Our main goal here at HA is always to ensure our clients have the very best holiday possible for them. So, when we receive feedback and photos like the ones below, it’s a very good day indeed. A huge thank you to repeat HA clients, Judith and Roger, for sharing their tailor-made Chile adventure with us. What a trip!There are some journeys that feel expansive in every sense; geographically, culturally, emotionally. Judith and Roger’s return to Chile was exactly that, a perfectly paced, deeply considered itinerary that moved from city to desert, from remote Polynesian island to vineyard, before ending on a high, with the unmistakable rhythm and buzz of Rio de Janeiro.Only having recently returned from their 20-day South America adventure, Judith and Roger’s trip is also a wonderful reminder that the world remains open for travel, with journeys operating smoothly and seamlessly across most of the world.Designed once again by our Chile expert, Louise, this trip was shaped by Lou’s rich expert knowledge and her genuine understanding of exactly how Judith and Roger like to travel.
What better place to start than with Judith’s own words, her kind review really says it all.
Roger and Judith’s journey began where most Chile adventures do, in Santiago, where their local guide was ready to whizz them around the vibrant city with an in-depth tour that really got them under the skin of the city. There’s so much value in local tours, we’d always recommend them. The real-life insights from someone who lives where you’re visiting can’t be matched.Their tour saw them exploring the historic heart; Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and La Moneda Palace, before moving into neighbourhoods like Bellavista, where the pace feels a little more relaxed and the city feels more personal. Starting this way gave Roger and Judith a real sense of place before they headed off to explore the rest of the magic Chile has to offer. (Spoiler alert… there’s a lot!)
From Santiago, they travelled out to Easter Island, a place that feels entirely separate from the rest of Chile. It does take a fair amount of effort, time (and an extra flight!) to get out here, but it’s special, so we’d always recommend considering it if you can.Here, their days were spent…
- Walking among the moai at Rano Raraku, the place where they were originally carved
- Standing before the vast ceremonial platforms at Ahu Tongariki
- Visiting Anakena Beach, where white sand and palm trees line the island’s rugged edges
- Learning about the island’s history at Orongo, high above the crater of Rano Kau
One of their most memorable moments came early in the morning, watching the light rise slowly behind the line of moai, an almost surreal experience. Wherever you’re travelling, it’s always worth setting the alarm early to catch the dawn light if you can face the wake-up call!
Streets of Valparaíso
Back on the mainland, they made their way to the gritty city of Valparaiso.Lou was so surprised by the city on her latest visit to Chile. It’s changed so much over the years, adding so much charm, yet still managing to maintain its edgy quality. It’s best to explore Valparaiso on foot, and Roger and Judith did just that.With their local guide they wandered through its layered streets, graffiti-strewn staircases, hidden corners, riding the steep funiculars to explore the hillside neighbourhoods filled with colour and street art. The atmosphere here is so vibrant and full of character, it’s tough not to be charmed by it.
Right up in the north of Chile, the Atacama Desert offers something entirely different. Pace, silence, and so much scale.Roger and Judith spent their time here enjoying a balance of guided exploration and plenty of relaxed moments to simply take it in:A few of their highlights included:
- Watching the light change across the sculpted formations of Moon Valley.
- Travelling high into the Altiplano to reach remote lagoons and watch the flamingos move across the water.
- Taking in the dramatic backdrop of volcanoes and salt flats as far as the eye can see.
- The endless skies of stars. There’s little to no light pollution here, so the star gazing is some of the very best in the world.
Atacama Desert, local guides preparing food set up
Atacama Desert: lagoons, flamingos, salt flats, guided experiences
After the vast expanse and adventure of the desert, the green calm of the Casablanca Valley makes for a lovely and peaceful change of pace.Plus, there’s wine involved here, and we can never argue with that.Staying on a working vineyard, their time here was centred around wine tastings, long meals, and the option to explore the estate at their own pace. It’s a pause in the journey, that we’d say can sometimes be just as important as the more active stops. Time to take in all of your adventures so far, soak in the atmosphere of the place you’re visiting, and find a moment to be really present ready for what’s to come.
Roger and Judith’s trip ended on a serious high, in Rio de Janeiro, a city full of vibrancy and energy.Here, they experienced the city’s most iconic viewpoints from Corcovado to Sugarloaf, and took the time to explore the local neighbourhoods, amble along the beaches, and the beat of everyday life.After the stillness of the desert and the remoteness of Easter Island, it made for a fitting and lively conclusion to their tailor-made Chile adventure.
Rio de Janeiro beach
Judith and Roger’s journey was definitely unforgettable, filled with a contrast of scenery and scope of experiences.What made this trip so special wasn’t simply the places themselves, but the way it was shaped around exactly how they like to travel; balancing iconic highlights with quieter moments, expert guiding with time to explore independently, and carefully pacing each part of the journey.Their experience is a wonderful reminder that the most memorable holidays are the ones designed personally, with care, expertise and a genuine understanding of the people taking them.If you’re considering a trip to Chile, speak to Louise to start planning a journey thoughtfully tailored around exactly how you like to travel.
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Tailor make your trip today with our expert, Louise.
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