Trip Overview
Join an exclusive tour of Chile to experience its spectacular skies, vineyards, ancient cultures, and legendary landscapes. Stargazers are drawn to northern Chile for its dark, clear skies and rare clouds. The journey culminates in the Atacama Desert, featuring coastal plains, high volcanoes, the world’s highest geyser basin, and stunning altiplanic lagoons. Stay at Explora Atacama Lodge in San Pedro de Atacama, where you’ll enjoy luxury accommodations and tailored excursions focused on natural history, wildlife, geology, and astronomy.
In Torres del Paine National Park, spend three days at Explora Torres del Paine Lodge. Engage in activities ranging from easy to challenging, including navigation on Pehoé Lake by catamaran, van trips, and treks. Discover diverse Patagonian ecosystems, from Magellan forests to steppes, in one of the world’s most remote and pristine regions, known for its dramatic landscapes and traditional gaucho hospitality.
An optional pre-trip extension to Easter Island and post-trip extension to El Calafate, Argentina featuring the Perito Moreno glacier are also offered.
Schedule by Day
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Pricing
Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy |
|---|---|
$12,990 per person | $18,980 |
On-tour flights Santiago/Clama, Calama/Santiago, Santiago/Puerto Natales, and Puerto Natales/Santiago: Approximately $900 per person
To reserve a space on this program, a $2,000 deposit is required per person. Final payment is due 120 days before departure (May 31, 2027) payable by check, wire transfer, or credit card (credit card payments will incur a processing fee of 2%). Participants will receive an invoice directly from the tour operator, Criterion Travel for all subsequent payments after the initial deposit.
Notification of cancellation must be received in writing by HAA from the participant. Cancellations received within 14 days of booking are eligible for a full refund, provided that initial deposits were made 121 days or more prior to departure. After 14 days, $1,000 per person becomes non-refundable.
The program terms and conditions can be found here and must be acknowledged upon registration.
Accommodations
- Ritz Carlton Hotel, Santiago (one night)
- Explora Atacama Lodge, San Pedro de Atacama (three nights)
- Holiday Inn Airport Hotel, Santiago (one night)
- Explora Torres del Paine, Torres del Paine National Park (three nights)
Optional Pre-Tour Extension: Easter Island
Under development
Optional Post-Tour Extension: El Calafate, Argentina Featuring the Perito Moreno glacier
Under development
The opportunity to register for the extension will be provided directly from the tour operator following the participants confirmation on the program
What to Expect
To make the most of what each locale has to offer, this active program is at times physically demanding and busy, with some early departures from the hotels and activities scheduled throughout the day. While we will maintain a moderate pace throughout the program, participants should be fit, in active good health, and able to keep up with the group without assistance from tour staff.
The itinerary offers a deep dive into the history, culture, geology, and stunning natural landscapes of the Atacama Desert and southern Patagonia. You will experience stays at two renowned Explora luxury lodges in Chile. Daily guided excursions at each Explora lodge include a variety of half-day and full-day options like hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Walks typically last about one mile, sometimes over uneven terrain, with longer distances available at your discretion. Some buildings will not have elevators, and you will occasionally encounter steps without handrails.
In San Pedro de Atacama, where we spend three nights, the altitude is approximately 8,200 feet, with some excursions reaching up to 14,450 feet. Many participants on this program will experience some symptoms of altitude sickness, including headache, fatigue, and insomnia; it is likely a few may experience more severe symptoms. Please note that higher altitudes can exacerbate health issues you may already have. In southern Patagonia, altitude won't be an issue as the lower plains of Torres del Paine National Park are just 150 feet above sea level.
Any physical condition requiring special attention, diet, or treatment must be reported on your Traveler Information Form. All reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate special diets and treatment, but medical service and treatment is generally not at the level found in the U.S.
Given the remote locations, flexibility will be key as we navigate time schedules, food, weather, and wind. Participants must be in good physical and mental health to keep up with the group's pace. This program ranges from moderately active to very active, depending on your chosen activities which can be tailored to your desired level. Travel will be by regularly scheduled jet aircraft, private motorcoaches or vans, which is the only time you must participate in the scheduled activities. Due to the remote locations, we suggest all participants obtain a medical evacuation insurance policy. We are sure you will be pleased with the exciting educational program provided, but we want you to be aware of the pace and activity level.
