Voyage through Chile’s many highlights
Chile has a tremendous range of geography – mountains, lakes, mighty water and forests.
Our voyage from the north to the Patagonian south takes us past snowcapped volcanoes, salt flats, glacial fiords and the Atacama desert.
There are countless emerald blue lakes, dense rainforests and the dramatic Andes in this land, which is almost 4,000 kilometres in length but less than 190 kms wide.
We combine all of these with Chilean cuisine and wines to show you the genuine culture and natural wonder of this country.
Departures 2006/2007
Oct: 29-Nov 8
Nov: 19-29
Jan: 07-17, 28-Feb 6
Feb: 11-21
Mar: 4-14
Itinerary details
Day 1
Santiago
We meet you at the airport in Santiago and transfer downtown to our hotel. Later that day, we enjoy an historic tour of Santiago. Highlights include the Presidential Palace, La Moneda, the historic main square or Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the Palacio de la Real Audiencia, today housing the National History Museum, and Casa Colorado , the historic residence of the Governor.
Perhaps the best view we get of Santiago is from the summit of the Cerro San Cristobal, where the statue of the Virgin stands looking out over the city.
Day 2
Santiago - Calama - San Pedro de Atacama
We’re up early for our flight north to Calama in the Atacama Desert. We travel overland to the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama. There are spectacular views of the Atacameñian Cordillera de la Sal, or Salt Mountains.
Sunset is watched from the Valley of the Moon. In this bizarre, almost lunar landscape, sunset is a particularly rare experience which lends itself well to photography. After the sun goes down, we return to San Pedro and our Hosteria. (B)
Day 3
San Pedro de Atacama
In the morning, we visit the archaeological museum of Padre le Paige. Housed here is a large collection of artifacts depicting the development of the Atacameñian society. Next is a trip to the historic church of San Pedro dating from the 17th century --with a roof made of cactus.
There follows an afternoon visit to the Salar de Atacama (the world’s largest salt lake) with a visit on route to the town of Toconao. This is a picturesque village built of bricks of white volcanic stone, which gives the town a classic and unique Altiplano appearance.
We get a chance to watch rare birds in Lagua Chaxa, Reserva Nacional de los Flamingos, before we head to our Hosteria. (B)
Day 4
Geysers El Tatio
It’s an early start as we head for the Geysers of El Tatio, situated some 4,500m above sea level on the Altiplano. There are around 40 geysers here, as well as thermal wells and fumaroles. They make for a striking visual experience in the early morning light.
We drive back to San Pedro in the afternoon with the rest of the day free to explore. Hostería (B)
Day 5
Calama – Santiago – Puerto Varas
We transfer to the airport and fly south, via Santiago, to Puerto Montt, the capital of the Lake District. It’s a short drive to Puerto Varas and our hotel on the shore of Lago Llanquihue (pronounced Yan - key - way). (B)
Day 6
Cruise on All Saints Lake
It’s a beautiful drive along the southern shore of the lake as we head towards Ensenada and Volcano Osorno.
On the way, we stop at the Saltos de Petrohue (pronounced petro way). These are interesting rapids and waterfalls formed by cooling lava from Volcano Osorno. There is impressive sculpting of volcanic rock, which has formed after thousands of years of the river flowing over it.
We board a catamaran in Petrohue for our crossing of the All Saints Lake. Lago Todos Los Santos (All Saints Lake) is surrounded by high mountains whose lower slopes are thickly forested. As we pull away from the landing and the source of the river Petrohue the view is quickly stolen by the tremendous size and proximity of ice-capped Volcán Osorno right behind us.
We spend the morning cruising on the lake. To the south, high above the forested shore, you will see the peculiar shape of Volcan Puntiagudo and a series of waterfalls high in the southern Andes.
We arrive in Peulla (pronounced pooh-way-a), at the Eastern end of the lake, where we have lunch. This is the heart of National Park Vicente Perez Rosales. After eating, we enjoy a short hike to the Cascada de la Novia or the Bride’s Waterfall amidst rare native growth Valdivian Rainforest.
We return by catamaran to Petrohue and coach to Puerto Varas and our hotel (B).
Day 7
Puerto Varas – Puerto Montt – Puerto Natales
We have a free morning to explore Puerto Montt, capital of the Lake Region. This is the site of an indigenous Mapuche community, founded in 1853 by German colonists. There many squares and monuments to see as well as the busy fish market of Angelmo and handicraft markets.
We take an afternoon flight to Punta Arenas, Patagonia- the southernmost city in Chile. We head north through the vast patagonian Pampa to Puerto Natales. There are terrific views en route of the Straits of Magellan and across the chilly Antarctic waters to Tierra del Fuego.
We will head to the Penguin Colony of Otway sound. Penguins can be seen from October to March (this is the season when they come to lay eggs and raise their young). There are well-marked trails and blinds so we can gain a glimpse of these quirky creatures in their natural habitat.
We arrive in Puerto Natales in the early evening and head to our hotel. (B)
Day 8
Puerto Natales – Torres del Paine National Park – Grey Glacier
We head off early for a full day in Torres del Paine National Park. This stunning wilderness is home to unique flora and fauna and we get unforgettable views of the famous Towers of Paine and Lago Grey, with the tremendous blue ice of the Grey Glacier.
We overnight in the Park at a Hosteria (B)
Day 9
Torres del Paine – Puerto Natales
Today is a free day at Torres del Paine National Park. There are options for horse riding or a hike to the base of the Torres towers for truly spectacular views.
Late in the afternoon, we return to Puerto Natales and our hotel. (B)
Day 10
Puerto Natales - Punta Arenas – Santiago
We travel back south to Punta Arenas and fly back to Santiago. On arrival, we transfer you to your hotel. (B)
Day 11
Santiago
The morning is free and then we transfer you to the airport. End of services.
To reach the really remote areas, try our Paine W trek and kayak trip.
Also, check our group and tailor made options. And you can always contact the office with questions or for advice.
What’s included
English speaking guide, transfers, accommodation, trips and meals as listed
Not included
International or domestic flights (please ask for details of these prices), insurance, tips, beverages, optional excursions, personal items, meals not stated, alcoholic or soft drinks
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