DURATION
9 DAYS

DIFFICULTY LEVEL:
EASY

Portraits of Chile

Take advantage of the natural beauty of the town and hinterlands of San Pedro de Atacama, visiting on this trip its surrounding geysers, volcanoes, valleys and salt flats ,around the arid Chilean plateau and be wowed by the formidable grandeur of the Andes at every turn.
Finishing this adventure in the urban culture of Santiago you will be able to admire the beautiful views from the city’s numerous hills, walk through its many squares and marvel at the diverse architecture that makes the city a unique metropolis in Latin America.

Highlights

  • Santiago de Chile

  • Viña del Mar
  • Highland Lagoons
  • Atacama Desert
  • Atacama Salt Flats
  • Valley of the Moon
  • Tatio Geysers
  • Torres del Paine National Park
Santiago de Chile
Santiago de Chile
Santiago de Chile
Santiago de Chile

Itinerary

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Itinerary

Upon arrival to the international airport you will have the rest of the day to discover the city at your own peace or relax in the Hotel after a long flight.

In the afternoon, you will be met the hotel by your guide, with whom you will begin your half day tour at the hill of Santa Lucia. From the Caupolicán terrace we can admire the Hidalgo castle (formerly a Spanish fortress) and enjoy beautiful views of the city. The tour continues to Constitution Square and the “La Moneda” palace, the current seat of government.

Next up is “Plaza de Armas”, the main square, surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral, the palace of the Royal High Court, the Main Post Office and other buildings of historical interest. A short drive takes us to San Cristobal hill. On the way we can see the Central Market, the Mapocho Station, the Forestal Park and the Museum of Fine Arts. Take a stroll and try the “mote con huesillo”, a typical Chilean drink. Return by cablecar or car depending on the time and transfer back to the hotel.

Valparaiso and Viña del Mar. Be amazed by the colorful port city of Valparaiso, now a mix of port university city. Famous for its stacked hills and winding stairs with incredible street art, this UNESCO World Heritage city takes you back in time yet has a modern, forward-looking feel. As you climb the winding stone stairs or head up in one of the famous funiculars, you’ll enjoy incredible views of the bay and surrounding German-style homes. The city tour will show you the important places such as Plaza de la Victoria, the famous Turri Clock and the Naval Academy. A highlight of this tour is visiting the home of Chile’s Nobel Prize-winning poet, Pablo Neruda (1904- 1973). Find a restaurant along the cobble streets; lunch isn’t included so your guide will provide recommendations. Take the funicular down and then we’ll head just up the coast to Viña del Mar.

At noon you will visit the vineyards of “Casablanca”. Time for lunch at “Casa del Bosque” restaurant (not included), you guide will give the best recommendations to enjoy local gastronomy according to your preferences.

At the appropriate time you will be transfer to the airport to take your flight to Calama. Upon arrival you will be transfer to Atacama in private service.

After breakfast you will be picked up from the hotel for your full day tour to the Atacama Salt Flat and the Altiplanic Lagoons. Enjoy the stunning surroundings of the Chaxa lagoon and marvel at the flamingos that migrate to the salt flat every year.

Then we will take the road to the highlands through a landscape of many contrasts to visit the Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons, at 4,200 meters above sea level and at the base of the volcanic Andes.

We will then enjoy lunch in Socaire village, famed for its traditional cuisine. Finally, before we return to the hotel, we will visit the town of Toconao, its bell tower and Church of San Lucas, both national monuments since 1951.

After a very early morning pick up, we will begin our trip to one of the most incredible geothermal fields in the world. Walk amongst the Tatio Geysers as they spurt steam and water, and enjoy an outdoor breakfast against the natural backdrop of the Andes.

Then we will visit the “Pozon Rustico” where you will be able to discover the warm thermal springs. Taking the road back to San Pedro you can appreciate the beautiful landscapes, native flora and fauna before finally stopping at the village of Machuca, ancient home to the llama shepherds. Today, this town of adobe, straw and cactus houses specializes in local products such as Andean handicrafts, llama’s meat and empanadas. Visit the Church of San Santiago, patron saint of the town, locally renowned for its historical and architectural appeal.

In the afternoon you will be picked up for your half day tour to the Valley of the Moon, nestled deep in the middle of the mountains. This landscape of salt and clay has been formed by water and wind over millions of years, allowing us to enjoy the extravagant and inspiring mountain range. As we spend the day at the foot of the Andes and its volcanoes, we will wrap up the day by taking in the incredible mountain sunset before being transferred back to the hotel.

In the evening you will enjoy a private tour with a Specialized guide in Astronomic Science, where you will visit the Astromonic Sanctuary in Atacama, and you will enjoy the amazing views of constelletions that only Atacama desert offers.

At the set time in the morning you will be taken to the airport in Calama (1 hour away from San Pedro) for your flight to Santiago de Chile and connect with your flight to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival you will be transfer to Torres del Paine National Park. This transfer take 3 hours approx.

Breakfast. Day free to enjoy any of the area’s wonderful treks. We recommend trekking to the Base of the Towers, the most impressive location in the park. Hike through enchanting woodlands and forests until you reach the glacial lake behind which the three imposing, granite towers rise.

Breakfast. Day at leisure to do a different hike. There are plenty of options in the National Park, from very easy hikes to high level hikes.

After breakfast, you will be transfer to Punta Arenas airport to take your flight to Santiago de Chile and connect with your flight Home.

Include:

– All transfers mentioned in the itinerary
– 9 night accommodation
– City Tour Santiago, Chile
– City Tour Valparaíso & Viña del mar
– Altiplanic lagoons & Salar de Atacama tour
– Valle de la Luna & Geysers del Tatio tour
– Excursion to Torres del Paine National Park
– Breakfast & Lunch mentioned in the itinerary

Not include:

– International and / or Internal Flights
– National Parks, Reserves and Museum Tickets (except for exceptions mentioned in the itinerary)
– Optional excursions
– Tips
– Medical or Cancellation Insurance

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