski resorts of the Andes and the artistic coastal town of Valparaiso, all of which are nicely wrapped up in the typically civilized and welcoming way of life in Santiago. 

Santiago hotels: Urban sophistication meeting Andean splendor

With Santiago nestled between the towering Andean Mountain range and the Pacific Ocean basin, all of its luxury hotels benefit from the sophisticated urban setting while situated within easy reach of outdoor activities and world-ranked wine-growing regions.

With superbly appointed rooms and gourmet meals prepared by Michelin-starred chefs, upscale hotel options like the Ritz-Carlton Santiago and Mandarin Oriental Santiago have raised the bar for luxury stays in the city.

For those seeking a more intimate experience, boutique hotels like the Singular Santiago offer modernist luxury juxtaposed with historic ambiance, often situated within upscale areas such as Lastarria. Guests are treated to exquisite service in accommodations flush with art and close to cultural hubs, trendy restaurants, and art galleries.

To sum up, the luxury accommodations found in Santiago set the stage for unforgettable experiences combining a vibrant urban ambiance with the stunning mountain backdrop of this city. 

Valparaiso: Bohemian vibes and artistic spirits

Fondly known as the “Jewel of the Pacific,” and adored by poets and artists the world over (including Pablo Neruda himself), Valparaíso is a jumble of colonial mansions, labyrinthine alleyways, and spindly staircases, all weaving their way up around the cerros (hills) that teeter over the ocean.

However, the most eye-catching of all in Valparaíso has to be the seemingly endless graffiti splayed on the walls, stairways, and houses. Ever-changing and ever-fascinating to behold, the city is a true outdoor art gallery! Just a two-hour drive from Santiago, Valparaíso is a popular destination for those keen to discover eye-popping street art as well as its bustling café scene.

In and around Valparaiso’s historic Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003), edgy cafes and art galleries emerge from street corners, rubbing shoulders with upmarket shops and old mansions that ooze faded elegance. Laidback restaurants invite you to fuel up after making the climb up and down Valparaíso’s rollercoaster streets, affording far-reaching views over the city below towards the sparkling Pacific Ocean.

Meanwhile, the equally laid-back ocean-front town of Viña del Mar lies further up the coast to lend a perfect change of pace with its lazy beaches and world-famous festivals. 

Valparaíso hotels: Blending artistic charm and coastal elegance

Luxury travelers in Valparaíso will find top-tier boutique accommodations providing high-end amenities and comfort while completely embodying the city’s eclectic charm.

Iconic hotels like Casa Higueras and Palacio Astoreca are situated within Valparaiso’s historic district, a UNESCO-declared World Heritage Site since 1999. These beautifully restored structures have been embellished with features such as wooden terraces looking out onto the bay. The architectural styles of such hotels are also distinctive, striking a balance between classic and contemporary, while retaining the city’s bohemian flair with a touch of elegance.
Spacious rooms, refined dining serving fresh seafood alongside delectable Chilean wines, and rooftop swimming pools are just a few of the features guests can look forward to.

Most of the luxurious hotels in the city also offer courtesy programs like insight tours of the graffiti art in Valparaiso, wine tours through Casablanca Valley or boat rides along the beach.

Chile’s Lake District: Lose yourself in serenity

Combining the city’s artistic and cultural vibrancy with the elegance and tranquility of a coastal retreat, Valparaíso’s luxury accommodations provide a unique experience, making the city a perfect destination for travelers seeking both inspiration and refined indulgence. 

Chile’s Lake District is a sprawling expanse of lush green forests, azure blue lakes, and soaring volcanoes, interwoven with rich pastures to offer a dreamlike nature escape. Not only are the views superb, but the scope for adventure is also endless: Think climbing, hiking, kayaking, biking, canyoning, horse riding, sailing, and even skiing in winter. All this action is combined with simple yet character-filled boutique hotels, warm food, and exquisite wine, providing as much relaxation as adventure on a break in the Lake District.

Jutting off from the mainland Lake District, you’ll find the Chiloé archipelago, noted for its intriguing mélange of colorful fishing communities, woodwork shops and shipbuilders, a handful of colonial churches, and chock-full of plenty of fresh seafood!

Time in Chiloé is best spent getting into the laidback swing of island life, taking leisurely strolls along the coast while admiring the iconic palafitos (stilted houses)and workshops that characterize these port towns. Then too, nature lovers will be thrilled by Chiloé National Park and its penguin colony tours, boat trips, remote beaches, and forest walks. 

Chile’s Lake District lodges: A tranquil escape

For those seeking an upmarket retreat in this stirring region, the Lake District offers a number of high-end hotels and lodges providing both excellent service and all the comforts. Completing the experience, these accommodations are set against this region’s breathtaking scenery.

With these captivating vistas backdropped by the imposing Osorno volcano, hotels such as Beyond Vira Vira and Hotel AWA incorporate elements of modern architecture into traditional local style. The result is a warm and relaxed but elegant atmosphere complementing the area’s wilderness setting.

Ever ready to go the extra mile, several hotels even provide individualized guest services such as fly-fishing tours, forest trekking excursions, and boat rides on Lake Llanquihue. In this way, the finer hotels and resorts in the Lake District region furnish more than comfort; they also serve as a gateway to exploring the natural beauty and outdoor pursuits this tranquil region offers. 

Punta Arenas – Puerto Natales: Perhaps your most chill adventure yet

Two main cities stud southernmost Chile on the frigid Strait of Magellan. The first, Punta Arenas, is sizable yet friendly and with a clutch of highlights – including places to hang out with penguins. Once a thriving mecca for farming and mining, today the city is an important stop on any self-respecting adventure traveler’s route, positioned as it is within a few hours’ drive from favorite destinations such as Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, Los Glaciares and Tierra del Fuego National Parks in Argentina, as well as being a springboard to Antarctica.

Similarly, “adventure” is the buzzword for Puerto Natales, a laidback port town that caters to adrenalin-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts who come from all over the world to experience the region’s gems, most notably Torres del Paine National Park, and even cross the border to Argentina’s Perito Moreno Glacier. Closer to home, travelers can find ancient caves to explore, mountains to hike past and mind-boggling landscapes to photograph, all within a day trip from the city.

Both cities — each with a slightly different reach — are excellent bases for exploring wild and wonderful Patagonia. 

Punta Arenas & Puerto Natales hotels and lodges: Comfort-filled gateways to Patagonia

For luxury travelers, these destinations offer refined hotels and lodges that provide comfort amidst the dramatic landscapes of glaciers, fjords, and vast plains.

In Punta Arenas, Hotel Cabo de Hornos and Dreams del Estrecho deliver sophisticated experiences with stunning views of the Magellan Strait. A short drive away, Puerto Natales is home to exclusive lodges like The Singular Patagonia and Remota Lodge. With features like panoramic windows, outdoor hot tubs, and personalized adventure itineraries, guests at these lodges can experience Patagonia’s beauty without sacrificing luxury.

From our own experience, we can say that stays in Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales offers luxury at the edge of the world; perfect for adventurers unwilling to compromise on comfort. 

Unlock Chile’s treasure chest of landscapes and experiences

Whether you’re stargazing in the Atacama Desert, trekking to glaciers in Patagonia, sampling the finest wines in the valleys of the Central Valley, or cracking the enigma of the Moai on remote Easter Island, there’s plenty in store to keep you head over heels in love with Chile.

Sounds a bit overwhelming? Don’t worry. Chile is especially doable when a tour operator designs and manages your entire travel experience. They’ll coordinate all aspects of your trip, leaving you time to focus your full attention on enjoying your journey.

On any trip to Chile, a mélange of elements makes for unforgettable experiences in this mesmerizing part of the world. The only question you have to ask is: “When and where does my Chilean adventure begin?”

Alfonso Tandazo

Alfonso Tandazo is President and CEO at Surtrek Tour Operator. Surtrek Tour Operator is a well-established firm, specializing in custom-designed luxury tours in Ecuador, the Galapagos and throughout the rest of South America. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.