Classic Chile
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Covering over half the length of the South American continent, Chile is endowed with a staggering profusion of highlights. Squeezed between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean it stretches for over 4,300 kilometres, spanning a landscape that encompasses everything from barren deserts to frozen glaciers.
This incredible journey will take you from the windswept beauty of Patagonia, with its glittering lakes and snow-capped mountains, to the harsh, surreal landscapes of the Atacama in the north,...
Covering over half the length of the South American continent, Chile is endowed with a staggering profusion of highlights. Squeezed between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean it stretches for over 4,300 kilometres, spanning a landscape that encompasses everything from barren deserts to frozen glaciers.
This incredible journey will take you from the windswept beauty of Patagonia, with its glittering lakes and snow-capped mountains, to the harsh, surreal landscapes of the Atacama in the north, the world’s driest desert. It begins in Santiago, Chile’s historic capital, where you will have a chance to explore its colonial highlights before flying down to Punta Arenas, your gateway into the beautiful landscapes of the Torres del Paine National Park.
In stark contrast, the second leg of the journey takes you north, to the small town of San Pedro de Atacama and the salt lakes and lava flows of the most arid spot on earth. Covering some 1,000 kilometres, the Atacama offers a chance for trekking in the Salt Mountains, visiting the Moon and Death Valleys and sunset at the Tatio Geysers.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Walk and hike between the peaks of Chilean Patagonia
- Enjoy the natural wonders of the Lake District from Puerto Varas
- Spot wildlife around the Torres del Paine National Park
- Visit geysers, petroglyphs and otherworldly landscapers in the Atacama Desert
- Explore the vibrant capital of Santiago
- Climb up the Osorno Volcano and to the Petrohué waterfalls in the Lake District
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE SANTIAGO
DAY 1: ARRIVE SANTIAGO
On arrival to Santiago, you will be met by a local guide and transferred to your hotel in the city centre to check in before be taken on an afternoon city tour. Wander through some of Santiago's diverse neighbourhoods to visit highlights such as the Cathedral on Plaza de Armas, the San Francisco Church, the Palacio Cousino and La Moneda Presidential Palace. Then travel by vehicle to visit the main avenues of old Santiago, crossing the bohemian neighbourhood of Bellavista. Next, ride the funicular to the top of San Cristobal Hill to the Statue of the Virgin for a magnificent panoramic view of the city and the Andes Mountain Range. Finally, the tour will take you to the modern parts of Santiago including its chic neighbourhoods, shopping and financial centres.
DAY 2: SANTIAGO
DAY 2: SANTIAGO
Today you are free to explore the city at your own leisure. There are a few optional excursions available including a visit to Valparaiso, Chile's oldest port, and the beach town of Vina del Mar. The upper and lower sections of the city are connected by 15 funicular elevators that were built at the turn of the 20th century and still provide good service to this day. During your city tour you will travel to a viewing platform by one of them, as well as visiting the parliamentary building and Plaza Sotomayor's memorial to the heroes of the War of the Pacific. Then travel along the coast to the lively city of Vina del Mar, also known as the 'Garden city' for its municipal parks and green spaces. At the end of the day, return to Santiago.
DAY 3: SANTIAGO - PUERTO NATALES
DAY 3: SANTIAGO - PUERTO NATALES
Transfer to the airport for your flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas. On arrival you will be met and taken to the bus station for your transfer to Puerto Natales by public bus.
DAY 4: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
DAY 4: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
After being picked up from the hotel in Puerto Natales begin your transfer towards the national park with a visit to the Mylodon Cave, discovered by a German explorer in 1895, where a skin piece of the prehistoric ‘Mylodon’ animal was found. Then, continue on to the village of Cerro Castillo, the heart of the sheep farming business in the area. Weather permitting there should be lots of viewpoints to stop at for some excellent shots of the national park’s peaks. Before reaching the entrance of the park you will also have some time around Sarmiento Lake and the Amarga Lagoon where the park’s wildlife is often spotted. Once inside the national park, enjoy views of the Nördenskjold and Pehoe lakes and the Salto Grande waterfall. Lunch and some rest time will be followed by an hour’s hike to reach the Grey Lake where you can admire the icebergs that have broken off from Grey Glacier, evidence of the last ice age here in Patagonia. Head to your hotel in Torres del Paine National Park after the tour.
DAY 5: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
DAY 5: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
Day to arrange excursions in the National Park through your hotel.
DAY 6: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK – PUERTO VARAS
DAY 6: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK – PUERTO VARAS
This morning you will be transferred back to the airport in Punta Arenas, a journey of approximately five hours, by private vehicle to Puerto Natales and then public bus on to Punta Arenas. Fly to Puerto Montt in the Lake District where your transfer will be waiting to take you to your accommodation in Puerto Varas.
DAY 7: PUERTO VARAS
DAY 7: PUERTO VARAS
The tour starts out bordering the Llanquihue Lake. On the way, you will pass by the mouth of Rio Pescado as well as the villages of La Poza and Los Riscos until you reach Ensenada, a small village from where the Osorno Volcano climb begins. Reach the Ski y Montaña Volcan Osorno Center (1,240m) before continuing on to the Petrohué Falls to walk on the boardwalks. See how the river flows over large masses of crystallized lava, formed by the volcano’s eruptions. Lovely views can be admired of the river's beautiful turquoise-blue waters. The trip ends at Todos los Santos Lake, from where you will be taken back to your hotel.
DAY 8: PUERTO VARAS
DAY 8: PUERTO VARAS
Day free to enjoy the Lake District and Puerto Varas.
DAY 9: PUERTO VARAS - SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
DAY 9: PUERTO VARAS - SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Calama, via Santiago. Upon arrival in Calama, you will be met and taken to your hotel in the small town of San Pedro de Atacama, where you will spend the next three nights.
DAY 10: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
DAY 10: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
Over the next couple of days you will be able to experience the sights and sounds of the Atacama Desert with the hotel’s expert guides. There are a wide range of excursions to choose from (to be paid locally) catering for all levels of fitness, for example trekking in the Salt Mountain range and the Guatin and Puritama ravines, visiting the petroglyphs of Yervas Buenas and the Rio Grande village, not forgetting the Cejar Lagoon, Moon and Death Valleys and the sunrise trips to the Tatio Geysers.
DAY 11: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
DAY 11: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
Day free to arrange excursions into the Atacama Desert or independently explore the town.
DAY 12: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA – SANTIAGO
DAY 12: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA – SANTIAGO
Today you will be met at your hotel and transferred out of the Atacama Desert to Calama, where you will board your flight to Santiago and connect to your onward flight home.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Altiplanico San Pedro De Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama
The Altiplanico San Pedro de Atacama is a traditionally built adobe style hotel on the outskirts of the Atacaman town of San Pedro. The three star hotel faces the Licancabur Volcano and is desgined to merge with the desert through its construction from local materials in a homage to the architecture of Altiplano village. There area total of 29 rooms featuring an en suite bathroom, Wi-Fi and private terrace. Rooms come in single, doubles, triples and family rooms, with Superior rooms having an additional outdoor shower for a shower under the stars. There is a lovely pool on the grounds and a small restaurant, providing a true oasis from the desert surroundings.
Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas, Puerto Varas
This huge chalet was strategically constructed on the perfect spot to afford sweeping views over Lake Llanquihue and the volcanoes of Osorno and Calbuco. Views can be enjoyed from the rooms, the restaurant and the garden. Draws to the hotel, other than the views include big airy rooms with understated, high-quality furnishings; a famously good breakfast and warm, friendly service. This is Puerto Varas’ most famous hotel located a short walk from the town centre.
Luciano K, Santiago
Originally designed by the architect Luciano Kulczewski in the 1920s, blending period and art deco design, this apartment block has since been converted into a boutique hotel. Look out for the gargoyle on the roof as you step into what once was tallest building in Chile and the first to have central heating and a lift. Take the restored lift ‘capsule’ or original marble staircase to your room, admiring the beautiful tiling and wooden doors as you go. The 38 rooms are styled in an art deco design, giving a sense of glamour and elegance from the 1920s, yet with modern amenities to match. The 300 sq² rooftop terrace and bar with plunge pool provides spectacular views over Forestal Park.
Hosteria Las Torres Patagonia, Torres Del Paine
Actually located inside Torres del Paine National Park, Hotel Las Torres Patagonia offers a truly privileged experience. Accommodation is either offered with breakfast or on an all-inclusive basis. The location is a key for those who love trekking as it is right on route for the hike to the base of the granite peaks that give the park its name. the rooms are spacious, bright and have large windows with fantastic views of the valley and the mountains. All of them have heating and private bathrooms. Due to the isolation of the hotel it all has an on-site restaurant serving international and local dishes.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
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ACCOMMODATION
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We understand that flexibility is now a key factor when booking a holiday, and we believe our Covid Promise and Covid Viable Test provide that.
We believe these terms and conditions for making a booking are amongst the most generous in the travel industry right now, and we hope they will give you the confidence, when you feel ready, to go ahead and book your next adventure.
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
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HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
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Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Richard
Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Richard by calling
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