Chile’s Contrasts: A Journey from Chiloé to Atacama Desert
A personal account by Candice, Co-Founder of Transformative Journeys
From mist-shrouded islands to the world’s driest desert, Chile offers contrasts that stir the soul. Join me as I journey from the mystical archipelago of Chiloé through Latin America’s premier travel trade show to the otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama Desert.
Chiloé: where time slows to Island Rhythm
My Chilean journey began on Chiloé Island, my first stop in this majestic country. I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to Chile’s diverse landscapes than this emerald archipelago in the south, where every moment felt like stepping into a storybook.
Island Welcome
My base was the lovely Tierra Chiloé, an intimate 24-room property perfectly positioned in a remote, natural setting. The hotel’s design brilliantly captures the surroundings with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the ever-changing palette of the Pacific. Their approach to exploration is thoughtful and thorough – each day’s activities are carefully planned with experienced coordinators who help you make the most of your time.
My exploration began with a property walk, where I learned fascinating historical details (did you know Chiloé was once part of Peru?). Each day brought interesting discoveries. We ventured on a rainforest hike to a hidden waterfall in a local conservation area. During a boat journey through the archipelago’s channels, we were treated to a special surprise – pods of dolphins playing in the water while seabirds soared overhead.
The property itself was a haven to return to after each adventure. The kitchen garden supplied fresh ingredients for exceptional meals celebrating local flavors, making every dinner a culinary journey through the region.
Chiloé Insider Tips:
- Visit between December and March for the best weather
- Take time to learn about local mythology – it adds magic to every view
- Don’t miss the artisan markets for authentic wool crafts
- Request a boat excursion to understand island life truly
Atacama: Where My Heart Met The Desert Sky
After bidding farewell to Chiloé and spending four wonderful days at the REMOTE travel conference connecting with luxury travel experts across Latin America, I headed north to explore the Atacama Desert. As the world’s highest desert, famous for its crystal-clear skies and stargazing, this destination had set my expectations sky-high. What I discovered exceeded them all.
An Unexpected Welcome
My Atacama journey began at Nayara Atacama. After a long day of travel from Southern Chile, the property’s warm welcome was exactly what we needed. That first evening, while unwinding in our hot tub with a glass of bubbles, we had an encounter that set the tone for the entire trip – a rare Andean cat, curious enough to study us from a distance. When we described our visitor to the staff, their shocked expressions told us just how special this moment was. “That cat?!” they exclaimed in disbelief, showing us a photo of one of the desert’s most elusive residents.
The next morning brought another gift – three species of flamingos at Los Flamencos National Reserve, including the rare James flamingo. The day continued with visits to small villages where we encountered local llamas and churches that seemed frozen in time. We concluded with sundowners at the Valley of the Kings, watching the desert sun paint the sky.
An early morning hike at 3,000+ meters brought us face to face with adorable viscachas (similar to bunnies) living on the rocks, culminating in a visit to our private section of the Puritama Hot Springs.
Atacama Insider Tips:
- Book at least 4 nights to truly experience the desert’s rhythms
- Stay hydrated! The altitude and naturally dry environment give way to dehydration
- Mix your activities between high-energy mornings and relaxed afternoons
- Don’t miss the Valley of the Moon at sunset – it’s a photographer’s dream
- Request a private hot spring experience
- Take time to chat with local guides – their personal stories add incredible depth
Properties I Loved in Atacama:
- Nayara Atacama: Intimate, cozy, and warm environment
- Explora Atacama: Exceptional guides, thoughtfully designed spaces, perfect for the adventurous
A Journey of Contrasts
After years of crafting luxury journeys for others, this Chilean adventure reminded me why I fell in love with travel in the first place. It’s not just about the destinations; it’s about those unexpected moments that take your breath away – whether it’s spotting dolphins in misty waters, encountering a rare Andean cat, or floating in desert salt pools under an endless sky.
Book a call with us and start planning your journey to your adventure!