Penguin: Extremes of Chile
14 days from £5,022
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
In the afternoon your guided city tour takes you to all the major sites of this fascinating city concentrating on Santiago’s bustling historic centre, which in recent years has taken on a new lease of life. Awakening from years of neglect, the traditional residential neighbourhood of Lastarria is a delight to explore, replete with shops, arty cafés and characterful hotels. Nearby, leafy Parque Forestal was inaugurated in the early twentieth century to celebrate the first 100 years of the republic. It is just a few blocks from the beating heart of old Santiago, the Plaza de Armas, the capital’s main square which is graced by elegant Chilean wine palms with their characteristic bottle-shaped trunks. Grouped around the plaza are Santiago’s Cathedral, the main post office, the National Historic Museum and the Municipalidad de Santiago (city hall). From here, if time, visit San Cristóbal Hill by riding the cable car to the top. On clear days there are spectacular panoramic views across the city towards the Andes.
Hotel Cumbres Lastarria is a striking property which belongs to a well respected Chilean hotel group, but with a real cutting-edge designer twist. From the eye-catching geometric façade to giant paintings in the guest rooms it reflects the creative energy of the artistic and bohemian neighbourhood of Lastarria in the centre of which it has pride of place. There are plenty of arty cafés and bars, street artwork and sculptures, galleries and trendy boutiques just outside the front door, and the whole district – which also has some lovely old residences -has an up and coming, buzzy vibe.
The hotel’s 70 rooms are spacious and well appointed with all the contemporary amenities you’d expect. Other facilities include a gym, an outdoor lap-pool, and an eighth-floor restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine and offering great views of the Santiago skyline.
Today there is an optional visit to Chile’s second city, Valparaíso (2 hrs by bus). This lively seaport is built on a series of hills which form a backdrop to the wide bay, with views over the seaside resort of Viña del Mar. You can wander through the steep, winding streets and among the brightly-coloured colonial homes built for 19th century British and German merchants, or take a ride in one of the creaky wooden funiculars which link the cliff-top communities.
Time permitting, you may wish to visit one of the vineyards close to Santiago, to sample some highly respected Chilean wine.
Hotel Cumbres Lastarria is a striking property which belongs to a well respected Chilean hotel group, but with a real cutting-edge designer twist. From the eye-catching geometric façade to giant paintings in the guest rooms it reflects the creative energy of the artistic and bohemian neighbourhood of Lastarria in the centre of which it has pride of place. There are plenty of arty cafés and bars, street artwork and sculptures, galleries and trendy boutiques just outside the front door, and the whole district – which also has some lovely old residences -has an up and coming, buzzy vibe.
The hotel’s 70 rooms are spacious and well appointed with all the contemporary amenities you’d expect. Other facilities include a gym, an outdoor lap-pool, and an eighth-floor restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine and offering great views of the Santiago skyline.
Fly north to Calama (2 hours) where you will be driven (90mins) to the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama. San Pedro is a timeless adobe town with a laid back atmosphere and an erratic electricity supply. Its dusty streets are lined with bars, cafés and tour operators offering various excursions into the surrounding desert.
On the guided excursion you arrive late in the afternoon at the Moon Valley (its name tells it all) to explore shady gorges and canyons formed over centuries by the erosion of salt mountains. Just before dusk, climb to the ridge of a vast golden sand dune to see the landscape lit up in different shades of pink, crimson and mandarin cast by the setting sun.
Cumbres San Pedro is a relatively large and modern property, designed to blend in with the adobe brick character of San Pedro de Atacama. This Chilean property is low rise with appropriate use of earthy tones, natural stone and wood, offset by brightly coloured textiles. The wide-ranging guest rooms are impressively spacious, simply but attractively presented with terraces and the novelty of an alfresco shower.
There’s also a restaurant and spa, while outside you’ll find attractive grounds with three swimming pools and two hot tubs. The hotel is a 20-minute walk (just over 1km) from the centre of San Pedro de Atacama.
Explore the region’s other-worldly landscape on a full day excursion to the Atacama salt flats and surrounding lakes. Across the dazzling, pitted surface of the salar, you’ll see pink-tinged flamingos feeding, reflected in the glimmering pools. A dusty drive takes you through some tiny hamlets where Atacameños eke out a living in these harsh conditions, before continuing to Lakes Miscanti and Miñiques. Here you’re left literally breathless – at over 4,000m the air is thin and cold. Take a walk around the lakeshore and picnic with a view of the volcanic cones perfectly reflected in the turquoise waters.
Cumbres San Pedro is a relatively large and modern property, designed to blend in with the adobe brick character of San Pedro de Atacama. This Chilean property is low rise with appropriate use of earthy tones, natural stone and wood, offset by brightly coloured textiles. The wide-ranging guest rooms are impressively spacious, simply but attractively presented with terraces and the novelty of an alfresco shower.
There’s also a restaurant and spa, while outside you’ll find attractive grounds with three swimming pools and two hot tubs. The hotel is a 20-minute walk (just over 1km) from the centre of San Pedro de Atacama.
Should you choose to take the morning optional excursion to El Tatio Geysers, be prepared for a very early start. But it’s well worth it. You arrive on the pitted, craggy geyser field just before dawn, and as the sun rises and warms the earth, hot steam projects dramatically out of the crater into the freezing morning air, creating a wall of mist through which you can make out dark silhouettes against the penetrating sunlight.
Alternatively you may want to walk to Pukará de Quitor (3 km). This old Inca fortress has superb views of the mountains and volcanoes bordering Bolivia and Argentina.
Cumbres San Pedro is a relatively large and modern property, designed to blend in with the adobe brick character of San Pedro de Atacama. This Chilean property is low rise with appropriate use of earthy tones, natural stone and wood, offset by brightly coloured textiles. The wide-ranging guest rooms are impressively spacious, simply but attractively presented with terraces and the novelty of an alfresco shower.
There’s also a restaurant and spa, while outside you’ll find attractive grounds with three swimming pools and two hot tubs. The hotel is a 20-minute walk (just over 1km) from the centre of San Pedro de Atacama.
Fly south via Santiago to Puerto Montt, and continue by road to Puerto Varas, situated on the shores of Lake Llanquihue (one of the largest natural lakes in South America), in the heart of the lake district. Towering snow-capped volcanoes punctuate a patchwork landscape of cultivated hills and pastures. The town sits in the shadows of the perfect conical peak of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. Originally colonised by German immigrants, it has a distinctive, Bavarian feel. There are some excellent seafood restaurants and cafés serving creamy küchen to while away your free time.
This well-regarded hotel commands glorious panoramic views from its position on a hillock overlooking Lake Llanquihue and Osorno volcano in Chile’s idyllic lake district.
Built in typical Patagonian style of wood and stone with a pitched roof, it’s only 5 minutes’ walk from central Puerto Varas along the lakeshore.
Well-equipped rooms are furnished with neutral colours, local wood and décor of a regional ambience. Some have balconies and large windows make the most of the views.
There’s a wonderful lounge with open fires, sheepskin rugs, sofas and huge windows overlooking the lake. The adjacent restaurant has similar views, and offers a range of specialities. There is also a small indoor swimming pool on the top floor.
Today you will visit the Petrohué Falls where you stand on wooden walkways and gaze down in to the glacial turquoise waters. Follow the trails through the forest and along the shores of Lake Todos los Santos, where you will take a boat trip on the gem-clear, emerald green waters. On a clear day, this is some of the most exquisite scenery on the continent.
This well-regarded hotel commands glorious panoramic views from its position on a hillock overlooking Lake Llanquihue and Osorno volcano in Chile’s idyllic lake district.
Built in typical Patagonian style of wood and stone with a pitched roof, it’s only 5 minutes’ walk from central Puerto Varas along the lakeshore.
Well-equipped rooms are furnished with neutral colours, local wood and décor of a regional ambience. Some have balconies and large windows make the most of the views.
There’s a wonderful lounge with open fires, sheepskin rugs, sofas and huge windows overlooking the lake. The adjacent restaurant has similar views, and offers a range of specialities. There is also a small indoor swimming pool on the top floor.
We strongly recommend a full-day excursion to Chiloé. This extraordinary island developed largely independently from the mainland and has a distinct history, architecture and mythology. Alighting on its shores is like stepping back into a time of mists and legends. Half the population works in agriculture, the techniques of which have remained unchanged for centuries; distinctive ox-driven carts are to be seen trundling down the island’s unpaved roads past unique wood-shingled churches and there are several folksy fishing ports where you can savour fresh oysters.
November-March you can take a boat trip to spot Magellanic and Humboldt penguins. The excursion ends with a visit to a chilote family, where the traditional curanto is prepared for you; it’s a hearty dish of seafood, meat, potatoes and vegetables are piled high in a hole in the ground, buried and cooked among glowing embers.
This well-regarded hotel commands glorious panoramic views from its position on a hillock overlooking Lake Llanquihue and Osorno volcano in Chile’s idyllic lake district.
Built in typical Patagonian style of wood and stone with a pitched roof, it’s only 5 minutes’ walk from central Puerto Varas along the lakeshore.
Well-equipped rooms are furnished with neutral colours, local wood and décor of a regional ambience. Some have balconies and large windows make the most of the views.
There’s a wonderful lounge with open fires, sheepskin rugs, sofas and huge windows overlooking the lake. The adjacent restaurant has similar views, and offers a range of specialities. There is also a small indoor swimming pool on the top floor.
After a short drive to Puerto Montt, a 2 hour flight takes you south to Puerto Natales (Punta Arenas Airport is used if flight schedules are not available). On a clear day you have views of the southern icecap, its fjords, volcanoes and glaciers.
Your luxury hotel is just outside Puerto Natales on the shores of Last Hope Sound, a short drive from Torres del Paine National Park. It gets its inspiration from (and retains parts of) the original abandoned structure of an early 20th century refrigeration plant, built in what is now called Post-Victorian Industrial style.
The Singular Hotel in Chilean Patagonia is an architectural masterpiece constructed from the shell of an industrial building on the scenic shores of Last Hope Sound. It’s just 5km north of Puerto Natales, the gateway town to Torres del Paine National Park, but feels more remote thanks to the dramatic scenery that surrounds it.
The luxury hotel gets its inspiration from the original abandoned structure, built in post-Victorian Industrial style. The lofty ceilings, bits of restored machinery and a little on-site museum keep alive the memory of the early 20th century, when pioneering settlers made these inhospitable shores their home.
A modern wing of huge glass-fronted guestrooms overlooking the waterfront is attached to the main building. Décor and furnishings are the epitome of understated contemporary style.
Glass and metal predominate, but there is nothing austere about the place – for a start, there is a vast comprehensive spa with a heated swimming pool, saunas and a steam room, and a medley of massage services are offered. And there are plenty of cosy leather armchairs and sofas in which to relax after a day spent in the open air. Meanwhile the excellent restaurant showcases unusual local ingredients such as white strawberries, as well as regional stalwarts like Magellan lamb and king crab.
The emphasis however is on providing guests with a true outdoor Patagonian experience; there is a choice of 20 excursions into the national park and around, with guided trekking, kayaking, biking and bird watching amongst the options.
For 2 full days the group will explore the Torres del Paine National Park by private vehicle and on foot, leaving in the morning and returning to the comfort of Puerto Natales by evening.
We include the famous boat trip that navigates towards the wall of giant Glacier Grey. The boat will set a course through the vivid blue icebergs that crowd Lago Grey before taking you right up to the face of the enormous glacier. This is a monumental ice field extending almost as far as the eye can see and fronted by a cracking, calving wall of azure pinnacles.
Whilst exploring the park they’ll be stops to visit some of the best viewpoints such as Lago Nordenskjold and Salto Grande. The scenery is overwhelming; the granite massif of the Cuernos, milky lakes dotted with icebergs and, soaring above, condors riding against perpetual fierce winds. Spend the rest of your days exploring the national park on foot. Follow a number of different walking trails winding alongside the glacial lakes and rivers with close-up views of tortured rock towers and needles rising 3,000m into a tempestuous sky. The difficulty and length of the available walks in the park vary hugely, and some may not be suitable for all passengers.
The Singular Hotel in Chilean Patagonia is an architectural masterpiece constructed from the shell of an industrial building on the scenic shores of Last Hope Sound. It’s just 5km north of Puerto Natales, the gateway town to Torres del Paine National Park, but feels more remote thanks to the dramatic scenery that surrounds it.
The luxury hotel gets its inspiration from the original abandoned structure, built in post-Victorian Industrial style. The lofty ceilings, bits of restored machinery and a little on-site museum keep alive the memory of the early 20th century, when pioneering settlers made these inhospitable shores their home.
A modern wing of huge glass-fronted guestrooms overlooking the waterfront is attached to the main building. Décor and furnishings are the epitome of understated contemporary style.
Glass and metal predominate, but there is nothing austere about the place – for a start, there is a vast comprehensive spa with a heated swimming pool, saunas and a steam room, and a medley of massage services are offered. And there are plenty of cosy leather armchairs and sofas in which to relax after a day spent in the open air. Meanwhile the excellent restaurant showcases unusual local ingredients such as white strawberries, as well as regional stalwarts like Magellan lamb and king crab.
The emphasis however is on providing guests with a true outdoor Patagonian experience; there is a choice of 20 excursions into the national park and around, with guided trekking, kayaking, biking and bird watching amongst the options.
Journey back south to Punta Arenas, once an important, British-influenced trading centre before the opening of the Panama Canal turned it into a backwater; the region’s fortunes were only briefly revived during a short-lived gold rush. To add to its woes, the sheep-rearing business has never recovered from the catastrophic collapse of the price of meat and wool. It’s now a gateway to Chilean Patagonia and the nearby National parks.
Hotel Cabo de Hornos, situated in a large prestigious building on the central Plaza de Armas, is one of Punta Arenas’ most venerable institutions, for decades the most upmarket hotel in town.
Nowadays, there is some competition but it remains an excellent choice for comfort, good quality rooms and amenities. The hotel has a classic design and approach with a formal atmosphere befitting its longstanding reputation.
The 110 rooms are set on seven floors. Each room has a shower and bathtub in the bathroom, and there are double and triple rooms ideal for families.
The ground floor restaurant holds regular themed evenings with a frequently changing menu. Other facilities include a sauna, bar and small museum.
Catch a flight back to Santiago (4 hours) which normally includes a stop in Puerto Montt where those wishing to continue with the lake crossing to Argentina will leave the group. Overnight in the capital.
Hotel Cumbres Lastarria is a striking property which belongs to a well respected Chilean hotel group, but with a real cutting-edge designer twist. From the eye-catching geometric façade to giant paintings in the guest rooms it reflects the creative energy of the artistic and bohemian neighbourhood of Lastarria in the centre of which it has pride of place. There are plenty of arty cafés and bars, street artwork and sculptures, galleries and trendy boutiques just outside the front door, and the whole district – which also has some lovely old residences -has an up and coming, buzzy vibe.
The hotel’s 70 rooms are spacious and well appointed with all the contemporary amenities you’d expect. Other facilities include a gym, an outdoor lap-pool, and an eighth-floor restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine and offering great views of the Santiago skyline.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Chile - Santiago and the vineyards
Snow-capped Andean peaks overlook cosmopolitan neighbourhoods, historic plazas and sun-drenched vineyards in Santiago Chile – the country’s sophisticated capital and its surrounding wine country. Combining urban culture with world-class wineries, Santiago and vineyards nearby give you the perfect introduction to Chile.
Chile - Atacama Desert
Vast salt flats, steaming geysers, flamingo-filled lagoons and volcanic peaks create a world that feels more like another planet than the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. As the driest non-polar desert on Earth, this is one of South America’s most spectacular destinations for adventure, wildlife and stargazing.
Chile - Chilean Lake District (south)
Snow-capped volcanoes, blue lakes, ancient forests and lakeside towns with a distinct Bavarian streak: the southern Chilean Lake District is one of the country’s most beautiful regions, and one of the most rewarding to explore. Chilean Lake District holidays combine spectacular scenery with outdoor adventure, and local culture.
Chile - Torres del Paine National Park
Spiralling granite towers, serrated massifs and turquoise lakes define one of the most spectacular national parks, where grasslands give way to glacial valleys, rivers and glassy lagoons. Torres del Paine is Chile’s flagship natural destination, and Torres del Paine holidays remain one of South America’s finest options for hiking, wildlife watching and immersive wilderness experiences.
Transposed to Europe, Chile would stretch from Norway to Tunisia. It extends some 4,000 kilometres, down a ribbon of land that clings to the western flank of the Andes, with a staggering variety of landscape, vegetation and climate. This comprehensive tour will take you from the lunar landscape of the Atacama Desert in the north, through the patchwork vineyards that surround the cosmopolitan capital, Santiago, and the forested volcanoes of the lake district to the Straits of Magellan, where stormy waters lash the broad, windswept landscapes and snow-capped peaks of Patagonia.
Mary Anne Nelson
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- About Our Group Tours
To find out more about how our group tours including group sizes, solo travellers and why to choose us. Please click here.
- Tour Leader
On this tour, you’ll be accompanied from start to finish by one of our exceptional Journey Latin America tour leaders. From the moment you land in Latin America until the day the tour ends they will deal with all the practicalities, expertly adapting to the circumstances and individual needs of the group. Rather than different guides in different cities, your leader will get to know the group and keep you informed and entertained as you go.
- Summary of Nights
14 days, 13 nights: Santiago 2; San Pedro 3; Puerto Varas 3; Puerto Natales 3; Punta Arenas 1; Santiago 1.
- Accommodation
On this tour we upper mid-range and first class hotels.
Examples of hotels include:
• Santiago: Cumbres Lastarria
• San Pedro de Atacama: Cumbres San Pedro
• Puerto Varas: Pettra Puerto Varas by Wyndham
• Puerto Natales: Hotel Singular
• Punta Arenas: Cabo de Hornos or Yegua LocaOn very rare occasions these hotels can change, however please speak to one of our consultants who can provide full details for each departure if you have any doubts. Address and contact details will be sent out with your final documents.
- Transport
4 flights (longest 4 hours). All land transport is operated privately for the group.
- Meals
Breakfast daily, lunch day 4.
- Optional Excursions
On this tour the price includes excursions in all the places you visit as per the itinerary. There will however likely be some free time when you may choose to take part in an optional excursion. These are booked locally through your tour leader once you are in Latin America, however we are more than happy to advise you of what is on offer in advance of your holiday so you can best plan the excursions that suit you.
- Travelling Alone
There is no extra cost for single travellers who are willing to share a room. You will be accommodated with another same-sex member of the group who is also travelling solo. For single travellers who wish to have their own room there are a limited number of single rooms available, which carry a surcharge.
- Trip Suitability
In the Torres del Paine optional hikes vary in length (4-10 hrs) and difficulty (some are easy and flat, others steeper and more challenging). All walks are linear and along good paths, so you can follow them as far as you feel comfortable. Your tour leader can advise about which of the trails would be most suited to you. Throughout the Journey, there is time to relax and explore on your own if you wish.
You’ll need to be prepared for some very early mornings and dramatic changes in temperature and high altitude is also a factor when in the Atacama desert. Please see section on altitude for further details below.
- Altitude
Some of the excursions in the Atacama Desert are at high altitude, although you spend the night in San Pedro de Atacama which is at a comfortable 2,440m. Symptoms of altitude sickness vary; most common are mild headaches, slight nausea and breathlessness. Most people are unaffected and if you drink plenty of water and allow your body to acclimatise (don’t exert yourself or drink alcohol) in the first couple of days after arrival, you will minimise your chances of suffering any symptoms. Please refer to out Briefing Dossier for further information.
- Climate
This holiday only operates from October through to March. As a broad overview Chile has the opposite seasons to the UK, meaning November to February tend to be the warmest summer months. The further south you travel in the country the cooler it gets, although this varies with altitude. A comprehensive overview of the weather in all the regions you are visiting can be found in our Destination pages. Our Travel Experts can answer your questions on climate and further details will be sent with your confirmation documents.
- Clothing, Equipment and Luggage
A daypack is essential for carrying rainwear, snacks, books/tablet and a water bottle. To ensure your comfort while walking in Patagonia, you should bring good waterproof walking boots/shoes (tried and tested so you don’t get blisters) as well as a good water/windproof (not just shower-proof) jacket and trousers, a warm hat and a scarf. Some walkers find hiking poles helpful, and binoculars are useful for bird and wildlife spotting. Bring a hat with a visor, sunglasses and sun block. Because the weather can be changeable, we recommend wearing layered clothing for excursions.
Be prepared for the cold during nights in Atacama (particularly if you choose to take the excursion to El Tatio Geysers, where temperatures are below freezing).
- Money
Please see the Country Info tab on this holiday for our latest currency information and advice about how to take your spending money. Tipping in Latin America is almost always done using cash. It is customary to tip tour leaders, local guides, drivers, boat crews and other service providers such as restaurant staff and porters. Full tipping guidelines are sent with your confirmation documents as is advice on local costs.
- Health, Entry Requirements and Insurance
For health information on travelling to Chile including recommended vaccinations, please see https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/
All Latin American countries have specific entry regulations related to Covid 19. Please also check our Travel Hub for further information.
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports should be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Other nationalities should enquire with us or check with the consulates.
Travel insurance is essential. Details of our recommended policy can be found on the Travel insurance website.
Our full briefing dossier contains more information on vaccinations, visas and insurance and will be provided with your final travel documents or can be requested from your travel consultant at any time.
- Do I need a visa to visit Chile?
British passport holders don’t need a visa for tourist visits. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the start of your trip. If you’re routing through the US, you’ll need an ESTA in advance. Always check the latest entry requirements before you travel, as rules can change.
- How do I get to Chile from the UK?
British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow to Santiago, taking around 14.5 hours. There are also connecting routes via Madrid, Paris and other European hubs. We arrange all flights and transfers, and can quote them separately based on your dates.
- What's the best way to travel around Chile?
The country’s length makes domestic flights the most practical way to cover long distances, with most routes connecting through Santiago. Within regions, we arrange private transfers and guided excursions. For scenic stretches like the Lake District or the Carretera Austral, overland travel is part of the experience.
- What currency does Chile use?
The official currency is the Chilean peso. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, and ATMs are available in most towns. Carry some cash for tips, smaller purchases and rural areas. We’ll advise on the latest currency situation before you travel.
- What's the altitude like in Chile?
Most of Chile sits at low to moderate altitude, but parts of the Atacama, including Lauca National Park and areas around San Pedro, reach over 3,000m. Altitude can cause headaches, dizziness and breathlessness, so it’s important to acclimatise gradually, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol on arrival. We plan all itineraries with altitude in mind.
- How long should I spend in Chile?
Two weeks works well for a single focus, such as the Atacama with a few days in Santiago, or Torres del Paine with time in the lake district. To cover Chile’s full range, from desert to Patagonia, allow three weeks or more. We’ll help you build an itinerary that makes the most of your time.
- Do I need vaccinations for Chile?
There are currently no mandatory vaccines for UK travellers visiting Chile, but we always recommend checking the most up-to-date requirements well before travelling. You can do this by visiting TravelHealthPro and FCDO travel pages. Alternatively, you can contact us and speak to one of our experts who can advise on any current considerations for the areas you’re visiting.
- What countries can I combine with Chile?
Chile pairs naturally with Argentina, crossing the Andes from Santiago to Mendoza, or the lakes from Puerto Varas to Bariloche. Bolivia is an easy add-on from the Atacama, with routes through the Salar de Uyuni salt flats. Our Travel Experts can design a multi-country trip around you.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Take a guided tour around the Valley of the Moon with their otherworldly rock formations, before watching an unforgettable sunset from the top of a desert dune.
Visit a flamingo colony and colourful high-altitude lakes on a drive through the hallucinatory landscapes of the Atacama salt flats.
See one of the key highlights of Torres del Paine National Park from the water.
Breathe in the majesty of Patagonia on foot on a choice of rewarding hikes to natural beauty spots.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort
A modern and contemporary hotel with great amenities, in keeping with the low rise adobe style of San Pedro.
Strikingly modern, architecture-led hotel constructed from the shell of an industrial building. Décor and furnishings are the epitome of understated contemporary style.
The imaginatively designed La Yegua Loca is a small Patagonia-themed boutique hotel close to the centre of Punta Arenas at the southern tip of Chilean Patagonia.
If there’s somewhere you particularly want to go that isn’t included in this tour, we can add on an extension to take you there.
Winery
The Chilean Central Valley, with its rich soils and sunny Mediterranean climate, is Chile’s breadbasket. Orchards flourish, and the slopes of the Andean foothills support vineyards producing world class wines. Several now welcome visitors: here you visit one of the most attractive and luxurious. Day 1: By road to the Casablanca valley (1.5hrs), celebrated among…
Easter Island
Polynesian Easter Island (Rapa Nui) lies 3,790km off the Chilean coast in the remote sub-tropical South Pacific. Windswept and grassy on one side, lushly vegetated on the other, and with a benign climate, it is famous for the clusters of huge enigmatic stone heads standing starkly against an azure skyline. Experience the unique atmosphere and…
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Papagaio
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
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