Chile in three acts: Atacama, Easter Island and Patagonia

Welcome to the first act of your Chilean exploration. On landing, a private driver will meet you and take you to your hotel. Once you've settled in, set off to conquer the capital, accompanied by an English-speaking guide, against the backdrop of the Andes Mountains.

Your tour begins in the historic centre: the Plaza de Armas, surrounded by emblematic buildings such as the La Moneda Presidential Palace, the historic Casa Colorada and the San Francisco Church, a true architectural witness to the city's history. Take the opportunity to stop at the central market, a true gastronomic temple where marine products reign supreme.

To round off your first day, there are three options: immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Bellavista, savor the elegant gastronomy of Lastarria or discover the contemporary, intimate atmosphere of the Italia district.

At dawn, a private transfer takes you to Santiago airport for a flight to Calama, before continuing by rental car to San Pedro de Atacama. Once you've settled into your hotel, the second act of your journey begins in the heart of the world's driest desert.

First picture: the Rainbow Valley, perched at an altitude of 3,500 metres. This landscape of red, green, orange and violet owes its colors to erosion and mineral deposits. Along the way, stop off at Yerbas Buenas to admire its ancient petroglyphs.

After a moment of relaxation, explore San Pedro de Atacama at your leisure, where adobe buildings create a timeless atmosphere. The lively alleyways are packed with cafés, restaurants, craft stores and art galleries.

As night falls, look up to one of the purest skies on the planet. A French-speaking astronomer will guide you in stargazing, away from light pollution. The session begins with an introduction to our understanding of the universe, before exploring the southern constellations through high-performance telescopes.

Your day begins at the Cejar lagoon, an expanse of turquoise water so concentrated in salt that it allows you to float effortlessly. Swimming, with the mountain range as a panorama, is a truly original experience!

Continue south to discover the Ojos del Salar, two circular freshwater formations with impressive depths, then the Tebinquiche lagoon where the surrounding peaks are magnificently reflected.

In the afternoon, we head for the Valley of the Moon at an altitude of 2,550 metres. This place is renowned for its natural sculptures sculpted by time, creating an almost extraterrestrial mineral setting.

Take to the road to explore Chile's largest salar. Your itinerary begins in Toconao, a village characterized by its white volcanic stone buildings.

The next stage takes you to the Chaxa lagoon, a natural sanctuary for flamingos from the Andes, Chile and James. Your route will also take you to Socaire, an ancestral village renowned for its ingenious terraced irrigation system.

Your day ends with a visit to the Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons, high-altitude jewels nestled at over 4,300 metres in the Los Flamencos National Reserve. These stretches of azure water, framed by imposing volcanoes, form a superb tableau where the blue contrasts with the aridity of the surrounding mountains.

After breakfast, you set off initially along the international Paso de Jama road.

First stop at the foot of Licancábur volcano, a perfect cone standing out against the azure heights. Continue on to Kipillaco lagoon, a turquoise haven of absolute tranquility. Then admire the rock formations of La Pacana, sculpted by erosion and the powerful winds of the Altiplano. Further on, the "cathedral" rises up, a mineral complex of astonishing shapes.

The journey culminates in spectacular panoramas of the Aguas Calientes, Tara and Quisquiro salars, which can be seen from a number of different vantage points.

Early departure for the Geysers del Tatio, situated at an altitude of 4,300 metres. The sight is simply fascinating: columns of sulphurous steam shoot up from the ground, creating a mysterious atmosphere in the early morning light.

On the way back, look out for the local wildlife, including viscachas, vicuñas, guanacos, llamas and suris, which inhabit these Andean valleys. Before concluding this tour, stop off at the village of Chiu Chiu, once an important commercial crossroads in the Atacamé region.

In the afternoon, drive to Calama airport to return your vehicle and fly back to the capital, bringing this desert chapter of your Chilean trip to a close.

Early in the morning, you're off to Santiago airport for a flight to Hanga Roa, the only village on Easter Island. On landing, you're greeted by the gentle sea air and warm island air. Adorned with a necklace of fresh flowers, you meet your private driver who will take you to your accommodation to drop off your luggage.

The rest of the day is yours to familiarize yourself with the island's distinctive atmosphere. Stroll through the narrow streets of the harbor, visit the small local church and browse the bustling market. Then head for the Tahai archaeological complex, where you can admire a complete moai, complete with red stone headdress and coral eyes, facing the immensity of the Pacific Ocean.

The morning begins with a meeting with your English-speaking guide, after which you set off together in the direction of the Rano Kau volcano. Its impressive crater, over 1,500 meters in diameter, offers a spectacular panorama.

The visit continues to the Orongo ceremonial center, rich in petroglyphs and the historic site of the Birdman cult. On the way back, stop at Ana Kai Tangata, a cave renowned for its remarkable geological formations.

The afternoon is at your leisure. You can deepen your discovery by visiting the Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum, which houses a valuable collection of artifacts and documents recounting the island's history. Another option is to enjoy the beaches or relax in one of the local cafés, which serve excellent cocktails made with tropical fruit.

Rejoin your English-speaking guide for another day of exploration, this time towards the tip of the island to palm-fringed Anakena Beach. Continuing along the north coast, stop off at Ovahe to admire an unspoilt cove with crystal-clear waters and unspoilt natural surroundings.

Your tour continues with the discovery of various Ahu sites, ceremonial platforms. The tour continues to Tongariki, one of the island's most fascinating ensembles, with fifteen monolithic statues lined up facing the ocean. The day is rounded off by a lunch break.

The afternoon drive takes you to Rano Raraku, the quarry from which almost all of the island's moais originate. On the volcano's slopes are numerous statues in various stages of completion, some still attached to the original rock. The return journey follows the coastline, taking in the breathtaking ocean views.

The day ends with an immersion in the island's traditions, both ancient and contemporary, with a presentation of lifestyles, farming practices and culinary traditions.

Your free morning is the perfect opportunity for a stroll to Hanga Roa harbor, which comes alive at first light with the return of the fishing boats. Observe the trading of freshly landed fish and seafood, then lose yourself in the colorful market aisles, where exotic fruits, vegetables and handicrafts are piled high, for a true immersion in Rapa Nui daily life.

In the afternoon, accompanied by your English-speaking guide, set off to discover other archaeological treasures. The tour begins with Ahu Vinapu, remarkable for its stonework reminiscent of Inca constructions. Continue on to Ahu Uri a Urenga, a moai linked to astronomical observations, then visit the Puna Pau quarry, source of the red volcanic rock used to shape the pukao statues.

The day concludes at the emblematic site of Ahu Akivi, where seven perfectly aligned moais gaze out over the volcanic horizon.

Spend your last few hours on the island savoring its unique atmosphere. A leisurely stroll along Hanga Roa's coastline allows you to enjoy the beaches and the soothing rhythm of the waves one last time. You can also explore the handicraft stores to pick out some authentic souvenirs of your stay.

Soak up one last time the volcanic landscapes and the blue intensity of the ocean that surrounds this isolated land. A private driver will accompany you from your accommodation to the airport for your return flight to the Chilean capital.

The morning takes you to the airport for a flight to Punta Arenas, where an agent hands you the keys to your rental car. After settling into your accommodation, take advantage of your free time to explore this port city, one of the most southerly on the South American continent.

Punta Arenas boasts an astonishing blend of colonial and maritime influences. Its European-inspired buildings stand alongside museums recounting its rich commercial past, while its quays offer views of the mythical Strait of Magellan.

Your day begins on the water with a maritime excursion through the Strait of Magellan with your guide, following the routes once taken by explorers Drake, Sarmiento de Gamboa, Magellan and Darwin. Disembark on Magdalena Island, a listed Natural Monument and home to Chile's largest colony of Magellanic penguins, numbering over 60,000 pairs.

In the afternoon, drive north to Puerto Natales. This charming town on the shores of the Ultima Esperanza fjord in southern Chile is the gateway to the famous Torres del Paine National Park. Its brightly-colored dwellings, cobbled lanes and tranquil ambience give it a special charm. To enhance your visit, drop by the municipal museum, which presents local history and traditions.

This day is dedicated to discovering the natural jewel of Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine Park. You enter this exceptional territory, recognized as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO since 1978. The park's remarkable biodiversity and imposing granite towers dominate the horizon. Take time to visit the Milodón cave, where the remains of this prehistoric mammal that once inhabited the region have been unearthed.

In the afternoon, embark with your guide for a memorable cruise on Grey Lake to encounter its impressive glacier, one of the largest on our planet. Aboard a comfortable boat, you'll cruise the opaline waters of the lake. As you sail along, immense blocks of ice with azure reflections slowly drift away from this colossal glacial mass. Stretching for almost four kilometers across and sinking to a depth of over 600 meters, Grey Glacier is part of the world's third largest continental ice field.

Early morning invites you to cross the park from west to east.

Take a break at one of the park's many lookout points and go for a short hike along one of its many trails.

As you explore, you may be lucky enough to spot guanacos, rheas and even pumas, while contemplating the reserve's varied landscapes, ranging from arid steppes to Magellanic forests and imposing reliefs.

Your day ends with a return to Puerto Natales for the night, where you can recharge your batteries after a day immersed in nature.

In the early morning, after returning your vehicle, you take off for the capital. A private transfer awaits you on arrival to take you to Valparaíso, a port city whose charm is equalled only by its importance in the country's maritime history.

Clinging to the steep slopes overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Valparaíso is distinguished by its brightly-faced alleyways, expressive murals and street art, and distinctive corrugated iron buildings.

Take advantage of this first porteña evening to savor local culinary specialties, especially freshly caught seafood and fish.

Immerse yourself in the history and soul of this iconic port city by visiting its must-see sites.

Start at Plaza Sotomayor, the historical and administrative heart of the city, then visit the Naval Museum, which bears witness to Chile's rich maritime past. Take the historic Reina Victoria elevator, one of the many funicular railways that once facilitated traffic between the port and higher ground.

Don't miss La Sebastiana, the former home of poet Pablo Neruda, now a museum displaying his eclectic collections and personal memorabilia. Stroll through the Cerro Alegre district, with its colorful houses, and the Paseo 21 de Mayo, which offers an exceptional panoramic view of the bay.

After a final breakfast overlooking the blue immensity of the Pacific, and depending on your international flight schedule, a private driver will take you to Santiago's Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport.

And so ends your Chilean trilogy, a journey in which each region has revealed a unique face of this country of many contrasts. You will take with you not only incredible images, but also the imprint of a land where nature expresses itself in all its diversity and power.