It couldn't have been better!
Chile
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Apr 14 - Apr 25, 2026
We had an amazing visit to Chile -- from four days in the Atacama desert to a week in Santiago (with some wonderful side trips) to a wedding outside the city. Our time in Atacama was active with an Astronomical Tour, a visit to the Valley of the Moon, and the lagoons to see flamingos, vicunas, llamas, and sheep. The guides were extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and warm. The experiences felt very individual and special -- the food and drinks were delicious and added to the really great experience. Each of our guides was wonderful, with special recognition to Vicente -- his passion and enthusiasm for his work and our surroundings made our experiences unforgettable. Ivonne (spelling?) or Ivi, who gave us the astronomical tour was super enthusiastic and made sure that everyone had the best experience. Thanks so much for the photos! The hotel was great -- very comfortable and close to Caracoles street (the Emporium has the best empanadas!!).
Our stay in Santiago was truly special. The Bidasoa Hotel is a little distant from downtown, but the meals were delicious and we could walk to the Ralli Museum. Our tour of Santiago gave us so much history and a chance to walk around. Just fantastic! Our excursions to the Cajon de Maipo and horseback riding in the Andes were very special. Thanks so much to Julio, Fernando, and Alberto. They were great! We are so happy that we worked with KimKim -- your responsiveness, creativity, and flexibility (switching activities because of the weather to make a better experience), made us feel cared for and important. We really appreciate the top level of care and attention you give to create the BEST experiences! I can't imagine anything better!
Hotel Reviews
Bidasoa is absolutely beautiful and a wonderful stay. I would highly recommend it to anyone.
Activity Reviews
This was a highlight and a key reason for our trip. Ivi was super enthusiastic and knowledgeable. I would give this the highest recommendation. The snacks and drink were wonderful. And the photos we received were very special. Whoever thought of that, chef's kiss!! The information brought us into the Inca and Indigenous thinking, which was great our entire time in Atacama.
This was an absolutely wonderful day. Vicente, our guide picked us up very early -- totally worth it! We saw the sunrise with a delicious breakfast and a big "welcome" to the sun. We heard the roosters, dogs and the town wake up below us before we went to the Valley of the Moon to experience the most beautiful, dramatic landscape. Vicente was really wonderful -- explaining everything -- and we knew we were with someone who loved his job and ensuring that visitors understand how special the Atacama Desert is! We went for the tasting and were able to walk around the garden and eat pomegranate from the tree. We felt the hospitality and completely comfortable!
Absolutely lovely! The first time that altitude was an issue, but it was well-worth the visit! Happy to learn about the traditional weaving and contribute to the beautiful work of the community.
This was a great chance to see where residents of Santiago go for a break! Many of my friends talked about going as a family or when they were children. We had a wonderful day!
We enjoyed this activity despite the day being overcast. It was also a Monday, so many cultural places were closed. However, we appreciated going through the city and getting a sense of the neighborhoods.
I was so happy we did this to get into the mountains, but it's not for everyone. It was beautiful and although I was getting carsick, experiencing the curves was something I won't forget! The horses were great and steady, but it was a little nerve-wracking to move through the mountains with no paths that we could see. Our guide was perfectly confident, so I just didn't look down and followed him. The views were incredible!
Jennifer, this was such a nice trip! You're such a lovely person, so I am really happy that you enjoyed everything, from Atacama to Santiago. It’s wonderful to know that the selected tours left such a memorable impression. We will be sure to pass along your kind words to all the guides who mentioned and made your experiences so special. I fell in love with Bidasoa when I visited there; it is such a beautiful place.
It was a pleasure to help you plan your trip. We hope to welcome you back to Chile or other destinations soon!
All the best,
Nara