Chile extreme to extreme

Day notes

Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to baggage claim for your luggage and assisted with check in for your connecting flight. You will be welcomed at the arrivals hall at Calama Airport by a local representative and led to your waiting vehicle for the 90 min drive to your hotel. At an altitude of 7 900 feet in the very heart of the Atacama, Calama is your gateway to the geological and archaeological wonders of the central desert.

This is the world’s driest landscape, cut off from storm systems by high-pressure air currents and by Chile’s twin mountain ranges. No precipitation has been recorded in some areas of this vast desert since the days of Spanish colonization, four hundred years ago.

The exceptional Alto Atacama Desert Lodge and Spa blends effortlessly into the surrounds of the Catarpe Valley in the Salt Mountain Range, just outside of San Pedro de Atacama. Influenced by local village architecture, the architects who built this magnificent retreat are some of the finest in Chile and pulled out all the stops to create a tranquil haven amidst the terracotta-coloured surrounds of the desert. You will have an assortment of accommodation options to choose from, each with a spectacular view, private terrace and lovely ensuite bathroom.

The hotel boasts various outdoor and indoor spaces that lend themselves perfectly towards offering utter relaxation. Guests can enjoy a living room with a roaring fireplace, an outdoor sitting area dotted with small fire pits, six outdoor pools and a Jacuzzi that overlooks the valley. Mouth-watering Chilean-inspired menus are the order of the day, created with only the freshest produce, sourced from local farmers, and accompanied by the finest Chilean wines. Adventures include walking or cycling excursions to nearby geysers, hot springs, volcano trails, desert canyons and ancient Inca ruins with petroglyphs.

Before the dinner and in time you will meet with your hosts for plan your next day’s activities

Day notes

Enjoy two full days with myriad tailor-made excursions at Nayara Alto Atacama Desert Lodge. These activities are provided on a shared basis (small groups of eight guests per vehicle) and are organized according to your preferences and pace. The hotel guides will help you to plan your daily explorations and accompany you during your stay. You can choose full or half-day excursions including:

Tocanao/Atacama Saltflats: On the way to the famous saltflats of San Pedro de Atacama, visit the charming town of Tocanao and the Valle Escondido de Kunza (the hidden valley). Explore the church and browse the artisan market stalls in the central plaza. From here journey to the saltflats and once there enjoy a gentle 20-minute walk to the Laguna de Chaxa. Observe wild pink flamingos and other birds native to the area sashaying on the water’s edge.

Sunset at Moon Valley: A 20-minute drive brings you to the spectacular Moon Valley. This is one of the most famous national parks in Chile and for good reason. Towering sand dunes and dramatic rock formations create a stunning lunar landscape born of land lifts and centuries of erosion. The sunsets here are quite extraordinary and no visit to San Pedro is complete without a trip to the Moon Valley to watch the blazing orange sun descend to the other side of the world.

Full-day Tatio Geysers:  Leave the hotel before dawn to arrive at the famous geysers at daybreak, with the steam and vapours, all the more impressive in the cold and light of early morning. At the geyser field, observe geysers thermal pools, mud fountains, colourful rock formations, hot streams and flora and fauna. The return journey is quite stunning with unique wildlife and beautifully contrasting landscapes.

Day notes

Enjoy two full days of activities arranged by the hotel and led by expert guides.

A traveller’s dream, andBeyond Vira Vira is ideally located in a breathtaking setting. Jump into a variety of exciting   adventures and a range of activities. The many surrounding natural parks, the majestic Villarrica Volcano with its unbelievable views, water sports, horseback riding, and trekking in the foothills of the Andes, are just a taste of the experiences at andBeyond Vira Vira. You are encouraged to explore a new adventure or experience every day, with the added excitement of exploring the mystic ambiance of these ancient Mapuche territories. With some thirty options available, choosing what to do may seem daunting. That is where the role of your hosts and guides become of paramount importance. Each day a series of options will be available, allowing you to pick and choose according to your personal preferences, level of difficulty, or with simply a natural or cultural focus.

Activities are centred on nature, adventure, and/or culture. Strap on your hiking boots for treks and horseback rides of various durations, explore the nearby Villarrica Volcano, visiting its labyrinth of tunnels, or even reaching the summit. There are also several cultural activities, aimed at revealing the secrets of the region, including engaging with the traditional Mapuche people. andBeyond Vira Vira also offers some wonderful experiences at the hotel itself such as cooking, cheese-making, and even spending a day on their organic garden. Choose to indulge in the ultimate relaxation.  What better than sitting in a hot pool of thermal spring water, glass of red wine in hand, and looking out across a backdrop of mountains, forests, and volcanoes?

Cuisine plays an important role in the Vira Vira experience. Their menu veers away from the typical international offerings by blending Chilean and ancient indigenous recipes, all created with the freshest seasonal ingredients. Each day the chef prepares a selection of two full menus, paired with the perfect wine for each dish.

Day notes

Today, your wonderful journey comes to an end and after breakfast, you will be driven to Temuco Airport for your flight to Santiago. In Santiago, you will be assisted with your connection to your outbound flight.