Northern Chile Essentials: Santiago, Valparaiso & the Atacama

Private transfer and accommodation for two nights in the bohemian district of Lastarria, home to many artists and designers. The building combines the Chilean style of the early 20th century with French neoclassical influences. Inside, the rooms blend modern comfort with classic style, with a touch of character that exudes the charm of the past. On the ninth floor, the roof-top bar, with a large terrace and swimming pool, offers stunning views of the city.
Take a private tour of Santiago with a guide. The city has quite modern tones with its classical and Gothic architecture and hints of Art Nouveau; past earthquakes have spared few colonial buildings. Take a stroll on the delightful Santa Lucia Hill or in the Parque Quinta Normal, visit the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art and La Moneda, the presidential palace, Plaza de la Ciudadania... Do a tour of the pisco bars.

Transfer to the airport and flight to Calama, pick up the hire car and then drive to San Pedro de Atacama. Four-night stay at the Hotel Terrantai. Nestling in the heart of San Pedro de Atacama, next to the old church. The pebble and adobe walls evoke a contemporary feel that is perfectly suited to the natural environment. The predominantly wood decor is simple and warm. With its terrace and swimming pool, living the good life comes easily. Especially as the restaurant offers up healthy and delicious Andean cuisine.

The Atacama Desert is one of the driest deserts in the world, and because of the dry air, the skies are exceptionally clear. San Pedro is an oasis. The church, made of adobe brick, is one of the oldest in the country (17th century). During these three days, be sure to visit the Museo Arqueologico R.P. Gustavo Le Paige, which documents in detail the ingenious civilisation of the Atacama Indians. Then visit the pre-Columbian sites of Quitor and Tulor too. It would also be a great idea to explore the salt flat lagoons, which harbour large colonies of flamingos. The salt concentration of the Laguna Cejar has the same effect on the body as the Dead Sea. Early in the morning, the geothermal site of El Tatio, with its steam columns, is an impressive site.
b]Private tour of the town and stargazing session in the Atacama Desert, with a guide.

Transfer to Calama airport and flight to Santiago. New transfer to Valparaiso, where we stop for two nights in an old Hispanic mansion now converted into a charming hotel, with views out over the ocean. Like the mansion, the area is dotted with the fine houses of wealthy merchants, from the time when the Strait of Magellan was a necessary passage for sailing from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Here, among the cascading gardens and the pool overlooking the sea, there is a certain feel of the Mediterranean. And when it comes to other delights, the restaurant offers sumptuous dishes fresh from the ocean.

Private tour of Vina del Mar and Valparaiso, with a guide. This famous seaside resort with a very contemporary feel offers the chance to visit Avenue de la Libertad, take the coastal road up to Renaca, Avenue San Martin, the Casino and Flower Clock. Continue with a visit to Valparaiso. The great Chilean port has been a legendary destination since the great days of sailing ships. Valpo is one of those places people tend not to know the exact location of (about a hundred miles from Santiago) because it is so universal. The flat part (El Plan) has a regular urban layout and a rich administrative and commercial architecture (19th-early 20th century); on the slopes of the hills (Cerros) which form a beautiful natural amphitheatre, the small colorful dwellings covered in corrugated iron seem to be stacked on top of each other. There is a certain picturesque chaos to their erratic layout along steep alleyways... Go up into the hills taking the historic lifts, the funiculars, the first of which was built in 1883 in Cerro Concepcion.