Chile has a way of surprising you. I have been fortunate enough to visit several times, and each trip feels completely different from the last. This time, what made it truly special was sharing it with my family and seeing it through their eyes.
The Perfect Introduction to Chile
We started in Santiago, a city that often gets overlooked but is well worth a few days. It is an easy, relaxed introduction to the country, with great food, a vibrant atmosphere, and the Andes rising dramatically in the background. From there, many people combine a visit with the colourful streets of Valparaíso or head out to nearby vineyards, which would make for a fantastic addition, but this trip was about getting deeper into Chile’s landscapes.
More Than Just a Desert
From the capital, we flew north to the Atacama Desert, a place that sounds harsh and empty on paper but in reality is anything but. We stayed at Beckons Tierra Atacama, an all inclusive lodge that stands out as one of the best I have experienced anywhere. From the moment we arrived, everything was taken care of. Each day was thoughtfully planned, the food and cocktails were outstanding, and the staff managed to strike that perfect balance of being both relaxed and highly professional.
We spent four nights there and filled every day with excursions, even fitting in shorter outings on arrival and departure days. It all ran seamlessly and what stood out most was how suitable it was for families. There was a genuine variety of activities, catering for different interests and energy levels and if you wanted to take it easy, the pool, spa, and quiet spaces around the lodge were perfect for soaking up the sun. If you wanted to get out and explore, there was no shortage of options and our stay included some amazing hikes, horse riding, mountain bike riding, floating in a salty dead sea like lagoon, hot springs and visiting some impressive geysers.
The desert itself was a constant surprise and as spectacular a back drop as you could imagine on this planet. The drive from Calama airport begins in fairly unremarkable surroundings, but as you approach San Pedro de Atacama, the landscape starts to change. From that point on, it feels like every turn reveals something unexpected. Salt flats, lagoons, geysers, rock formations that seem almost lunar, it never felt repetitive. One of the most interesting aspects is the altitude. San Pedro sits at a relatively comfortable level, but many of the highlights are much higher. We regularly climbed to around 3500 metres, and at the Tatio Geysers we reached over 4200 metres. Taking time to acclimatise made a big difference, and the lodge structured the activities in a way that helped with this.
My 11 year old summed it up better than I could. He said we should do more desert trips because they are far more interesting than they sound. It is hard to argue with that, especially in a place like Atacama, which feels like one of the most fascinating desert regions anywhere in the world.
Patagonia and Torres del Paine National Park
After the desert, we headed south to Patagonia and Torres del Paine National Park, and the contrast could not have been greater. From dry, otherworldly landscapes we moved into a region of towering peaks, deep blue lakes and constantly changing weather. We stayed at Patagonia Camp, in yurt style domes that allow you to feel completely immersed in the environment. You can hear the wind moving across the landscape and the rain on the roof, yet remain warm and comfortable inside. At the end of each day, returning to excellent food and a Pisco Sour while looking out over the lake was a highlight in itself.
We chose to keep things active, particularly with the kids in mind. Some days were challenging, but incredibly rewarding. We walked out to see Los Cuernos, where the wind is relentless but the scenery makes it worthwhile, and on another day we took on the hike to the base of the towers. At around 22 kilometres, it is not an easy walk, but standing there at the end, looking up at those granite spires, is something none of us will forget. For the kids, reaching the snow line and throwing snowballs was just as memorable.
What makes staying in a lodge so valuable in a place like this is the flexibility. The guides plan each day around the weather, and there are always alternatives. You might do two shorter walks with a drive in between, or push for a longer hike when conditions are right. It means you get the best out of your time without needing to worry about logistics.
The wildlife added another layer to the experience. We saw guanacos grazing across the plains, rhea moving through the grasslands, and condors circling overhead. We kept an eye out for pumas but did not manage to spot one this time, which just gives us a reason to return.
Why Chile Feels Different
Looking back, it was not a relaxing holiday in the traditional sense. We were active most days and covered a lot of ground, yet it never felt tiring in a negative way. Everything was so well organised that we felt energised, not worn out. That is something Chile does very well. It delivers adventure without the stress.
For those wanting to slow things down, there are plenty of options to blend in a more relaxed element. You could explore the fjords by small expedition ship, take a scenic self drive through the lakes or the Carretera Austral, or combine it with time somewhere more laid back afterward. On this trip we simply embraced the adventure and will save the relaxation for another trip.
Having travelled through Europe regularly in recent years, one of the biggest differences is how untouched Chile feels. The landscapes are vast and open, and even in its most famous regions, you rarely feel crowded. It feels like proper travel rather than ticking off sights. A client recently described their own experience in South America by saying they felt like they were truly exploring, whereas in Europe they often felt like tourists. That comment stayed with me because it reflects exactly what makes a destination like Chile so special.
Safety is something that often comes up when talking about South America, and while it is always important to be mindful, Chile did not feel any more concerning than other parts of the world. In the wilderness areas we visited, it felt completely safe and we felt welcome at every turn.
Chile is not just one destination. It is a collection of incredible regions that together create a journey full of contrast, discovery and genuine moments. Sharing that with my family made it even more rewarding, and it is a place that continues to draw us back. We are already thinking about where to go next.
Why Chile Stays With You
Chile is not just one destination. It is a collection of incredible regions that together create a journey full of contrast, discovery and genuine moments. Sharing that with my family made it even more rewarding, and it is a place that continues to draw us back. We are already thinking about where to go next.
If Chile is on your travel wish list, our team at Eclipse Travel can help design an itinerary tailored to your interests, travel style, and pace. Having experienced many of these regions firsthand, we’re always happy to share advice and help turn ideas into an unforgettable journey.
