I am planning a trip for November and would like to go to Torres del Paine and Atacama. I will be flying into Santiago. What is the best way to do this? Does anyone know of any tour companies that are a little less expensive than Explora in these two locations?

Thanks!

You must go w Explora. The experience is so terrific, the location in Torres del Paine is so perfect, and the staff and the overall "TLC" is the best. It would be quite a hike to do both the Atacama and Explora in less than 2 weeks. It's a 5 hour drive from Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine, so you miss a whole day getting there, and getting back.
But Explora was so terrific that I wouldn't want you talked out of it.

Hello - we will be staying at Explora Patagonia next month.

I did look at various accommodations in Torres del Paine/Puerto Natales, etc.
All the reviews raved about Explora and we decided to go there.

Others I reviewed (all costing less than Explora):
-Hosteria Lago Grey
-Hosteria Pehoe
-Hosteria Las Torres

Good luck!

Explora is very expensive. Few people can or are willing to spend that much. But if you can swing it, it's an amazing place.

As for both locations in 14 days, it's definitely doable. While we were at Torres del Paine, there was a couple on their honeymoon that did it over 10 days and did not feel rushed.

try GAP adventures- gapadventures.com. I did a few weeks in Africa with them and had a great time, so I will try Patagonia with them in Christmas / New Years.

Steve