Dear Fodorites, Does anyone know of a tour company that will organize an 'independent' tour to Chile for four passengers only who are keen on visiting Atacama Desert, Patagonia, Lake District, Easter Island, etc.? Has anyone done anything similar to this itinerary? I am finding it very difficult to get any company in the US or elsewehre to do this.
Thank you very much in advance.
BP

Try a local TA, we used one in Argentina, she arranged all our tours/transport, the Chile part too (We went to the TDP), she could probably do it all - Mercedes@Argentina Escapes.com. Web-site is Argentina Escapes

Hello Owlwoman,
Thank you very much for your advice. How did you work out the payments if the company is in Artentina? What is TDP?
With thanks,

We wired the payments to AR, it was very easy.

TDP is the Torres del Paine, an amazing place.

Thanks again so much. This is all very helpful. I sent an e-mail to Mercedes at Argentina Escapes.com and will let you know when I hear from her. I mentioned to her that she was highly recommended by?
Many thanks -
Myra

We used one last year, but will have to wait until OH comes home to find the name. The company took into account our wishes and all worked out really well. Next time, I think we will do it alone, but great for the first visit.
Will get back to you.

Mercedes is great, she arranged both our trips. There are others on this board who have used her too. The correct e-mail is [email protected] (without the space), but I think you probably figured that out.

Have fun!

Hello again Owlwoman,
Indeed, Mercedes contacted me back. She is ready to help and I am sending her the outline of my itinerary to her. Thank you so very much for putting me in touch with her - good job Owl-lady!
Thanks again.

Although you seem to have found help, I will post mine as I promised.

We used Charles Halifax
www.experiencechile.org

He has a base in Chile and also Iasle of Wight. We paid for everything with US dollars.

he listened very carefully to our desires..was always very prompt in calling or emailimg us back. We had a wonderful month in Chile..such a varied experience and there were no hitches.
Good luck!

Hello Mincepie,

You are a star too! I am about to send an e-mail to Charles. I wish I knew your real name so that I could tell him that you recommended him to me and how satisfied you were with his services.

Many thanks,
Mira

Hi Bushperson...you can tell him that Pat and Bert Hewitt gave him high recommendations and I don't do that often.
Good luck with whoever you choose. Easter island is unbelievable and Torre del Paine out of this world.