The Best of Chile : Torres del Paine, Lakes and Atacama Desert

Code: VIS009

Multi-destino - See map

Duration: 14 days/13 nights
Excursions: Shared
Lodging: Included
Starting Point: Santiago Airport
Language: Spanish/English
Departure: Daily (October to April)

The Best of Chile : Torres del Paine, Lakes and Atacama Desert

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Description

The best of Chile in only one full circuit, visiting Lakes district, South Patagonia and worldwide driest desert, the Atacama desert. A travel program with a unique contrast and extreme landscapes.

Price includes

All transfers

Accommodation according program

Entrance fee to parks

Meals mentioned in the itinerary

Price does not include

Air tickets.

Tips.

Meals not mentioned in the itinerary

Others services not mentioned in the itinerary

Passengers from Australia, Taiwan and Canada must pay the RECIPROCITY FEE when entering Argentina, this must be payed online in www.migraciones.gov.ar. Please check this site.
Mentioned hotels or similar

Itinerary

Day 1: Santiago Airport - Santiago - Santiago City Tour Santiago
Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel of your choice.
In the afternoon city tour of the city.

Half day tour. The tour will allow you to know the origin of the city and emblematic places such as the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the Post Office and the Municipality of Santiago. You will also visit La Moneda Palace, the seat of government, and the most traditional neighborhoods of the historic center. The excursion also includes a visit to Santa Lucía Hill, called Huelén by the native peoples, a true urban oasis in the middle of the city center. There you will learn more about the history of Chile and enjoy privileged views of the capital.
Main tourist attractions to visit: Palacio de la Moneda, Barrio Republica, Blanco Encalada, Cumming, Palacio Cousiño, La Plaza de Armas, La Catedral, Mercado Central, Estación Mapocho, Bario Bellavista, Cerro Santa Lucia.

Return to the hotel. Lodging.

Day 02 Santiago - Valparaíso - Viña del Mar
07:40 am. We will depart from Santiago to Viña del Mar and the Port of Valparaíso. First we will visit Viña del Mar, known as the "Garden City" that will captivate us with its architecture, streets, palaces and the Quinta Vergara, the beautiful and ancient amphitheater where the Viña del Mar Festival is held in February.
In the afternoon, we will tour the coastline, the famous Flower Clock to reach the picturesque Port of Valparaiso, a city whose origins date back to 1536, which was declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO and seat of the Legislative Power. A magical city, with picturesque elevators, colorful neighborhoods and unique and unforgettable landscapes. Finally, we will visit the Plaza Sotomayor and the port.
Return to Santiago. Overnight in Santiago.

Day 03: Santiago - Santiago Airport - Punta Arenas - Puerto Natales.
Departure from your hotel in Santiago to the airport. Reception at Punta Arenas airport (we recommend taking the first flight to Punta Arenas to arrive before 12:00 hrs.) Transfer to the bus terminal to board the bus to Puerto Natales. Travel time 03:15 hrs. Arrival to the city, transfer to the hotel, accommodation.

Day 04: Puerto Natales - Torres del Paine National Park.
Breakfast. At approximately 07:30 hrs. departure from your hotel to start the full day excursion that will take us first to the imposing Milodon Cave Natural Monument, and later, to the Torres del Paine National Park, where the welcome is a beautiful panoramic view of the Paine Mountain Range. We will also be able to admire lakes such as Sarmiento, Nordenskjold and Pehoe. Its rich fauna will be present through guanacos and foxes, among others, in addition to a large number of birds easily observed during the tour. A short hike will take us to Salto Grande, a plentiful waterfall, part of the park's hydrographic network. Then, returning to the main road, we will access the administrative headquarters of CONAF, to continue to Grey Lake, where after a short walk (30 minutes) in the middle of an ancient forest we will reach the beach where we can admire a large number of icebergs that fall from the glacier. Lunch is included in the service. At 19:00 hrs. approximately we will arrive to Puerto Natales. Lodging.

Day 05: Puerto Natales - Perito Moreno Glacier - Calafate (exhausting day).
Breakfast. At 06:30 hrs approximately connection with regular bus leaving from Puerto Natales. The journey of this day will be very extensive, approximately 360 km or 5 hours, just to access the Argentine National Park Los Glaciares. Not always crossing Chile into Argentinean territory means crossing the Andes. In the case of our excursion, in Patagonia, the Andes Mountain Range is part of the Patagonian archipelago. Therefore, after crossing the border the dominant landscape will be the immense and windy Patagonian steppe.
During the trip it will be possible to see in the distance Lake Argentino and the Santa Cruz River on its way to the Atlantic Ocean. After arrival in Calafate you will have a short period of time to continue for 80 kms to the park and start the excursion to the Perito Moreno glacier, the only glacier in continuous advance. You access the area of footbridges from where, through a series of stairs that connect different viewpoints you can observe the ice giant. After 2 hours in the place we start our return, contemplating 1 hour to visit the city of Calafate. Approximate arrival to Puerto Natales at 22:30. Lodging.

Includes box lunch and entrance fee to Park.
Do not forget documentation for border crossing, passport and entry card to the country.
Minors with the authorization of both parents.

Day 06: Navigation to Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers - Puerto Natales (21 de Mayo Company)

Breakfast. At approximately 07:30 am transfer from your hotel to the fiscal dock. At 08:00 a.m. we will set sail and start the maritime excursion to the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers. This navigation lasts about 4 hours to Bernardo O'higgins Park. During the trip we will be able to observe the first estancias in the area, as well as a colony of sea lions, cormorants and waterfalls in the middle of lush forests and cliffs, the latter home of the majestic condor. Once in the park, we will arrive at Mount Balmaceda, which, on its eastern shore, allows us to observe from the boat the Glacier of the same name, which is in continuous retreat. Later we will arrive at the Puerto Toro pier, from where we will begin a short hike through the native forest and along the shore of the lake until we reach the foot of the Serrano Glacier. Typical lunch is included at Estancia Perales. Approximately at 5:00 p.m. we will be back in the city of Puerto Natales to take a regular bus that will take us to the city of Punta Arenas. Transfer to your hotel. Lodging.

Day 07: Punta Arenas - Punta Arenas Airport - Punta Arenas Airport - Puerto Montt Airport - Puerto Varas

Breakfast. At a time to be confirmed transfer to Punta Arenas Airport. Flight to Puerto Montt. Reception at El Tepual airport in Puerto Montt and transfer to the hotel in Puerto Varas. Lodging.

Day 08: Puerto Varas - Puerto Montt - Chiloé Island - Castro - Dalcahue

We invite you to visit the area of Chiloé, Castro and Dalcahue.
We will visit the northern part of Chiloé Island. After sailing the Chacao Channel for 30 minutes, observing a great variety of birds, we will arrive at the town of Chacao, to visit the town square and church. We will head towards Dalcahue, where we will stop at the waterfront area for a walk and visit the Artisan Market, Museum and Church and time for lunch. By coastal route we will continue our trip to Castro. We will continue to visit the palafitos of the Gamboa River, the square and its church. Later we will visit the last church of our tour in a town called Nercon.

Then we return to the hotel in Puerto Varas, accommodation.

Day 09: Puerto Varas - Petrohué - Osorno Volcano
Breakfast. Departure from the hotel. A lake of glacial origin and an active volcano are places not to be missed. We will visit the Fundo Playa Venado where we will know the countryside and the cattle activity. Once in the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park we will visit the famous Petrohue River Falls, which with its turquoise color, delights tourists. Then we will arrive to the origin of this river, the Todos los Santos Lake and visit its beaches of volcanic origin and the Museum of the Colonists (not included). Then heading to the foot of the Osorno Volcano, we will stop at Villa Ensenada and continue to the Ski Center located in the place, where we will have time to have lunch and enjoy the surroundings. In the afternoon we will return to the hotel in Puerto Varas.

Day 10: Puerto Varas - Puerto Montt Airport - Santiago Airport - Calama Airport - San Pedro de Atacama
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Puerto Montt airport. Flight to Santiago to connect with flight to Calama. Reception and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, from Calama Airport. Lodging.

Day 11: San Pedro de Atacama - Moon Valley

Reception and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama from Calama airport. In the afternoon, departure from the hotel to the Moon Valley (15:30 in summer and 14:30 in winter, previous confirmation). If you come to San Pedro de Atacama you can not miss this unique place in the world, the Valley of the Moon, in the middle of the deep aridity of the Cordillera de la Sal we find a landscape of salt and clay molded by water and wind over millions of years, in our walk we will visit the Tres Marias, the Canyon, the Duna Mayor and the Amphitheater by the extravagant forms that gives us the mountain range inciting the imagination and reflection for its tranquility. In the late afternoon, we will go to the Kari viewpoint (Piedra del Coyote) to enjoy one of the best views of the Valley of the Moon, to finally finish watching the sunset that, through its colors, gives us a wonderful end to our excursion.

Tour ends in the center of town. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: San Pedro de Atacama - Piedras Rojas, Altiplanic Lagoons, Toconao
Starting time of excursion: 08:30 hrs. In this excursion we will visit Piedras Rojas located in the Salar de Tara with its fascinating and beautiful landscape of reddish color, which stands out for its amazing geological formation, product of the oxidation of iron. Then we head towards the Altiplano to visit the Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons at more than 4,200 meters above sea level, surrounded by large and imposing volcanoes, originated by the elevation of the Andes Mountains and around which you can observe a variety of birds and animals in their natural habitat. We continue the tour to Laguna Chaxa, a scenery of spectacular beauty that is divided into several water mirrors, where a large number of flamingos and other birds such as large and small parinas live. Finally, before returning, while the landscape gives us breathtaking views of the Licancabur and Láscar volcanoes, we will visit Toconao of typical colonial architecture, its bell tower and San Lucas Church, the first National Monument.

Tour ends in the center of town. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13: San Pedro de Atacama - Tatio Geysers - Calama Airport - Santiago Airport - Santiago
Departure during the early morning from hotel in San Pedro de Atacama (05:30 hrs. Pick up at 05:00, subject to confirmation) We will head towards the Tatio Geysers. Our trip to the altiplano begins during the early morning to finally reach one of the most important geothermal fields in the world, the Tatio Geysers, surrounded by water and steam emanations we will enjoy the beauty of the Andes and with this natural scenery we will offer you a replenishing breakfast. Then we will visit the Pozon Rustico where you can enjoy the hot springs that the mountain range gives us. Taking the road back to San Pedro de Atacama you will enjoy the beauty of the landscape, native flora and fauna and finally from a viewpoint we will observe the village of Machuca, a place of ancestral llama shepherds. We will observe flora and fauna of the Putana River as vicuñas, llamas, rheas, vizcachas, flamingos, ducks and seagulls. Tour ends in the center of town.

Transfer to the airport. Flight to Santiago. Reception at the airport. Transfer to hotel in Santiago. Lodging.

Day 14: Santiago - Santiago Airport
Breakfast. Transfer to Santiago airport.

End of our services.

Accommodations

Superior

- Santiago: Cumbres Lastarria, Double Tree by Hilton Kennedy
- Puerto Varas: Hotel Radisson Puerto Varas, Wyndham Puerto Varas Pettra
- Puerto Natales: Hotel Costaustralis, Hotel Martín Gusinde
- San Pedro de Atacama: Hotel Noi Casa Atacama, Hotel Terrantai
or similar category, depending on availability.
Tourist

- Santiago: Diego de Almagro, Panamericana Hotel Providencia
- Puerto Varas: Hotel Bellavista, Hotel Solace
- Puerto Natales: Hotel Lady Florence Dixie, Hotel Saltos del Paine
- San Pedro de Atacama: Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás, Hotel Diego de Almagro San Pedro de Atacama
or similar category, depending on availability.

Important note: In the event that one of the hotels does not have availability, it will be exchanged for a hotel with similar characteristics.

Map

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Faq

The best time to visit Coyhaique and the Carretera Austral is during spring and summer (November to March), when the weather is warmer, the roads are accessible and outdoor activities such as trekking, fishing and sailing can be enjoyed. Autumn (April-May) is also a good time to enjoy the colors of the forests, but some routes may begin to close due to rainfall. In winter, temperatures can be cold and some routes or activities may be limited by snow.

The most common way to get to Coyhaique is by plane from Santiago or Punta Arenas to Balmaceda Airport. From there, you can take private transportation or a guided tour to travel the Carretera Austral. The road is paved in some sections, but in many sectors it is gravel and can be more challenging, so it is advisable to go with an experienced guide or a 4x4 vehicle during the tour.

Tours to Coyhaique and the Carretera Austral often include outdoor activities such as trekking in national parks, boating on lakes and rivers, fly fishing, glacier visits, kayaking excursions, and explorations of the beautiful scenery along the Carretera Austral. Also included are stops in picturesque towns such as Puerto Rio Tranquilo and Cerro Castillo, where you can enjoy the local culture and regional cuisine.

Advanced experience is not necessary, as most tours include moderate trekking routes suitable for people with no previous experience. However, some longer or more challenging treks, such as those in Queulat National Park or to Cerro Castillo, may require good physical condition. Local guides usually adapt the activities according to the level of the participants, so there are options for all levels.

The climate in the region is cold and rainy, with high variability, even during the summer. Temperatures usually range from 5°C to 20°C in summer, but rain and strong winds are common. In winter, temperatures can drop considerably, especially at higher altitudes. It is important to be prepared for sudden changes in climate, so it is recommended to wear waterproof clothing suitable for the cold, regardless of the season.

Yes, travel on the Carretera Austral is generally safe, but due to the geography and climate of the area, some routes can be challenging, especially in winter or when there is heavy rain. It is advisable to travel with a local guide or on an organized tour, as some sections of the road are remote and lack frequent services. In addition, it is important to keep in mind that some sections of the route are gravel, so a suitable vehicle is recommended, especially if you are on your own.

Book in advance, especially in high season (November to March), as the region can be very busy. Be prepared for unpredictable weather, taking adequate clothing for all conditions (raincoat, thermal clothing and hiking boots). If you are traveling on your own, make sure the vehicle is in good condition and carry enough gasoline, as gas stations can be scarce in some stretches. Also, keep in mind that medical services are limited in the more remote areas, so it is advisable to carry a first aid kit and be prepared for any eventuality.

First choose the date on the calendar on your right and tour options. Click on book and then fill in your personal and booking information. Once received we will process your reservation requesting payment by secure credit card and send you vouchers and final instructions.