fly her to the moon
and let her play among the stars
Explore Chile’s otherworldly beauty with a ramble across the lunar-like landscape of the Valley of the Moon, a glimpse at the glittering planets from La Serena’s multi-million dollar observatories, and a cruise among ethereal southern fjords. Gape at the 10,000-foot peaks that pierce the sky in Torres del Paine National Park, and take an excursion to remote Easter Island, where massive, stony-faced statues prove a stellar attraction.
For American Citizens: No Tourist Visa required for stays less than 90 days.
US Department of State Chile Information
The currency of Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP or CL$). It’s a floating currency, which means that its exchange rate fluctuates daily.
In Chile, tipping etiquette dictates you give leave a gratuity of at least 10% of your restaurant bill. Some establishments will include 10%, in which case you should still give at least 5% directly to your server. They make very low wages and can really use the extra money.
Visa, MasterCard and AmEx are widely accepted, but only in major cities and tourist hotspots. Merchants often impose a 2% to 4% surcharge when you pay by card, which means paying in cash is often cheaper.
Easter Island, Valparaiso
Essentially, this is the place you want to stay.
Remote and intriguing Easter Island is home to explora Rapa Nui, an unobtrusive residence built almost entirely from the island’s wood and volcanic rock. Your guestroom is home base in this mystical land, and a massage salon and open-air Jacuzzis are readily available. Each day brings excursions, from easy to difficult, combined with picnics along the shore or on rocky outcroppings. These expert-led, small-group activities include exploring on foot, bicycle or by boat. Explora programs take care of your experience from beginning to end. They include all explorations, lodging, meals and drinks and transport to and from the airport.
Explora also has lodges in Patagonia, in Atacama, and in Sacred Valley, Peru; choose the explora passport program to save 10% when you combine two lodges or 15% on three lodges, plus other extras!
Of note: I am a Preferred Partner with this hotel. Enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking with me (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, complimentary WiFi, Food or Spa Credit).
A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
Puerto Natales
Starting with its award-winning architecture, every aspect of Remota Patagonia Lodge has been perfectly designed to help you leave your worries behind and enjoy a refined experience in Chile’s beautiful nature preserve, Patagonia. More than 30 different outdoor excursions lead to stunning mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and abundant wildlife in two nearby national parks. There are also sheep farms and quaint seaports, where you can experience the vibrant Patagonian culture. Of course, you’ll find opportunities to relax back at the hotel, with bonfires, massage treatments, a gorgeous spa, gourmet cuisine and premium Chilean wines.
Remota Patagonia Lodge offers two recently added programs: Soft and Adventure. Recommended Adventure programs include Walking Over the Grey Glacier and Kayaking Around the Grey Glacier.
Of note: I am a Preferred Partner with this hotel. Enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking with me (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, complimentary WiFi, Food or Spa Credit).
A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
Puerto Natales
A former industrial space re-envisioned as a 57-room hotel, The Singular Patagonia straddles past and future in one of the world’s last untouched swaths of wilderness. Original artifacts recall the building’s heritage, and sustainability efforts help preserve the region’s beauty for generations to come. Here you can enjoy simple luxury as you gaze upon the fjords outside your picture window. Take advantage of a wide variety of excursions — more than 20. Go sailing, or trek to prehistoric caves. Kayak, fly-fish, spot condors and travel on horseback to the top of Cerro Tenerife.
Of note: I am a Preferred Partner with this hotel. Enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking with me (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, complimentary WiFi, Food or Spa Credit).
A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
San Pedro de Atacama
The property is located within the town of San Pedro de Atacama, a few blocks away from the town square, the old Church and the Museum. This allows our guests to experience what life used to be, and still is, in the millennial Atacama oasis. The Awasi property is surrounded by a historic wall. A small street called Tocopilla separates part of the installations. Within the walls are the restaurant, bar, pool and living-room, as well as five circular rooms with spacious private patios and solariums. Crossing Tocopilla is the reception area and, skirting a large patio, there are three rectangular rooms. In order to assure the comfort and privacy of our guests, we only have 8 cottages, each at least 500 square feet with a private patio and outdoor shower.
Of note: I am a Preferred Partner with this hotel. Enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking with me (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, complimentary WiFi, Food or Spa Credit).
A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
Chile is definitely a place I would work with a Destination Specialist, especially on your first visit. It is a huge country with amazing variety of climates.
andBeyond – Chile
Is one of my favorite suppliers in the region.
A few good resources for easy tours, advance tickets & activities planning:
GET YOUR GUIDE
A curated source of Tickets, Tours and Activities.
VIATOR
A wide variety Tickets and Tours from the folks who bring you Trip Advisor.
My Chile Information Page at Virtuoso
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels and Activities.
Need a bit of help planning a trip?
Let me know.
page updated: March 2020