Jordan Harvey's 13-Day Itinerary Around Patagonia and the Atacama Desert

Tierra Patagonia
Photo: Courtesy of Tierra Hotels

Jordan Harvey is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List, a collection of the top travel advisors in the world, and can help plan your perfect getaway. He is the co-founder of Knowmad Adventures, which, after being founded in Patagonia, operates exclusively in South America and specializes in high-quality, custom adventures. Below is an example of the type of itineraries he creates. To work with Jordan, you can contact him directly at jordan@knowmadadventures.com.

Day 1: USA – Santiago

You will take an overnight flight from the U.S., arriving in Santiago the following morning.

Day 2: Santiago

Arrive to Santiago and be brought to your hotel. Explore independently at your leisure. Highlights to discover could include the Mercado Central (Chile’s largest fresh seafood market), the historic República & Concha y Toro neighborhoods, eclectic Barrio Lastarria, Parque Forestal, or artsy Barrio Bellavista.

Stay: Casa Bueras

Day 3: Santiago

Head out for a half-day guided exploration of Santiago, featuring the city’s most important historic and cultural sites. Discover the downtown area surrounding the Plaza de Armas (the main square), La Moneda (the Presidential Palace), the majestic architecture of the governmental buildings, and the pedestrian streets, such as Huérfanos and Ahumada. Pass by vibrant markets such as the Mercado Central, one of Chile’s largest fresh seafood markets, and urban parks, such as the Parque Forestal or Santa Lucía Hill. Visit the Museum of Memory and Human Rights, dedicated to commemorating the victims of the Pinochet dictatorship in the country.

Stay:Casa Bueras

Day 4: Santiago – Punta Arenas – Torres del Paine National Park

Fly to Punta Arenas this morning. Upon arrival, you will be met by a Tierra representative and taken on the approximately 4-hour scenic drive through Puerto Natales and onward to Torres del Paine National Park. On your first day at Tierra Patagonia, as well as each day of your stay, you will be able to peruse the many excursion options available through the lodge and decide what you would most enjoy doing that day. All excursions take place in small groups of Tierra guests accompanied by your bilingual guides. After your excursions, relax at the lodge’s spa, pool, and enjoy delicious wines and cuisine to finish off your day.

Stay: Tierra Patagonia

Tierra Patagonia
Courtesy of Tierra Hotels

Day 5: Patagonia

Enjoy your adventures as you choose from the wide range of excursions available. Activities can include half-day and full-day hiking experiences at all levels of difficulty, horseback riding alongside local gauchos, and other opportunities to explore the gorgeous scenery in Torres del Paine National Park.

Stay:Tierra Patagonia

Day 6: Patagonia

Continue enjoying your adventures throughout the region and your stay at Tierra Patagonia.

Stay: Tierra Patagonia

Day 7: Patagonia

Continue enjoying your adventures throughout the region and your stay at Tierra Patagonia.

Stay: Tierra Patagonia

Tierra Atacama
Courtesy of Tierra Hotels

Day 8: Torres del Paine National Park – Punta Arenas – Santiago

Enjoy one more breakfast at Tierra Patagonia before transferring back to the airport and flying to Santiago. Upon arrival in Santiago, you will collect your luggage and independently cross the street to your accommodations at the Holiday Inn Aeropuerto for the evening.

Stay: Holiday Inn Aeropuerto

Day 9: Santiago – San Pedro de Atacama

This morning you’ll fly to Calama. After your arrival you’ll transfer to Tierra Atacama. Take a dip in the pool before meeting your guide and planning your excursions. Walk to the petroglyphs at Devil’s Canyon, or cruise to the adobe streets of Toconao and meet the locals before photographing the flamingo-filled desert salt flats.

Stay: Tierra Atacama

Day 10: Atacama

Head out early to the smoking columns of El Tatio geyser. Enjoy breakfast as the sun rises and gives light to this incredible natural wonder. Spot vicunas, foxes, and Andean ostriches before heading back to the village. Enjoy a gourmet dinner and local wine as the world’s most impressive night sky emerges.

Stay:Tierra Atacama

Tierra Atacama
Courtesy of Tierra Hotels

Day 11: Atacama

Take a cool, desert-morning horseback ride and spend the afternoon at natural springs in the canyon. Or choose to awake early and attempt to summit the 16,500-ft Toco Volcano.

Stay: Tierra Atacama

Day 12: Atacama

Continue enjoying your adventures throughout the region and your stay at Tierra Atacama.

Stay:Tierra Atacama

Day 13: San Pedro de Atacama – Santiago – USA

After enjoying one more morning at Tierra you will transfer to the airport and fly back to Santiago (shared guest transfer). Upon arrival in Santiago, you will connect with your international, overnight return flight home.

Was this page helpful?
Related Articles