At the southernmost and northernmost boundaries of Chile lie two vastly different regions: Patagonia and the Atacama Desert. On their Custom Atacama Desert + Patagonia Chile Trip, Patrick and Becca explored the jagged peaks and turquoise lakes of Torres del Paine National Park before venturing north to the seemingly infinite and otherworldly vistas of the Atacama Desert.
After a day of independent exploration in Santiago, the couple was off to their accommodations at Explora Salto Chico. The standard-bearer for Torres del Paine’s luxury lodges, Explora is one of the few lodges located within the boundaries of the national park. While at Explora, Patrick and Becca saw glaciers, hiked through the rugged landscape, and went horseback riding. And after enjoying the delicious food, it’s impossible to beat returning to your room when your views of the Torres del Paine massif are so breathtaking!
Once they had passed through Santiago, the hub of Chile, Patrick and Becca were on to the much warmer climate of the Atacama Desert. During their time at Alto Atacama, they hiked in the Valley of the Moon, explored canyons, and discovered the lagoons and their unique flora and fauna.
Below you will find photos and a detailed itinerary for their Custom Atacama Desert + Patagonia Chile Trip.
Do you want to travel to Chile? We’re regional experts here at Knowmad Adventures and pride ourselves in building custom trips that are a perfect fit for our travelers. If you’re interested in crafting an adventure combining several regions in Chile and/or Argentina, but this particular itinerary doesn’t strike your fancy, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Trip Specialists at 612-394-2894 or [email protected] to begin planning your trip today!
Custom Atacama Desert + Patagonia Chile Itinerary
Day 1 USA – Santiago
You will take an overnight flight from the U.S. arriving to Santiago the following morning.
Day 2 Santiago
Upon arrival in Santiago you will be met by a Knowmad Adventures representative and taken to your charming accommodations in the thriving and vibrant Lastarria neighborhood.
- B – Singular Santiago
Day 3 Santiago – Punta Arenas – Torres del Paine National Park
You will be picked up at your accommodations in accordance with your early morning flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas, where you will begin your next adventure. After arrival, you will be met by an Explora representative and taken on the scenic drive through Puerto Natales and onward into the national park. While at Explora Salto Chico you will be able to choose from a wide range of adventurous excursions while enjoying gourmet food and a range of wines and alcohol as part of their adventure inclusive package. For more information on excursions please see the supplementary information from the lodge.
- B, D – Explora Salto Chico
Day 4 Patagonia
Continue enjoying your adventures throughout the region and your stay at Explora Salto Chico.
- B, L, D – Explora Salto Chico
Day 5 Patagonia
Continue enjoying your adventures throughout the region and your stay at Explora Salto Chico.
- B, L, D – Explora Salto Chico
Day 6 Patagonia
Continue enjoying your adventures throughout the region and your stay at Explora Salto Chico.
- B, L, D – Explora Salto Chico
Day 7 Punta Arenas – Santiago
After enjoying your morning at Explora you will be taken to the airport in accordance with your onward flight to Santiago. Upon arrival to Santiago you will pick up your baggage and be responsible for walking directly out of the airport and across the street to the Holiday Inn Aeropuerto for the evening.
- B – Holiday Inn Aeropuerto
Day 8 Santiago – Calama – San Pedro de Atacama
You will be responsible for walking across the street to the airport in accordance with your early morning flight from Santiago to Calama, where you will begin your next adventure. After arrival, you will be met by an Alto representative and taken to your beautiful lodge. While at Alto Atacama you will be able to choose from a wide range of adventurous excursions, as well as enjoying gourmet food and a range of wines and alcohol as part of your adventure inclusive package.
- B, D – Alto Atacama
Day 9 San Pedro de Atacama
Continue enjoying your adventures throughout the region and your stay at Alto Atacama.
- B, L, D – Alto Atacama
Day 10 San Pedro de Atacama
Continue enjoying your adventures throughout the region and your stay at Alto Atacama.
- B, L, D – Alto Atacama
Day 11 San Pedro de Atacama – Calama – Santiago
After enjoying your morning at Alto you will be taken to the airport in accordance with your flight to Santiago. You will remain in the airport to catch your onward overnight flight home.
- B, L
Day 12 Arrive home
Hasta Pronto, Knowmad Adventurers!
Knowmad Adventures works closely with independent-minded travelers creating innovative trips to South America. Our specialists in Patagonia, Chile, Machu Picchu, Peru, Argentina, the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador and Antarctica are eager to collaborate and create a trip as unique and authentic as you are, and our experienced South American operations team guarantees you get an insider’s perspective, superior values, and a flawlessly operated trip.
