Chile: South America’s Spine.
This is a 15-day sample itinerary. Remember that R. Crusoe can create a Chile journey of any length to meet your exact specifications.
“The greatest distance inspires the greatest illusions,” wrote Paul Theroux of his 13,000-mile trek from Boston to Patagonia. What he found, of course, was very real, almost surreal.
On a tour of Chile, our reality includes snow-capped peaks, lush lagoons, verdant forests, thriving vineyards, and not-so-dormant volcanoes. Unique landscapes that have drawn the likes of exiles, outlaws, adventurers, literary types, and now, you.
Off to southern Chile and bustling Santiago. The city is high energy day and night, despite her calming Spanish mansions, wide green boulevards, and exquisite gardens. Plaza de Armas, with its arcades and teeming street life, is Chile’s epicenter, literally (distances to points of interests are measured from here). Examine pre-Columbian artifacts at the splendid national museum here.
Daytrip beyond the city limits. Visit Valparaíso, with its 15 funicular lifts, each one climbing over a colorful jumble of houses. Famous naval port, seat of Chile’s parliament, and keeper of a colorful past. Sit down to lunch at a favorite local establishment. Experience Gran Bretaña Avenue, Victoria Square, and other treasured spots around town. Tghen into Viña del Mar, a resort of grand haciendas, a Bondian casino, and fashionable restaurants that still cherish the three-hour lunch.
Next, Chile’s wine country. In Maipo, do a wine-tasting at Viña Aquitania Domaine Paul Bruno, then continue on to Alto Jahuel for a private tour of Santa Rita vineyard and its vast cellars, ages old and responsible for some of Chile's finest wines. Enjoy a second tasting, then lunch, while we're here.
Jet north to Calama and drive to our luxurious lodge in San Pedro de Atacama: Explora en Atacama. Deluxe accommodations in the midst of desert, oases, mountains, volcanoes, salt flats, and hot springs. You've never seen anything quite like it. From the property, take excursions by foot, bike, and horseback. Breathtaking scenery and memorable experiences await over two full, glorious days.
Back to Santiago for another flight, this one south to Punta Arenas in Chilean Patagonia. A drive takes us to the sister lodge of the one we've just left behind: the top-rated Explora en Patagonia in Torres del Paine National Park. More stunning scenery: granite peaks, waterfalls, glaciers. And three days to explore with seasoned guides from the lodge. Pick and chose where you want to go and what you want to see and do. (Choosing is the hardest part.)
Finally, we retrace our steps back to Santiago, where we must bid farewell to Chile. Great and good neighbor.
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