Notes from the Field: Chile with Rebecca

In just under two weeks, Rebecca traveled from the Atacama Desert in the north to Torres del Paine in the deep south — four nights in each — with time in Santiago along the way. It was a trip of contrasts: hot springs and horseback rides, e-bikes across desert valleys and a boat ride up to the glaciers, plus a few city finds she’s already excited to share with clients.

What stayed with her most was the feeling of being fully immersed. Days revolved around getting outdoors and exceptional meals, and evenings often ended early after hours in the open air. With limited connectivity in Patagonia, the usual distractions fell away.

Here’s what stood out, and what Rebecca would keep in mind when planning your own trip to Chile.

An Introduction to Santiago

Rebecca’s first stop was The Singular Santiago, a boutique hotel that quickly became one of her favorites of the whole trip — full of character and well-placed for getting to know the city. Nearby, she found another early favorite in Bocanáriz, a local wine bar with food good enough to go back for.

Santiago turned out to be more than a starting point. Rebecca passed back through the capital between the desert and Patagonia, and those city nights made all the difference on the trip — a soft landing, and a chance to reset between two very different regions. For that second stay she chose The Ritz-Carlton: central, comfortable, and an easy place to regroup before heading south.

Atacama

At Explora Atacama, near San Pedro de Atacama, the landscape shaped each day. Rebecca hiked to hot springs, rode horses through windy desert terrain, crossed salt flats, and visited Rainbow Valley.

Her favorite outing? E-biking through Moon Valley — a memorable way to take in the desert’s otherworldly terrain. That variety became part of Atacama’s appeal: each excursion revealed another side of the destination, with new landscapes to discover on foot, on horseback, or on two wheels.

Back at the lodge, Rebecca found plenty to love. The food was a standout, the service attentive, and the guides made a lasting impression. Guided outings, meals, drinks, and scheduled airport transfers were included in her stay, creating an easy rhythm between adventures and time at the property. Each afternoon, she met with a guide to plan the following day. Those conversations helped shape the experience around conditions, interests, and activity levels.

Rebecca’s advice: share your wish list as soon as you arrive, especially if horseback riding is a priority. Talking through the full stay early gives the team a chance to fit in your preferred outings while leaving room to adjust day to day.

Altitude deserves thoughtful planning here, too. Rebecca recommends easing into the destination and working with the guides to build toward higher-elevation outings. Many excursions also involve long drives, so choosing the right combination matters as much as choosing the activities themselves

Patagonia 

From Atacama, Rebecca returned to Santiago before continuing south to Puerto Natales and onward to Explora Torres del Paine.

The lodge’s location inside the national park was one of her biggest takeaways. Being based in the middle of the scenery brought the landscape into every part of the stay — from the day’s outings to the views through the lodge’s windows.

Her time in Patagonia included the steep Sierra del Toro hike, horseback riding, and an overland excursion that offered a gentler way to see the park after a demanding morning. That balance is something she’d build into a client itinerary: rewarding days outdoors, with enough variation to enjoy the whole stay.

A particular highlight was the hike toward Grey Glacier and the boat ride that brought her closer to the ice. The views made it one of her most memorable days — and an experience she’d prioritize for travelers comfortable with a longer hike.

For Rebecca, this part of Chile is especially rewarding for active travelers. There are easier ways to take in the scenery, but a willingness to spend real time outdoors opens up more. Matching the outings to your interests and stamina is essential.

And after a full day out, the spa is a welcome reward, with views that keep the landscape close even as you wind down.

A Final Taste of Chile 

Back in Santiago, Rebecca joined a culinary and wine tour arranged by our partners. Her guide, Valentina, was a highlight, bringing a personal touch to a day of markets, local food, and wine. The market visits offered a lively, everyday view of the city, with fresh seafood everywhere.

Her final wine stop was Viña Aquitania, where the Pinot Noir stood out. For Rebecca, it was a lovely way to round out her time in Chile before heading to the airport.

These days are worth tailoring to the traveler. Someone who loves busy markets and local food culture may want a very different Santiago day from someone whose ideal afternoon is a leisurely lunch and a wine tasting.

The Details That Make the Journey 

Rebecca’s trip reinforced how much the planning matters when combining Chile’s regions. During peak season, nonstop flights from Santiago to Puerto Natales can make getting to Patagonia easy. Rebecca traveled during September’s shoulder season, when her flights included a stop in Puerto Montt, which added travel time. Transfers to the lodges also took up a meaningful part of the travel days, and comfortable city stays help connect the itinerary.

One small lesson she brought home: arrange food before leaving a remote lodge. A packed lunch can make a long transfer and airport wait much more comfortable.

Her larger takeaway was the value of giving each destination time. Four nights at each Explora lodge let her experience a range of landscapes and activities while settling into the daily rhythm.

Is Chile Calling You? 

For travelers who love being outdoors, Chile offers an extraordinary mix of desert, mountains, memorable food, and stays that keep you close to the places you came for.

Rebecca came home with a clear sense of what she loved — and how she’d shape the trip for someone else: the right lodge, a thoughtfully paced itinerary, and excursions chosen around you.

Ready to see Chile for yourself? Connect with the MavenLuxe team to start planning your trip.