Atacama & Patagonia Luxury Adventure Combination

The 50-room Explora Atacama is a 5-star adventure property, offering four pools, horseback riding, hiking, and cycling. Similar to the Explora property in Patagonia, the service and guides here are top quality and world-class. Located on 42-acres in the Ayllu de Larache (the former land of the ancient Aymara people), the grounds are comprised of 20 indigenous parcels that are preserved by Explora. Upon arrival, you will sit down with one of Explora’s guides and plan out your excursions for the next day, repeating this process each day of your stay. Excursions are meant to be shared experiences among Explora’s guests, however, with no minimum participant number you may sometimes enjoy a private excursion experience. One of the unique features of the lodge is its special stargazing observatory, located just a short walk from the main building. With nightly viewings, this remote location offers one of the clearest skies for star-gazing anywhere on the planet! To read more about this property, click here.

The 50-room Explora Atacama is a 5-star adventure property, offering four pools, horseback riding, hiking, and cycling. Similar to the Explora property in Patagonia, the service and guides here are top quality and world-class. Located on 42-acres in the Ayllu de Larache (the former land of the ancient Aymara people), the grounds are comprised of 20 indigenous parcels that are preserved by Explora. Upon arrival, you will sit down with one of Explora’s guides and plan out your excursions for the next day, repeating this process each day of your stay. Excursions are meant to be shared experiences among Explora’s guests, however, with no minimum participant number you may sometimes enjoy a private excursion experience. One of the unique features of the lodge is its special stargazing observatory, located just a short walk from the main building. With nightly viewings, this remote location offers one of the clearest skies for star-gazing anywhere on the planet! To read more about this property, click here.

Located in the ancient trading town of San Pedro de Atacama, Awasi Atacama has just 12 rooms, each with its own private patio, plenty of space, and indoor-outdoor showers. The property was modeled after the traditional architecture of Tulor, a local native site dating from 800 BC. Spacious outdoor common areas, including an onsite pool, located at the center of the property, allow for meeting fellow travelers. Chef Juan Pablo Mardones serves up delicious meals using local ingredients. The flavors here are unmatched! Each room is assigned with a private guide and a 4WD vehicle, so guests may explore the Atacama at their own pace. Located just a three-minute walk from San Pedro de Atacama, guests can easily stroll into the lively town for a shopping trip. To read more about this property, click here.

Located in the ancient trading town of San Pedro de Atacama, Awasi Atacama has just 12 rooms, each with its own private patio, plenty of space, and indoor-outdoor showers. The property was modeled after the traditional architecture of Tulor, a local native site dating from 800 BC. Spacious outdoor common areas, including an onsite pool, located at the center of the property, allow for meeting fellow travelers. Chef Juan Pablo Mardones serves up delicious meals using local ingredients. The flavors here are unmatched! Each room is assigned with a private guide and a 4WD vehicle, so guests may explore the Atacama at their own pace. Located just a three-minute walk from San Pedro de Atacama, guests can easily stroll into the lively town for a shopping trip. To read more about this property, click here.

Our favorite luxury hotel in Santiago, this 5-star, 62-room hotel is located in the heart of downtown Santiago, nestled in the lively Lastarria neighborhood and adjacent to Cerro Santa Lucia Park. This green hotel seamlessly fits in the iconic, bohemian neighborhood of Lastarria, which epitomizes the youth and creativity of the people of Santiago. The Singular Santiago is a striking combination of the early 20th-century design of Santiago and neoclassical French architecture. The hotel is mere minutes away from the Museum of Visual Arts, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Gabriela Mistral Cultural Center. Amenities here include a rooftop bar with park views, a small outdoor pool, and a spa featuring a hot-tub, steam room, sauna, and gym. Perhaps the Singular’s biggest asset is its high-energy, engaging staff and outstanding service!

Our favorite luxury hotel in Santiago, this 5-star, 62-room hotel is located in the heart of downtown Santiago, nestled in the lively Lastarria neighborhood and adjacent to Cerro Santa Lucia Park. This green hotel seamlessly fits in the iconic, bohemian neighborhood of Lastarria, which epitomizes the youth and creativity of the people of Santiago. The Singular Santiago is a striking combination of the early 20th-century design of Santiago and neoclassical French architecture. The hotel is mere minutes away from the Museum of Visual Arts, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Gabriela Mistral Cultural Center. Amenities here include a rooftop bar with park views, a small outdoor pool, and a spa featuring a hot-tub, steam room, sauna, and gym. Perhaps the Singular’s biggest asset is its high-energy, engaging staff and outstanding service!

The extraordinary Explora Patagonia is our favorite luxury lodge in the entire 1,242-foot stretch of the Patagonia Andes. The 49-room Explora Patagonia is located in the very heart of Patagonia in the unspoiled Torres del Paine National Park, sitting on the shores of Lake Pehoe. This lodge is the quintessential base for exploring the array of ecosystems in Torres del Paine National Park, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve! Despite its remote location, Explora Patagonia provides all essential luxuries in a comfortable, understated way that reflects Patagonia’s natural environment. The sleek, linga-wood designed rooms seem large when looking out at the splendid views. A deciduous mountain tree, the Patagonia linga is now fully preserved in its unique South American environment. Though it is perhaps not as architecturally striking as the Singular, the Explora Patagonia more than makes up for it with one of the most spectacularly picturesque settings of any lodge we have stayed at in the world! Explora’s luxurious amenities include open-air hot-tubs with the Paine River insight, a heated pool, spa, sauna, Chilean bar, and its own horse stable. With the area’s highest quality guides, wonderful food selections, and many hiking and horseback riding options, this place is certainly worthy of a four-night stay. Of special note, Explora is the only lodge in Patagonia with its own bred and trained stable of horses. All horses have been raised on the Ibanez Estate, not far from the Explora property. It should be noted that Wi-Fi here is only available in the common areas and not in the rooms, as the goal of Explora is for guests to relax and sleep in rooms while engaging in camaraderie and communication in the common areas. For this to happen, disconnection is key!

The extraordinary Explora Patagonia is our favorite luxury lodge in the entire 1,242-foot stretch of the Patagonia Andes. The 49-room Explora Patagonia is located in the very heart of Patagonia in the unspoiled Torres del Paine National Park, sitting on the shores of Lake Pehoe. This lodge is the quintessential base for exploring the array of ecosystems in Torres del Paine National Park, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve! Despite its remote location, Explora Patagonia provides all essential luxuries in a comfortable, understated way that reflects Patagonia’s natural environment. The sleek, linga-wood designed rooms seem large when looking out at the splendid views. A deciduous mountain tree, the Patagonia linga is now fully preserved in its unique South American environment. Though it is perhaps not as architecturally striking as the Singular, the Explora Patagonia more than makes up for it with one of the most spectacularly picturesque settings of any lodge we have stayed at in the world! Explora’s luxurious amenities include open-air hot-tubs with the Paine River insight, a heated pool, spa, sauna, Chilean bar, and its own horse stable. With the area’s highest quality guides, wonderful food selections, and many hiking and horseback riding options, this place is certainly worthy of a four-night stay. Of special note, Explora is the only lodge in Patagonia with its own bred and trained stable of horses. All horses have been raised on the Ibanez Estate, not far from the Explora property. It should be noted that Wi-Fi here is only available in the common areas and not in the rooms, as the goal of Explora is for guests to relax and sleep in rooms while engaging in camaraderie and communication in the common areas. For this to happen, disconnection is key!

Though we prefer the Explora Patagonia’s unique location as the only luxury lodge within the confines of Torres del Paine National Park, we consider the 5-star Singular Patagonia to be the highest quality property in all of Patagonia! An approximately 15-minute drive from the town of Puerto Natales, the Singular Patagonia is built on the National Historic Landmark site of an early 20th-century meatpacking and refrigeration plant. When walking through the various areas of the 57-room property, you see how the sites’ industrial equipment has been integrated within the striking, modern design. We were most impressed with the Singular’s 19-foot glass walls with picturesque views of the sea and mountain peaks. We feel the dining here is among the finest we have seen in all of South America, with a fresh breakfast buffet at Desayunador and lunch and dinner at El Asador for grilled meats and regional specialties. The homemade ice cream here is beyond delicious! Amenities include a spa, indoor/outdoor pool, and outdoor excursions with the Singular’s well-traveled guides.

Though we prefer the Explora Patagonia’s unique location as the only luxury lodge within the confines of Torres del Paine National Park, we consider the 5-star Singular Patagonia to be the highest quality property in all of Patagonia! An approximately 15-minute drive from the town of Puerto Natales, the Singular Patagonia is built on the National Historic Landmark site of an early 20th-century meatpacking and refrigeration plant. When walking through the various areas of the 57-room property, you see how the sites’ industrial equipment has been integrated within the striking, modern design. We were most impressed with the Singular’s 19-foot glass walls with picturesque views of the sea and mountain peaks. We feel the dining here is among the finest we have seen in all of South America, with a fresh breakfast buffet at Desayunador and lunch and dinner at El Asador for grilled meats and regional specialties. The homemade ice cream here is beyond delicious! Amenities include a spa, indoor/outdoor pool, and outdoor excursions with the Singular’s well-traveled guides.

We feel there is no better way to experience the fjords of Tierra del Fuego and the southernmost part of South America than aboard an Australis expedition cruise. The nearly identical, 100-cabin M/V Stella and newly launched M/V Ventus have been specially designed and built to navigate the narrow channels, where larger ships simply cannot go. Though we feel the ships to be not quite a luxury standard and consider them to be in the 4-star range, the simple design and spartan cabins paired with large windows keep the focus on the incredible views throughout the journey. The array of guided group excursions are singularly fantastic, as Australis is currently the only cruise company operating along this remote route. Excursions include Ainsworth Bay and its gorgeous views of Marinelli Glacier and the Darwin Mountains; Tucker Island and its ample Magellan penguin population; the Pia Glacier and Glacier Alley; hiking through the Magellan forest on Wulaia Bay, Cape Horn National Park; the UNESCO-designated Drake Passage; and more. In addition to penguins, you will likely see South American fur seals, Andean condors, and even albatross. Onboard, you may enjoy the spacious lounges and reading areas with plenty of literature and stellar panoramic views, as well as delicious meals prepared with local ingredients in the dining area. It should be noted that there is no Wi-Fi available onboard, allowing for complete immersion on this tranquil escape.

Please note that Australis recognizes the privilege to sail in one of the most unspoiled ecosystems of the world and seeks to leave the environment as untouched and wild as they found it. They accomplish this by contributing to Patagonian ecosystem research, limiting plastic products used aboard, and utilizing constructed wooden walkways on certain treks. They pride themselves on the quality and low turnover of their naturalist guides!

For a full description of a typical itinerary aboard the M/V Ventus or Stella Australis, click here!

We feel there is no better way to experience the fjords of Tierra del Fuego and the southernmost part of South America than aboard an Australis expedition cruise. The nearly identical, 100-cabin M/V Stella and newly launched M/V Ventus have been specially designed and built to navigate the narrow channels, where larger ships simply cannot go. Though we feel the ships to be not quite a luxury standard and consider them to be in the 4-star range, the simple design and spartan cabins paired with large windows keep the focus on the incredible views throughout the journey. The array of guided group excursions are singularly fantastic, as Australis is currently the only cruise company operating along this remote route. Excursions include Ainsworth Bay and its gorgeous views of Marinelli Glacier and the Darwin Mountains; Tucker Island and its ample Magellan penguin population; the Pia Glacier and Glacier Alley; hiking through the Magellan forest on Wulaia Bay, Cape Horn National Park; the UNESCO-designated Drake Passage; and more. In addition to penguins, you will likely see South American fur seals, Andean condors, and even albatross. Onboard, you may enjoy the spacious lounges and reading areas with plenty of literature and stellar panoramic views, as well as delicious meals prepared with local ingredients in the dining area. It should be noted that there is no Wi-Fi available onboard, allowing for complete immersion on this tranquil escape.

Please note that Australis recognizes the privilege to sail in one of the most unspoiled ecosystems of the world and seeks to leave the environment as untouched and wild as they found it. They accomplish this by contributing to Patagonian ecosystem research, limiting plastic products used aboard, and utilizing constructed wooden walkways on certain treks. They pride themselves on the quality and low turnover of their naturalist guides!

For a full description of a typical itinerary aboard the M/V Ventus or Stella Australis, click here!

Opened in 2021, the 20-room Explora El Chaltén is a luxury boutique lodge located in Argentine Patagonia, an approximate five-hour drive from the Explora Patagonia property in Torres Del Paine National Park. Situated in Los Huemules Conservation Reserve, the lodge offers views of the surrounding Electric Mountain Valley, Marconi Glacier, and rivers. We appreciate how the Explora brand aims to blend its hotels with their nature surroundings, and this property is no exception! The hotel’s design emphasizes sustainability and merges seamlessly with the natural landscape. Its use of local materials and thoughtful architecture minimizes the environmental impact while maximizing guests’ immersion in Patagonia’s wilderness. Each room has windows that frame the panoramic views of the Southern Andes, allowing nature to take center stage.

Offering the only naturalist guide schools in all of South America, we wholly trust all Explora properties to provide top-tier nature excursions. Guided excursions at this property include hiking, climbing, biking, kayaking, glacier walks, and cultural experiences. We were particularly impressed when exploring the Southern Patagonia Ice Field, the world’s third largest fresh water reserve! In addition to daily naturalist guided adventures, luxury amenities include all-inclusive cuisine emphasizing fresh local ingredients, an outdoor hot tub, and all-inclusive spa, with two massage rooms, two saunas, and five open-air Jacuzzis.

The extraordinary Explora Patagonia is our favorite luxury lodge in the entire 1,242-foot stretch of the Patagonia Andes. The 49-room Explora Patagonia is located in the very heart of Patagonia in the unspoiled Torres del Paine National Park, sitting on the shores of Lake Pehoe. This lodge is the quintessential base for exploring the array of ecosystems in Torres del Paine National Park, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve! Despite its remote location, Explora Patagonia provides all essential luxuries in a comfortable, understated way that reflects Patagonia’s natural environment. The sleek, linga-wood designed rooms seem large when looking out at the splendid views. A deciduous mountain tree, the Patagonia linga is now fully preserved in its unique South American environment. Though it is perhaps not as architecturally striking as the Singular, the Explora Patagonia more than makes up for it with one of the most spectacularly picturesque settings of any lodge we have stayed at in the world! Explora’s luxurious amenities include open-air hot-tubs with the Paine River insight, a heated pool, spa, sauna, Chilean bar, and its own horse stable. With the area’s highest quality guides, wonderful food selections, and many hiking and horseback riding options, this place is certainly worthy of a four-night stay. Of special note, Explora is the only lodge in Patagonia with its own bred and trained stable of horses. All horses have been raised on the Ibanez Estate, not far from the Explora property. It should be noted that Wi-Fi here is only available in the common areas and not in the rooms, as the goal of Explora is for guests to relax and sleep in rooms while engaging in camaraderie and communication in the common areas. For this to happen, disconnection is key!