Chile Luxury Itinerary: Atacama Desert, Wine Country & Patagonia Travel Guide
A Luxury Travel Guide from the Atacama to Patagonia
There are few countries where you can stargaze in the driest desert on Earth… sip Carménère in a Mediterranean wine valley… and hike beneath jagged granite towers — all in one seamless journey.
Chile is long and narrow. But that geography is its magic.
This guide takes you from the North Desert to Santiago’s cultural core, through world-class wine country, and down to Patagonia’s wild edge with a curated list of luxury hotels worth experiencing.
The North Desert
San Pedro de Atacama
The Atacama Desert feels lunar. Stark. Sacred.
Days unfold slowly here:
Valle de la Luna at sunset
El Tatio geysers at dawn
Flamingo-dotted salt flats
High-altitude lagoons
Stargazing under some of the clearest skies on Earth
Where to Stay
Tierra Atacama
Understated desert architecture with all-inclusive programming: guided excursions, culinary experiences, and seamless airport transfers.
Explora Atacama
More expedition-forward with a wide menu of explorations for travelers who want an active rhythm.
Nayara Alto Atacama
A softer, boutique-feeling option with strong design and spa appeal.
Ideal stay: 3–4 nights
Santiago
Chile’s Polished Capital
Framed by the Andes, Santiago is vibrant and unexpectedly refined.
Spend time in:
Barrio Lastarria
Central Market
Contemporary art museums
Rooftop terraces at golden hour
Where to Stay
The Singular Santiago
Classic-meets-modern luxury in a walkable district.
Mandarin Oriental Santiago
Resort-style amenities with city access.
Hotel Magnolia
Boutique, design-forward, intimate.
Ideal stay: 2 nights
Chilean Wine Country
Maipo, Colchagua & Millahue Valleys
This is where Chile’s wine identity shines — from historic Cabernet estates to bold architectural statements.
(For a deeper dive, see my full Chilean Wine Road Guide here)
Where to Stay
VIK Chile
A dramatic architectural estate blending art, design, and terroir.
Clos Apalta Residence
A Relais & Châteaux property offering intimate vineyard immersion and one of the region’s most striking gravity-fed cellars.
Casa Real at Viña Santa Rita
A historic mansion ideal for a refined final evening.
Ideal stay: 2–3 nights (split between properties if possible)
Patagonia
Torres del Paine National Park
Patagonia is the crescendo.
Granite spires rise above turquoise lakes. Wind moves across open steppe. Light shifts constantly.
Days may include:
Guided hikes toward the Base of the Towers
Scenic drives to Lago Grey
Glacier viewpoints
Horseback rides
Recovery in spa and sauna
Where to Stay
Tierra Patagonia
Iconic curved architecture inside the park, offering all-inclusive guided programs.
Explora Torres del Paine
Expedition-driven luxury with extensive exploration menus.
Awasi Patagonia
Ultra-private villas with dedicated guides.
Ideal stay: 4 nights
What Does This Trip Cost?
Because this journey spans multiple remote regions, pricing varies based on season, room category, and how private you’d like the experience.
For a 10–13 night luxury journey covering:
Atacama Desert
Santiago
Wine Country
Patagonia
Estimated Range (for two travelers, depending on dates): $18,000 – $38,000
Most common investment: $24,000 – $32,000
(Excludes international airfare.)
What Drives the Investment?
All-Inclusive Lodges
Desert and Patagonia properties often include:
All meals
Guided daily excursions
Airport transfers
House beverages
Expect roughly: $1,200–$2,500 per night for two, depending on season and room type.
Patagonia generally prices higher than Atacama.
Wine Country
Luxury vineyard stays range from: $900–$2,200 per night for two
Santiago
$400–$900 per night
Domestic Flights & Transfers
$1,500–$3,000 total for two, approximately
Can It Be Done for Less?
Only if you:
Traveling mid to shoulder season; avoid festive dates
Reducing Patagonia by one night
Selecting entry-level room categories
Mixing one premium lodge with a boutique alternative
You could bring the journey closer to: $16,000–$20,000
And If You Go All-In?
Private guides, premium suites, helicopter transfers, and exclusive wine experiences can elevate the trip to: $40,000+, which feels like the way to go if you want to do it right.
When to Go
November is an ideal sweet spot:
Spring conditions in Patagonia
Lush vineyards in wine country
Clear desert skies
Better international airfare compared to December holidays
Mid-November often offers the best balance of weather and value.
Parting Thoughts
Chile rewards travelers who appreciate contrast.
Desert silence.
Old vines.
Andean altitude.
Ancient glaciers.
It’s not flashy luxury.
It’s elemental luxury.
And experienced in the right sequence, it’s one of the most powerful journeys in South America.
