Combining Patagonia, Easter Island, and the Atacama Desert – or the Chile Big Three as we call it at Knowmad – is not for the traveler faint of heart as it requires many flights and sharply contrasting climates. But as with many things in life, with challenge comes reward, and the vast diversity of natural beauty and distinct cultures within a single country is quite possibly unmatched the world over.
To help other adventurers understand how best to plan their own custom private Chile trip and include the far-flung regions of Patagonia, Easter Island and the Atacama, we interviewed recently returned Knowmad travelers Chuck and Vicki to get their perspective.
What were a few of the highlights from your trip?
“Torres del Paine’s natural beauty was breathtaking. Nearly every moment was filled with stunning landscapes and spectacular views of mountains, glaciers, wildlife, and alpine lakes and waterfalls.
On Rapa Nui Knowmad arranged a private visit to the Toki Rapa Nui Music and Arts School, as we had seen the 2020 documentary Song of Rapa Nui about its founder, Mahani Teave, a classical pianist committed to bringing music instruction to the youth of the island. We felt so blessed to feel the energy of this special place for ourselves.
In the Atacama, it’s hard to pick a favorite between the natural beauty of the volcanoes and moon-like terrain, stargazing in the southern sky, and walking among flamingoes on the salt flats at sunset. Our guide Pistu’s enthusiasm, energy, delightful warmth and heartfelt expression of what it is to be Chilean made everything come alive for us. As we travel, we realize these personal connections we make are what enrich, enhance, and make truly memorable our explorations of countries beyond our own.”
What inspired you to plan a trip with these three far-flung regions, and what struck you most?
“It’s been Vicki’s dream to visit Rapa Nui’s Moai for over 50 years. I’ve always wanted to see Patagonia. And adding the Atacama seemed logical given the Chile-centric trip.
Once we began discussing with Colin at Knowmad, he introduced us to Explora as they have lodges in each location. It proved to be an ideal way to unify the experiences and Explora was outstanding. Their combination of guided excursions, integration with locals, and remote luxury hospitality created a truly exceptional experience.
One unexpected but lovely surprise was getting a sense for the Chilean people across these widely diverse locations. In each, we found the guides and people to be deeply proud of the beauty and shared history of their unique country. Also, of course, Chile is a land of wonderful food and wine, and even in the remote mountains and desert they were delicious.”
| Pro tip: When combining lodges in multiple regions (Explora in all 3, or Tierra in Atacama and Patagonia), discounts are often available. Other options and approaches also exist if those lodges exceed your target budget. |
What surprised you most?
“Chilean warmth and hospitality are exceptional. At Explora Atacama, after I expressed disappointment about missing their set-day Chilean BBQ, staff set one up for lunch the next day just for Chuck and I. Despite staying at many luxury properties and dining in 3-Michelin Star restaurants worldwide, we’ve never seen such true passion for guest satisfaction.”
How do you feel about the duration of 4 nights in each location?
“I agree with the recommendation of 4 nights minimum in each of Patagonia, Easter Island and Atacama. To travel to all three regions in a 21-day time frame (including our two flights each there and back), we took 10 flights in 19 days. You definitely want that fourth night to catch your breath! Also, we were delayed a day traveling back from Rapa Nui because of a mechanical issue with our plane. Had we only booked three nights in the Atacama, we would have lost out on a full experience there. It’s always best to build in a bit of “wiggle room,” especially when visiting a remote island!”
| Pro tip: Due to flight times, you will have ‘buffers’ in Central Chile on the front and between regions. Santiago, Valparaiso, and relaxed wine country stays can greatly enrich any custom Chile trip more focused on the far-flung regions. Knowmad recommends generally looking to visit Santiago or Valparaiso on the front end, while wine country usually best follows Patagonia. Travelling to Atacama last can work nicely to connect to your international flight home, rather than adding another buffer night at the end (required coming from Easter Island, recommended from Patagonia). |
Any packing tips for a trip combining these 3 destinations?
“We traveled for 3 weeks in Chile with a large-sized backpack and carry-on size suitcase each, so it’s possible to do, but involves some advanced planning and creativity. But it’s worth it, especially with so many flights, which are opportunities to get separated from bags. It also greatly simplifies transfers and passport checks to have your things with you.
Recommended wardrobe for each of the three destinations:
- For all three: bring a small day bag that can fit a few essentials including sunscreen, water, and a snack. The Explora properties provide branded water bottles, but we found them to be too large and cumbersome. We suggest you bring your own that you know fits your gear.
- Patagonia: lightweight down jacket, a beanie and a rainproof sunhat, rain shell, gloves, waterproof hiking shoes, a buff, and a variety of layers. Think in terms of reusability to minimize how much you’re bringing.
- Rapa Nui: lightweight walking/hiking pants, a pair of shorts or a skirt, swimsuit and flip-flops, a blousy long-sleeve for sun protection in heat
- Atacama: a mix of the above – mornings are cool, afternoons hot, and evenings once again cool.
- Note: all Explora properties had shops with a wide range of apparel and gear appropriate for their climates, so in a pinch you can get what you need. And we found it to be a treat to pick up a couple of Explora-branded items, so leave a little room in your suitcase if you feel similarly.”
What motivated you to reach out to Knowmad, and what value do you feel they provided in helping plan and execute your trip arrangements?
“Knowmad was recommended to us by a college alumni travel director who works with them, and she provided a glowing recommendation. We found their specialized Chile and South America expertise to be invaluable. They ensured we were in Atacama during a new moon to maximize stargazing, and managed the complex logistics of intra-country flights and ground transportation in this many-staged journey. When our travels were interrupted on Rapa Nui due to an aircraft maintenance issue, Knowmad was highly responsive and guided our re-bookings and itinerary adjustments, as well as facilitating filing an insurance claim, which their experience made much easier than it would have been otherwise.”
| Pro tip: Knowmad has substantial enough volume with Explora and the other major adventure lodge brands within Chile, so it receives commercial wholesale pricing, allowing us to get you the same or better direct pricing and VIP treatment. On top of that, we offer you unrivaled destination expertise resulting in an easy, personalized planning experience, high-touch pre-trip assistance, and 24/7 on-the-ground support. |
– Chuck and Vicki, Edina, MN
Below, you’ll find Chuck and Vicki’s custom itinerary, combining Patagonia, Easter Island, and the Atacama Desert into one unforgettable Chile adventure. If this isn’t quite your style, we can help you explore more of Central Chile, choose different lodging types, add private guides, or adjust the trip to be more luxurious or budget-friendly. Founded in Patagonia, Knowmad is a world-leader in custom travel in Chile, and our passion is building trips that perfectly fit the traveler.
If you’re interested in crafting an adventure combining several regions in South America, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Trip Specialists at 612-315-2894 or [email protected] to begin planning your trip today!
ULTIMATE CHILE EXTREMES ADVENTURE
DAY 1 USA – Santiago
Fly to Santiago, where you will transfer with your Spanish-speaking driver to your accommodations.
- No meals – Bidasoa, Superior Room
DAY 2 Santiago – Patagonia – Torres del Paine National Park
Transfer with your Spanish-speaking driver to the airport. In Patagonia, take a shared-guest transfer from Punta Arenas (4-5 hours) or Puerto Natales (2 hours), depending on flight availability, to Torres del Paine. While at your lodge, enjoy a range of small group excursions, gourmet food, and a variety of alcoholic beverages. Guides will explain the excursion options each night to plan your activities for the next day.
- B, L/snack, D – Explora Torres del Paine, Cordillera Paine Room
DAY 3 – 5 Torres del Paine National Park
Continue enjoying your adventures at the lodge and throughout Torres del Paine.
- B, L, D – Explora Torres del Paine
DAY 6 Torres del Paine National Park – Patagonia – Santiago
Transfer by shared-guest transfer to Punta Arenas airport (4-5 hours) or Puerto Natales airport (2-hours), depending on flight availability. In Santiago, pick up your luggage and cross the street to the Holiday Inn Aeropuerto.
- B, L – Holiday Inn Aeropuerto, Standard Room
DAY 7 Santiago – Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
Independently cross the street to the airport. In Rapa Nui, take a shared-guest transfer to your lodge. Enjoy a range of small group excursions as well as gourmet food and a variety of alcoholic beverages. Guides will explain the excursion options each night to plan your activities for the next day.
- B, L, D – Explora Rapa Nui, Varua Room
DAY 8 – 10 Rapa Nui
Continue enjoying your adventures throughout the region and your stay at Explora Rapa Nui.
- B, L, D – Explora Rapa Nui
DAY 11 Rapa Nui – Santiago
After a leisurely morning at Explora, take the shared transfer to the airport. In Santiago, pick up your luggage and cross the street to the Holiday Inn Aeropuerto.
- B – Holiday Inn Aeropuerto, Standard Room
DAY 12 Santiago – Atacama
Independently cross the street to the airport. In Calama, take a shared transfer 90 minutes to your lodge. While at your lodge, enjoy a range of small group excursions, gourmet food and a variety of alcoholic beverages.
- B, L, D – Explora Atacama, Tulur Room
DAY 13 – 15 Atacama
Continue enjoying your adventures at your lodge and throughout Atacama.
- B, L, D – Explora Atacama
DAY 16 Atacama – Santiago – USA
Today you will transfer 90 minutes by shared guest transfer to the airport. In Santiago, you will be responsible for checking in and catching your international flight home.
- B
DAY 17 USA
Arrive home.
Knowmad’s passion is building top-quality, truly custom private trips to Chile and throughout South America. Have a question about a possible trip? Don’t hesitate to drop me a line at [email protected] or give us a call at 612-315-2894.
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 value, and a flawlessly operated trip.
