DAY 1: ARRIVAL PUNTA ARENAS

Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, you are met and transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore Punta Arenas. In the evening, we have our introductory meeting and dinner.

 

DAY 2: TO TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK

Today, we drive to Torres del Paine National Park, enjoying the spectacular scenery on the way. On our way, we will have lunch in the charming town of Puerto Natales. Torres del Paine National Park, in Chilean Patagonia, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is one of the most remote, unspoiled and beautiful places on Earth.
Overnight in the Paine area.

 

DAY 3: NORDENSKJOLD AND GREY LAKES

We spend the day exploring Torres del Paine National Park, including unique views of the towers and horns, as well as the colorful Nordenskjold and Grey Lakes, with their pristine blue waters and icebergs.

We have short walks during the day (an hour or so in length) and for those who wish for more walking, this can also be arranged. There is a variety of flora and fauna found in the park, from grasslands to forests. Some of the fauna that populate the park include guanacos, rheas, condors, mountain lions, foxes and a wide variety of birds. 
Overnight in the Paine area.

 

DAY 4: TO PUERTO NATALES

Today, we explore the northern part of Paine National Park for yet more spectacular views of Chilean Patagonia. We then visit Milodon Cave, where, in the late 19th century, Captain Eberhard found bones and fur of a long extinct giant ground sloth. We then continue on to Puerto Natales. 
Overnight in Puerto Natales.

 

DAY 5: TO PUERTO VARAS

We have some time for sightseeing on this leisurely travel day. We have a short flight from Puerto Natales to Puerto Montt and then transfer to Puerto Varas.

Located on the southern shore of Lago Llanquihue, facing the cone of the Osorno Volcano, Puerto Varas combines the best of the area's nature and culture. Originally settled by the Germans in the mid-to-late 19th century, the town itself is charming. 
Overnight in Puerto Varas.

 

DAY 6: VOLCANOES AND PETROHUÉ RAPIDS

Weather permitting, today we will have breathtaking views of some of the many stunning volcanoes found in the Lake District. We drive along the lake towards the Osorno volcano, most likely one of the most beautiful cones in the world, due to its nearly perfect shape. On our way, we pass close to the Calbuco volcano with its blown-off top. As we drive up the Osorno, which may be still in the clouds, we will have better views of the Puntiagudo and Tronador volcanoes, the latter one being the highest peak in the area (over 11,000 ft) and on the border with Argentina.

Once back at lake level, we drive further east to reach the stunning All Saints Lake (Todos los Santos) with its emerald color, and will have lunch close to the shore.

After lunch we drive to the Petrohué Rapids in the Petrohué River that drains the All Saints Lake. We will have time for one or two short strolls and enjoy unbelievable views of the rapids with the Osorno in the background and the forested mountains around. After our visit, we will drive back to Puerto Varas. Time permitting, you may be able to visit the town on your own. 
Overnight in Puerto Varas.

 

DAY 7: TO SANTIAGO

A short drive this morning takes us back to Puerto Montt where there may be time to visit the Angelmo Fish and Flea Market before boarding our flight to the capital, Santiago de Chile. Upon arrival, we take in the sights of the city - visiting the historic center, which includes the Presidential House "La Moneda" and Constitution Square, the ex-National Congress and Justice Tribunal buildings enroute to the impressive Plaza de Armas. 

We visit one of the world's largest urban parks, San Cristobal Hill. This lush park includes a zoo, a cable car, international gardens and restaurants. At the top of San Cristobal Hill, there are spectacular panoramic views of the city. Crowning the hilltop are beautiful tiered gardens and an impressive statue of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception that can be seen from most points in the city. 
Overnight in Santiago.

 

DAY 8: VALPARAISO

Today, we discover the exceptional beauty of Valparaiso, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003. Prior to the construction of the Panama Canal in 1914, the port of Valparaiso was the most important in the South Pacific. Ships from around the world called here once they rounded Cape Horn or passed through the Strait of Magellan. 

Here we explore a labyrinth of streets that stretch over the many-tiered hillsides facing the bay and see an antique funicular (wooden cable-car elevator) that transports residents up and down the hills. We see the imaginative architecture and bright colors of the centenarian homes built by the first European settlers - most of which were English and German. 

Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean as we visit the 21st of May Hill with its Naval Museum and barracks. Other highlights include the Turri Clock, Stock Exchange, and El Mercurio Newspaper building, as well as the "Plaza Sotomayor" with its impressive Naval Heroes Monument, ex-Intendencia and Justice Tribunal buildings.
We return to Santiago for our overnight.

 

DAY 9: WINE TASTING IN THE MAIPO VALLEY

Today, we learn all about the history and magic of wine-making in some of the most prestigious wineries in Chile. We visit a winery to watch the wine-making process, and take a walk around the vineyards, the production plant, the wine cellar and see the final product bottled. 
We hope to visit at least two wineries today before returning to Santiago.
Overnight in Santiago

 

DAY 10: FLY TO CALAMA AND DRIVE TO SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA

We depart Santiago and fly to Calama. Upon arrival we will drive to the small town of San Pedro de Atacama. After checking in to our hotel we will have time to relax and settle in before embarking on the next leg of our adventure.
Overnight in San Pedro

 

DAY 11: THE ATACAMA DESERT, MOON VALLEY

We spend the morning at leisure in the legendary and original adobe town of San Pedro de Atacama, an oasis in the world's driest and perhaps most beautiful desert, with its impressive geological formations and stunning scenery. We visit San Pedro's great museum (pending the re-opening after extensive renovations.)

In the late afternoon, we visit the magnificent reddish clay and salt range, better known as the world famous Moon Valley. Watching the sunset here is a must. 
Overnight in San Pedro.

 

DAY 12: ALTIPLANIC LAGOONS, TOCONAO & SOCAIRE

This incredible excursion will begin when we leave for the Salar de Atacama where we will be able to observe two or three different species of flamingos in the Chaxa lagoon. Later, we will continue to the impressive Miscanti and Meñique altiplanic lagoons, located at an elevation of 4,200 m (13,500 ft). These deep blue waters are surrounded by volcanoes and a wonderful landscape. Later we will visit the charming town of Socaire, famous for its agricultural terraces. Then move on to the town of Toconao, built with volcanic rock and renowned for the spectacular views it offers of the Salar de Atacama.
Overnight in San Pedro

 

DAY 13: THE ATACAMA DESERT, TATIO GEYSERS

Very early morning drive to visit the massive and impressive area of Tatio Geysers. There are hundreds of geysers in the area and most of them are active. The best time of the day to see the geysers erupting is in the early morning when the low temperature allows us to see the steam. It is truly a remarkable sight. Return to San Pedro with some time at leisure this afternoon. 
Overnight in San Pedro.

 

DAY 14: PURITAMA HOT SPRINGS

This morning we drive to the delightful Puritama Hot Springs, a series of hot pools (temperature is approx 34°C). A perfect place to feel completely cleansed and refreshed before heading back to San Pedro for lunch. 

This afternoon is free to explore the town. You can even hire a bike or horse for the afternoon! San Pedro is a great place to get around on your own as there is almost no traffic; everything is accessible by foot, from the handicraft market to the town post office.
Overnight in San Pedro.

 

DAY 15: DRIVE TO CALAMA, FLY TO SANTIAGO

Enjoy our last glimpse of the Atacama region during the drive to Calama and during the flight to Santiago, with stunning views of the Andes. Arrive in Santiago late afternoon. 

Overnight in Santiago.

 

DAY 16: DEPART SANTIAGO

Today we depart for our homeward flights.