Chile is a big country. It is certainly possible to travel by bus but distances are absolutely vast. Before I left on my RTW trip I researched mileage redemption options within Chile in hopes of finding a cheaper and more comfortable way around. As it turns out, British Airways has a very generous mileage award for travel within Chile.
Easter Island has long been on my list of places to see and, being part of Chile, is accessible using this British Airways award on their partner, LAN Chile. At the suggestion of some friends I decided to see just how far I could stretch one of these tickets. Surprisingly, the agents at BA allowed me to piece together a very elongated routing (over 7,500 miles!) that would not only allow me to visit Easter Island but also the far south of Chile. 20,000 miles and $59 in taxes later it was ticketed.
The first flight on this ticket was from Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas in Region XII of Chile. It is a relatively short two-hour flight and, provided it is clear, you are treated to spectacular views of fjords, mountains and glaciers. Upon arrival in Punta Arenas we immediately made our way to the bus terminal to catch a bus north to Puerto Natales which is the jumping off point for Torres del Paine National Park.
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