Elite Traveler HRS 2023

etr li at ve eler HOTELS, RESORTS & SPAS 2023 19

Below Easter Island

JOURNEY TO THE END OF THE WORLD Available year-round, the ‘End of the Word’ itinerary explores the best of South America. Starting in Santiago, enjoy neoclassical views, leafy trees and the snow-capped Andes before fl ying to Calama. A mountainous upland awaits at San Pedro de Atacama, and sunset skies can be savored in the Valley of the Moon. Indulge your newly formed thirst for night-sky viewing at Explora Atacama luxury retreat; the private observatory a ff ords magni fi cent views of the Milky Way. At sunrise, visit the Tatio Geysers, where you’ll fi nd some of the world’s tallest bursting geysers. Find calmer waters at the Puritama Hot Springs, and cycle or hike in the area before departing to Easter Island. You’ll be met by the destination’s nearly 1,000 famous monolithic Moai statues. The origin of these sculptures, carved by the early Rapa Nui people at least 500 years ago, still fascinates scientists. Next up, at Pucón in Chile’s Lake District, check into &Beyond Vira Vira, situated on a 34-acre organic farm. Trek up Villarrica, one of Chile’s most active volcanoes and part of the Paci fi c Ring of Fire. As you stand 9,300 ft above sea level atop Villarrica, whether you look up to the clouds or down into its hellish volcanic crater, the horizon is the limit. Visit the nearby hot springs and enjoy a thrilling raft ride on the Trancura River before a delicious meal with a local Mapuche family. Paddleboarding is also on o ff er in addition to sighting skipping trout and salmon in the crystal-clear Liucura River below. As you depart Temuco, see the Andes Mountains and Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego (aka ‘End of the World’) from your jet window on your way to a stay in the sustainably built Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa. A private boat trip on Beagle Canal provides views of both the Argentinian and Chilean coasts, with stops at Isla de Lobos and Martillo Island — look out for Magellanic and Gentoo penguins. You’ll stay at

Explora Torres del Paine in the heart of Chilean Patagonia’s Torres del Paine National Park. You will even get to meet American conservationist Kristine Tomkins, former CEO of the Patagonia clothing brand and co-founder of Tompkins Conservation. As you circle back to Santiago, you’ll stay at Vik Chile, one of Chile’s most luxurious hotels. Sip on Chile’s fi nest wines and amuse yourself with the artistry of the architecture within this renowned resort’s individually designed rooms. On the fi nal days of your adventure, discover the world’s largest Salt Flat in Uyuni, Bolivia, spend two nights at the futuristic eco-pods at Kachi Lodge, and sleep under starry skies. Contact nycprivate@aircharterservice.com, +1 516 432 5901, aircharterservice.com

Ushuaia, Argentina

Chile’s astounding scenery