Chile with Chimu Adventures

Welcome to South America

Having never travelled to South America, seeing the Andes Mountain range as we landed in Santiago set the precedent for my amazing adventure in Chile with Chimu Adventures. Our driver greeted us with a warm “Bienvenidos!” and before I knew it, we were winding through the scenic Maipo Valley toward our home for the next two nights, Casa Real Hotel, nestled right in the heart of the Santa Rita Estate.

Santa Rita Winery

As we arrived, the 19th-century mansion stood proudly among rows of vines, it felt like stepping into a painting! After check-in, I took a slow wander through the estate grounds, admiring the old chapel and breathing in that unmistakable vineyard scent. Dinner that evening was cozy and unhurried- delicious Chilean fare steaks paired with Santa Rita’s Signature Carmenère. The perfect start to our Chilean adventure.

Winemaker for the day

Our first days agenda: becoming a winemaker. I mean, how often do you get to blend your own wine in one of Chile’s most iconic vineyards?After much sampling we got to make our own wine. It was hands-on, messy, and so much fun followed by Lunch at the renowned Restaurante Doña Paula and a leisurely afternoon before heading North.

From Wine Country to the Atacama Desert

Leaving the lush Maipo Valley behind, we boarded a short flight north to Calama, gateway to the Atacama Desert. The change in scenery was striking, from vineyards and greenery to vast, ochre-coloured landscapes stretching toward the Andes. The drive to San Pedro was mesmerizing, volcanic peaks in the distance, dizzying heights, at points travelling over 4500 metres above sea level.

Our home for 3 nights- Tierra Atacama, A Bailey Property, exactly what I love in a boutique property- modern design, natural materials, and that balance between adventure and luxury. All inclusive, including day tours – what better place to spend time in the desert.

Valle de la Luna

Our first day’s adventure we drove through the incredible valley of the moon, past white craters of salt, rusty red rock cliff faces and perfect sand dunes. Feeling adventurous, we climbed up a steep path, attempting to grip onto crumbling rocks to reach another incredible viewpoint. As I looked out, it really was like being on another planet.

The Atacama Desert is one of the best stargazing spots on earth and it didn’t disappoint that night. Using the hotels telescope and guided by experts we learnt about the constellations and planets even able to see Saturns rings.

The High Plateau

Early next morning we headed to El Tatio Geysers, high in the mountains. The drive was breathtaking rust and ochre valleys changing to turquoise lagoons in the snow. Watching steam rise as the sun crept over the Andes was pure magic. The earth hissed and bubbled all around us- an incredible reminder of how alive our planet is.

Flamingos in the Atacarma

From the mountains to the high altitude salt flats – we continued on to Los Flamencos National reserve, a home to many variety of Flamingo – Andean, Chilean and James Species – all with unique adaptations allowing the Atacama Desert flamingos to flourish, such as a special gland located behind the eyes. It enables the birds to process and drink salt water and tough skin allows them to drink hot spring water that is near boiling point. These physical attributes are vital when living in an environment dotted with volcanoes and salt flat, it was a fascinating way to spend the end of an amazing day of ever changing landscapes.

Return to the City

I wasn’t quite ready to leave the desert, but Santiago was calling. After breakfast and one last walk around the property, I packed my bags and joined the group transfer back to Calama Airport. Tierra Atacama sent us off with a boxed lunch (and hugs from the staff. By the afternoon, I was back in Santiago, Chile’s vibrant capital. Nestled between snow-capped mountains and the coastal range, it’s a city that feels both European and distinctly Latin American. My hotel, Hotel Magnolia, was all elegance -contemporary design housed in a restored mansion. That evening, I ventured into Barrio Lastarria, a bohemian neighborhood full of restaurants, galleries, and late-night energy. Over dinner at a lively local spot, I sipped Chilean Carmenere and thought about how beautifully diverse this country is – from desert moonscapes to city lights, all in one week.

The colourful city of Valparaiso

The next day a  private tour whisked us West to Valparaíso, Chile’s legendary port city and UNESCO World Heritage site. The drive alone -through green hills and small coastal towns was stunning, but nothing could prepare me for the riot of color that is Valparaíso. Houses in every shade imaginable tumble down the hills toward the Pacific. Street art adorns almost every wall- bold, political, playful, deeply personal.

We took funiculars up steep hills, wandered through narrow lanes, and sampled street food as we went. I loved how alive the city felt raw and creative, full of stories. That night, we returned to Santiago for a special private dining experience. A local chef guided us through Chile’s culinary regions with perfectly paired wines.

Farewell to Chile, thank you Chimu Adventures

Our last day was exploring Santiago, a guided city tour, a wonderful mix of old and new Santiago. The Plaza de Armas, the elegant Metropolitan Cathedral, the leafy streets of Bellas Artes -each revealed another layer of Chile’s history. The most memorable part of the day, though, was a ceramic workshop with Mapuche artist Fabiola Leman. She spoke about clay not just as art, but as a connection to ancestry and identity.

We ended with a farewell lunch, sharing hugs and promises to return. Chile had surprised me its contrasts, its warmth, its rhythm. As our driver took us to the airport, I looked out at the Andes one last time, glowing in the evening light, and thought: I can’t wait to send my clients here and it must be with Chimu Adventures.