TRIP EXTENSIONS
Chile (and Patagonia) offers a truly unique combination of geographical diversity, extreme landscapes, and thrilling experiences, making it one of the most dynamic countries for outdoor exploration. There is so much to see and explore! If you have more time, here are our top recommendations, including a trip extension that we will be taking ourselves…
Join us at Tierra Atacama. They are currently spending $12M renovating what was already voted Travel+Leisure’s BEST RESORT IN SOUTH AMERICA. Tierra re-opens on April 1, 2025 so we will be among the first to benefit from their new experience.
ATACAMA DESERT
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Led by Gritara Travel
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2025:
April 12 - April 152026:
April 4 - April 7 -
+$2,795pp (based on double occupancy)
Includes 3 nights at the luxury Tierra Atacama, which in currently undergoing a $12M complete renovation and will open back up on April 1, 2025. Be among the very first to experience this with us!
Includes:
3 nights at the luxury Tierra Atacama
Breakfast, lunch, and gourmet dinner
Open bar
Daily excursions to explore this otherworldly destination.
Use of spa facilities.
Ground transportation to/from CJC Airport.
Not Included:
2 hour flight to/from Santiago (SCL —> CJC)
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In stark contrast to Patagonia, this otherworldly destination offers you the rare opportunity to immerse yourself in two of the planet’s most extraordinary and contrasting landscapes, within the same country.
The quiet, meditative stillness of the Atacama Desert contrasts beautifully with the adrenaline and awe inspired by Patagonia’s dramatic, untamed wilderness.
This combination is sure to be an adventure of epic proportions!
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Explore the driest non-polar desert in the world, with surreal landscapes that feel almost extraterrestrial.
Marvel at the vast salt flats, shimmering lagoons, otherworldly geysers, and the Valley of the Moon’s dramatic rock formations.
The Atacama’s crystal-clear night skies are renowned for stargazing, offering a celestial experience unmatched anywhere on Earth.
Explore the heritage of indigenous Andean cultures, blending adventure with cultural immersion. Their ancient practices and rituals are still practiced in this region.
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South America’s best resort…
TIERRA ATACAMA!
EXPLORE ARGENTINE PATAGONIA
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Self-guided and book your own experience with help from Gritara Travel Guides.
Contact us for our top recommendations.
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Two destinations with incredible adventure!
El Calafate
Experience a truly unique adventure with a hike across Perito Moreno Glacier! Stay at a Patagonian estancia to immerse yourself in Argentina’s gaucho heritage.
El Chaltén
Visit the charming mountain village of Argentina’s trekking capital. This town was literally built for hikers! Hike the Laguna Torre, offering stunning views of Mount Fitz Roy’s jagged peaks.
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El Calafate:
El Chaltén:
Los Cerros del Chalten Boutique Hotel (conveniently downtown)
Explora El Chaltén (remote location)
Aguas Arriba Lodge (very remote)
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This is a very remote region and travel will likely be the least luxurious part of your adventure.
From Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park (and the end of our group trip), you'll likely take a bus to El Calafate.
In El Calafate, it would make sense to pick up a car or use your hotel's transfer option. If you have a car, it will be easy to get to/from El Chaltén.
After your add-on adventure, it would make sense to fly from El Calafate to Buenos Aires and wrap up your trip in another incredible South American city.
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Rather than flying in/out of Santiago, why not experience another incredible city? Each offers you an unforgettable experience and they are vastly different. Here are some highlights for each:
Buenos Aires, (The Paris of South America):
Vibrant Tango Culture: Experience the magic of live tango performances or take a lesson at a local milonga.
World-Class Dining: Feast on Argentine steak and Malbec wine.
Incredible Leather Goods: Known as one of the world’s top destinations for high-quality leather, the city offers an incredible variety of handcrafted goods that combine exceptional craftsmanship, timeless style, and affordability.
Santiago (The Gateway to Adventure):
Stunning Mountain Backdrop: Santiago is framed by the towering Andes.
Wine Paradise: Just outside the city, the Maipo and Casablanca valleys boast some of the world’s finest wines (not quite as famous as Argentina’s Malbec’s but definitely delicious).
Cool Parks: San Cristóbal Hill and Parque Bicentenario offer serene spots to relax amidst the city’s energetic vibe.
CYCLE THROUGH CHILE’S WINE REGION
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Self-guided and book your own experience with help from Gritara Travel Guides.
Contact us for our top recommendations.
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As the Southern Hemisphere’s autumn, April represents peak harvest season for Chile’s wine region.
enjoy wine tastings in Santiago neighborhoods or experience harvest festivals in Chile’s wine regions, just a short drive from the city. Tour operators will take you from the city to the valley!
Maipo Valley:
Less than an hour south of Santiago, Maipo Valley is considered the birthplace of modern Chilean wine. It’s renowned for producing some of Chile’s best Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah and is home to some of the oldest wineries in Chile. Take a day tour from the city and enjoy!
Casablanca Valley:
Also an hour from Santiago, head West towards the Pacific coast for Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. The cool coastal climate enhances acidity and aroma in white wines and light reds. Another easy day trip from Santiago or take the weekend to check out wineries and charming coastal towns.
Colchagua Valley:
About 2.5 hours south of Santiago, Colchagua Valley is nestled in Chile’s Central Valley and features premium red wines. It’s where you’ll find Carmenère , Syrah, and Malbec. The warmer climate produces bold, full-bodied wines. Enjoy internationally recognized vineyards and winemakers, then rest at an upscale wine lodge.
Maule Valley:
Continue even farther south (~3 hours from Santiago) to find wines dating back to the 16th century. Less commercialized than other regions and preserving traditional methods while championing organic practices.
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Once you decide on which wine regions you would like to visit, we can help you narrow down the best places to stay but listed below, are a few spectacular wine lodges for you to consider:
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For cycling enthusiasts, we recommend starting your wine tour in Santa Cruz. Renting a bike from a local shop is inexpensive, and you'll see some of the best wineries Chile has to offer. We are happy to help you plan a route so feel free to reach out if this is the adventure for you.
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
As mentioned, Chile and Patagonia have an abundance of incredible adventures. We have only highlighted a few possibilities but can certainly help you plan your unique experience and custom itinerary. Other options for you to consider:
Tierra del Fuego (Chile and Argentina)
Perhaps start your trip in Ushuaia, the southernmost city on Earth and a gateway to Antarctica. This is for the remote explorer, looking for dramatic coastlines and rugged landscapes. Come here for King Penguin Park, Dientes de Navarino Trekking, Tierra del Fuego National Park, and the Beagle Channel.
The Lake District (Chile and Argentina)
A region of pristine lakes, snow-capped volcanoes, and lush forests, perfect for outdoor activities and relaxation. In Argentina, check out Bariloche (indulge in chocolate as well as the broad diversity of natural wonders) and Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi. In Chile, consider Volcán Osorno, Petrohué Waterfalls, and Puerto Varas (all around Lake Llanquihue).
Valdés Peninsula (Argentina)
If you are looking for a marine wildlife experience and some downtime on the beach, consider this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a tour for Whale watching, sea lions, elephant seals, and orcas. In March & April, you might even witness an Orca beach attack. During this time, sea lion pups are just beginning to explore their surroundings and are vulnerable to an Orca beach attack.