Essential Chile in 10 days
The best of Chile:
We start in Santiago, the main gate of Chile, where then we will know Vina del Mar, the garden city, and Valparaiso, the jewel of the Pacific, we start our trip to San Pedro de Atacama, in the middle of the most arid desert in the world, to know the valley de la luna, the valley of marte, the salt mountain range, the highland lagoons of miscanti, Socaire, Toconao, the Atacama salt flat, and the chaxa lagoon to close the visit to the region with the tatio geysers. From the desert we travel to Patagonia and from Puerta Natales we will visit the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers, the Milidon cave and the Torres del Paine National Park, with its main attractions, such as Salto grande, Paine, Lake Pehoe and Lake Gray, in addition to its fauna.
Day 1 Santiago ( — )
Meet & Great in Santiago Airport
Upon arrival, meet and greet and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon tour around Santiago, visiting the most important attractions of the city, including a walking tour downtown visiting the “Plaza de Armas” (main square), the Cathedral, Ahumada Boulevard and “La Moneda” (Government Palace) from outside. Then, by vehicle, visit the main avenues of old Santiago, crossing the bohemian Bellavista neighborhood and drive up Santa Lucia Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the Andes. After this, continue to the modern part of Santiago, including its chic neighborhoods, shopping and financial centers. Return to your hotel.
Overnight in selected hotel
Day 2 Santiago – Viña del Mar & Valparaíso – Santiago ( B )
Breakfast at the Hotel . Morning departure to enjoy a delightful visit to two cities located on the Pacific coast that is just one hour and half by car from Santiago. Our drive will take you through Casablanca; known for its fine vineyards). Once we arrive to the coast, we’ll first visit Viña del Mar, also known as the “Garden City” because of its beautiful beaches, lovely parks and flower garden landscapes (such as the famous flower clock). It has become one of the central region’s most important tourism attractions.
The peaceful seascape is an attractive complement for the city’s modern streets and infrastructure, turning it into an entertaining hub in constant movement. Our second destination is the picturesque city-port of Valparaiso, founded in the 16th century. You’ll marvel at the contrast between both cities, as the stylishness and beach culture of Viña is replaced here by a much more popular and artistic style. The port was declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site in 2003 and offers a unique and fascinating architectural adventure. Built on several steep hills above the port, the homes and buildings on the hillsides can be reached by walking along its streets, climbing the long stairs or take the cable cars built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Colorful homes dot the hills forming an irresistible landscape for photo enthusiasts and lovers of traditional sites. Return to your hotel. Overnight in selected hotel
Day 3 Santiago – Calama – San Pedro de Atacama ( B )
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport to board the flight to Calama. Meet and greet and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama through the Domeyko and the salty mountain range. In the afternoon, visit the salty mountain range, the Marte Valley (also called Death Valley) and the Moon Valley to admire the spectacular sunset reflected on this wonderful landscape – nature’s own light show. Return to your hotel. Overnight in selected hotel.
Day 4 San Pedro de Atacama ( B/L )
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, make a 350 kilometers trip, visiting the town of Toconao and Socaire, and the Chaxa lagoon in the Atacama Salt Flat, habitat for pink flamingos. Continue towards the Altiplanic lagoons Meñiques and Miscanti, located at 4.500 meters above sea level (14.850 feet above sea level). This area is a part of the Flamingos National Reserve. These lagoons are surrounded by impressive volcanoes that were formed when the Andes Mountain Range rose from the sea through millions of years of evolution. Lunch included in a local restaurant
Overnight in selected hotel
Day 5 San Pedro de Atacama – Calama – Santiago (B)
Early departure from your hotel (approx. 04:00 AM) to the Tatio geysers. Breakfast box at the geysers before a gentle guided walk around the geothermal field with observation of the natural phenomenon of the steam columns which are viewed at their best as the sun rises over the Andes. Return to San Pedro de Atacama with spectacular views of the Torcopuri y Sairecabur volcanoes. Upon arrival in San Pedro de Atacama, time for lunch and in the afternoon transfer to Calama airport
At agreed time transfer to Calama airport to board your flight back to Santiago
Overnight in hotel located near to the Airport
Day 6 Santiago – Punta Arenas – Puerto Natales ( B )
Breakfast at the hotel.
At agreed time board flight to Punta Arenas
Upon arrival, meet with our guide at the airport , who will assist you in connecting with the regular bus to Puerto Natales. Arrival in Puerto Natales, meet and greet and transfer to the selected hotel. Overnight in selected hotel
Day 7 Puerto Natales ( B/L )
Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day excursion to the Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers with lunch included. Early in the morning, sail from Puerto Natales, visiting the beautiful Ultima Esperanza Fjord. After a 3-hour navigation, arrive to the thousand-year-old glacier of Mount Balmaceda, habitat of cormorants and sea lions. At the end of the fjord, disembark and walk approximately 1 kilometer (3/4 mile) on a path through the middle of a wonderful native forest to the foot of the Serrano Glacier and from there, admire this huge natural wonder. In the afternoon, return to Puerto Natales.
Overnight in selected hotel
Day 8 Puerto Natales–Torres del Paine–Puerto Natales ( B/L )
Breakfast at the hotel. Full day excursion with lunch included, visiting Torres del Paine National Park. Departure from Puerto Natales, the first place to visit is the Milodón Cave. Continue through steppes and Patagonia scrub, full of abundant wildlife and herds of sheep, up to Torres del Paine National Park declared world heritage by UNESCO. In the park, a large variety of native fauna, especially large herds of guanacos can be observed. Visit the Salto Grande of the Pehoe River, with the impressive mountain massif of Torres del Paine in the background. Then visit Lake Pehoe, Lake Grey, from where you will see the Grey Glacier in the distance. Return to Puerto Natales.
Overnight in selected hotel
Day 09 Puerto Natales–Punta Arenas–Santiago ( B )
Breakfast at the hotel
Transfer to the bus station and take the regular bus to Punta Arenas airport to board the flight to Santiago. Meet and greet at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in selected hotel
Day 10 Santiago ( B )
Breakfast at the hotel. At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport to board your flight to your next destination.
End of our services
You can extend your trip with south of Argentina or other places in Chile, ( look at start packages Chile )
Rate includes:
- Regular (SIB) transfer and excursions , with English local guide assistance
- Transfer from Calama to San Pedro de Atacama (o v.v.) – doesn`t include guide
- Public ticket bus from Punta Arena/Puerto Natales/Punta Arenas – doesn`t include guide
- Exc. Navigation Serrano & Balmaceda Glacier available only in SIB services with English &Spanish local guide.
- Transfer Hotel/Pier/Hotel (o vv) doesn`t include guide
- Entrance to parks
- Accomodation with breakfast in the indicated hotels
- Meals as indicated in the program
B = breakfast L = Lunch or box lunch D = dinner
Rates do not include:
- Early Check-in or Late Check-out.
- Meals not indicated in the program, drinks or any extras
- Extras not mentioned in the program .
- Tips
- Flights and boarding fees
Important:
The itinerary can be changed according to flight schedules, weather conditions or to provide better service.
The Museums are closed the Monday
Excursions in San Pedro de Atacama, due to the altitude, aren’t recommended for children under 7 years old, pregnant women, elderly passengers and/or passengers with heart diseases (altitudes of 4,200 meters above sea level.)
(*) New year Supplement departure December 28th
