Luxury Expeditions Through the Atacama - 12 Days

A privately designed journey across Chile’s most dramatic natural regions, combining Atacama Desert landscapes, Chilean wine country, and Patagonia hiking experiences

Your Trip at a Glance

Twelve days. Three regions. One of South America’s most geographically diverse countries explored through deserts, vineyards, fjords, and Patagonia wilderness. From the lunar landscapes and Atacama stargazing tours of northern Chile to the coastal valleys of Casablanca and the glacier-filled landscapes of Torres del Paine, this journey connects Chile’s extremes through privately arranged experiences, luxury lodges, and soft adventure designed around nature, gastronomy, and exploration.

Journey highlights

  • Sunset exploration through the Moon Valley in the Atacama Desert, surrounded by salt formations, dunes, and volcanic landscapes
  • Atacama stargazing experience beneath some of the clearest night skies in the world
  • Private wine experience in Casablanca Valley, combining vineyard exploration, premium tastings, and Chilean gastronomy
  • Patagonia hiking tour to the Base of Torres del Paine, one of the most iconic trekking routes in South America

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View Signatures Travel

Scenic navigation toward Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers through the fjords of Chilean Patagonia

Essential Information About Tour

  • Journey StyleNature, Luxury Adventure & Regional Gastronomy
  • AccommodationCarefully Selected Boutique Hotels, Desert Lodges & Patagonia Retreats
  • Experience TypePrivate & Small-Group Guided Journey
  • Holiday typeTailor-Made & Built From Scratch

Detailed Sample Itinerary:

San Pedro de Atacama

Day 1 | Arrival in the Atacama Desert & Moon Valley Sunset Experience

Upon arrival at Calama Airport, your private driver will meet you for the scenic transfer across the high-altitude desert landscapes toward San Pedro de Atacama.

Later in the afternoon, experience one of the country’s most iconic natural settings during a guided exploration of Moon Valley within the Los Flamencos National Reserve.

Surrounded by salt formations, sharp ridges, and wind-carved dunes, the landscape feels almost extraterrestrial.

As sunset approaches, the desert transforms into shades of gold, orange, and deep red beneath the Andes mountain range.

Meals: Breakfast
Route: Calama Airport → San Pedro de Atacama → Moon Valley

Atacama Desert

Day 2 | Rainbow Valley, Ancient Petroglyphs & Atacama Salt Lagoons

This morning, journey into the Rainbow Valley located within the Domeyko Mountain Range west of San Pedro de Atacama.

The region’s mineral-rich mountains display striking tones of red, green, white, and ochre.

The experience also includes a visit to the Yerbas Buenas petroglyphs, revealing traces of ancient Atacameño cultures.

In the afternoon, continue toward the Salar de Atacama to explore the salt lagoons of Cejar and Tebenquiche.

Meals: Breakfast
Route: San Pedro → Rainbow Valley → Yerbas Buenas → Salar de Atacama → Cejar & Tebenquiche Lagoons

Altiplanic Lagoons

Day 3 | Altiplanic Lagoons & The High Andes

Today’s expedition ventures deep into Chile’s Altiplano landscapes toward the high-altitude lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques.

Along the route, discover Laguna Chaxa within the Salar de Atacama, one of the region’s most important flamingo habitats.

Continue through volcanic landscapes, high-altitude plains, and remote Andean villages.

The journey also includes a stop in Toconao, a traditional desert village known for its volcanic stone architecture.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Route: San Pedro → Toconao → Salar de Atacama → Miscanti & Miñiques Lagoons

Tatio Geysers

Day 4 | Tatio Geysers & Atacama Starlight Experience

Before sunrise, depart toward the Tatio Geysers, one of the highest geothermal fields in the world.

Arriving at dawn allows the geothermal activity to appear at its most dramatic beneath the first light of the Andes.

During the return journey, stop at wetlands and small Altiplano villages such as Machuca.

Later in the evening, enjoy a private Atacama stargazing experience beneath some of the clearest skies on Earth.

Meals: Breakfast
Route: San Pedro → Tatio Geysers → Machuca → Vallecito Stargazing Experience

Santiago

Day 5 | From the Atacama Desert to Santiago’s Gastronomic Scene

After breakfast, private transfer to Calama Airport for your domestic flight to Santiago.

Upon arrival, settle into your boutique hotel in the cultural district of Lastarria.

Later, enjoy an immersive culinary evening with Chef Tatan hosted in the exclusive El Golf district.

This private Chilean cooking class combines local ingredients, seafood, regional wines, and traditional recipes.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Route: San Pedro de Atacama → Calama → Santiago

Casablanca Valley

Day 6 | Valparaíso, Casablanca Valley & Private Wine Experience

This morning, depart Santiago toward Chile’s Pacific Coast.

Begin in Valparaíso, the UNESCO-listed port city famous for its colorful hillsides, historic funiculars, and artistic atmosphere.

Continue to nearby Viña del Mar before entering the Casablanca Valley, one of Chile’s premier wine-producing regions.

The afternoon is dedicated to a private wine experience combining vineyard exploration, premium tastings, and regional gastronomy.

Meals: Breakfast
Route: Santiago → Valparaíso → Viña del Mar → Casablanca Valley → Santiago

Puerto Natales

Day 7 | Journey to Chilean Patagonia

Private transfer to Santiago Airport for your flight south toward Puerto Natales, gateway to Torres del Paine National Park and Chilean Patagonia.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel overlooking the Última Esperanza Fjord.

The remainder of the afternoon is free to relax and prepare for the Patagonia portion of your journey.

Meals: Breakfast
Route: Santiago → Puerto Natales

Torres del Paine

Day 8 | Patagonia Hiking Tour to the Base of Torres del Paine

Today features one of the most iconic Patagonia hiking tours in Chile: the trek to the Base of Torres del Paine.

Begin the ascent through lenga forests, rivers, suspension bridges, and glacial valleys.

The final viewpoint reveals the famous turquoise glacial lagoon beneath the three granite peaks of Torres del Paine.

The experience offers one of the most extraordinary mountain landscapes in South America.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Route: Puerto Natales → Torres del Paine National Park → Base Las Torres

Patagonia Fjords

Day 9 | Patagonia Fjords, Glaciers & Scenic Navigation

This morning, board a scenic navigation through the Señoret Channel toward Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers.

Along the route, observe sea lions, cormorants, Magellanic dolphins, waterfalls, and remote mountain landscapes.

Continue with a guided walk through native forests toward Serrano Glacier.

Massive ice formations descend from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Route: Puerto Natales → Señoret Channel → Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers

Torres del Paine National Park

Day 10 | Puma Tracking Experience in Torres del Paine

Before sunrise, return to Torres del Paine National Park for a specialized wildlife tracking experience focused on Patagonia’s most elusive predator: the puma.

Accompanied by expert local trackers, explore different sectors of the park while searching for pumas.

Observe the remarkable biodiversity of the region, including guanacos, condors, foxes, rheas, and native birdlife.

This flexible experience is adapted daily according to wildlife movement and weather conditions.

Meals: Breakfast
Route: Puerto Natales → Torres del Paine National Park

Cerro Castillo

Day 11 | Patagonian Estancia Culture & Sheep Farming Traditions

Today offers a deeper cultural perspective into Patagonia through an authentic estancia experience near Cerro Castillo.

Hosted by a local Patagonian family, discover the traditions of sheep farming and gaucho culture.

Observe sheepdog demonstrations, wool processing, shearing techniques, and traditional rural practices.

Enjoy a regional Patagonian lunch featuring local lamb and countryside gastronomy.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Route: Puerto Natales → Cerro Castillo → Patagonia Estancia Experience

Puerto Natales

Day 12 | Departure from Chile

At the appropriate time, private transfer to Puerto Natales Airport for your onward flight.

As your journey through Chile comes to an end, depart with a deeper understanding of the country’s extraordinary geographical contrasts.

From the silence of the Atacama Desert to the glaciers, fjords, and wilderness of Patagonia.

Meals: Breakfast
Route: Hotel → Puerto Natales Airport
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Included

  • Private airport transfers and ground transportation throughout the journey
  • Accommodation in carefully selected hotels and lodges
  • Daily guided experiences and excursions mentioned in the itinerary
  • English-speaking local guides throughout the journey
  • Entrance fees to archaeological sites, museums, and cultural visits included in the program
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary

What's not Included:

  • International flights to and from Chile
  • Additional domestic flights not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Travel insurance
  • Early check-in or late check-out at hotels
  • Alcoholic beverages and meals not specified
  • Optional activities and personal expenses
  • Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
  • Expenses caused by flight delays, weather conditions, or other circumstances beyond operational control

Suggestions & Restrictions

  • Physical Fitness Requirements: Certain activities, such as hiking in Machu Picchu or jungle walks in the Amazon, require a moderate level of physical fitness. Participants should be prepared for walking on uneven terrain and climbing stairs.
  • Weather Conditions: The Amazon and Andean regions can have varying weather conditions. It’s essential to pack appropriate clothing for both hot and humid conditions in the Amazon and cooler temperatures in the Sacred Valley and Cusco.
  • Optional Activities: Optional activities such as hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain require advance booking due to limited availability. Additional costs apply for these once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
  • Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellations, and emergency evacuations, especially for remote areas like the Amazon.

Responsible Tourism

  • Carbon Offsetting: The itinerary includes carbon offsetting measures to mitigate the environmental impact of travel activities. This initiative helps compensate for the carbon emissions generated during flights and ground transportation, contributing to global climate efforts.
  • Promoting Responsible Tourism: Encouraging responsible travel practices such as respecting local customs, minimizing environmental impact, and supporting community-based tourism initiatives ensures a positive and sustainable tourism experience in Peru.
  • Economic Impact: Travel expenditures, including accommodations, meals, and purchases from local vendors and artisans, contribute directly to the local economy. By supporting local businesses and community initiatives, the itinerary helps create sustainable economic opportunities for Peruvians in tourism-dependent regions.

Activity level:Moderate - Challenging

Physical ratings
The physical rating gives you an idea of how much physical exertion is required on a particular trip.


Easy = these trips are a relaxing break. You don’t have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.


Soft = Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.


Moderate = This trip will raise your heart rate. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.


Challenging = Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy it, as most activities will be challenging.


Difficult = Our highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You’ll be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

YOUR STAY OPTIONS

Top Pick Accommodations

The right hotel, in the right place, with the right service.

What Customers Said

  • Passionwitha P
    Alone

    After Peru I went on to Uyuni, Bolivia to see the salt flats. View Peru was my tour company there as well. Once again, I had a private tour and my tour guides were awesome. So was lunch in the middle of the salt flats!! 

  • Joanne G
    Friends

    We had a once in a lifetime experience with View Peru!!! I can’t say enough good things and reflecting on the experience now, it still seems surreal. In addition to the epic experience of the hikes, scenery, and Machu Picchu, everything we needed, every little detail was thought of and then some. It was a luxury camping, and cultural experience that I highly, highly recommend and want to do again!

  • Kumar D
    Couples

    I planned a 15 year anniversary with my wife. The two of us with all the porters on the four day, Inca Trail. Breathtaking views. Amazing experience. The porters were great.

  • Betsy W
    Family

    Wonderful Tour of Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Machu Picchu. I am an experienced world traveler and don’t often sign up for a tour, but am so glad I did. 

Design Your Dream Vacation

Contact us to begin crafting your personalized adventure. Our Travel Specialists are dedicated to designing a fully customized tour tailored to your preferences.

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    Tales of Travel and Adventure

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    Quick Answers to Common Questions

    is peru a good honeymoon destination?

    Absolutely! Peru is a fantastic honeymoon destination for several reasons:

    • Unforgettable Romance: Imagine exploring ancient ruins hand-in-hand, soaking in breathtaking mountain views, or relaxing on pristine beaches. Peru offers stunning backdrops for creating lasting memories together.
    • Adventure or Relaxation (or both!): Tailor your honeymoon to your desires. Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or unwind at luxurious resorts.
    • Rich Culture: Immerse yourselves in Peru’s vibrant culture, from bustling markets to traditional ceremonies.
    • Luxurious Options: Pamper yourselves with amazing service, world-class cuisine, and luxurious accommodations.

    What is the best time to visit Peru for this tour?

    The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to October, offering clear skies and favorable trekking conditions. However, Peru’s diverse regions mean that our tours can be enjoyed year-round, each season offering unique experiences.

    Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

    We are happy to accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions and preferences. Simply let us know at the time of booking, and our chefs and hand-selected restaurants will ensure suitable meals are prepared for you throughout your journey.

    What kind of Machu Picchu train is included in the itinerary?

    Our suggestion is to start with the Vistadome train, with is an intermediate level of train service with nice amenities, with panoramic windows for unobstructed scenery or even the iconic Belmond Hiram Bingham train, a luxurious time capsule on rails, for an unforgettable experience.  Be sure to check the specific details of your chosen package or speak with one of our View Peru travel specialists to see which train is included and if you have any upgrade options.

    Why should I book with View Signature Travels?

    We’re passionate about creating exceptional travel experiences in Peru.  Here are just a few reasons why you should choose us:

    Expert Local Knowledge: We’re a Peruvian-owned and operated company with extensive knowledge of the region. Our travel specialists are true insiders, ready to share hidden gems, unique cultural experiences, and ensure your trip runs smoothly.

    Unforgettable Experiences: We go beyond the typical tourist route, crafting itineraries that immerse you in the authentic culture, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant history of Peru.

    Personalized Service:  We understand that one-size-fits-all vacations aren’t ideal.  We tailor each trip to your specific needs and interests, ensuring a truly personalized experience.

    Top-Notch Service:  From the moment you book your trip until you return home, our dedicated team is here to provide exceptional service and ensure every detail is taken care of.

    We believe in creating memories that last a lifetime.  So why not let us help you craft your dream Peruvian adventure?

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