How and when to travel the Explora-way all year, Experts share their favorite Lodges and new Expeditions, and hidden gems only Explora travelers can access
For Explora Lodges, traveling deeply into a destination isn’t just about reaching a place, it’s about embracing the unexpected, forging meaningful connections, venturing deeper into the remote and leaving a lasting positive impact on the territories — a belief Explora Lodges and Expeditions have upheld since the opening its first lodge in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park Explora more than 30 years ago.
A team of Explora experts and insiders has created a list spanning the year of must-do adventures that reflects all these intentions while revealing favorite new experiences and places to go.
Torres del Paine for Exclusive Access
Best time to go: March-May
At Explora Torres del Paine, sail across the turquoise waters of Lake Pehoé on a private catamaran, your exclusive gateway to the W circuit, where the Paine Massif and Grey Glacier rise before you. Then, ride on horseback through the golden pampas of Explora’s, exploring landscapes being restored and witnessing conservation in action.
Northern Patagonia for True Wilderness
Best time to go: September-April
Step into the legacy of Tompkins Conservation and witness one of Patagonia’s most ambitious rewilding projects right on the doorstep of Explora Parque Nacional Patagonia. Here, guanacos graze freely on the open plains, pumas roam their territory, and condors soar overhead — sometimes visible from your room or over a drink at our bar.
Sacred Valley’s Hidden Pathways of Peru
Best time to go: April-October
At Explora Valle Sagrado, follow centuries-old Incan trails through cloud forests where ancient civilizations once thrived. Discover a hidden high-altitude hummingbird sanctuary, or embark on the new Sacred Mountains Expedition, a nine-day nomadic journey through the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, offering a completely different perspective on Machu Picchu.
Atacama and Its Magical Desert
Best time to go: Year-round
At Explora Atacama, summit towering volcanoes over 16,400 feet (5,000 meters), like Licancabur and Toco, for breathtaking views of the endless Altiplano. Trek through our Puritama Conservation Reserve, where hidden rivers reveal a thriving ecosystem against the stark desert, then unwind in its natural thermal waters nestled deep within the canyon, an exclusive experience for Explora guests.
Easter Island for Rare Views
Best time to go: September-May
Explore the world’s most remote inhabited island from the prime location of Explora Rapa Nui, surrounded by lush green grasslands and panoramic ocean views. Discover hidden lava caves, witness the sunrise over Ahu Tongariki, and immerse yourself in Rapa Nui’s vibrant traditions. Guided by Explora’s local Rapa Nui team, you’ll experience the island’s living heritage in a way few travelers ever do.
Iceland’s Untouched Highlands
Best time to go: August – September
Join Explora’s first-ever journey in Iceland, the new eight-day Iceland Expedition: Venturing Across the Untouched Highlands. Immerse yourself in the Nordic heritage and raw beauty of a land where fire and ice collide. Trek through untouched Highland routes, wade across glacial rivers, and soak in remote geothermal hot springs, all while traveling in an intimate group of just eight like-minded explorers.