Trip Highlights

  • Stargaze beneath some of the clearest skies on Earth, during a guided night tour complete with a professional photographer who will help you capture the magic of constellations, galaxies, and the Milky Way.
  • Soak in the natural hot springs of Puritama, letting the mineral-rich waters relax your body after watching the sunrise mist rise from the powerful Tatio Geysers.
  • Wander through vibrant rock formations and otherworldly salt lagoons, then float effortlessly in the hypersaline waters of Laguna Cejar — a surreal and soothing desert experience.
  • Explore ancient Atacameño villages and meet local artisans, tasting desert-grown wines and learning about the cultural legacy of the Lickanantay people.
  • Sip sunset cocktails in the Martian landscape of Valle de Marte, as the desert transforms in color and texture beneath the glowing sky.
  • Feel the rhythm of Chile through its flavors, from handmade empanadas to avant-garde desert cuisine that draws on local ingredients and culinary innovation.

Our Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Bienvenidos a Chile

  • Arrive in Chile’s vibrant capital and check into Hotel Eco Boutique Bidasoa, a sustainable and stylish retreat tucked into the leafy Vitacura neighborhood—known for its peaceful parks, curated design stores, and elegant cafés.
  • Enjoy a moment to relax, recharge, or explore, whether it’s a short stroll down jacaranda-lined streets or unwinding in the hotel’s garden terrace with a cup of tea or glass of Chilean wine.
  • In the evening, gather with your fellow travelers at Cora Bistro, where warm hospitality, artful plating, and seasonal ingredients capture the creative energy of Santiago’s culinary scene. This welcome dinner sets the tone for the adventure ahead—thoughtful, flavorful, and shared in good company.

Day 2: Culture, Cooking & City Views

  • Begin the day with a guided walking tour through Santiago’s historic districts, weaving past grand cathedrals, colorful murals, and lively local markets. Along the way, your guide shares the layered stories that have shaped this dynamic capital—from colonial roots to contemporary culture.
  • Step into the kitchen for a hands-on empanada workshop, where you’ll knead, fill, and fold your own empanadas under the guidance of a local cook. Then gather around the table to enjoy a lunch of your freshly baked creations, paired with salsas and seasonal sides.
  • Ride the funicular up Cerro San Cristóbal, where the city unfolds below you in every direction. Pause at the top to soak in sweeping views of Santiago’s skyline framed by the snow-dusted Andes.
  • As the day winds down, settle in for dinner at Bocanáriz, one of the city’s most beloved wine-focused restaurants. Savor a tasting menu inspired by regional flavors, thoughtfully paired with Chilean wines—an elegant way to reflect on your time in the capital before heading north.

Day 3: Journey to the Atacama desert

  • Fly north to Calama and enjoy a scenic private transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, passing through otherworldly desert landscapes and wide open skies that hint at the adventure ahead.
  • Settle into your boutique hotel, a tranquil oasis of adobe walls, desert gardens, and locally inspired design—your home base for exploring the world’s driest desert.
  • Gather for a welcome lunch, featuring fresh, regionally sourced ingredients and a chance to connect with your travel companions over shared excitement and a cold glass of crisp Chilean wine.
  • In the afternoon, explore the adobe-lined streets of San Pedro on a guided walk, taking in its bohemian charm, art galleries, and vibrant plazas.
  • Visit the Meteorite Museum, where you’ll hold fragments of ancient space rock in your hands and learn how the desert has become a prime site for astronomical discovery.
  • End the day with a flavorful dinner at one of San Pedro’s most beloved restaurants, where candlelight and desert breezes set the scene for an evening of connection and culinary delight.

Charlie, Chile’s Regional Director

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Where We Stay

At Heart of Travel, we believe your home away from home should feel as authentic as the places you explore. That’s why we seek out premium boutique lodging owned and run by local entrepreneurs whenever possible. Rather than focusing on star ratings, we seek out properties that blend sustainable practices with one-of-a-kind character, heartfelt service, and genuine warmth. From thoughtfully restored heritage houses to eco-minded retreats, each stay is chosen for its ability to tell a story, support small-business communities, and create memorable moments.

The Heart Experience

What makes this journey special isn’t just where we go—it’s how we go. From trusted trip leaders to desert winemakers and local musicians, every detail is designed to connect you with Chile’s soul and reflect our commitment to community and purposeful travel.

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Meet Charlie

Chile’s Regional Director

Charlie co-designed this journey through central and northern Chile to showcase the country’s powerful contrasts — from lively markets and vineyards to the quiet immensity of the desert.

Some of his favorite highlights include:

  • Exploring one of the world’s largest private meteorite collections and learning about the cosmic forces that have shaped our universe
  • Watching the sun set over Santiago from Cerro San Cristóbal, the whole city aglow
  • Visiting Toconao to meet local winemakers, whose craft is rooted in desert tradition
  • Sharing an open-air picnic, surrounded by the silence of Salar de Aguas Calientes

This is travel with heart—where impact and experience go hand in hand.

Katherine Hidalgo Briceño

Katherine Hidalgo Briceño

Co-Founder & Wine Director, Bocanáriz

With a deep reverence for Chile’s wine culture and a passion for creating meaningful experiences, Katherine Hidalgo Briceño is the co-founder and visionary behind Bocanáriz, one of Santiago’s most beloved wine bars. An agronomist by training and storyteller at heart, Katherine has spent over a decade curating one of the most extensive Chilean wine selections in the country, working hand-in-hand with small producers and winemakers who share her commitment to sustainability and authenticity. Her leadership has transformed Bocanáriz into more than a restaurant—it’s a cultural hub where locals and travelers gather to explore the diversity of Chile’s wine regions, one glass at a time.

Erick "Nano" Rivas

Erick "Nano" Rivas

Cultural Host & Trip Leader, Atacama Desert

Erick Rivas, affectionately known as Nano, is a natural connector, storyteller, and creative soul whose path through life has been anything but linear. Born in Guatemala, he first studied publicity, but his curiosity soon led him to become a chef, bartender, and seasoned tour guide. A nomad from a young age, Nano eventually landed in Chile’s Atacama Desert, where he felt an instant sense of belonging and built a close-knit community of collaborators and friends. With deep experience guiding across South America and a gift for making everyone feel at home, Nano brings color, warmth, and a rare sense of ease to every journey he’s part of.

Manuel Balmaceda

Manuel Balmaceda

Executive Chef, Cora Bistro

Rooted in a deep appreciation for Chilean ingredients, Manuel is the executive chef at Cora Bistro, one of Santiago’s most celebrated culinary destinations. His approach blends modern technique with soulful expression, drawing inspiration from the country’s diverse landscapes—from Pacific coastlines and fertile valleys to the southern lakes and deserts. Each dish he creates is a tribute to Chile’s natural abundance and cultural richness, crafted with intention, balance, and a sense of place. Through seasonal menus and creative storytelling on the plate, Manuel invites diners to experience Chilean cuisine in a way that feels both elevated and deeply connected to tradition.

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How We Define Activity Levels

We rate each trip from Level 1 (Easy) to Level 5 (Challenging)—from fully accessible experiences to adventures best suited for experienced hikers/adventurers.

Whether you prefer a relaxed stroll or a rewarding trek, there’s a pace—and a place—for you.

What is included:

What is not included:

Our prices reflect the true cost of creating regenerative, respectful, and thoughtfully curated travel experiences. That means fair wages for our local guides and partners, carbon-conscious operations, and deep-rooted collaborations with community-based projects.

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Expertly Curated Itineraries
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Fair Wages & Local Partnerships
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Regenerative Travel Practices
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Community-Based Experiences

Interest-Free Payment Plans

We know that meaningful travel is an investment—and we’re here to make it doable. That’s why we offer interest-free payment options designed to work for you—no hidden fees, no credit checks, and no third-party financing.

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Pay in Full & Save

Enjoy 5% off when you pay in full up to 180+ before departure.

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Standard Plan

Pay a larger deposit + two installments, due 210 and 150 days before departure.

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Interest-Free Plan

Pay a smaller deposit and start making interest-free monthly payments—trip is due in full 91 days before departure.

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Add Peace of Mind with Heart of Travel Trip Protection

Travel plans can change - and that’s okay. With Heart of Travel Trip Protection, you get the freedom to protect your investment while staying flexible. 

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Hear What People Are Saying

- Kathleen J, Guatemala Bucket List 2025

This was another wonderful trip with heart of travel. Our guides were outstanding. Charlie was our main director and kept us safe and excellent translator.

Clyde one of our guides in Livingston gave us history of the area and so much information as well as being a lot of fun. So proud of his culture, family and history!! In Tikal, Oliver was phenomenal! He’s a historian, teacher, multilingual, etc. I could have spent a couple days learning from him!! Needless to say, I loved Guatemala. Will go again.

- Kathleen J, Guatemala Bucket List 2025

- Carlos G, Guatemala Bucket List 2025

It was my first trip with this group. It was a great experience, all the way. Great tour guides, especially Charlie and Olivierio, who gave great information of Guatemalan local history and precolombian history.

Accommodations and the food was very good. When traveling, one should expect glitches. We certainly almost had one on the Rio Dulce tour, which was averted when the bridge was opened at the last minute. It was an experience to remember. I plan to do more tours with the group in the future.

- Carlos G, Guatemala Bucket List 2025

- Morgan R, Wildlife Discovery in a Galapagos Paradise, 2025

This was my second Heart of Travel trip, and honestly, I'm counting down the days and weeks to my next two (or three!). I am continually astounded by the thoughtfulness, pitch-perfect curation, and expertise, kindness, and professionalism of everyone I've encountered with HoT. I felt so welcome and secure in Ecuador. As a female who travels alone frequently, I felt super-empowered by the suggestions of my guides Gustavo, Charlie, and Chiva. I loved so many of the restaurants we went to, and I especially loved seeing ALL THE WILDLIFE in the Galapagos!

- Morgan R, Wildlife Discovery in a Galapagos Paradise, 2025

What to expect when booking!

Reserve Your Spot

Lock in your adventure with a deposit and a few quick details about who’s traveling. Choose the payment plan that fits your life—pay in full, split it in three installments, or spread it out monthly—and start counting down the days for your next adventure! 

Get Trip-Ready

As we get closer to departure, we’ll drop a Welcome Packet in your inbox loaded with need-to-knows: packing lists, weather tips, local customs, currency info, and any visa or entry forms you might need. You’ll also get steady pre-departure emails and the option to attend a pre-trip Zoom call with your Tour Leader to answer questions big or small—so you can show up confident and stress-free. Call recordings will be made available to all trip participants. 

Travel & Connect

A few weeks before our departure, you’ll be invited to a private WhatsApp group and PhotoCircle where fellow travelers, Heart of Travel Tour Leaders, and local guides start swapping intros, answering last-minute questions, and sharing playlists. Once on the ground, the Whatsapp group becomes your real-time hub for insider tips, updates, and reminders, and sharing the moments that make each trip unforgettable.

Keep the Journey Going

We keep every trip’s WhatsApp thread open long after the farewell hugs—because the stories, photos, and friendships shouldn’t end when the plane lands. Drop your best shots into our PhotoCircle, stay in the loop for alumni perks, and (coming later this year) join our online community designed to keep travelers and local partners connected between adventures.

How We Define Activity Levels

We rate each trip from Level 1 (Easy) to Level 5 (Challenging)—from fully accessible experiences to adventures best suited for experienced hikers/adventurers.

Whether you prefer a relaxed stroll or a rewarding trek, there’s a pace—and a place—for you.

Get the

Interest-Free Payment Plans Available

Trip Protection Available

Your Questions, Our Answers

What's your cancellation policy?

Refund Policy: We'd hate to see you cancel but we know things can come up so we've created a policy that's fair to all 🙏🏽

  • Cancellation up to 24 hours after booking a trip: Fully refundable.
  • Cancellation 181 days or more before the trip start date: Loss of deposit; the rest of the trip payment is fully refundable. 100% of the trip deposit can be transferred over to a different trip.
  • Cancellation 121 - 180 days before the trip start date: 50% refund, minus the deposit. Deposit can be transferred over to a different trip.
  • Cancellation 120 days before the trip’s start date: No refunds are guaranteed. Credit for a future Heart of Travel trip will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

If you can’t make it on a trip but you find someone else who can go in your place we are happy to transfer over your dues paid to this person’s account. However, in some instances, there may be a domestic flight or another type of reservation with a third-party supplier that can only be transferred to a new person with a transfer fee. In this case, you would be responsible for the transfer or cancellation fee.

*For a more flexible and generous cancellation policy be sure to add Heart of Travel Trip Protection, available at the time of registration only. 


Guaranteed Departures: We know how precious your travel days and dollars are. If you register for a trip and we don't hit the required minimum of participants - you have the option to transfer 100% of the funds paid over to another HOT trip of your choosing at any time. Or, you can opt to continue with the trip on the original dates, however, the itinerary is subject to small changes, and there will be an additional 15-20% surcharge based on the original trip price for a private tour, which can be customized further if desired.

Single Supplements: If you know you want your own space please upgrade to a single supplement at the time of booking. If you are traveling solo but open to a roommate we will do our best to match you with another travel. However, if HOT is unable to find a roommate for you, you will be responsible for paying the Single Supplement charge according to each trip

What’s the weather like in Santiago and San Pedro de Atacama?

In Santiago, expect mild to warm weather in the daytime and cooler evenings, especially in the spring and fall. In San Pedro de Atacama, the climate is dry and sunny year-round, with hot days and chilly nights — layers are key!

What should I pack for this trip?

Bring light, breathable clothing for the desert, a warm jacket for the evenings, and a good pair of walking shoes. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must for daytime excursions. You’ll also want a swimsuit for the hot springs and a small daypack for outings. We’ll send a detailed packing list before the trip!

How high is San Pedro de Atacama? Will I feel the altitude?

San Pedro sits at about 2,400 meters (7,900 ft) above sea level, and some day trips go even higher (up to 4,300 m / 14,100 ft at the Tatio Geysers). Most travelers adjust easily, but we recommend taking it easy on arrival, staying hydrated, and avoiding alcohol your first night.

Is this trip physically demanding?

This itinerary is moderate in terms of physical activity. It includes walking tours, short hikes, and some early mornings for sunrise experiences. Most activities can be adjusted for different energy levels, and there’s always time to rest and recharge.

Have more questions?

We’re here to help. Whether you’re unsure about flights, packing, affordability or picking the right trip—just reach out.

No question is too small!

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