CHILE WITH EXPLORA HOTELS

On arrival in Santiago you will need to pick-up your luggage and check-in for your morning flight to Calama. Calama is the entry-point to Chile’s iconic Atacama Desert. On arrival you will be met by representatives from Explora Atacama and transferred 1 1/4 hours to the hotel. On the outskirts of the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama is Explora Atacama. A beautiful hotel with stunning views towards Licancabur Volcano on the horizon.

Over the next three days you will be taken on a series of excursions with Explora’s expert guides. Activities are in small groups and are chosen on arrival at the hotel. With over 40 excursions to choose from, there is something for everyone. You will have the chance to see well-known attractions like the Valley of Moon and geysers at el Tatio, as well as visit Explora’s own hot springs at Puritama. Explora have their own stables in case guests want to explore on horseback. They also have bikes, vehicles and there are plenty of areas to explore on foot. In the evening stargazing activities are possible from Explora’s own observatory. There is also a spa and outdoor pools in case you want sometime to relax.

Stay: Four nights at Explora Atacama – including all meals, drinks, shared activities and shared transfers

From the Atacama you will fly back to Santiago, spending the afternoon and evening in the Chilean capital.

Santiago is the country’s capital and its bustling heart. Flanked by the Andes, there are a number of excellent museums and galleries to explore. Spend the day wandering the streets of the capital and enjoy local delicacies like Pastel de Choclo.

Your hotel is in the vibrant neighbourhood of Lastarria and is one of the most luxurious places to stay in the city.

Stay: One night at The Singular Santiago – Bed & breakfast

2,300 miles off the coast of Chile is Rapa Nui, Easter Island. After boarding a direct flight from Santiago, you will be met on the Polynesian island by guides from Explora and driven to the hotel.

Over the next two days you will explore the island with your guides from Explora. The remote volcanic island is most famous for the 900 Moai monumental statues found across the island. Created between the 13th–16th centuries, the Moai are carved human figures with oversized heads, often resting on massive stone pedestals called Ahus.

The island itself is one of the most remote inhabited places on Earth and has a Polynesian culture, a stark contrast to mainland Chile. It’s home to some beautiful scenery, excellent walking and snorkelling.

Stay: Three nights at Explora Rapa Nui – including all meals, drinks, shared activities and shared transfers

Today you fly back to mainland Chile, arriving in the evening.

The night is spent at the airport hotel in Santiago, as you will arrive late and then leave early the following morning on your flight to Patagonia.

Stay: One night at the Santiago Airport Hotel – Bed & breakfast

Board an early morning flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas, where once again you will be met by representatives from Explora.

Explora Patagonia is the first hotel built by Explora and it is safe to say we have left the best till last!

After a 5 hour journey from Punta Arenas, you will arrive into the Torres del Paine National Park. The jewel in Patagonia’s crown and arguably one South America’s most impressive sites. Explora Patagonia is one of the only hotels inside the park, which means guests not only are greeted to stunning views of the Paine Massif mountain range from the hotel, but also have fantastic access to the trails and activities in the park.

Over the next three days you will explore the park and its surroundings. Explora guides will discuss the options with you, which include hikes, riding, boat trips and photo safaris. You can hike the famous routes through the French Valley or to the Base of the Towers, or see quieter parts of the park.

Explora have their own catamaran which takes guests to the start of some of the trailheads. It means Explora guests often arrive before any of the other hotels (inside or outside the park).

The evenings can be spent admiring the views from the hotel’s bar and restaurant, or having a swim in the heated indoor pool or taking a polar plunge in the glacier fed lake at the back of the hotel.

Stay: Four nights at Explora Patagonia – including all meals, drinks, shared activities and shared transfers.

From the wild weather and scenery of Patagonia, you will fly north to the Mediterranean style climate of the Chilean wine region.

Your final two nights are a chance to relax and enjoy award winning wine at the beautiful vineyards of VIK Chile.

Two hours out of Santiago, VIK Chile is the perfect place to end. Guests can relax by the outdoor infinity pool, explore the vineyards by bike or horse and enjoy a private wine tasting in VIK’s impressive wine cellar. There is also a fantastic restaurant and excellent spa.

Stay: Two nights at VIK Chile – Half-board