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Exploring Chile's Extremes

November 18, 2014 in Newsletter

The Ultimate in Nature & Cultural Adventures

A long narrow country, Chile is a land of stunning contrasts. From the rugged wilderness of the south to the arid expanse of the north, add the unique culture of Easter Island and you have three facets of Chile that deliver rich nature and cultural adventures in abundance. For the sophisticated traveler, all three regions may be enjoyed in unparalleled comfort and luxury.

Patagonia

Patagonia is featured regularly because the region typifies the perfect balance between pristine wilderness and impeccable accommodations. Deep in the south of Chile, there are towering mountains, crystal clear lakes, wide grasslands, and endless skies. A luxury lodge to serve as your base of exploration makes the long journey deep into Torres del Paine National Park well worth the effort.

Horseback-riding at Explora Patagonia Lodge

Activities abound with walks, wildlife watching and horseback riding. For the more active, energetic hikes will be rewarded with a soothing massage back at your lodge.

Luxury accommodations at Explora Patagonia Lodge

Your lodge accommodations provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy nature in comfortable surroundings, accompanied by excellent cuisine, and fine wines.

Still further to the south, lie the Beagle Channel and the Straits of Magellan which can be explored in comfort aboard small, well appointed, expedition ships in 3, 4 and 7-night adventures. Retrace the footsteps of Charles Darwin as he navigated the majestic passages at the very southern tip of the Americas.

Atacama

An opposite extreme lies in the far north of Chile; the Atacama, a region commonly known as the driest place on earth, with an average rainfall of approximately ½ an inch per year. As vast and as arid as the region may be, the Atacama holds treasures for those willing to explore beyond the ordinary.

Cycling through the Atacama landscape (photo: Explora)

For the active traveler, hiking, horseback riding and cycling are great ways to explore the spectacular mountains and valleys in this desert region. For those that simply wish to soak in the atmosphere, we recommend a visit to the hot springs or surrounding local community.

Back at your lodge, you will enjoy refined and sophisticated creature comforts, in a setting designed to blend into the environment.

Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

Rapa Nui is on virtually every traveler's bucket list. Located more than 2,000 miles off the coast in the South Pacific, Rapa Nui is a special administrative region of Chile, but entirely Polynesian by culture and tradition. Noted for its famous stone statues or moai, a total of 887 statues have been catalogued both on the island and in museum collections thus far.

Activities on Rapa Nui take on a distinctly cultural and archeological focus. Stone monoliths and petroglyphs bear witness to the ancient Polynesian culture.

Your base of exploration is a beautiful luxury lodge with outstanding cuisine and fine dining. Well appointed guest rooms and suites, swimming pool and spa provide all the pampering and comfort one could desire.

While any one of these three destinations provides a rewarding journey, you may combine two or all three into a truly enriching adventure.

Email or call our expert sales team and get started on your Chilean adventure: (510) 420-1550