Journeys in Chile
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Chile Tours and Cruises
Not for nothing is Chile is often called a “Land of Contrasts,” as few countries can match it in terms of diverse landscapes and variations in climate. In the extreme south is the town of Punta Arenas, where cruises depart to the Antarctic and a colony of Magellan penguins can be visited in their natural habitat, sometimes in freezing conditions. Further north Chile boasts the spectacular scenery of the Torres del Paine National Park and the green expanse of lakes and volcanoes that form the Chilean Lake District. Most visits start in the capital of Santiago which enjoys a temperate climate and is situated close to the famous wine land region, and end at Chile’s most northernmost point, the Atacama Desert with the atmospheric San Pedro de Atacama as its base. Bales Chile tours offer something for everyone, for those seeking something complete different extensions can be arranged to Easter Island, one of the most remote places anywhere in the world. Steeped in myth and legend, Easter Island is home to the stone statues that lie scattered around the coastline and offers a unique cultural experience.
"I highly recommend Rapa Nui i.e. Easter Island, an unusual archaeological site full of iconic moais, scattered amid bleak flat countryside; your stay should not be less than 3 nights and the powerful waves of the pacific hit the coastline with vengeance but some very pristine beaches are worth exploring."
Chantal Chenede
one of our Latin America Experts
Call our Latin America team on 0844 488 1123 or send us an enquiry
Things to do and see
ATACAMA DESERT
Extending from the Andes to the Pacific Coast, the exhilarating, harsh and rugged Atacama is the driest desert anywhere on earth; a barren plateau of salt basins, sand and volcanic rock that covers over 181,000 sq km of northern Chile. Lying between the rain shadow of the towering Andes and the Chilean coastal ranges, these unforgettable primeval landscapes, famous for their tangerine sunsets, receive virtually no rainfall and many areas haven't seen rain for over four hundred years.....
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EXPLORA LODGES
The Explora Lodges of Chile offer a unique concept in accommodation. Dedicated to sustaining local traditions and the quality of the environment, these exclusive small hotels are of high quality, and are set in remote locations surrounded by superb natural beauty. Your stay at the Explora Lodges includes all meals and drinks, plus daily sightseeing excursions. In Patagonia, the Hotel Salto Chico is located on the shores of Lake Pehoe enjoying spectacular views of the Torres del Paine peaks Every day there are options for sightseeing chosen according to the weather and the wishes of the guests. You will travel either by van, horseback, on foot, motor launch or mountain bike, all with the help of selected guides. In the north, the Explora Atacama Lodge is located high in the desert region of San Pedro de Atacama at 8,015 ft, an area of outstanding natural beauty and remarkable flora and fauna. There is a wide range of options here for your daily activities, including g....
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EASTER ISLAND
Over 2000 miles from the coast of Chile, in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, lies mysterious Easter Island, created out of ancient volcano eruptions. Into the mind’s eye springs the image of huge stone faces staring into the ocean, statues that represent one of the least understood cultures in the world. The small community of Orongo keeps the traditional dances and songs alive, although the engraved stones that could reveal the highly developed civilisation of the past still cannot be transcribed. Explore the island by foot and discover ceremonial sites and huge rocks patterned with strange and delicate lines. A visit to Easter Island can be added as an extension or incorporated into itineraries featuring Chile.....
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TORRES DEL PAINE
Set amongst a landscape of sunning mountains and glacial lakes, amidst the panoramas of Chilean Patagonia, the Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most magnificent settings anywhere in South America. From the towering pinnacles of the iconic Paine Towers to the shimmering icebergs floating amongst the expansive waters of Lago Grey, it is a place of dramatic natural diversity and one of the most inspiring regions anywhere on the continent. A network of walking trails makes the park a delight to explore on foot, with the park playing host to soaring condors, wild herds of guanacos and elusive pumas.....
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LAKE DISTRICT
Renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, Chile's stunning Lake District offers visitors a world of snowy volcanoes and deep blue lakes, where pristine forest and national parkland provide a picturesque year round destination with multiple activity choices.....
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SAN RAFAEL GLACIER CHILE
The breathtaking beauty of the San Rafael Lagoon presents us with one of nature’s masterpieces and one of Chile’s most spectacular natural attractions. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this dazzling gem of surreal ice floes and towering glacial walls lies at the foot of the Northern Ice Field, before the imposing backdrop of the forested slopes of the Andes Mountains. The glacier can be visited on the Skorpios cruise, and also from the Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa, featured right.....
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CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL SANTIAGO
Situated in the heart of Santiago, the hotel features 300 rooms, a restaurant and a bar. There are excellent leisure facilities including an open-air pool, sauna, gymnasium, massage and tennis courts....
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CLIFFS PRESERVE
The Cliffs Preserve is a luxury eco-resort located in the heart of Chilean Patagonia amongst 8,000 acres of temperate rainforest on the Pacific Coast. The 18 suites and villas are distributed in 6 ‘Residences,’ and all are spacious and comfortably furnished.....
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PATAGONIA PRIVATE YACHT CHARTERS CHILE
Bales has access to a number of small motor yachts that can be chartered for itineraries between 5 and 8 days in various locations in Chilean Patagonia. Each boat has a capacity for 8 passengers and the suggested itineraries include Chiloe Island; San Rafael Lagoon and the fjords of Patagonia. An 8 day voyage on the Tiffara, which will sail between Punta Arenas in Chile, and Ushuaia in Argentina, a sailing which will include a circumnavigation of Cape Horn.....
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TIERRA ATACAMA
Tierra Atacama is a boutique hotel on the edge of San Pedro de Atacama. Tierra Atacama provides guest experiences that combine outdoor adventure and sports with indoor comforts, hospitality and service. The architecture, interiors, grounds and spa of Tierra Atacama were designed by Chilean professionals with an aim to preserving local cultural influences while also creating a place that speaks to guests. The Uma Spa at Tierra Atacama offers many services for your pleasure and to help you fully rejuvenate during your Chilean vacation.....
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SKORPIOS III
Built in 1995, the Skorpios III is a 50 metre expedition ship ideal for navigating these waters. She has 45 different category cabins located on five decks and our itinerary is based on a cabin on the Acropolis Deck. On board there is a boutique and resident doctor and a crew of 34. There are two bars and a dining room, where full buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner are served. There is an unlimited open bar system during the cruise offering cocktails, soft drinks, beers, spirits and fine Chilean wines at no additional cost.....
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EXPLORA SALTO CHICO TORRES DEL PAINE
The Explora Salto Chico is strategically located on the shores of Lake Pehoe amidst the towering peaks and turquoise lakes of Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, and offers 50 rooms and suites with lake or mountain views, heated indoor swimming pool and sauna and outdoor Jacuzzi. The hotel has wonderful views towards the massif of Torres del Paine and is close to the roaring Salto Chico waterfall. The hotel operates 4 or 8 night packages. Guests can join a wide range of carefully developed excursions and activities. Each day you can choose from 5 different excursions out of a total of 21 alternatives which have been selected according to weather conditions, guests’ preferences, duration and degree of difficulty. On foot, horseback, by van or on a boat, accompanied by the hotel’s expert bilingual guides, you will be astonished by the nature and environment of this dramatic region. Explorations are led with a maximum of 10 persons per guide, and all the ne....
Back to top >Places to stay
Cabanas del Lago
Located on a hill overlooking Lake Llanquihue and the town of Puerto Montt, Cabanas del Lago in Puerto Varas offers sweeping vistas of the lake and the Osorno and Cabulco Volcanoes. It is just a few minutes walk to the heart of town. The hotel has 63 rooms. Facilities in the hotel include a restaurant and lounge, an indoor pool, sauna and gift shop.....
Cabo do Hornos Hotel
The Cabo do Hornos Hotel is located in the main square in Punta Arenas and re-opened in 2006 after an extensive refurbishment. The hotel has 90 rooms. The hotels’ restaurant and bar are situated on the ground floor. ....
Hosteria Torres del Paine
Hosteria Torres del Paine lies at the foothills of Mount Almirante Nieto, about four hours walk from the base of the famous "Torres" (towers) and is the start of many walks in the area. Each of the 67 rooms offers a warm, comfortable, and relaxing environment. Carpeted, with private bathrooms and central heating, these rooms are the best place to rest after a wonderful and intense day of outdoor adventures. An inviting living room area faces the mountains and is ideal for reading, playing cards, warming up near the grand fireplace, or simply a place to look at the view. The hotel also offers a laundry service. The electricity is turned off at night, but a battery operated bedside light is provided. ....
Hotel Altiplanico Rapa Nui
The Hotel Altiplanico Rapa Nui is a boutique style property, set in extensive gardens, located around 10 minutes walk from Hanga Roa on Easter Island. The hotel has just 16 spacious and independent rooms; linked by external stone corridors, they are surrounded by vegetation for added privacy. Each room opens to the outside with large French windows, and is equipped with a private terrace. The restaurant serves a fusion of Peruvian, Chilean, and Pacific Island cuisine, and there is an outdoor swimming pool.....
Hotel Atton El Bosque
Hotel Atton El Bosque is a modern hotel with 240 rooms. It is located in the Las Condes area, just 2 blocks from Tobalaba subway station. Las Condes has many shops and restaurants. Rooms at the hotel are all air-conditioned and have full modern amenities including hairdryers in each room. The hotel has a gym and an indoor swimming pool. The Mediterraneo Restaurant serves Chilean and international food.....
Hotel Colonos del Sur
Established in the second half of the nineteenth century, the Hotel Colonos del Sur in Puerto Veras, boasts a tradition of recognised prestige. The architectural style dominated by native timber has a German influence. The hotel has rooms with central heating, refrigerator/bar, cable TV and telephone. The hotel also has internet connection, a sauna and an indoor heated pool. (www.colonosdelsur.cl) ....
Hotel CostAustralis
In Puerto Natales the hotel is the CostAustralis, which is a four star hotel with 74 rooms. All rooms have private bathrooms with tub & shower, independent heating, Satellite T.V. local & international phone service. The Paine Dining Room is well renown for its excellent range of local specialities. Other Services at the hotel include room service, money exchange, laundry and souvenir shop. ....
Hotel Isla Rey Jorge
The Hotel Isla Ray Jorge is an early 20th century building which has 25 rooms and suites decorated English style. The hotel is situated just 2 blocks from the main square. The hotel has 1 restaurant and a bar.....
Hyatt Regency Hotel
The Hyatt Regency Hotel was built in 1992, and features 310 deluxe rooms with panoramic view. Located in a privileged area of the city, surrounded by important golf clubs and shopping malls. Easy access to the airport, financial centre and the most important skiing and beach resorts of the central region.....
José Nogueira Hotel
The attractive José Nogueira Hotel is located just off the main square in Punta Arenas and has been declared a National Monument. The property is named after a Portuguese sailor who visited Patagonia at the end of the 19th century and had this former mansion built. The hotel has 23 rooms and suites; please note that in order to maintain the character of the building, room sizes do vary. The hotel's Pergola Dining Room is noted for its regional cuisine.....
Le Reve Boutique Hotel
Le Reve Boutique Hotel is designed for travellers who demand premium service during their stay as well as an unforgettable experience. Located in a fantastic, central area of Santiago, the city can be enjoyed on foot. With French Architecture and technological progress fused, the rooms are tastefully decorated for relaxing and a refreshing nights rest. ....
Mare Australis
The Mare Australis is a modern expedition cruise ship, launched in 2003. She is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation technology, air-conditioning throughout, and meets all international safety standards. She has 63 cabins, all with lower beds and ocean view, private bathroom (shower and toilet), and private safe. Meals are taken at one sitting in the Patagonia Dining Room. Lunch and dinner each day are accompanied by fine Chilean wines, and there is an unlimited open bar during the cruise. Informal lectures are given in the evenings. Shore excursions are taken in zodiacs (motorised dinghies), in the company of expert naturalist guides. Rubber boots and waterproof overalls are provided for each passenger. The Mare Australis has a shop, a games room and a small library. ....
Luxury Nile Cruising the Bales Way
Watch the inspirational video of life on board one of our exclusive and privately owned dahibiyya’s for a taste of Nile cruising at its most authentic and luxurious.