Expeditions and trips to Chile – from Atacama to Patagonia

Despite the long flight, Chile is a country definitely worth visiting, at least once in your lifetime. Cut off from Australia and Oceania by the Pacific Ocean, from Argentina by the Andes, and to the north by the Atacama Desert, Chile is one of the most extraordinary countries in the world. Stretching over 4300 kilometers along the Pacific coast, a single trip allows you to see landscapes that are thousands of kilometers away in other parts of the globe. In just a few days, you'll visit the world's driest desert, a modern capital at the foot of the Andes, famous vineyards, fjords, glaciers, and some of the most beautiful national parks in South America.

W CARTER® we organize private, tailor-made tours to Chile. Each program is individually designed and can include domestic flights, luxury hotels, boutique lodges, private guides, and unique experiences not available on traditional sightseeing tours.

Why is it worth taking a trip to Chile?

Few countries offer such spectacular diversity. The north delights with the Atacama Desert, where for years not a drop of rain falls. The central part of the country is renowned for its excellent vineyards and colonial cities, while the south is a land of fjords, mountains, lakes, and glaciers in Patagonia. It's also one of the best places in the world to observe the night sky, thanks to its exceptionally clear air.

Chile is an ideal destination for both those dreaming of an active trip and travelers looking for comfortable hotels, excellent cuisine and exceptional wines.

What is worth seeing when traveling to Chile?

Most of our programs begin in Santiago de Chile, a modern capital surrounded by the Andes. Then, visit the colorful UNESCO-listed Valparaíso and the elegant resort of Viña del Mar.

One of the biggest draws is the Atacama Desert. The lunar landscapes of Valle de la Luna, the geysers of El Tatio, the flamingo-filled lagoons, and the salt flats make the region seem more like Mars than Earth. It's also one of the best places in the world for stargazing.

To the south, Patagonia awaits with Torres del Paine National Park. Granite towers, turquoise lakes, glaciers, and condors create landscapes that many travelers consider the most beautiful in all of South America.

Easter Island (Rapa Nui), located nearly 3700 kilometers from the mainland, is a chapter in itself. The mysterious moai statues are among the world's most recognizable monuments and remain one of the greatest archaeological mysteries to this day.

The most important regions and attractions of Chile - trip outline

Chile is divided into three main areas, each offering a completely different experience and requiring appropriate travel dates:

North (Atacama Desert): The driest region on the planet. Main attractions include the lunar landscapes of Valle de la Luna, the geysers of El Tatio, and the flamingo-filled salt flats. The region can be visited year-round.

Center (Santiago and wine regions): The capital city of Santiago, the colonial city of Valparaíso, the Pacific Ocean resort of Viña del Mar, and the Colchagua Valley, offering trekking and wine tasting. The best time to visit is from October to May, but the climate is pleasant year-round.

South (Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego): The famous Torre del Paine Park with its majestic granite towers. An ideal place for trekking, admiring glaciers, and admiring wildlife. The best weather is from November to March.

Chile for wine lovers – the world's best vineyards, unique grape varieties and exceptional wineries

Good wine is as important as a hotel or a guidebook when traveling to South America. Chile has long been a leading wine producer in the world. The Casablanca, Colchagua, and Maipo Valleys offer tastings at family-owned and prestigious wineries, often accompanied by dinners prepared by renowned chefs. This is the perfect complement to a sightseeing tour of the country.

How to connect Chile with other countries?

Due to its vast distances, Chile is often part of a larger South American trip. We often combine it with Argentina, allowing you to see both sides of Patagonia. For lovers of extraordinary landscapes, we also recommend combining the Atacama with the Bolivian Salar de Uyuni. Programs that include Peru with Machu Picchu and expedition cruises in the Chilean fjords are also becoming increasingly popular.

When is the best time to go to Chile?

Chile can be visited almost year-round, but the best time depends on the region. The Atacama is enchanting at any time of year. Patagonia is best explored from November to March, when the days are longest and trekking conditions are most favorable. The Santiago area and its wine valleys are attractive practically year-round.

Chile travel expert tours with CARTER®

For over 20 years, we have been designing trips for the most discerning clients. We organize personalized trips to Chile, with accommodations in carefully selected hotels and boutique lodges, private transfers, local guides, and programs tailored to our guests' interests.

We can arrange everything from a 10-day trip encompassing Santiago, the Atacama, and Valparaíso to a three-week expedition through Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, Easter Island, and Argentina. For those who value the ultimate in comfort, we also offer business class or private jet flights, exclusive wine tastings, helicopter flights over the Andes, and cruises through the fjords of southern Chile.

Chile is not a destination to be explored in a hurry. It's a country of contrasts, extraordinary nature, and vast spaces that rewards those who want to travel consciously and discover places far off the beaten track. CARTER® every trip to Chile becomes a journey designed exclusively for you.