Twice in the past five years I've booked private trips of Chilean Patagonia/Atacama.
Twice I've had to cancel; once during COVID and. once for partner's medical issue.
I'm considering a third try, but am having a few doubts that hope some of you might help me resolve.
Some background: We could go almost any time of year. We are not hikers and my partner has mobility issues in that he cannot walk more than a few blocks without resting. We like luxury properties. Food is a highlight of our trips--can be a hole in the wall or an upscale place--we love discovering foods of other countries and regions.
Every time I think about beginning the process of booking, I pull back.
The reason for the hesitation is this:
I've taken 5 African safaris, four in the past ten years, to SA, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
Those were among the best experiences of my life. Seeing the animals up close was life changing. The lodges were the stuff of dreams. The people we met, the food (in CT and J'Burg), the spectacular scenery.... I hope to return in the next few years.
The Patagonia/Atacama combo (with time in Santiago) is much easier to reach and involves no jet lag from the US East Coast. Much simpler than the long slog to South Africa through Europe.
The variety of landscapes in Chile sounds compelling--snow capped peaks, rolling grasslands, sandy expanses, glaciers, geysers, etc etc etc.
BUT, after having the African safari experience, the game watching in Patagonia seems to pale by comparison. And we cannot do any real hiking, so would see most highlights from a vehicle, I imagine. (I could take some short hikes)
Santiago, frankly,, does not draw me as much as some of the other major cities of the continent (I've been to Lima, BA, Rio; I do not know that continent very well). A lot of time would be spent on flying from the US to Santiago to Natales, overnight connections in Santiago, to Atacama, back to Santiago etc etc...
I'd love to hear from any of you, especially those who have taken African safaris AND been to Patagonia. I'm not asking which is better, but I am asking: after having been upfront and personal with leopards, wild dogs, lions and all the rest---does seeing a herd of alpaca, etc, does not sound to me like it justifies the time and price to the this trip. (I'm half joking; I know there is much more to see than alpaca and penguins.).
I know the scenery is gorgeous but at this stage of my life, when I'm not sure how many more exotic trips I will be table to take, I'm asking if this is really a WOW trip. Is Patagonia at the top of anyone's list as the "best trip of my life??" Atacama??
That you very much for any and all comments!!