Our Fares and Ticketing Consultant, Anna, had the opportunity to visit Chile in depth on a Chimu Adventures tour. With an expert local guide, all meals and beverages included and endless activities throughout the trip, Chimu Adventures were a top-of-the-line experience.
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Chimu Adventures Welcome and Arrival
As this was a famil opportunity, I was greeted in Melbourne by Chimu Adventures representatives James and Tara, along with Paddy, the National Relationships Manager. The group of us flew from Melbourne to Santiago on LATAM. It is essential if you are an Australian Passport holder that you have your Chilean Visa. This can take a while to process so best to apply at least 6 weeks or more before departure if possible. Mine took just over 2 weeks to come through but only after I called the consulate in Melbourne to check the status.
Our Itinerary
Day One: Santiago
We arrived in Santiago, Chile on time at 10.50am and were welcomed by the sun shining on the surrounding snow capped Andes Mountain range. As Santiago sits in a valley, it is quite common for smog to sit over the city so if you have people with respiratory issues it can cause a problem.
We were met by our local Chimu Adventures Tour guide Hugo who took us to our bus transfer where we headed 1 hour South to Santa Rita in the Maipo Valley Wine region. This is where we spent our first 2 nights of the trip. We stayed at the Hotel Casa Real at Santa Rita Winery in a Casa Real Room, twin share with another member of the tour group. The stay included all breakfasts, lunches and dinners but you can book just a Bed and Breakfast option with less inclusions. There are only 16 rooms at the hotel. Upon check in we were greeted with a welcome drink then headed to our rooms to settle in.
The rooms were quite old, due to the heritage status but the bathrooms had been recently upgraded. There was a personalised card, bottle of wine and cork screw for us which was a nice touch. The room had access out to the courtyard and we were twin share so 2 single beds.
We went straight to a three course lunch (one of many on this Chimu Adventures trip) which we could choose from the extensive menu which changed daily. The staff here were some of the best I have experienced on an overseas trip. They were the same for the duration of our stay which was a really nice touch as they got to know our preferences in both food and wine. There were a few people with dietary requirements on this trip and nothing was too hard for the staff.
Later that evening we met on the Terrace for sunset drinks followed by a wine tasting and canapes. The guide from the Hotel/Winery was very knowledgeable and her English was clear and easy to understand. We sampled three wines during the tasting but the Chileans are most proud of their local variety of Carmenere which is a red variety only grown in South America.
After this we retired to the Billiards Salon before heading into the dining area for dinner.
Another three courses but most of us were still quite content from lunch. We found by the end of the trip, they eat lunch around 2.00pm here so come dinner time we were still quite full from lunch but that didn’t stop us trying everything. Another amazing meal then it was time to catch up on some well needed sleep.
Day Two: Santa Rita
This morning we enjoyed a lovely buffet breakfast with the option to order off the menu for a cooked breakfast. We were met by the same tour guide we had for the tasting the night before who took us on a tour of the Santa Rita Estate, Winery and Andean Museum.
Walking around the stunning gardens of the Estate, taking in all of the sculptures, fruit orchards, Roman Baths and of course the Chapel. There is an option to jump aboard a horse and cart or borrow bikes to see the grounds rather than walking.
We headed over to the Winery where we had a full tour of the facility including the bottling and packaging area, underground cellars and general processing. The tour included a private tasting with accompanying canapes. This was in an underground cellar and the setting was perfect. The wine was delicious and the knowledge of the guide was outstanding.
After we sampled the four wines we headed to the onsite restaurant which is open to the public, not just guests at the hotel. It was busy but once again, the food was incredible.
Following lunch we had our very own wine blending experience in another part of the underground cellars. We were split into two teams where we had to make our own blend, create a name, plus label, bottle and cork our own wine. We got to keep our special blend as well as a monogrammed apron, which was a nice touch.
Also on the grounds is an Andean Museum just a short walk from the winery. We looked through the permanent exhibition and saw many historical artifacts. They have other exhibitions that are regularly changing but there wasn’t one set up at the time we visited.
The rest of the day was at leisure but it wasn’t too long until we were back in the dining room eating again. It was great to fill in a day of activities without having to leave the Estate and have no long bus transfer as it was all on the one site.
Day Three: Santa Rita/Santiago – Calama/San Pedro de Atacama
We were up early to depart for our 11.00am flight from Santiago to Calama in Chile’s north, the gateway to the Atacama Desert. Checking in for a domestic flight was quick and easy but the flight was full to the brim. It was a 2 hour flight and the last 30 minutes was quite bumpy. I felt pretty sick so I was relieved once we landed.
After collecting our bags we were met by a staff member from Tierra Atacama Lodge who escorted us to our awaiting bus transfer. Once on the bus we received a bag with water, a granola bar and some chocolate. The bus ride is approx. 1 hour 15 minutes and the landscape along the way was out of this world.
Once we arrived at the Lodge, we received a welcome drink and they explained how the excursions worked, what was included, what to do if altitude sickness kicks in (as we were at 2300m above sea level), talked to us about the area and gave us our room keys.
We were in Superior SFB Rooms on a twin share basis so 2 single beds. This was one of the standout accommodations that Chimu Adventures had organised. Although there was no
TV or Bluetooth Speakers, you didn’t need this at all with the amazing view out of the panoramic window.
The things I loved about this room:
- Buttons to open the black out blind and sheer curtains
- Heated floors and towel rail
- Both indoor and outdoor shower
- Slippers, bathrobes, toiletries
- Outdoor seating area with opening roof to star gaze
- Nespresso machine and milk frother
- Mini bar (included)
- Drink bottle to keep, backpack to use for excursions during your stay
- Fabric trail mix bag to use at the trail mix station in the lobby before you went out on daily excursions and each night at turn down service
- A humidifier was put on in the room and a gift left on the bed (something different each night) and some cookies
- Indoor heated pool, outdoor non-heated pool, + heated jacuzzi and spa facility
- A boardwalk to the star gazing platform which they provided blankets and onesies so you could keep warm and snug
Nothing was left out, I felt very spoiled.
Mid afternoon we were taken to a new excursion not offered by the Lodge but something Chimu Adventures are looking to include in their experiences. We went to a local village and experienced the different teas made with home grown herbs. We also participated in pottery making and lastly, feeding the pet Llamas and taking them for a walk around the village. This was a really great experience and it is amazing to see local ways and traditions in action. By the time we got back to the Lodge, it was dinner time. There was a menu with staple meals available at both lunch and dinner but there was also an alternative menu which changed daily. The food here not only tasted amazing but the presentation was like art. The staff were very attentive. After dinner I took my glass of wine out to one of the fire pit seating areas and it was magical.
Day Four: San Pedro de Atacama
After filling up on breakfast and packing my trail mix bag, we set off on our first excursion of the day to Valle de la Luna or Moon Valley. The name really describes the landscape we were about to witness. The bus dropped us off at various viewing locations in the National Park, some involved moderate hikes which some of the group elected not to take part in, also the altitude was affecting some people. Much to our surprise, it started raining. Being in the driest no polar place in the world, we were actually lucky to have this experience as the moody skies provided additional stunning scenery, especially at sunset. Due to the rain, our afternoon excursion with Chimu Adventures was cancelled as the roads and vehicles are not really equipped for wet weather. Being mostly national parks, they didn’t want the roads damaged.
We headed back to the Lodge for lunch then decided we would explore the local town San Pedro de Atacama. We grabbed the complimentary umbrellas and headed off in a shuttle from the Lodge we had organised. This rustic traditional town was full of local gift shops, tour operators, hostels and bars. We walked around, purchased some local handmade items and went to a local establishment for some well earned refreshments. It is a pretty touristy town and the rain didn’t keep people away.
We walked back to the Lodge (about 2km) and it was quite muddy due to the rain but the Lodge had some shoe scrubbers at the entrance so we could clean our shoes. Tonight was BBQ night and the meat had been slow cooking over hot coals all day. It was brought to the tables for us to share and there were stations set up with different salads and sides, once again it was delicious. We were supposed to do star gazing but due to the cloud cover this was not an option so we had an early night. Some of the group elected to jump in the jacuzzi but not me.
Day Five: San Pedro de Atacama
When we got up this morning the wet weather had cleared and it was a delight to see snow on the mountains in the distance, this meant there was a chance there would be snow up at the Tatio Geysers where our first excursion of the day was.
The Tatio Geysers are one of the world’s most impressive geothermal sites. Home to over 80 active geysers which protrude from bubbling pools of boiling water and steam columns reaching 12 feet high.
After the usual breakfast and trail mix selection, we boarded the bus at 8am to head to the Geysers. A lot of the other resorts and lodges head off at sunrise but to avoid the large crowds, Tierra leaves at 8am. It is approximately 1.5 hours on the bus as we headed to 4300m above sea level. Much to our delight, about an hour into the trip we hit the snow which was something special. Luckily it wasn’t so bad that the roads were closed.
Once at the Geysers, you could see the paths clearly marked out and it is very important not to go past the borders or touch the boiling pools of water and mud. Being at such a high altitude I was concerned about how I would feel but being well hydrated and being conscious of taking a few deep breaths every couple of minutes, I was fine. I was shocked it didn’t smell like sulfur as many geothermal places do, only slightly when you walked through a steam column. We spotted some Guanacos which are a native animal to South America and spent some time walking around the Geysers at our leisure. The scenery was truly magical and the snow covering made it even more special. On our bus ride home we stopped at a small town called Machuca, where we were supplied with some hot soup, platters and drinks. Some of the group opted to try the Llama kebabs from the local store but I decided to give that a miss.
Back on the bus we returned to the Lodge for lunch then as we had time left in the day, we decided we would do the excursion that was cancelled the day before, The Salar de Atacama.
We travelled to Chaxa Lagoon in the Salar de Atacama, via the small town of Tocanao where we stopped briefly for a look around and some souvenir shopping, then off to the lagoon. As all of the excursions the day prior were cancelled it was very busy and one of the flamingo viewing tracks was closed for maintenance. Despite this we manage to see quite a few flamingoes and watch the sunset over the salt flats.
It was almost dark when we got back on the bus but we made it back to the Lodge in time to see some local musicians with traditional instruments followed by a local band who entertained the guests. Some of the group elected to do some star gazing but I decided to stay by the warmth of the fire and enjoy the entertainment.
Day Six: San Pedro de Atacama to Santiago
We had a late check out today at 11.00am as we were being collected at 11.30am for our transfer back to Calama airport. We got to enjoy breakfast and a couple of us were keen to do the morning horse riding but as it was a Saturday, they were not running that excursion. This meant it was time to relax in the sun by the pool to take in the scenery one last time.
Once we got on the bus we were provided with a packed lunch including a baguette, granola bar, chocolate and water for our 1 hour journey. We arrived at the airport and our flight was delayed almost 2 hours so we just headed to a cafe to sit and wait. Once we were eventually onboard it was a much nicer flight than the one on the way over. A lady in our group was celebrating her 60th birthday and the LATAM staff gave her a card signed by all of the crew and some extra snacks. It was a lovely touch and she appreciated it very much.
Back in Santiago, we were again collected by our Chimu Adventures guide Hugo and escorted to the awaiting bus which took us to our accommodation for the next couple of nights, Hotel Magnolia. It is in a very central location which is great. As it had rained the day prior, the smog had dispersed and it was a much nicer feeling.
We were in a Superior room twin share. The hotel was an old mansion and had been converted to a hotel- we were on the 5th floor which was part of the extension. Once settled in, we then went down to the restaurant for dinner where we celebrated the other guests’ 60th birthday. The food was magnificent at this hotel and Chimu Adventures had even organised a cake for her.
Day Seven: Santiago/Valparaiso
The breakfast offered at the hotel was not that vast. You could order certain things but what was laid out was not that enticing. One thing to note is they had self-serve Champagne available at breakfast which was a treat (which I didn’t dabble in).
Today we had a full day tour planned to the colorful city of Valparaiso and we were collected by our Chimu Adventures tour guide at the front of the hotel and began the journey of approx. 1 hour 15 minutes towards the Pacific Ocean. Valparaíso was once a vital port in South America until the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914. Traces of European immigration history permeate the streets and neighborhoods. Valparaíso was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hailed as the cultural capital of Chile, boasts charming, colorful houses cascading down the hills, forming a natural amphitheater where historic port life seamlessly intertwines with cultural activities.
We were guided around the Central square where many historical European inspired buildings stood. Some showed scars from the 2010 earthquake, this area was hit very hard by this natural disaster. We then headed on a funicular ride up the side of the city hills. These small carriages that hold up to 10 people at a time are on a pulley system and take you up to the area of Valparaiso famous for its street art and graffiti. This was a spectacular sight, so much colour and a total vibe. There were many local artist’s shops with unique hand made items, cafes, bars, and views of the port and surrounding city below. We experienced our own graffiti lesson and had a patch where as a group we could design our own street art. We had lunch at a local restaurant then headed back to the bus for our journey back to Santiago.
Tonight we were treated to dinner at one of the local Chimu Adventures guides’ apartments. She had organised a local catering company to come and prepare local delicacies and wines from small wine producers.
The chef came out at each course and explained what region each dish was from and the significance of the ingredients. There was also a sommelier who talked us through the wines and why they were paired with each course. It was a very personal and intimate experience and the kind of thing that is out of the box that some travellers really appreciate. We walked home from dinner, being in a large group we felt safe but I wouldn’t recommend walking around the streets at night alone.
Day Eight: Santiago to Melbourne
I was sad that it was our last day in Chile and tour with Chimu Adventures. We had our rooms until 9.30pm tonight which was great, due to our flight being at 12.45am (all Australian flights leave around this time).
We met our Chimu Adventures guide Hugo again this morning who took us on the bus to Plaza de Armas, the central square and the heart of the city’s colonial core. The Plaza de Armas features the beautiful 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral, the Royal Court Palace from the early 19th century (housing the Natural History Museum), and the Central Post Office completed in 1882. Many other beautiful European inspired buildings are in this area and I have noticed there are a huge amount of statues, it is easy to walk around and very clean.
From here we were up for a unique experience guided by Fabiola Lefiman at her local studio, a Mapuche sculptor and ceramist. This cognitive and sensory workshop is designed to immerse you in Mapuche ceramic culture, offering a deep connection to ancestral forms and inviting you to be part of this enduring tradition. It was a very deep and fascinating experience, such an inspiring woman and her art and sculpture was brilliant.
After lunch we enjoyed some free time. I ventured to Cerro Santa Lucia, the hill where Santiago was founded in 1541. Now transformed into a park with fountains, stairs leading to a fort, and a panoramic viewpoint across the city, it offers a captivating view of the surrounding mountains and city. The stairs are mainly stone and quite uneven and steep, also very slippery when wet. The rest of the day was spent packing and chilling out.
We had a free evening so a few of us headed out to find some traditional Chilean eats for our final feast. Of course we had to indulge in a variety of Empanadas and local beers. We were collected by our wonderful Chimu Adventures guide Hugo one last time for our transfer to the Airport.
Overall Impressions of Chimu Adventures
Overall, this famil with Chimu Adventures was an outstanding opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes, culture, and hospitality of Chile. From the heritage charm of Santa Rita Winery to the breathtaking Atacama Desert and the vibrant streets of Valparaíso, every stop offered something unique and memorable. The standard of accommodation, dining, and excursions exceeded expectations, with exceptional staff and thoughtful touches throughout. The itinerary struck a great balance between cultural immersion, adventure, and relaxation, making it a truly enriching journey. Chile is a destination that will leave travellers inspired, and Chimu Adventures delivered it with professionalism and care at every step.
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