Chile to Argentina: Desert to Glaciers

Fly overnight from London to Calama via Santiago. On arrival, you’ll be met by your private driver and transferred to NOI Casa Atacama, a contemporary adobe-style lodge with just 25 rooms, a serene courtyard pool, and a strong eco ethos. It’s a peaceful base in the heart of town, walking distance from cafés, craft markets and the charming adobe church.

Spend your first full afternoon acclimatising. Take a short walk to the Plaza de San Pedro or relax by the pool. That evening, join a guided stargazing experience with high-powered telescopes—a must in one of the clearest night skies on Earth.

Swap NOI for Explora Atacama for a full-board luxury experience with private guides.

Explore the Atacama’s otherworldly terrain on private or small-group excursions. At dawn, head to the El Tatio Geysers, where columns of steam rise against a frosty mountain backdrop. Later, visit Moon Valley for sunset, with its lunar ridges and rose-tinted dunes glowing in golden hour light.

On your final day, we recommend a tour to Laguna Chaxa in the Atacama Salt Flats to spot flamingos, or a scenic hike through the Guatin Valley with its giant cacti and hot springs. Return each day to NOI Casa for a fresh pisco sour and dinner under the stars.

Ask us about adding in a hot air balloon ride over the desert at dawn.

Today you’ll transfer to Calama Airport for your flight south to Punta Arenas via Santiago. On arrival, your private driver will take you to Hotel Boutique La Yegua Loca, a converted turn-of-the-century house with themed rooms inspired by local trades and sweeping views of the Magellan Strait.

This evening, take a stroll along the waterfront promenade or relax with a glass of Carmenère on the terrace. Dinner is a treat—think king crab and Patagonian lamb stew in the hotel’s cosy bistro.

Top Tip: Consider visiting the Nao Victoria Museum or the penguin colony at Isla Magdalena if arriving early.

You’ll be picked up and driven north into Torres del Paine National Park (approx. 5hrs), one of South America’s most dramatic wildernesses. Your base for three nights is Patagonia Camp, a collection of 20 luxury yurts set on the shores of Lake Toro, each with private deck, en-suite bathroom and views of the Paine Massif.

Daily excursions are included and tailored to your interests. Choose from:

• The challenging hike to Base Torres
• Scenic treks in the French Valley
• Guided flora and fauna walks
• Kayaking on Lake Toro
• Back at camp
• Enjoy hearty meals
• Nightly wine tastings
• Stargazing from your deck

Ask us about upgrading to Explora Patagonia or Tierra Patagonia.

Today you’ll board the Stella Australis, a stylish expedition vessel with just 100 cabins, for a 4-night cruise through the labyrinthine fjords of Tierra del Fuego. Highlights include landings at Cape Horn, the windswept southern tip of the Americas, and Wulaia Bay, once home to the Yámana people.

You’ll cruise past mighty tidewater glaciers, disembark for nature walks with expert guides, and enjoy informative onboard lectures. All meals and excursions are included.

Customise it: Opt for a cabin upgrade or reverse the route starting in Ushuaia.

Arrive in Ushuaia and transfer to Cumbres del Martial, a quiet alpine lodge nestled in native forest with views of the Beagle Channel. Hike up to Martial Glacier, visit the End of the World Museum, or take a boat tour on the Beagle Channel to spot sea lions and cormorants.

In the evening, unwind by the fireplace with a glass of Malbec.

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your holiday

Fly north to El Calafate and transfer to Estancia La Estela, a 10-room working ranch between El Calafate and El Chaltén. The setting is spectacular, with views across Lake Viedma and the Andes.

Spend your days horseback riding with gauchos, sampling Patagonian cuisine, and taking a full-day guided excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier, where you can walk along viewing balconies or even strap on crampons for an ice trek (optional).

Want more hiking? Add a night in El Chaltén for trails to Mount Fitz Roy.

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your holiday

Fly to Buenos Aires for three nights at Legado Mítico, an elegant townhouse in Palermo Soho. Each of its 11 rooms pays tribute to an Argentine icon—from Evita to Che Guevara.

On arrival, enjoy a private orientation walk through the leafy streets of Palermo or unwind in the boutique’s hidden garden. Over the next two days, discover the soul of the city: take a guided tour through historic San Telmo, Recoleta Cemetery and the presidential palace at Plaza de Mayo; browse art galleries and antique markets; or dive into a street art tour in Villa Crespo. We also recommend a gourmet food tour in Palermo Viejo, a tango dinner show at El Querandí, and a boat trip through the Tigre Delta. Or, simply relax in a local café with a cortado and watch the world go by.

Add-on ideas: Ask about a wine-tasting afternoon, football match at La Bombonera, or private tango class.

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Ezeiza International Airport for your flight back to the UK.

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your holiday