Head north to the stark and skeletal Atacama Desert, driest in the world, where spitting volcanoes, fiery geysers and blinding white salt flats provide an eerie backdrop. Stay at a brand new boutique hotel and spa and relax in comfort after a day of thrilling activity, with bike rides, hikes and road trips under the blue dome of the sky.
Turn south to back-country dominated by the towering walls of the Andes, sliced through with secret valleys, blanketed with emerald islands, ancient fairy-tale forests, and mysterious legends.
Spot volcanoes draped in pristine snow which dot the verdant lake district, where horse-riding, biking, white-water rafting and scenic hikes are popular, while your delightful lake-side resort offers water-sports, outdoor pools and spa.
Explore Patagonia one of the world’s last remaining wildernesses, based at Remota, a contemporary hotel where you choose your preferred trips into the wild – hikes in Torres del Paine National Park, estancia visits, boat trips to discover creaking cobalt glaciers, ventures to the cave of the awesome giant milodón. Come home to a log fire and heated pool.
We’ve been there
"Chile is a long skinny country which means huge scenic variety but it is family-friendly to get around, with a network of efficient flights, and shorter road journeys give you a taste of the glorious, fractured landscapes." Claire Milner, Client Information Manager.
Where do you sleep?
1 night Santiago; 3 nights Tierra Atacama hotel & spa near San Pedro; 1 night Santiago; 3 nights first class Villarrica Park Lake Hotel near Pucón; 1 night Puerto Montt; 4 nights Remota hotel, excursions included, near Puerto Natales, gateway town to Torres del Paine Park (you can stay in the Park itself if you want to do more hiking); 1 night Santiago.
A bit more time?
Splash out and take the family to Easter Island, isolated in the Pacific Ocean, admire the iconic stone heads, enjoy the natural beaches, ride or cycle through uncluttered landscapes.
What do you eat?
Chile is renowned for its fresh seafood, and there is plenty of international fare available - the local variety of hot dog is especially popular.
Weather watch
For long daylight hours, and chances of warm sun, travel between Oct and Apr. Patagonian weather is unpredictable - it can be very windy and stormy at any time. You can ski in the Lake District in the summer school holidays.
Top Tip
If you travel in the summer school holidays it will be cold, but less crowded in the south, and you can ski in the Lake District.
Did You Know?
Bruce Chatwin, the British explorer-writer, thought he had found the origins of the unicorn myth in a cave painting in south-western Patagonia. (It was actually a rare species of Patagonian deer, known as a huemul.) | 
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