The Spirit of Chile

This immersive luxury escape takes in the Luna landscapes of the world’s driest desert, the myths and legends of remote Chiloé Island and the windswept valleys, granite spires, creaking glaciers and endless grass steppes of Patagonia’s Torres del Paine National Park.

Chile stretches over half the entire length of South America, flanked by the Pacific and the Andes to the east.  The country is home to an incredible diversity of dramatic landscapes.  From steaming fumaroles to wandering guanacos, you’ll see it all on a series of guided adventures between stays at the luxurious Tierra hotels, each one noted for its location, cuisine and authentic activities that will put you at the very heart of Chile’s diverse cultures and landscapes.

Tierra properties are located in Chile’s three remote, dramatic and sensational locations:  the Atacama Desert, Patagonia and Chiloé Island.  Each property has a unique design to complement the landscape and provide a luxurious stay for days filled with exploration and relaxation – the choice is yours.  Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa is located in the San Pedro de Atacama desert oasis in Northern Chile, known for its dramatic architecture and locally inspired interiors.  Guests can explore the desert landscapes with expert guides and end the days with incredible meals and Chilean wine.   Tierra Chiloé Hotel & Spa is located on Chiloé island.  The verdant countryside and blue lakes are the settings for this stunning lodge which also has a private boat for guests to enjoy the inland waterways.  here you can discover Chiloé by land and sea and enjoy locally sourced produce that arrives daily, including fabulous oysters and a delicious daily catch.  Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa is designed to complement the surrounding scenery.  Every room has inspiring views of Torres del Paine National Park.  You get to explore the surrounding estancias and mountains with your expert guides then return to the lodge for a well-deserved three-course dinner accompanied by sublime wines…

Finally the Maipo Valley and Vina Santa Rita, which is one of the oldest and largest wineries in Chile.  Spanning 3000 hectares of land and producing 33 grape varieties.  With cuttings originally brought over from France by founder Don Domingo Fernández Concha, Santa Rita’s French varieties are consistently lauded for their quality. We spend two nights here immersing ourselves in our fabulous surroundings, eating great food, drinking wine and enjoying each other’s company.

Blissful, invigorating, full of choice, fabulous travelling companions, full of fabulous wining and dining and as much or as little activity as you want.  Join Andrea and Jemma on this exhilarating Journey-of-a-Lifetime to experience the very best that Chile has to offer.

GETTING THERE:

Flights to Santiago are available with Qantas and LATAM over Sydney and Auckland, based on current timetables as at 27 July 2022.  Ask us for details and how to book.

Tour Price:  USD$13,185 per person twin share.  A single supplement of USD$2465 applies. (Plus Internal economy flights x 5 will be approximately USD500 subject to final confirmation)

Tour Starts:  Santiago

Tour Ends:  Santiago

Tour Dates:  21 October – 04 November 2023

PRICE INCLUDES:

*International Group Arrival transfer – Santiago

*International Group Departure transfer – Santiago

1 night’s 5-star accommodation Ritz Carlton, Santiago

4 nights 5-star accommodation Tierra Atacama

3 nights 5-star accommodation Tierra Chiloé

4 nights 5-star accommodation Tierra Patagonia

2 nights 5-star accommodation Hotel Casa Real, Maipo Valley

Welcome Cocktail in Santiago

Welcome Dinner in Santiago

All Inclusive at Tierra Atacama

All Inclusive at Tierra Chiloé

All Inclusive at Tierra Patagonia

Open Bar – includes mineral water, sodas, juices, house wine and spirits – at all Tierra properties.

Transfer from/to Punta Arenas airport to Tierra Patagonia

Transfer from/to Castro or Puerto Montt airports to Tierra Chiloe

Transfer from/to Calama airport to Tierra Patagonia

$100 USD Spa Credit to be used at any of the Tierra Hotels

Breakfast at Santiago Hotel

Private Transfer from Santiago Airport to Viña Santa Rita

Private Transfer from Viña Santa Rita to Santiago Airport Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner at La Casona Real

Drinks, sparkling wines, and premium wines included at Casa Real with meals

Private thematic tasting at Casa Real

Guided tour & visit of the park, Roman baths, neo-gothic chapel, and century-old wine cellars at Casa Real – with a cheese plate and dried fruits

A choice between two half-day excursions or one full-day excursion every day at Tierra Atacama

A choice between two half-day excursions or one full-day excursion every day at Tierra Chiloé

A choice between two half-day excursions or one full-day excursion every day at Tierra Patagonia

Expert-led guided tour of Santa Rita Winery

Co-Hosted by Jemma Wilson, Founder of Mai Journeys & Andrea Powis, Founder of Travelling Divas

Local Guides at each Tierra property

Air-conditioned deluxe transport throughout

*If on suggested group Flights. If outside of these flights, then you will need to pay a supplement service for a private transfer.

NOT INCLUDED:

Airfares unless stated in the itinerary/included in the tour price; items of a personal nature; phone calls; passport and visas (if applicable); entry fees into countries charged at the airport; laundry or tips. Personal transport; excess baggage; security and additional government taxes not covered already; travel insurance. Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary; beverages unless specifically described. Optional excursions or activities that may be offered but are not included in the tour price. Optional excursions or activities that may be offered Premium wines and vintage spirits available for an additional cost at the Tierra properties

21 OCTOBER to 04 NOVEMBER 2023

Day 1:  Welcome to Chile…

Welcome to beautiful Chile.

On arrival, our representative will meet you and fast-track you all the way through immigration. Then join the group transfer to the city – approximately 30 minutes – and to The Ritz Carlton, our home for tonight.

Take time to rest and refresh and the we will meet in the bar for a Welcome Cocktail where we will take time to introduce ourselves properly and go through the upcoming journey.

We will then have our Welcome Dinner in the ESTRÓ restaurant and then enjoy a great night’s sleep.

Overnight Accommodation:  The Ritz Carlton

Included Meals:  Dinner

Days 2 through 5:  Exploring Beautiful Chiloé…

After breakfast, we transfer back to the airport and board our flight to fly south to Chiloé. Located just off the west coast of northern Patagonia, this is a region of pretty fishing communities where traditional stilt houses look out across sweeping coastal views.

We spend three amazing nights here exploring the region’s rivers, lakes, coves and beaches on a series of excursions. Chiloé is the perfect resting point en route to Patagonia and is known for its UNESCO churches as well as its myths, legends, unique folklore and culinary traditions.

With a minimalist, contemporary interior and a sustainable geometric design, Tierra Chiloé is sleek with a modern edge. The lodge is decorated with local handmade textile and wood carvings, making it easy to cosy up if you don’t feel like venturing out. Made of locally sourced wood and clad in shingles, the exteriors mimic the traditional homes of local fishing communities. Inside, panoramic windows in the restaurant and living areas allow for uninterrupted Pacific Ocean views, which change constantly as the clouds and light play across the water. Every piece of furniture and decor has a story, as Chilean designers have collaborated with local craftspeople to curate a space which is relaxed and welcoming. It even comes complete with its own boat, the “Williche,” for navigating the inland waters. Staff and guides are on hand to help you discover the genuine warmth of the islanders, through excursions that provide insights into the local traditions and myths; you can hike, bike, kayak or sail your way through the charming landscapes of Chiloé.

Expect everything from boat trips and horseback rides to guided treks and cultural tours, where you’ll learn about the island’s fascinating history, which dates back to the times of Chiloé’s first inhabitants – the indigenous Huilliches, Cuncos and Onas people. Kayaking with a local guide is a great way to see some of the local mussel farms, birdlife and the occasional Chilean sea lion and end your day with a self-guided bike ride to some of the nearby villages if you still have a bit more energy to burn through. *Every day you will be able to choose between two half-day excursions or one full-day excursion.

We will also have the chance to try some of Chiloé’s traditional cuisine, which features a huge variety of fish and shellfish, harvested fresh from the surrounding sea. In the evenings, indulge at the hotel Uma Spa, or simply relax with a good book next to open fire and enjoy the views across Chiloé’s magnificent landscapes.

Accommodation for 3 nights:  Tierra Chiloé

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 5 through 9:  Discovering Patagonia…

This morning we need to fuel up as we have a big day ahead of us! We are heading to Patagonia, and even though it is a relatively long ride to get there, it will be so worth it….

We fly into Punta Arenas and on arrival, we will be met and transferred to Tierra Patagonia, located approximately 4 hours by road. The hotel is immersed in the landscape and emerges from the hillside. Bordered by the spectacular Andes Mountains, the Chilean side of Patagonia is a mass of fjords, glaciers and peaks which converge most powerfully in the Torres Del Paine National Park. Compared to the dry and stark Atacama in the north and the lush wetlands of Chiloé in the south, this region’s contrast is the perfect middle chapter of our Chilean journey.

Tierra Patagonia sits nestled into the hillside at the edge of Lake Sarmiento. With an award-winning contemporary design that perfectly blends in with the local surroundings, the lodge is almost invisible until you arrive at its front entrance. But once here, you’ll be greeted by spectacular Torres Del Paine National Park — truly one of the most spectacular landscapes that you could ever rest your eyes upon — to find a laid-back luxury setting. The entire property is architecturally stunning; the interior is light and airy with large floor-to-ceiling windows across the welcoming communal areas. This main space combines a lounge with a fireplace alongside couches that you can sink into and mingle with like-minded guests.

There are half-day escorted treks, horseback rides across the Patagonia steppe and full-day mountain hikes for you to choose from. You are taken to all corners of the National Park as well as less travelled areas near the lodge. You can opt to be guided to the four glaciers in Torres Del Paine or meet locals who live and work in this unique corner of the world. Whether you are super active or looking for a more mellow way to spend the final portion of your trip, this is the place to do it. And you can always pamper yourself at Uma Spa for some final moments of zen. *Every day you will be able to choose between two half-day excursions or one full-day excursion.

Accommodation for 4 nights:  Tierra Patagonia

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 9 through 11:  A Change of Pace in the Maipo Valley…

This morning we transfer back to the airport for our flight to Santiago. On arrival, we will be met and transferred to the Maipo Valley and our base for 2 nights, Hotel Casa Real.

The Maipo Valley is home to some of the most recognised wineries in the country. Arguably one of the most famous is Viña Santa Rita which is not only one of the oldest and largest wineries in Chile, it is home to one of the most spectacular hotels you may ever have the pleasure of staying at. Casa Real Hotel is a national treasure. Located on the manicured Santa Rita Winery estate 45 minutes southeast of Santiago, the hotel is located in a grand manor house. This carefully preserved, 19th-century, Pompeian-style summer house was declared a historic monument in 1972. Casa Real features several lounges, a dining room, a chapel, a game room, a terrace, and an inner courtyard that are kept the same way they were at the end of the XIX century, with its original furniture.

The Santa Rita winery manages nearly 2,471 acres of vineyards–some at the estate, and some in neighbouring valleys. The hotel itself rests within the central estate’s 99-acre park–an Eden of ancient trees, flowers, herb gardens, and boxwood labyrinths. Black-necked swans preen near the ponds, and green parrots chatter in the cypresses.

Over our time here we will enjoy:

– A ‘Welcome’ bottle of wine in our room

– A guided visit to the century-old park, Roman baths, neo-gothic chapel, and century-old wine cellars.

– A tour served with a cheese plate and dried fruits.

– A private thematic tasting on our terrace or in the Red Hall.

– The Andean Museum Visit: ethnographic collection with more than 3.000 items from the Claro Vial Foundation located in the midst of the vineyards.

– Bikes to ride across the vineyard on the 40 ha park designed by Guillermo Renner

Accommodation for 2 nights:  Hotel Casa Real

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner – Aperitif’s, wine with dinner)

Days 11 through 15:  To Atacama Desert and its Extraordinary Landscape…

After a lazy breakfast, we transfer back to the airport and board a flight north to Calama, the gateway to the Atacama Desert. We head off to escape to a world of clear night skies, high-altitude lagoons and moon-like valleys…

After landing at Calama airport, we will be met for our transfer to the Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa, our fabulous base for the next four nights. (Approximately 1.5 hours away). The drive will reveal the rocky moon-like landscape of the region, complete with volcanoes towering on the horizon.

High in the northern desert of Chile, Tierra Atacama lodge encapsulates exquisite design, where a sense of both adventure travel and pure relaxation lingers in the air. The property was designed by some of Chile’s most renowned architects, with regional sensibilities, eco-friendly design and boutique comfort firmly in mind; like the fire pits on the outdoor terrace that will keep you cozy during starlit evenings, and a modern take on High Andean cuisine that will leave you totally satisfied.

The desert of Atacama is known for its captivating landscapes of sand dunes, hot springs, canyons and geysers. Here, glowing sunrises and mind-blowing sunsets are the norms. After dusk, the sky is illuminated with a canopy of blinking stars, a sight unmatched anywhere else in the Southern Hemisphere. Morning, noon or night, the Atacama’s natural splendour and enigmatic energy are inescapable.

Once we arrive and settle in, our guides will sit down with us to find out what sort of activities and Atacama Desert adventures we might be interested in, creating an excursion plan for the upcoming days as we chat. We will spend the next few days enjoying the hotel’s superb facilities, including an indulgent Uma Spa complete with steam room, Jacuzzi and Turkish bath, and exploring the dramatic landscapes of the Atacama Desert with the hotel’s extensive list of excursions. There are so many excursions to choose from: exploring Valle de la Luna is a great way to start, as you get the chance to hike through the rugged moon-like landscape through diverse peaks, canyons and rock formations. If you want to lounge by the pool, then Tierra Atacama is an oasis for R&R, or, head off for more exploration.

Afternoon excursions can include checking out the Salar de Atacama where you’ll be treated to stunning views that stretch across Chaxa Lagoon, home to a myriad of birdlife including flamingos and Andean gulls. Take in the changing colours of the landscape as the sun sets and the moon rises. A morning hike through Valle de Guatin (The Valley of the Cactus) may be a highlight of the trip. You will be completely immersed in the landscape as you hike past the flowing river passing giant cactai that are hundreds of years old.

You can bike from Tierra Atacama to Cejar Lagoon where the salt concentration is so high you can actually float in the lagoon. And enjoy an evening excursion at a local observatory for some star gazing. There are trips out to the Tatio Geysers, the Salar de Tara, the Valle de la Luna and the spectacular Altiplanic Lagoons as well as horse riding, bird watching, volcano hikes, mountain biking and even stargazing. And so much more!

*Every day you will be able to choose between two half-day excursions or one full-day excursion.

We will cap our nights with a Pisco Sour as we watch the sunset over the Licancabur Volcano.

Accommodation for 4 nights:  Tierra Atacama

Included Meals:  Brreakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15:  Time to Depart…

This morning after breakfast, at the scheduled time we will be transferred to Calama Airport. We fly back to Santiago Airport for our departures.

Thank you for sharing this extraordinary journey with us.

Included Meals:  Breakfast

Santiago:

The Ritz Carlton:

The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago offers an elevated hotel experience within the city’s El Golf neighbourhood. Newly renovated guest rooms and suites feature a nature-inspired aesthetic, city views and spacious layouts.  The penthouse spa features a cupola-enclosed pool. And Estró Restaurant guided by his renowned concept of “New Chilean Cuisine’’.

Redesigned hotel rooms and suites marry an aesthetic inspired by Chile’s natural beauty with amenities appealing to modern travellers. Spacious layouts include views overlooking the Santiago skyline.

Chiloé:

Tierra Chiloé:

Celebrating the local island traditions and a unique geographical setting with natural ease, Tierra Chiloé a boutique spa Island hotel resort where intrepid adventure vacations are coupled with comfort, seeks to immerse you in the best of this archipelago, which is awash in verdant pastures, dramatic coastline and scenic clifftops.

Each of the 24 guest rooms with a view at Tierra Chiloé Adventure & Spa Hotel offers a deep connection to nature.   The design and décor of the rooms are inspired by the regional heritage of Chiloé.  Hand-crafted furniture and locally woven fabrics are thoughtfully incorporated into each room, a reflection of our bond with the island.

The spotlight is on the surroundings, which are on display through large windows that afford views of the lands and ocean beyond.

Patagonia:

Tierra Patagonia:

Emerging beside craggy mountains and the glistening Lake Sarmiento in Torres del Paine National Park, the Tierra Patagonia hotel weaves itself into the landscape with subtle style, blending into the magnificence of the region. Here in this untamed part of the world, the perfect spot for an adventure vacation, what you see at our Patagonia adventure spa hotel is emerald lakes, fantastic mountain ranges and abundant wildlife.

Our rooms are an ode to nature, like the rest of  Tierra Patagonia. The space is elegant yet understated, made with local wood, with whitewash walls on either side to focus your attention on the views beyond. Our aim is to bring the outside in, so that you enjoy the warmth of our guest rooms while feeling a connection to your surroundings. You’ll find hints of Patagonia’s culture and history throughout, including sheepskin rugs, soft, handmade throws and, printed lightly on the chairs, patterns of ancient fossils found nearby. With no televisions, you can unwind and disconnect easily, all while watching the shifting light and weather patterns dance over the lake and mountains.

Maipo Valley:

Hotel Casa Real:

The Hotel Casa Real is located on the Santa Rita Estate, and was formerly the summerhouse of the winery’s founder. Following restoration, it was converted into a hotel in the mid-1990s. Located in a 40-hectare park designed by leading French landscape gardener Guillaume Renner.

Its late 19th century classical style has been preserved, making it a historic monument and the only park of its kind in the country. Hotel Casa Real offers 16 beautiful rooms, fine dining, salons, and outstanding service, in a setting of absolute privacy and exclusivity. Alongside the hotel stands a Neo-Gothic chapel built in 1880 – like the mansion, it was designed by German architect Theodor Burchard.

Atacama:

Tierra Atacama:

Escape to a world of clear night skies, high altitude lagoons and moon-like valleys at Tierra Atacama. High in the northern desert of Chile, our Tierra Atacama lodge encapsulates exquisite design, authentic experiences and an intimate, home-away-from-home atmosphere, where a sense of both adventure travel and pure relaxation lingers in the air.

Touches of local culture are everywhere, from handwoven throws to cowhide rugs and llama figures carved from the volcanic rock of nearby Toconao. All rooms look out over the Andes mountain range and nearby volcanoes, with views of the desert from the moment you wake, to the moment you fall asleep. As well as honouring the heritage and landscape of the region, the rooms are full of sumptuous features. You’ll find soft beds dressed in fine cotton, private terraces with sweeping views of Licancabur Volcano or the Cordillera de Sal, and al fresco bathrooms for showering under a night sky glowing with stars.