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Explore the stunning landscapes of Chile on this holiday, which combines the glaciers, ice blue lakes and mountains of Chilean Patagonia with the geysers and salt flats of the Atacama Desert. Spend time walking in Torres del Paine National Park, take a boat to see the Grey Glacier & explore historic Valparaiso. English speaking guides, all transfers & specified sightseeing included.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Santiago • Chilean Patagonia • Torres Del Paine • Grey Glacier
• Walking & Hiking • San Pedro de Atacama • Salt Flats & Moon Valley • El Tatio Geysers
• Altiplanic Lagoons • Valparaiso
Day 1 : Arrival
You will be met at Santiago Airport and transferred into the capital of Santiago de Chile.
Check into your hotel in this sophisticated and cosmopolitan city, situated in a valley surrounded by the snow-capped Andes Mountains and the beautiful Chilean Coastal Range.
Day 2 : Santiago
After a morning at leisure, this afternoon enjoy a half day private tour of the modern city of Santiago.
We start in the downtown area of this relatively compact city, where modern buildings have transformed the landscape, and visit Santa Lucia Hill where the city of Santiago was founded in 1541.
We continue to the Plaza de Armas in the heart of the old colonial city and bustling Ahumada Boulevard with its many shops, street performers and vendors. Here you will be able to see some beautiful neo-classical buildings – including the 18th century Cathedral of Santiago and the early 19th century Royal Court Palace, which now houses the National History Museum. Also enjoy outside views of the Municipal Offices, the Post Office and the current Presidential Palace, La Moneda. You will have the opportunity to taste a ‘Pisco Sour’, see local handcrafts and walk through some of the more traditional streets of the city, before being dropped off at your hotel.
Note: Most museums are closed on Mondays.
Day 3 : Santiago
Today is free to explore the modern city of Santiago independently.
We suggest you take the Hop Off Bus which stops at all the key attractions, including the cable car up to the enormous Metropolitan Park. At over 750 hectares, this beautiful urban park is the largest in South America - covering San Cristóbal Hill as well as the Chacarillas and Los Gemelos hills. Afterwards take the funicular back down to the city.
You can visit the Pre-Colombian Museum and it is also fun to watch the changing of the guards in front of the La Moneda Presidential Palace, which takes place at 10 am every second day.
Day 4 : Torres Del Paine National Park
Transfer to Santiago Airport for your onward flight.
You will be met at Punta Arenas Airport and transferred 4-hours across the dry scrubland of the Magellanic Steppe to Torres del Paine National Park - a 242,000 hectare UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its soaring mountains, electric-blue lakes and many glaciers.
We drive past several large cattle estancias, which are home to the Chilean 'baqueanos' (also called 'huasos' or cowboys), who drink a distinctive caffeine-rich herbal tea known as 'mate', served in a round cup, and love to compete in local rodeos.
After a short stop in Puerto Natales, a former fishing town situated on the Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope) Sound, we continue across the Patagonian Steppe. A variety of rare wildlife can be seen in these pampas (lowlands) including the elegant guanaco, a type of humpless camel related to the llama and the lesser rhea, which is related to the ostrich and emu. You may see giant condors soaring in the thermals, as well as eagles. Grey and red fox also live here, but are rarely seen.
After seeing your first postcard views of the Paine Massif, we enter Torres del Paine National Park. Here the landscape changes dramatically to spectacular glacier lakes frequented by marine birds, lofty waterfalls and magnificent granite mountain peaks covered by ice. The enormous Campo de Hielo Sur icecap gives the park four main glaciers - Grey, Dickson, Zapata and Tyndall. Two other glaciers descend from the west side of the central massif. Check into your lodge in these spectacular surroundings.
Note: Your airport driver will only speak Spanish.
Day 5 : Torres Del Paine National Park
At leisure to relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery of Torres Del Paine National Park.
Activities vary by lodge, but most daily excursions to view the chain of beautiful glacier lakes that flow into Lake Pehoé. These include:
Lake Amarga ('Bitter Lake') which has one of the best views of the three granite Torres Del Paine ('Towers of Blue') from which the park takes its name. Flamingos can sometimes be seen here.
Lake Azul with its azure blue waters and wonderful views.
Lake Nordenskjold lookout, with its view over the different peaks of the Paine Massif, including the famous 'horns' (Cuernos del Paine) and Paine Grande, the highest mountain at over 10,000 ft (3,050 m).
Salto Grande Waterfall where you can walk 15-minutes to get really close to this powder blue cascade.
Lake Grey where you can walk across a hanging bridge over the Pingo River to the shores of the lake. From here walk 30-minutes each way to get up close to the spectacular blue icebergs that fall from the Grey Glacier, which can be seen in the distance.
The Lake Grey Glacier boat ride is also not to be missed. This navigation will take you right up to the face of this mighty glacier..
.
Walkers and hikers will also be spoilt for choice, with options ranging from easy to extremely tough:
The Fauna Trail in the eastern section of the park is an easy 1.5-hour walk (3-hours if done both ways) to a cave with some old paintings. Guanaco are plentiful on these open plains and this is therefore the habitat of their main predator - the elusive puma (also called mountain lion, or cougar) - but as they are nocturnal and have excellent camouflage they are rarely seen.
The Condor Lookout (2-hours) is a steeper but still relatively easy hike up to the nesting grounds of these huge vultures.
The Base of the Towers is an iconic hike to the base of the Torres Del Paine, but it is an extremely tough (and steep) all day hike that takes 8 to 9 hours.
The W Trek is a 4-day hike that combines the Base of the Towers with a W-shaped route around the front of the Paine Massif and into two valleys, but the first part of it can be done as a day hike. The hike is long, but not difficult.
Ice Hike on Grey Glacier (6-hours) is a challenging but thrilling hike on ice, using crampons that are provided.
If you would like to horse ride through this spectacular scenery, be sure to request an estancia (ranch) situated near the entrance to the park.
Note: Lodge charges vary depending upon the programme you have booked (see lodge notes). If you have booked on an all-inclusive basis most of these activities are usually included, but supplements may be payable for the Grey Glacier navigation and the Ice Hike.
Day 6 : Torres Del Paine National Park
At leisure to relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery of Torres Del Paine National Park.
Activities vary by lodge, but most daily excursions to view the chain of beautiful glacier lakes that flow into Lake Pehoé. These include:
Lake Amarga ('Bitter Lake') which has one of the best views of the three granite Torres Del Paine ('Towers of Blue') from which the park takes its name. Flamingos can sometimes be seen here.
Lake Azul with its azure blue waters and wonderful views.
Lake Nordenskjold lookout, with its view over the different peaks of the Paine Massif, including the famous 'horns' (Cuernos del Paine) and Paine Grande, the highest mountain at over 10,000 ft (3,050 m).
Salto Grande Waterfall where you can walk 15-minutes to get really close to this powder blue cascade.
Lake Grey where you can walk across a hanging bridge over the Pingo River to the shores of the lake. From here walk 30-minutes each way to get up close to the spectacular blue icebergs that fall from the Grey Glacier, which can be seen in the distance.
The Lake Grey Glacier boat ride is also not to be missed. This navigation will take you right up to the face of this mighty glacier..
.
Walkers and hikers will also be spoilt for choice, with options ranging from easy to extremely tough:
The Fauna Trail in the eastern section of the park is an easy 1.5-hour walk (3-hours if done both ways) to a cave with some old paintings. Guanaco are plentiful on these open plains and this is therefore the habitat of their main predator - the elusive puma (also called mountain lion, or cougar) - but as they are nocturnal and have excellent camouflage they are rarely seen.
The Condor Lookout (2-hours) is a steeper but still relatively easy hike up to the nesting grounds of these huge vultures.
The Base of the Towers is an iconic hike to the base of the Torres Del Paine, but it is an extremely tough (and steep) all day hike that takes 8 to 9 hours.
The W Trek is a 4-day hike that combines the Base of the Towers with a W-shaped route around the front of the Paine Massif and into two valleys, but the first part of it can be done as a day hike. The hike is long, but not difficult.
Ice Hike on Grey Glacier (6-hours) is a challenging but thrilling hike on ice, using crampons that are provided.
If you would like to horse ride through this spectacular scenery, be sure to request an estancia (ranch) situated near the entrance to the park.
Note: Lodge charges vary depending upon the programme you have booked (see lodge notes). If you have booked on an all-inclusive basis most of these activities are usually included, but supplements may be payable for the Grey Glacier navigation and the Ice Hike.
Day 7 : Torres Del Paine National Park
At leisure to relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery of Torres Del Paine National Park.
Activities vary by lodge, but most daily excursions to view the chain of beautiful glacier lakes that flow into Lake Pehoé. These include:
Lake Amarga ('Bitter Lake') which has one of the best views of the three granite Torres Del Paine ('Towers of Blue') from which the park takes its name. Flamingos can sometimes be seen here.
Lake Azul with its azure blue waters and wonderful views.
Lake Nordenskjold lookout, with its view over the different peaks of the Paine Massif, including the famous 'horns' (Cuernos del Paine) and Paine Grande, the highest mountain at over 10,000 ft (3,050 m).
Salto Grande Waterfall where you can walk 15-minutes to get really close to this powder blue cascade.
Lake Grey where you can walk across a hanging bridge over the Pingo River to the shores of the lake. From here walk 30-minutes each way to get up close to the spectacular blue icebergs that fall from the Grey Glacier, which can be seen in the distance.
The Lake Grey Glacier boat ride is also not to be missed. This navigation will take you right up to the face of this mighty glacier..
.
Walkers and hikers will also be spoilt for choice, with options ranging from easy to extremely tough:
The Fauna Trail in the eastern section of the park is an easy 1.5-hour walk (3-hours if done both ways) to a cave with some old paintings. Guanaco are plentiful on these open plains and this is therefore the habitat of their main predator - the elusive puma (also called mountain lion, or cougar) - but as they are nocturnal and have excellent camouflage they are rarely seen.
The Condor Lookout (2-hours) is a steeper but still relatively easy hike up to the nesting grounds of these huge vultures.
The Base of the Towers is an iconic hike to the base of the Torres Del Paine, but it is an extremely tough (and steep) all day hike that takes 8 to 9 hours.
The W Trek is a 4-day hike that combines the Base of the Towers with a W-shaped route around the front of the Paine Massif and into two valleys, but the first part of it can be done as a day hike. The hike is long, but not difficult.
Ice Hike on Grey Glacier (6-hours) is a challenging but thrilling hike on ice, using crampons that are provided.
If you would like to horse ride through this spectacular scenery, be sure to request an estancia (ranch) situated near the entrance to the park.
Note: Lodge charges vary depending upon the programme you have booked (see lodge notes). If you have booked on an all-inclusive basis most of these activities are usually included, but supplements may be payable for the Grey Glacier navigation and the Ice Hike.
Day 8 : Santiago
Today transfer 4-hours to Punta Arenas Airport for your onward flight.
Note: Your airport driver will only speak Spanish.
Arrive at Santiago Airport and make your own way to your hotel situated on the airport complex.
Check in and relax in the shadow of the Andes Mountains.
Day 9 : Salt Mountains
Make your own way to Santiago Airport for your onward flight.
You will be met at Calama Airport and transferred 1.5-hours across the vast copper-rich plains of the desert and through the Salt Mountains to the small town of San Pedro de Atacama.
Extending for over 600 miles (1,000 km), this enormous plateau of salt lakes, sand, larva and stony terrain is situated between two high mountain ranges - the Andes to the east and the Chilean Coastal Range to the west. As a result, the Atacama receives virtually no rain whatsoever - making it the driest and oldest desert in the world, with landscapes that will take your breath away.
Note: Your driver from Calama will only speak Spanish.
Day 10 : Atacama Salt Flats
Today enjoy a full day shared tour to the crystalline Atacama Salt Flats (Salar de Atacama), the largest in Chile and the third largest in the world.
We drive 1-hour to these astonishing salt flats, surrounded by the Andes to the east and the Cordillera de Domeyko to the west. Small lagoons have formed where water has broken through the crusted salt, with no drainage outlets and one of the largest lithium reserves in the world. We visit Chaxa Lagoon in the National Flamingo Reserve, where you can photograph this magnificent scenery and hope to see three different species of flamingo - Chilean, Andean & James’s - as well as other waterbirds that nest and feed on these mineral-rich waters, such as the puna plover and red-gartered coot. Most activity occurs at sunrise, when you may see a pinkish hue rising over the horizon. As the air warms up, this dissipates as the birds take flight over the lake.
We then venture higher into the Andes, to view the amazingly landscapes and dramatic blue waters of Meñique and Miscanti - two Altiplanic lagoons located at over 14,000 ft (4,300 m) at the foot of impressive volcanoes that were formed when these mountains rose from the sea. Take in the varying landscapes as we drive to these lagoons, travelling through stunning and ever changing scenery. You may see wild vicuña and rhea along the way, as well as some birds on the lakes. On arrival enjoy a 20-minute walk down to one of the lakes, where you can observe the birds and any wildlife.
On the return journey we stop at the small village of Socaire, where you can observe local life and visit their small traditional church. We can also stop in the picturesque local village of Toconao, with its main square and classic Atacamenian bell tower built in 1750 from cactus wood, mud and straw. Here we visit the small church of San Lucas, before returning to San Pedro. Lunch is included today.
Note: Please be aware the Altiplanic Lagoons are at high altitude, so this excursion should not be undertaken by anyone with a heart condition. Dress warmly with thermal clothing, warm jacket, fleece, beanie, scarf and glovers - as the outdoor temperature at the lagoons will be very cold.
Day 11 : El Tatio Geysers
Depart before dawn today on a 6.5-hour shared excursion to the El Tatio Geysers, the largest geyser field in the southern hemisphere and the third largest in the world.
We drive 2.5-hours to this astonishing geothermal field situated at over 14,000 ft (4,300 m) above sea level, with geysers that have steam fumaroles that can easily reach over 33 ft (10 m). We arrive at sunrise when these columns of steam condense in the cold air, set against a backdrop of the imposing Andes with its multiple colours. Walk around the geyser field before these steam plumes disappear as the air warms up, followed by a picnic breakfast. If you are brave, take your swimming costume for a quick dip in the hot geyser pool - but be warned, the surrounding temperature will be below freezing when you emerge!
On the way back to San Pedro, enjoy spectacular views of the Torcopuri y Sairecabur Volcanoes and the Putana Wetlands, where we make a short stop. Here you can see several species of birds that live in these high altitude wetlands that freeze overnight - including the Giant coot, Andean flamingo, Chilean flamingo, Andean goose and a variety of coots, teals, gulls and ducks. You may also see vicuña (an elegant wild camelid) or rhea (a small ostrich), both of which have adapted to live in these harsh conditions, or even a viscacha (a rodent that looks like a long-tailed rabbit). Our final stop is at the small village of Machuca, where you can see how the local pleople live and view the Altiplanic architecture of their small St. James Church.
Note: Please be aware the El Tatio Geysers are at high altitude, so this excursion should not be undertaken by anyone with a heart condition. Dress warmly with thermal clothing, warm jacket, fleece, beanie, scarf and glovers - as the temperature at the geysers will be below freezing at dawn.
Day 12 : Pukará De Quitor
This morning participate in a shared tour to one of the most important archeological sites of the region.
Pukará de Quitor is a pre-Colombian 17th century stone fortress that was the site of the Battle of Quitor in 1540 - one of the first clashes between the indigenous people and the invading Spanish conquistadors. We continue to the well-preserved ancient village of Tulor, probably the first settlement of the Atacama salt flats, to learn more about the local culture. We also visit the Church of San Pedro, before returning to our hotel.
In the mid-afternoon we head out again on another shared excursion, this time driving 20-minutes to the Salt Mountains (Cordillera de la Sal) situated in the National Flamingo Reserve. Here we walk for 20-minutes each way (the last section is quite steep) to view the dramatic lunar landscapes of Moon Valley, with many natural mineral sculptures formed by wind erosion. We also walk 10-minutes each way to see some unusual sculptured salt formations and a small cave.
At the end of the day enjoy a magical sunset at Kari Viewpoint, one of the highest points in the Salt Mountains that overlooks the dunes of Death Valley favoured by sand boarders. Seeing the colours of the hills changing as the sun sets, will be a memory that will last a lifetime.
Day 13 : Valparaiso
Transfer 1.5-hours to Calama Airport for your onward flight.
Note: Your driver will only speak Spanish.
You will be met at Santiago Airport and transferred 1.5-hours to the historic seaport of Valparaiso.
Check into your hotel in Valparaiso, the second largest city in the country and home to the Chilean Parliament (the Congress of Chile). Prior to the opening of the Panama Canal, this cosmopolitan city was the most important Pacific seaport on the crucial trade route that linked the American west coast with Europe, via the Strait of Magellan.
Note: Your airport driver will only speak Spanish.
Day 14 : Valparaiso
This morning enjoy a 3-hour private Walking Tour of the lively and chaotic city of Valparaiso, with its quirky and eclectic architecture, many parks, historic monuments, bars and restaurants.
The homes around this natural harbour were built over 42 steep hills, two of which - Alegre ('Happy') and Concepcion - are now UNESCO World Heritage sites Their many stairways, colourful houses, old funicular elevators and trolleybuses are a real feature - as is the amazing graffiti you will find everywhere. The most important square is Plaza Sotomayor, which is situated on the sea shore.
Your afternoon is free to explore more of Valparaiso independently.
Day 15 : Departure
Transfer 1.5-hours to Santiago Airport for your flight home.
Note: Your airport driver will only speak Spanish.
No of pax | Age Limit | Price per pax (Rs) |
---|---|---|
Adult | Above 12 years | $ 3531 / Adult |
* Mentioned prices may vary depending upon date of travel, hotel availability, surge pricing and seasonal rush.
Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.
Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
* Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.
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