Itinerary
DAY 1) SANTIAGO
Arrival to Santiago private transfer from the airport in Santiago to the hotel in Santiago.
Private half day city tour of Santiago
In Santiago de Chile, the best features of a vibrant, modern metropolis are paired with the old-world charm of a former colonial capital, and this private tour will introduce you to both sides of the city. You will begin with a visit to the presidential palace, named La Moneda because the splendid building once housed the national mint. Many other sights in the historic centre are clustered around the always-bustling Plaza de Armas: the impressive cathedral; the beautiful old post office; the Palacio de la Real Audiencia, now home to the National History Museum; and the Casa Colorada, once the Spanish governor’s residence. Leaving the centre, you’ll travel west toward the soaring Andes, past the Cerro San Cristóbal, an outpost of the mountains which towers over the city with a great white statue of the Virgin Mary crowning its summit. Your tour will conclude with a visit to the fashionable business districts of Providencia and Las Condes, with their broad boulevards lined with modern high-rises, and shady side-streets flanked by fine restaurants and trendy boutiques. This half-day excursion forms the perfect initiation to the charms of one of South America’s most exciting cities.
Overnight at the selected hotel
DAY 2) FD VALPARAISO
Private full day excursion to Valparaíso including a visit to a vineyard in the Casablanca Valley
You will be met by your guide in the morning, who will accompany you during this full day excursion to Valparaíso and the Casablanca Valley.
The historic city of Valparaíso is Chile’s oldest port. It is also home to the country’s Senate and Chamber of Deputies, which moved here from the capital in 1989, when Chilean democratic governance was re-established. The city’s many hills are covered with a multi-coloured panorama of painted houses crowding every nook and cranny, ensuring a spectacular backdrop to your visit. During your tour, you will see the historic city centre, whose fine 19th-Century architecture provides good reason for its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Then, you will travel to a view-point overlooking the city via one of Valparaíso’s signature funicular elevators, two dozen of which were built at the turn of the 20th Century to connect the upper and lower sections of the city. You will also visit the parliamentary building and Plaza Sotomayor’s memorial to the heroes of the War of the Pacific. Before your city tour in Valparaíso or afterwards you will visit a vineyard in the Casablanca Valley.
Casas del Bosque Winery
Viñas Casas del Bosque is a family-run vineyard in Casablanca Valley, about 70 km from Santiago. On 245 hectares of land, grape varieties like Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Syrah and Pinot Noir are cultivated, with the Sauvignon Blanc in particular known for its high quality. About 80% of the production of Casas del Bosque is exported to locations all over the world. The modern buildings and friendly staff attract visitors for delicious wine tastings, supplemented by the mouth-watering cuisine of the “Tanino” restaurant.
www.casasdelbosque.cl
Overnight at the selected hotel. (Breakfast/ Lunch/-)
DAY 3) BUENOS AIRES / CALAMA / SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
Private transfer from the hotel in Santiago to the airport in Santiago for your flight to Calama. Upon arrival private transfer from the airport in Calama to the hotel in San Pedro. Private half day excursion to Death Valley (Valle de la Muerte) and Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna) This half day excursion leads you first to the impressive Death Valley (Valle de la Muerte). There was a lake in this area in ancient times, which still can be seen in the horizontal sediment layers in its rocky slopes. Wind and rain have carved the most peculiar sculptures from sand, gypsum and clay that delight visitors today. Afterwards you continue to one of the best-known destinations in the Atacama Desert: The Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna), where you arrive at dusk. With the Licancabur volcano providing the backdrop, strange salt and rock formations in the middle of the valley’s barren sandy landscape really do look like a moonscape. After a tour past the bizarre natural rock and salt shapes, you will pass by the rock formation “Tres Marías” and end the excursion at “Coyote´s rock” (“Piedra del Coyote”). From the top of this rock, you overlook the Kari-Canyon and wide parts of the desert, you can even catch a glimpse at the Salar de Atacama. The setting sun bathes the landscape in a light that changes with every minute, providing a mesmerizing play of colours.
The return drive to San Pedro is after sunset.
Overnight at the selected hotel. (Breakfast/ – /-)
DAY 4) SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
In the morning half day excursion City tour San Pedro de Atacama
You will start the tour with a visit to the Iglesia San Pedro, the town’s white parish church dating from the year 1641. Of particular note is the roof made of cactus wood. The church is San Pedro de Atacama’s emblem, and looks directly onto the attractive Plaza de Armas and its centuries-old pepper trees. You guide will take you for a stroll across the plaza before showing you the adjacent craft market.
In the afternoon private half day excursion to the Atacama Salt Flat (Salar de Atacama) and Toconao Village
You depart with your tour guide to the Salar de Atacama: A salt lake of huge proportions (3000 sq km/1,158 sq mi!), its surface is covered by a thick layer of light-coloured salt crystals, caused by the evaporation of the lake’s water. The world’s largest lithium deposits are found here, but the salt pan is also home to several flamingo species, including the Andean, Chilean and James flamingo, who feed on the microorganisms found in the saline lagoons. These beautiful birds and other species can be observed in their natural habitat at the Salar de Atacama’s Chaxa Lagoon, which is part of the Reserva Nacional de los Flamencos. On the way to the salt flat, you will stop at the village of Tocoano to see its green square with large cacti. Afterwards, return drive to San Pedro.
Overnight at the selected hotel. (Breakfast/ – /-)
DAY 5) SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
Private full day excursion to the Geysers of El Tatio
Those who wish to experience the El Tatio Geysers have to get up early, to ensure a timely arrival at the geyser field at sunrise. The fountains, located over 4300m/14,108ft, shoot up to 10m/33ft high. The sun’s first rays reflecting countless colours as they mingle with boiling jets coming from the geysers create a strong contrast with the rising steam and the surrounding summits. After the spectacular show there, you have the choice of recovering from the morning chill and warming up in natural pools created by hot springs. The tour begins in the very early hours of the morning in San Pedro, to ensure a timely arrival at the geyser field at sunrise. The return drive to San Pedro takes place around midday.
Overnight at the selected hotel. (Breakfast/ – /-)
DAY 6) SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA / PUERTO VARAS
Private transfer from the hotel in San Pedro to the airport in Calama for your flight to Puerto Montt via Santiago. Transfer from Puerto Montt airport to the hotel in Puerto Varas including a city tour Puerto Montt
You will be picked up at the airport and start your city tour through Puerto Montt.
Founded by German settlers in 1853, Puerto Montt is also known as the ‘Gateway to Patagonia’. This is where the Carretera Austral begins and where ships set off for Tierra del Fuego, the Magellan Strait, and to Patagonia’s glaciers.
During your city tour, we will show you the main square right by the sea, with its cathedral built of wood, a memorial to the German settlers, the town hall, and other representative buildings. Afterwards, we follow the coastal promenade to the port of Angelmó and its colourful small boats anchored in front of the island of Tenglo. The morning catch can be bought fresh off the boat at the fish market of Angelmó or savoured in one of the many small harbour kitchens. Right next door, you will find a craft market with local crafts made of wood and lapis lazuli, as well as thick woollen jumpers and hats from Chiloé. The tour is completed by a drive along the Ruta Chinquihue, past small yacht marinas, moorings, boat yards and fish factories, before you will be taken to your hotel in Puerto Varas.
Overnight at the selected hotel. (Breakfast/ – /-)
DAY 7) PUERTO VARAS
Private full day excursion to the Petrohue waterfalls and the Osorno volcano.
Departure for this full day tour into the wonderful region surrounding Puerto Varas is after breakfast, and wonderful views towards the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes can already be enjoyed during the drive along Lake Llanquihue.
First stop of the day is by the wild ‘Saltos de Petrohue’, a collection of rapids and waterfalls that dance over the impressive formations of lava rocks from the surrounding volcanoes. It is the waters of the Petrohue River itself that have eroded and shaped these rocks over a period of thousands of years. The journey continues with a drive up the Osorno volcano (2,660m/8,727ft). The road ends at an elevation of 1,200m/3940ft, by a mountain cabin, where the unforgettable views range from the mighty towering heights of the Osorno volcano and the neighbouring volcanoes of Calbuco, Antillanca, Tronador, to the profoundly blue Llanquihue Lake. A hike across the volcano’s immense lava fields is made, and the panoramic views improve with every foot of elevation gained. By good weather, you can also enjoy the landscape during a ride by chairlift (optional). The return journey to Puerto Varas is in the afternoon.
Regular Short Boat trip on the Todos Los Santos Lake
This boat trip starts at the pier at the Todos Los Santos Lake. The boat will take you into the middle of the lake where, on a clear day, you will be able to see a unique panoramic view of the volcano Osorno. On the way back, you will pass beautiful small waterfalls and can see different bird species.
Overnight at the selected hotel. (Breakfast/ – /-)
DAY 8) PUERTO VARAS
Private full day excursion Ancud and surroundings
This day trip begins early in the morning, setting off south, towards Pargua, where the car ferry crosses to Chiloé – an island full of myths, legends and very special people. The first stop on the island will be the village of Chacao, where you can visit a beautiful wooden church from 1710. Afterwards you will stop at the Bay of Caulín to observe black-necked swans and other bird species (in summer). Then you continue to Ancud, the northern-most town and former capital of the island, where you get an insight into the lifestyle of the island’s inhabitants, known as ‘Chilotes’ in Chile. You will also see the colourful shingle houses on stilts, typical for the island, as well as fishing boats, the harbour, and the market. Fortifications dating back to the era of the War of Independence are also visited in Ancud. After a lunch break (optional lunch) you will return to Puerto Varas.
Museo Azul Islas Chiloé
The Museo Azul Islas Chiloé (Museo Regional de Ancud) offers an extensive collection of artefacts and archives which document the history of Chiloé, “Chilote” culture and traditions. One popular item is the full-size replica of the Ancud, which sailed the treacherous fjords of the Strait of Magellan to claim Chile’s southernmost territories.
Overnight at the selected hotel. (Breakfast/ – /-)
DAY 9) PUERTO VARAS / PUERTO NATALES
Private transfer from the hotel in Puerto Varas to the airport in Puerto Montt for your flight to Puntas Arenas. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at the selected hotel.(Breakfast/ – /-)
DAY 10) FD TORRES DEL PAINE
Full day excursion to Torres del Paine National Park
This full day excursion through the Torres del Paine National Park will provide wonderful views onto the Torres Massif and its jagged peaks, as well as of Lake Grey and the Grey Glacier. Several short hikes enable visitors to reach the most beautiful viewing points in the park, and to become acquainted with the wealth of flora and fauna found in the area. The return drive to your selected hotel is in the late afternoon.
Overnight at the selected hotel. (Breakfast/ – /-)
DAY 11) BALMACEDA & SERRANO GLACIERS
Shared full day boat excursion to Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers
This seaborne excursion, which starts and concludes in Puerto Natales, takes you to a pair of Patagonia’s icy giants: Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers. You will leave Puerto Natales early in the morning and cruise north-west through the Seno Ultima Esperanza (‘Last Hope Sound’), which offers unforgettable views of snowy peaks, sparkling waterfalls, and lush green forests, along with wildlife like sea lions, cormorants, and condors. Around noon the excursion will reach the two glaciers, which both flow down from Monte Balmaceda toward the sea. Near the base of Serrano Glacier, you will disembark for a short hike to a lookout offering a splendid view of the awesome river of ice, before continuing by boat to a delicious lunch at the remote Estancia Perales. The day concludes with another memorable cruise along the Seno Ultima Esperanza, arriving back in Puerto Natales in the late afternoon.
Overnight at the selected hotel. (Breakfast/ Lunch/-)
DAY 12) PUERTO NATALES / SANTIAGO
Private transfer from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas Airport for your flight to Santiago and international connection. (Breakfast/ – /-)
END OF OUR SERVICES
Included services:
• This is only a quote proposal, not a confirmed reservation.
• Itinerary with accommodation, transfers, excursions and guide assistance as indicated
• English speaking guide
• Private services
• Meals according to program : B: Breakfast / L: Lunch / BX: Box Lunch / D: Dinner
• Entrance fees (included based on current values, subject to change)
Excluded services:
• Flights and airport taxes as well as other surcharges for flights
• Optional excursions
• Tips of any kinds (restaurants, hotels, guides, drivers, etc.)
• Personal expenses
IMPORTANT:
• On public holidays it might become necessary to change the itinerary slightly.
• In Chile most museums are closed on Mondays.
• On Mondays the funicular to Cerro San Cristóbal in Santiago operates from 01:00 pm. Every first Monday of the month it is closed for maintenance.
• On Saturdays and Sundays vehicles can ascend the Cerro San Cristóbal only in the afternoon.
• During the “Bolivian Winter” or “Andean Winter” (December to March) heavy rainfalls can occur in northern Chile, which may lead to road closures. In such cases, our excursions may suffer changes or even cancellations, so that we might have to adjust the travel itinerary on short notice.