Itinerary:
Combine two of Chile’s most spectacular regions – the stark beauty of the Atacama Desert with the glaciers and imposing peaks of Torres del Paine in Patagonia – in one trip filled with adventurous excursions, and luxurious accommodations to relax in the evening. You’ll also have the chance to explore Valparaíso, a charming coastal city that is one of Chile’s most important cultural destinations.
Throughout you’ll experience flawless service from bilingual professional guides, to drivers, hosts and from Latin Excursions staff as we help you plan your trip from start to finish, customizing details to match your travel preferences. We do work with a wide variety of boutique properties throughout Chile and South America.
If you’re looking for: outdoor adventure and activities, stunning natural scenery, photography opportunities, luxury accommodations and cultural experiences.
Extend your trip: within Chile to Easter Island, time spent in the lush Lake District, or in central Chile’s wine region, or with a cruise to Antarctica; or in Argentina in El Calafate or El Chalten for more hiking, or with a cruise between the tip of Argentina and the tip of Chile.
Highlights:
- Santiago cultural and historical highlights
- High desert 4×4 adventures
- Explore salt lakes and Valley of the Moon
- Hikes throughout Torres del Paine National Park
- Stunning yurts in Patagonia
- Authentic estancia stay
- Perfect for adventurous couples, small groups and families
- Tailor made experiences
Distinctions (now Advantages):
- Insider access to special events in Santiago
- Private and highly personalized itinerary planning while in Atacama
- Personal expert regional guide in Torres del Paine
Day 1 – Welcome to Santiago
Arrival to Santiago and airport meet and greet; transfer to hotel, followed by a city tour. Visit highlights like La Moneda Presidential Palace, Plaza de Armas, Cerro Santa Lucía, Cerro San Cristóbal and bohemian Bellavista. Learn Chile’s intriguing history and about the turbulent 1970s, explore the founding site on Cerro Santa Lucía, and take the teleférico to Cerro San Cristóbal’s summit for panoramic city views – on clear days you can see to the coast!
No meals.
Days 2-4 – Atacama Desert
Airport transfer for flight to Calama, where you’ll be transferred to San Pedro de Atacama (one hour). There are several accommodation options in San Pedro, ranging from more budget friendly to luxury hotels with private guides. You’ll have a four day stay in the Atacama, with activities like hiking for the serious trekker, visits to volcanoes, salt lakes and enchanting landscapes, and explorations of pre-Colombian ruins
All meals included.
Day 5 – Return to Santiago and on to Valparaiso
Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight to Santiago. Upon arrival you’ll be transferred 1 ½-2 hours to Valparaíso, a historic city on the Pacific coast, with a unique charm and colorful history. You’ll stay in a boutique hotel with ocean views. This afternoon relax at the hotel with a pisco sour on the terrace.
Breakfast included.
Day 6 – Valparaíso City Tour
Enjoy a morning guided tour of the city’s highlights, and take one of the antique funiculares up the steep hillsides that characterize the city, explore labyrinthine cobbled streets, and also enjoy a visit to Nobel poet Pablo Neruda’s former home – now a colorful museum and testament to his poetry and important place in Chilean history. Afternoon return to Santiago.
Breakfast included.
Day 7 – To Torres del Paine
Transfer to airport for flight to Punta Arenas, Chile’s southernmost city. Here you’ll have a six hour overland transfer to Torres del Paine National Park.
All meals included.
Days 8 – 10 Torres del Paine 5 day/4 night experience
There are several lodging options just outside and within the park, including a working estancia that combines a traditional gaucho cultural experience with outdoor adventure and warm atmosphere, a luxury lodge within the park with full-service spa, and a luxury romantic camping experience overlooking Lake Toro. You’ll have excursions within the park each day with bilingual guides, and the chance to approach troops of guanacos (wild llama relative), and hike to areas like a condor viewpoint, Lake Sarmiento, Mirador del Toro, French Valley, Grey Beach & Glacier Grey, Salto Grande, the Base of the Towers, and more.
All meals included.
Day 11 – Puerto Natales
This morning transfer from the park to Puerto Natales, a charming, colorful town on the shores of the Last Hope Sound. This is a great way to relax and refresh after several days spent trekking and break up the long drive back to Punta Arenas. Puerto Natales has several charming boutique hotels, all with views of the Sound and mountain range behind it; spas and outdoor Jacuzzis soothe sore muscles. There are several restaurants with excellent regional cuisine, and high end handicrafts stores.
Breakfast included.
Day 12 – To Santiago
Transfer to Punta Arenas and short city tour to lookout point over city, Straits of Magellan and graveyard, before flight to Santiago and connect with international flight home.
Breakfast included.
