Chile tour, Atacama desert, Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Wine, Hiking

Discover Chile's extremes on this multi-destination 13 day trip taking you through the country's highlights. From the world's driest desert to the volcanic peaks, the wild Patagonian steppe and the country's vineyards, this trip has everything for an adventurous scenic Chilean adventure!

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Introduction

Code:

CIR 001

Trip Style:

Multi-Activity

Operational Season:

November to April

Departures:

Every day on request

Accommodation:

12 overnight stays in 3-4 star hotels. If the following are not available, alternatives will be offered (with prior notice):
Nights 1-2 Hotel Meridiano Sur
Nights 3-5 Poblado Kimal
Nights 6-8 Hotel Casa Kalfu
Nights 9-11 EcoCamp Patagonia
Night 12 Hotel Meridiano Sur

Highlights:

Introduction to Santiago
Premium Chilean Wineries
Atacama Desert
Hike Alerce Andino NP
World class Rafting
Superb Trekking
EcoCamp Patagonia
Torres del Paine NP
Unique Fauna & Flora
Sailing Grey Glacier

Brief Itinerary:

day 1 Arrival Santiago – Walking City Tour
day 2 Full day Bike & Wine Tour
day 3 Flight to San Pedro – Moon Valley Bike Tour
day 4 Full day Salt Lake Atacama & Lagoons
day 5 Full day Geysers El Tatio
day 6 Flight to Puerto Varas
day 7 Half day Rafting Petrohue River
day 8 Full day Hiking Alerce Andino NP
day 9 Flight to Punta Arenas
day 10 Full day Patagonian Wildlife Safari (sample itinerary)
day 11 Full day Sailing Grey Glacier (sample itinerary)
day 12 Flight to Santiago
day 13 Flight home

Itinerary

Tour Itinerary

Day 1, Bienvenidos a Chile!

Santiago de Chile

After landing at Santiago airport and clearing customs, you will be met by a Cascada representative and driven to your hotel in a private hotel transfer. You will have time to relax after checking into your cozy hotel before being picked up for a City Walking Tour.

The tour begins with us driving downtown to famous landmarks including the central fish market and ‘Plaza de Armas’, Santiago’s main square and kilometer zero (the point from which all distances in the country are measured). We visit the ‘Alameda’, the main street of the city centre, via busy pedestrian walkway ‘Paseo Ahumada’, famous for its crowds, shops, and diversity of people. After visiting Chile's presidential palace ‘La Moneda’, a symbol of Chile’s political past and its famously turbulent history, we climb Cerro Santa Lucía, where Santiago was founded in 1541 by Pedro Valdivia. Our tour finishes by visiting the bohemian Lastarria neighborhood, lined with cafés, restaurants, small theaters, bookstores and boutique shops.

Day 2, Bike & Wine Adventure

Maipo Valley, Chile

In the morning we're picked up from the hotel and driven south to wine country. Once we arrive in the famous Maipo valley, we offload the bikes and start riding past vineyards and small villages. We stop to visit three vinyards, all varying in history and in the wine they produce.

The first vinyard is a rustic, family-owned estate producing a wide variety of wine including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere (thought to be extinct until its rediscovery in Chile in 1994). The second is a contemporary vineyard started by a wealthy Santiago family to produce high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Syrah and Cot (Chile’s version of the famous Argentine Malbec). The third is a 100% organic vineyard where we taste wine directly from the tanks. After the final vineyard we drive to a countryside restaurant for lunch.

Satisfied after great food, wine and the scenic bike ride, we return to our hotel in Santiago.

Day 3, Arrival in Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

This morning you'll check out of the hotel and be driven to the airport in a private transfer. After a short scenic flight you'll arrive in Calama and be driven to San Pedro de Atacama, in the middle of the desert, where you'll check into your hotel.

In the afternoon you'll have a little time to acclimatise before being whisked off on a bike tour to Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), located 13km/8 miles west of San Pedro in the Salt Mountain Range. The valley has beautifully strange lunar landscapes and is considered one of the driest places on the planet. Cycling towards Valle de la Luna in time to witness a spectacular sunset, you'll feel the immensity of the desert stretching out all around you. Light refreshments and a specialist guide will be provided.

Day 4, Salt Flat Atacama

Atacama desert, Chile

Today we drive to the great Salar de Atacama, a white endless salt flat with flamingos nesting in the lagoons. Geological research studies suggest this great salt flat is the most important lithium reserve in the world.

We visit a nearby village with ancient architecture and inviting locals who produce fine wool knit products and in the afternoon we visit the Altiplano lagoons Miscanti and Meñique, located at 4,500m above sea level. Unique flora and fauna can be seen and the area is also home to many legends about the Atacama Desert. We end by visiting the town of Socaire, where old Andean traditions still exist today.

Day 5, Geysers El Tatio

Atacama desert, Chile

The very early wake-up call from the hotel will be well worth it when we arrive at the amazing Tatio Geysers and see them in action. From almost 900 meters below the earth, boiling steam bursts up to 40 meters over the surface of these spectacular geysers. A scrumptious breakfast will be served upon arrival before we walk through the geothermal fields with the geysers erupting nearby. As we drive back, there is a magnificent view of the Tocopurri and Sairecabur volcanoes. We arrive back in town in time to have lunch and the afternoon will be free to rest after the early start, high altitude and low temperature we faced in the morning.

Day 6, Arrival Lake District

Puerto Varas, Chile

Today we're travelling from one extreme to another as we head from the dusty Atacama desert to Chile's luscious Lake District, lined with vast lakes and active volcanoes. After checking out from the hotel you'll be driven to Calama airport and board a flight to Puerto Montt, connecting in Santiago. Upon arrival in Puerto Montt you'll be driven to nearby Puerto Varas, a beautiful town with a marked German architectural style located on the shore of Lake Llanquihue, where you'll check into your welcoming hotel.

Day 7, Rafting Petrohue River

Lake District, Chile

This morning we are going white water rafting! We are driven to the Petrohue sector, in Perez Rosales National Park, located at the foot of Osorno Volcano next to the flowing turquoise waters of the Petrohue river. Once we arrive we meet our skilled guides who will equip us will all the rafting gear needed (wetsuit, helmet, paddle jacket and life jacket) and then talk us through safety instructions. We board the rafts and start paddling down this beautiful class III river, enjoying the rapids and the views. After completing the designated river section, we have a snack on the river banks and then return to Puerto Varas to spend the afternoon.

Day 8, Hiking Alerce Andino National Park

Lake District, Chile

Today we visit a national park named after the millenary Alerce tree, native to the region, undoubtedly one of the most interesting species of tree in Chile. In this Park some of the alerce trees are more than 3,000 years old! We drive down “Los Colonos” route heading to the city of Puerto Montt, passing by the small town of “Alerce” and then we meet the Carretera Austral (Southern Highway). This famous road, cutting through Northern Patagonia, is lined with abundant fauna, flora, and the beautiful lowlands of the Andean Cordillera. Along the road there are also typical small farming villages with a marked European look.

We arrive at the 39,255 hectare park, located on the shores of Reloncavi, and start a beautiful hike on the different trails going through the Park. If we are lucky we see some of the interesting animals that live in the park, like the Chilean deer, pumas, pudús (the smallest deer in the world), condors, black carpenter birds, and much more. We stop for lunch in one of the picnic facilities and re-energise. We then continue hiking among the ancient trees, looking out over the lake. We return to Puerto Varas and have time to go for dinner and enjoy a chilled pisco sour, a reward for all our walking effort!

Day 9, Arrival EcoCamp Patagonia

Torres del Paine, Chile

Today you check out of your hotel and are driven to the airport to board a flight to Punta Arenas, considered the world's most southern city before the growth of smaller towns like Ushuaia, Argentina. You are picked up from Punta Arenas airport in the morning and driven to EcoCamp Patagonia, located in the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park.

En route we make a couple of stops - First in Puerto Natales, a small, lively town on the shores of Seno de Ultima Esperanza, where we enjoy a hearty local lunch, and second at Cueva de Milodon, a massive prehistoric cave where the remains of a giant ground sloth were discovered in the 1890’s. The whole journey is very scenic, with plenty of wild birds and wonderful landscapes to be seen. The day ends with our arrival and overnight stay at EcoCamp Patagonia, nestled in the heart of the park with a view of the Torres. During summer the sun sets around 11pm, so upon arrival there's plenty of light to admire the Patagonian steppe with its guanacos and snow-peaked mountain horizon.

For the next two days you will have the choice between active or easy excursions. EcoCamp Patagonia provides you with a chart of excursions provided each day of the week. The excursions vary depending on weather and the season. (For a detailed description of all excursions and restrictions in shoulder season restrictions please see our Wildlife safari program.)

Day 10, Western Lakes & Grey Glacier (sample activites)

Torres del Paine, Chile

EASY

Western Lakes and Grey Glacier*

We drive across the Park, admiring the view of Paine Grande and its snowy peaks, and Los

Cuernos with its black, granite horn-like spires. Walking along the shores of the stunning Lake Pehoe, we see the furious Salto Grande waterfalls where the water from Lake Nordenskjold cascades down into Pehoe. The walk continues over the gentle Nordenskjold trail until until we reach its spectacular lookout point. Later, back at Lake Pehoe, we are driven south to a beach along the shores of glacial Lake Grey. Here we enjoy a tasty box-lunch by the lake before embarking on a boat ride across the icy waters to the towering blue walls of Glacier Grey. After this incredible sight of the glacier up close, we drive back to EcoCamp.

*During Shoulder Season (October and April) the boat trip on Glacier Grey may be cancelled as the boat requires a minimum of 10 passengers to sail. If this is the case we will plan an

alternative excursion in the Park.

ACTIVE

Western Lakes and Pingo Trail

We drive across the Park, admiring the view of Paine Grande and its snowy peaks, and Los

Cuernos with its black granite horn-like spires. Walking along the shores of the stunning Lake Pehoe, we see the furious Salto Grande waterfalls where the water from Lake Nordenskjold cascades down into Pehoe. The walk continues over the gentle Nordenskjold trail until until we reach its spectacular lookout point.

Later, back at Lake Pehoe, we are driven south to a beach along the shores of glacial Lake

Grey where we walk to reach the start of the beautiful Pingo Trail taking us through a fairytale Magellan forest full of local fauna and flora. As we walk, huge rock formations in nearby hills and the strong Patagonian wind give us a good idea of just how wild Patagonia is! We reach a small sightseeing point with splendid views of the Massif’s west face, and then walk back to Grey Beach to meet our fellow travelers coming back from the boat ride. Together, we all head to Ecocamp to enjoy dinner and relaxation time.

Day 11, Fauna Trail or Towers Trek (sample activites)

Torres del Paine, Chile

EASY

Laguna Azul and Fauna Trail

We start the day driving to Laguna Azul, on the north-eastern side of the Park, stopping at various points en route to admire the local flora and fauna and the mighty Paine Waterfall. Once at Laguna Azul we hike to a sightseeing point with a panoramic view of both the lagoon and granite towers. We then drive down to the shores of Sarmiento lake, home to many limestone formations and herds of guanacos, and walk northwards along the Fauna Trail past the small Goic lagoon and various types of fauna. After around 5km we reach the Laguna Amarga ranger station from where we are driven back to EcoCamp to relax and enjoy the evening meal.

ACTIVE

Trek Towers Base

We walk from Ecocamp towards Hostería Las Torres and join the uphill path to Ascencio Valley on the Tower's eastern face. Dry mountain spots, beech forests and small rivers line the scenic walk towards the valley. Our big challenge comes as we climb the steep moraine, a mass of boulders leading us towards one of the world's most famous views overlooking the Towers. The famous Torres del Paine (2,900 m/ 9,400 ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. After an uphill slog, the Towers eventually come into full view, rising majestically before us, with the glacial lake visible below. Is there any better place in the world to have lunch? After feasting on the view and our picnic, we backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp.

Day 12, Return to Santiago
Santiago, Chile

We board an early morning vehicle, sit back, relax, and enjoy a scenic ride back to Punta

Arenas on time to catch the evening flight to Santiago. Once in Santiago we are driven back to our lovely hotel by private transfer and get some well-deserved sleep.

Day 13, Adios Chile!
Santiago, Chile

After breakfast we check out of the hotel and are driven to the airport by private transfer, where we board our flight...Hasta la proxima Chile!

Prices & Facts

November 2011 to April 9th 2012

Regular Departures with min. 2 persons:

USD 3,955 p.p. in double occupancy

Supplement for single occupancy: USD1,278

Regular Departures

Everyday on request from November 2011 to April 9th 2012.

Starting / Finishing Points

Your trip starts at Santiago's airport on day 1 and finishes back at Santiago's airport on day 13.

Included

12 overnight stays in 3-4 star hotels
Excursions as detailed in itinerary on a sit-in basis unless stated otherwise
Private ground transportation and excursions
All transfers in Santiago
Walking city tour Santiago
Bike tour Valle de la Luna
Semi-private services in EcoCamp Patagonia (small EcoCamp groups)
English speaking guides
Entrance fees to Torres del Paine National Park
Meals:

Day 2: B,L

Day 3: B,Snack

Day 4: B

Day 5: B

Day 6: B

Day 4: B

Day 5: B

Day 6: B

Day 7: B

Day 8: B,BL

Day 9: B,D

Day 10: B,BL,D

Day 11: B,BL,D

Day 12: B

Day 13: B

B: breakfast, L: lunch, BL: Box lunch or Snack

Excluded

Flight tickets
Insurance (it’s mandatory you purchase appropriate insurance for this trip)
Voluntary tipping of guides and staff
Items of personal nature

Accommodation

Nights 1-2 Hotel Meridiano Sur

Nights 3-5 Poblado Kimal

Nights 6-8 Hotel Casa Kalfu

Nights 9-11 EcoCamp Patagonia

If these hotels are not available then comparable alternatives will be offered (with prior notice)

Weather & Climate

You name it, Chile’s got it! From the world’s driest desert in the north of the country, to its

Mediterranean middle, to the expansive ice fields of Patagonia in the south, Chilean territory

even expands to the semi-tropical Easter Island. The country follows the southern hemisphere

season pattern, so expect hotter days between November and March and colder days between

June and September. If you’re travelling from the country’s tip to tail, at whatever time of year

come, prepared for every type of weather!

Physical Demands

This is the right trip for energetic people who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure

and a positive attitude. To enjoy this trek it is essential to be in shape.

What you need to bring

Be prepared for summer and winter all at once. Essential equipment includes a one day

backpack (10 liters - to carry camera, glasses, rain coat, etc), trekking or hiking boots, extra

shoes for evenings or in case others get wet, waterproof jacket, two pairs of woolen socks,

fleece jacket or sweater, shorts or comfortable loose pants, sun protection (glasses, hat, lip

balm and screen) and optional capilene underwear for the upper and lower body. US$ in cash

for buying extra drinks/snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine NP.

Itinerary Modifications

We reserve the right to change the order of the itinerary at the sole discretion of the trip

guide and based on operational considerations. The trip guide can also modify, change or

eliminate part of the itinerary based on safety/weather considerations.

Testimonials

Antony M., Bermuda (Best of Chile Tour)

Thank you for helping to make the visit to Chile successful and enjoyable. From the spectacular mountains of Patagonia to the mystique of Easter Island and the quiet grandeur of the desert, every part of the trip was extraordinary. The guides in each location were friendly and knowledgeable and added immensely to the experience.

You are truly fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world.

Anthony

Travellers Departure:

Nov 01, 2011

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Best of Chile - Atacama Desert to Patagonian Glaciers

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Tour Itinerary