Highlights of Chile
Discover the "Land of Poets" and revel in its beauty
Spend 12 unforgettable nights in Chile, known as the "Land of Poets." Get a taste of city life in Santiago, see striking desert in San Pedro de Atacama and gaze up at gargantuan mountain peaks in Patagonia! After a trip to Chile, you'll be inspired like many others to write poetry about this incredible country.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Santiago (SCL)
- All airport transfers
- 2 nights in Santiago at the Hotel Fundador or similar
- Santiago Historical Downtown City Tour
- One-way, economy class flight from Santiago (SCL) to Calama (CJC)
- 3 nights in San Pedro de Atacama at the Altiplanico San Pedro de Atacama or similar
- Archaeological Tour (Pukara de Quitor & Tulor) (morning)
- Atacama Salt Falt Excursion (afternoon)
- Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache (half-day morning tour)
- Moon Valley and Death Valley Tour
- Tatio Geysers & Machuca Tour
- One-way, economy class flight from Calama (CJC) to Santiago (SCL)
- 1 night in Santiago at the Hotel Fundador or similar
- One-way, economy class flight from Santiago (SCL) to Puerto Montt (PMC)
- Private city tour of Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas (en-route from airport to Puerto Varas hotel)
- 2 nights in Puerto Varas at the Hotel Cabana del Lago or similar
- Petrohue, Todos los Santos Lake and Peulla Excursion
- Lunch in Peulla
- One-way, economy class flight from Puerto Montt (PMC) to Punta Arenas (PUQ)
- 3 nights in Puerto Natales at the Hotel Costaustralis or similar
- Balmaceda & Serrano glaciers sailing tour with lunch*
- Full-day Milodon Cave & Torres del Paine National Park visit, with lunch
- One-way, economy class flight from Punta Arenas (PUQ) to Santiago (SCL)
- 1 night in Santiago at the Hotel Fundador or similar
- Breakfast daily
Great Ways to Explore
-
Discover Chile, one of the longest north-south countries in the world stretching over 2,670 miles!
- Visit Moon Valley in the Atacama desert, named for its textured landscape and one of the driest places on earth.
-
Ride the cable car to the top of Cerro San Cristobal for panoramic views of the bustling capital Santiago.
-
While you sail across Todos Los Santos lake, observe the Osorno, Puntiagudo and Tronador volcanoes.
-
Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia is one of the most beautiful places in the world - see it for yourself!
Nestled between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Chile is a country of extreme and astonishing beauty. From the arid Atacama desert to the snowy peaks of Patagonia, you'll experience Mother Nature at its finest on this complete vacation in Chile!
Begin in Chile's capital of Santiago, where remnants of its colonial past mix with ultramodern, high-rise buildings of the financial center. Enjoy a tour of the historical downtown center and taste Chile on a plate in one of the city's many fine dining restaurants.
Your first destination outside Santiago is San Pedro de Atacama, the most important archaeological center in Chile situated 2,438 meters above sea level. Tour the highlights of the desert including Moon Valley, Death Valley, the lagoons, and El Tatio geysers!
Return to Santiago for one night before flying south to Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas. Visit both port towns and go on an excursion to beautiful Todos los Santos Lake and Peulla village. Continue your journey to Punta Arenas, the southernmost continental town in South America. From your base in Puerto Natales, you will explore the awe-inspiring Patagonia of Southern Chile, from glaciers to caves to granite mountains!
Helpful links for travel to Chile:
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Santiago (SCL)
- All airport transfers
- 2 nights in Santiago at the Hotel Fundador or similar
- Santiago Historical Downtown City Tour
- One-way, economy class flight from Santiago (SCL) to Calama (CJC)
- 3 nights in San Pedro de Atacama at the Altiplanico San Pedro de Atacama or similar
- Archaeological Tour (Pukara de Quitor & Tulor) (morning)
- Atacama Salt Falt Excursion (afternoon)
- Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache (half-day morning tour)
- Moon Valley and Death Valley Tour
- Tatio Geysers & Machuca Tour
- One-way, economy class flight from Calama (CJC) to Santiago (SCL)
- 1 night in Santiago at the Hotel Fundador or similar
- One-way, economy class flight from Santiago (SCL) to Puerto Montt (PMC)
- Private city tour of Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas (en-route from airport to Puerto Varas hotel)
- 2 nights in Puerto Varas at the Hotel Cabana del Lago or similar
- Petrohue, Todos los Santos Lake and Peulla Excursion
- Lunch in Peulla
- One-way, economy class flight from Puerto Montt (PMC) to Punta Arenas (PUQ)
- 3 nights in Puerto Natales at the Hotel Costaustralis or similar
- Balmaceda & Serrano glaciers sailing tour with lunch*
- Full-day Milodon Cave & Torres del Paine National Park visit, with lunch
- One-way, economy class flight from Punta Arenas (PUQ) to Santiago (SCL)
- 1 night in Santiago at the Hotel Fundador or similar
- Breakfast daily
-
Discover Chile, one of the longest north-south countries in the world stretching over 2,670 miles!
- Visit Moon Valley in the Atacama desert, named for its textured landscape and one of the driest places on earth.
-
Ride the cable car to the top of Cerro San Cristobal for panoramic views of the bustling capital Santiago.
-
While you sail across Todos Los Santos lake, observe the Osorno, Puntiagudo and Tronador volcanoes.
-
Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia is one of the most beautiful places in the world - see it for yourself!
Nestled between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Chile is a country of extreme and astonishing beauty. From the arid Atacama desert to the snowy peaks of Patagonia, you'll experience Mother Nature at its finest on this complete vacation in Chile!
Begin in Chile's capital of Santiago, where remnants of its colonial past mix with ultramodern, high-rise buildings of the financial center. Enjoy a tour of the historical downtown center and taste Chile on a plate in one of the city's many fine dining restaurants.
Your first destination outside Santiago is San Pedro de Atacama, the most important archaeological center in Chile situated 2,438 meters above sea level. Tour the highlights of the desert including Moon Valley, Death Valley, the lagoons, and El Tatio geysers!
Return to Santiago for one night before flying south to Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas. Visit both port towns and go on an excursion to beautiful Todos los Santos Lake and Peulla village. Continue your journey to Punta Arenas, the southernmost continental town in South America. From your base in Puerto Natales, you will explore the awe-inspiring Patagonia of Southern Chile, from glaciers to caves to granite mountains!
Helpful links for travel to Chile:
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Santiago!
Say "hola" to Chile! Arrive at Santiago international airport, then hop in a transfer to your hotel. Once you get settled in, head to La Vega Central Market in the Recoleta neighborhood to get a sensory and visual introduction into Chile.
Transfer to Santiago hotel
Check-in - Hotel Fundador
Step into the rhythm of Santiago's lifestyle by staying at Hotel Fundador, which resides in the capital's traditional Paris-London district downtown. The hotel offers a restaurant, a gym, free Wi-Fi, a sauna, a heated swimming pool, and most importantly, a 4-star reputation.
Rooms come with a safe, a minibar, free Wi-Fi, and some offer plush sitting areas. Just a block away is the Universidad de Chile subway station to downtown, which offers a explosion of culture, old-town exploration, and museums. With the hotel as your base, you can see sights like the top of Santa Lucia Hill, the Plaza de Armas, Palacio de la Moneda, and the Museum of Pre-Colombian Art.
Day 2. Santiago
Enjoy a tour taking you to the highlights of Santiago's historical downtown, including Plaza de Armas, plus the Vitacura neighborhood and Alonso de Cordova Avenue.
Later, head to Barrio Italia for great shopping and Parque Metropolitano for a breath of fresh air in Santiago's "green lung."
Santiago Historical Downtown City Tour
Explore Santiago, Chile's capital, which is nestled in the central valley, right below the majestic Andes. Feel the legacy of the "Mapuche" natives, who inhabited this land during the Pre-Colombian era, as well as the modernity of a thriving, booming city. Stroll along beautiful streets, visit interesting museums, admire amazing architecture, and learn all about the city's fascinating history.
Depart from your hotel and get ready to explore! Journey towards the city center, where you will see all of the main attractions. You will visit the Plaza de Armas, where you'll see the Cathedral of Santiago, the Municipality, the Post Office Building, the National History Museum, and more! Stand in awe of the gorgeous Government Palace, where you'll have the opportunity to walk through some of the most traditional streets and neighborhoods in Chile.
The fun's not over yet! Head uptown along the Costanera Highway until you reach the elegant Vitacura neighborhood and the Alonso de Cordova Avenue. Check out the FABA handicraft shop, which specializes in lapis lazuli jewelry, a semi-precious stone found only in Chile and Afghanistan. To conclude a fabulous tour, enjoy a traditional pisco sour while appreciating the beautiful spectacle of colorful jewelry.
Day 3. Santiago - Calama - San Pedro de Atacama
Leave Santiago today and transfer to the airport for your two hour flight to Calama in Northern Chile! You'll then transfer to your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama where you'll be based for the next three nights.
Spend the remainder of the day acclimating to the high altitude and dry weather - coca tea will help!
Transfer to Santiago airport (SCL)
Fly to Calama!
Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama hotel
Check-in - Hotel Altiplanico
Enjoy the scenery and a taste of the local life while enjoying modern convenience at the Hotel Altiplanico. Lovely scenery stretches in every direction, with the Valley of the Moon about 9 miles away. The hotel itself features minimalist style architecture and natural fabrics.
Rooms are outfitted with panoramic terraces, private bathrooms with showers, and a pleasantly simple atmosphere. Guests can enjoy the outdoors on site, a full breakfast daily, an on-site restaurant, free parking, and the accessibility to Calama Airport and Tatio Geysers, both of which is about 60 miles away.
Day 4. San Pedro de Atacama
Today, learn about the Atacama culture from pre-Columbian times until the colonization. Visit the archaeological site of Pukara in the morning, then head to the Atacama Salt Flat in the afternoon and see its famous colonies of flamingos!
Archaeological Tour (Pukara de Quitor & Tulor) (morning)
Visit one of the most important archaeological sites in Chile, Pukará de Quitor, a pre-Hispanic stone fortress dating back to the 17th century. Its great historical importance lies in the “Battle of Quitor,” where one of the first clashes between the Spanish conquistadors and the indigenous people took place.
You'll then learn about the “Culture of San Pedro” in the village of Tulor. Despite its age, the village has been well-preserved thanks to the dry conditions of the region. This ancient construction is probably the first settlement of the Atacama Salt Flat. Finally, visit the Church of San Pedro de Atacama, an adobe church from Spanish colonial times and the second oldest church in Chile!
Atacama Salt Flat Excursion (afternoon)
Begin the tour in Toconao village, towards the Jerez Canyon (Quebrada de Jerez) where you will be able to see the flora and fauna of this beautiful valley, located at an altitude of (8,153 ft. Once in Toconao, stop at San Lucas Church made of mud and straw with a separate bell tower. Visit the local handicraft fair known for its Alpaca wool and creative crafts made of cactus or volcanic stone.
Your tour continues to the fabulous Atacama Salt Flat (Salar de Atacama), the largest in Chile and the third largest in the world. Continue along a small path to the Chaxa Lagoon and be delighted by the different species of pink flamingos. The lagoon is a protected flamingo breeding reservoir and declared Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos (National Reserve). End the tour looking towards the Andes as you enjoy a colorful sunset!
Day 5. San Pedro de Atacama
Today you'll visit several breathtaking lagoons - make sure you pack your swimsuit!
You will then visit two of the Atacama desert's highlights: the Valley of the Moon (Valle de la Luna) and Valley of Death (Valle de la Muerte)!
Moon Valley and Death Valley Tour
Feel like you've entered another planet at the Valley of the Moon (El Valle de la Luna), declared a Nature Sanctuary in 1982 and part of the National Flamingo Reservation. Formed by a depression surrounded by small hills with stunning sharp ridges, the valley's “out of this world” landscapes are truly a sight to behold. This valley is famous for its natural mineral sculptures, one of them being Las Tres Marias (The three Mary’s) formed by the wind erosion and resembling a lunar setting.
Next, visit Death Valley (El Valle de la Muerte) and its sand dunes, which are very popular for sandboarding. Explore its Mars-like landscape (another name for this valley is Mars Valley) and admire Its salt formations that are like works of art. End the tour with a magical sunset at Kari Viewpoint, one of the highest points of the Cordillera de la Sal.
Hidden Lagoons of of Baltinache (Morning Half-Day Tour)
Get ready to visit 7 saltwater lagoons! Bring your swimsuit along on this half-day tour, because you'll be able to swim in a couple of them. Look into the lagoons and stand in awe of the contrast between turquoise water and white salt. These unique lagoons make up some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region!
Day 6. San Pedro de Atacama - Calama - Santiago
Your last tour in the Atacama desert is to El Tatio geysers. Depart at dawn to see its fumaroles (smoke from the geysers) create amazing white steam columns which are best seen between 6am and 7am.
Later, transfer back to Calama airport for your flight back to Santiago.
Transfer to Calama airport (CJC)
Fly to Santiago!
Transfer to Santiago hotel
Check-in - Hotel Fundador
Step into the rhythm of Santiago's lifestyle by staying at Hotel Fundador, which resides in the capital's traditional Paris-London district downtown. The hotel offers a restaurant, a gym, free Wi-Fi, a sauna, a heated swimming pool, and most importantly, a 4-star reputation.
Rooms come with a safe, a minibar, free Wi-Fi, and some offer plush sitting areas. Just a block away is the Universidad de Chile subway station to downtown, which offers a explosion of culture, old-town exploration, and museums. With the hotel as your base, you can see sights like the top of Santa Lucia Hill, the Plaza de Armas, Palacio de la Moneda, and the Museum of Pre-Colombian Art.
Tatio Geysers & Machuca Tour
You will be picked up at dawn from your hotel and head towards the Altiplano to visit El Tatio geysers, one of the most important geothermal fields in the world! Thanks to extremely cold temperatures, you'll be witness to different geothermal manifestations and its fumaroles that easily reach 32 ft high and the geysers up to 27 ft.
After watching this delightful spectacle, relax with a refreshing dip in a hot pool. Taking the same way back, stop for a few minutes in the wetlands of Putana, where you can see different species against the backdrop of the Colorado Volcano. Finally, stop in the village of Machuca, a little town where the original Altiplanic architecture is reflected in the St. James Church.
Day 7. Santiago - Puerto Montt - Puerto Varas
Leave Santiago and fly 1 hr 45 mins to Puerto Montt in the southern part of Chile. Upon arrival, enjoy a tour of Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas en route to your hotel in Puerto Varas.
Transfer to Santiago airport (SCL)
Fly to Puerto Montt!
Transfer to Puerto Varas hotel
Check-in - Cabana del Lago
Take a stroll from the beach right up the front of your hotel, Canaba del Lago, which offers stunning panoramic views of Puerto Varas as well as the volcanoes in the area. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, an on-site restaurant, a heated indoor pool, a fitness center, a daily buffet breakfast, drinks at the hotel bar, and an array of spa treatments.
Rooms come with more than just amenities, they come with mesmerizing views over the water. They also provide a private bathroom, cable TV, a safe, and a minibar. Apartments are also available with lake views, and they come with the addition of a fully-equipped kitchen, dining area, a sofa bed, cable TV, and a balcony.
Private city tour of Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas (en-route from airport to Puerto Varas hotel)
Explore Puerto Varas, known as the "City of Roses." The city is famous for its German traditions mixed with Chilean culture, and some of its highlights are the wooden architecture, local food and crafts, the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church and Costanera Avenue.
The tour continues to Puerto Montt, the region's capital and a commercial and fishing center. As you tour the city, located on the shore of the Pacific Ocean, enjoy panoramic views of the bay and Tenglo Bay. In Puerto Montt, see the cathedral, the colorful seafood market where fishermen going about their daily business, and the handicrafts market of Angelmó with a variety of copper, wool, wood and lapis lazuli products.
Day 8. Puerto Varas - Peulla
Spend the day touring three highlights in this region: Petrohue River, Todos los Santos Lake and Peulla village! Go on boat tours, treks and meet some friendly locals.
Petrohue, Todos los Santos Lake and Peulla Excursion
Depart from your hotel in Puerto Varas towards the south shore of Lake Llanquihue and arrive at Vicente Pérez Rosales Park. See the Petrohue River Falls, where the river water flows over the volcanic lava rocks unfolding to an incredible natural spectacle.
Next, board the navigation that will take you to Peulla, a small ecological village of 120 inhabitants forming part of the tourist circuit Cruce Andino. Sail Todos Los Santos Lake for 1 hr 45 mins, and observe the Osorno, Puntiagudo and Tronador Volcanoes. In Peulla, you will have the opportunity to participate in some of the available outdoor activities, visit the waterfall known as the Bridal Veil or enjoy lunch at Hotel Peulla.
Day 9. Peulla - Puerto Varas - Puerto Natales
Say goodbye to Puerto Varas as you transfer to Puerto Montt for your flight to the the capital city of Chile's southernmost region, Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to Puerto Natales, a base and starting point for travelers going to Patagonia.
Transfer to Puerto Montt airport (PMC)
Fly to Punta Arenas!
Transfer to Puerto Natales hotel
Check-in - Costaustralis Hotel Patagonia
Dig in while staying at the Hotel Costaustralis, which offers its own restaurant, bar, lounge, and coffee shop/cafe for your convenience. Guests can also take advantage of free buffet breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a business center, conference rooms, free parking, and a pool and hot tub that offers stunning views.
Rooms are comfortable, and provide work desks, cable TV, private bathrooms with bathtubs, and beautiful mountain views. the Teniente J. Gallardo Airport is just under 4 miles away.
Day 10. Puerto Natales - Balmaceda & Serrano Glacier - Puerto Natales
Depart from your hotel in Puerto Natales towards the pier around 8am and set sail for a full-day tour of the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers! A boat trip here is one of the most beautiful in the area, and seeing a chunk of ice from a glacier fall into the water will be a memory to last forever.
Balmaceda & Serrano glaciers sailing tour with lunch
Set sail through Puerto Bories and the Last Hope Fjord (Fiordo de Última Esperanza) to see beautiful mountains, falls, farms (estancias) and Patagonian wildlife.
The trip continues along the Balmaceda Glacier, where passengers disembark in Puerto Toro to begin a one hour trekking by the lake border through a forest of native coigüe trees, in the direction of the Serrano Glacier. Enjoy the impressive vegetation and the contrast between clean skies and floating icebergs.
Finally, set sail from Puerto Toro to trek in Eberhard Fjord. Then visit Estancia Perales and enjoy a delicious “Asado al Palo” (typical Magellan barbecue). Return to Puerto Natales at around 5pm.
Day 11. Puerto Natales - Torres del Paine National Park - Puerto Natales
Nothing will prepare you for Torres del Paine National Park, arguably the most stunning national park in South America, if not the world. The granite peaks, turquoise lakes, glaciers and wildlife found here will take your breath away (literally!)
Full-day Milodon Cave & Torres del Paine National Park visit, with lunch
Your tour begins with a visit to Milodon Cave, formed by three caves and a rock conglomerate called Silla del Diablo (Devil’s Chair). The biggest of these caves contains the replica of an extinguished animal called Milodon, a giant herbivore that most likely disappeared during the Pleistocene period.
You'll then head to Torres del Paine National Park, often considered South America's finest national park! Tour the rugged and beautiful landscape and its main attractions - Amarga Lagoon, the Horns of Paine, Salto Grande and Grey Lake. Enjoy lunch at the restaurant of Hosteria Lago Grey.
Day 12. Puerto Natales - Punta Arenas - Santiago
Take one last look at beautiful Patagonia before flying back to Santiago today. In Santiago, take the cable car to the top of Cerro San Cristobal, the perfect place to end your Chile vacation. A trip to the summit includes parkland, botanical gardens, a zoo and two swimming pools.
Transfer to Punta Arenas airport (PUQ)
Fly to Santiago!
Transfer to Santiago hotel
Check-in - Hotel Fundador
Step into the rhythm of Santiago's lifestyle by staying at Hotel Fundador, which resides in the capital's traditional Paris-London district downtown. The hotel offers a restaurant, a gym, free Wi-Fi, a sauna, a heated swimming pool, and most importantly, a 4-star reputation.
Rooms come with a safe, a minibar, free Wi-Fi, and some offer plush sitting areas. Just a block away is the Universidad de Chile subway station to downtown, which offers a explosion of culture, old-town exploration, and museums. With the hotel as your base, you can see sights like the top of Santa Lucia Hill, the Plaza de Armas, Palacio de la Moneda, and the Museum of Pre-Colombian Art.
Day 13. Depart Chile
Your whirlwind Chilean escape ends today. At the scheduled time, transfer back to Santiago airport for your flight home. Flip through your photos and start dreaming of your next adventure!