Explore Chile

Get on a flight from London to Santiago

(N)

Arrive at Santiago in the morning. Go on a guided city tour of Santiago for about 3 hours, where you explore the city squares and streets, visit the Presidential Palace, and also head to the San Cristobal Hill, where the iconic Virgin Mary statue stands.

Stay for 2 nights at the Hotel Providencia or similar.

(N)

Valpariaso is a Unesco World Heritage city. It is the oldest port in Chile, and is the official home of the National Congress since democracy was re-established in 1989, after many years of unrest.
The city of Valpariaso features sprawling, rolling hills, colorful architecture, and stunning panoramas; ideal for photographic opportunities and sightseeing. You’ll also soak up the incredible bohemian atmosphere of the city, whilst visiting the city center, the War of the Pacific memorial, and the parliamentary building.

Some parts of the city have steep terrain, so accessible lifts are available to make the tour easier.

(B)

Fly to Calama in the morning. Then transfer to your hotel in the town of San Pedro de Atacama. Enjoy an optional short orientation tour of the town, if desired. At dusk, go to the Valley of the Moon, an incredible lunar landscape that bursts with color at sunset. You’ll also marvel at the unique rock formations of the Lincancabur Volcano.

Stay for 3 nights at the Hotel Diego de Almagro or similar.

(B)

Head towards the Altiplano Lagoons. Stop by the village of Socaire on the way there. Considered an icon to the people of San Pedro de Atacama, the village is home to around 400 residents. Its most famous structure is the church of Socaire, which was built with adobe walls, including Chañar and cactus beams.

From there, reach the lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques. Both lagoons are characterized by their unique white salt crust, and a distinctive silence that adds to the eerie but soothing atmosphere. Then visit the huge Salt Lake of Salar de Atacama, which is covered in a thick layer of snow salt crystals. You’ll also witness a huge variety of local bird species.

(B)

In the early morning, visit the El Tatio Geysers. The geysers are about 14,108ft above sea level, and can shoot up to 33ft high. They are most active at sunrise, when the sun melts the ice caps that form over the hot springs overnight.

At midday, return to San Pedro and enjoy free leisure in the afternoon. There is an optional astronomy tour in the evening, which you can pay for in the day but it is recommended you book in advance.

(B)

Transfer from Calama airport to Santiago then Puerto Montt. Most of the day will be spent travelling and, depending on flight schedules, may require an early morning start. Upon arriving at the Lake District, take a 30-minute drive to Puerto Varas. There may be time for a brief tour of the city.

Stay for 2 nights at the Hotel Park Inn by Radisson or similar.

(B)

Set out for a full day in the Lake District. On the way there, stop by the Saltos de Petrohue, where you will see cooling lava from the Osorno Volcano, formed by the various waterfalls and rapids. Together, these materials create unique rock formations, shaped by thousands of years of volcanic activity and river flows.

Upon arrival at Petrohue, board a boat for a cruise of the Lagos Todos los Santos. You’ll get to see the main water source of the river Petrohue, and incredible views of the Osorno Volanco. Then visit the Green Lagoon before returning to Puerto Valas in the afternoon.

(B)

Enjoy breakfast then transfer to Puerto Montt, the capital of the Lake District. Go on a sightseeing tour of the city. Along the way, you’ll witness the historical monuments and main squares, followed by a visit to the handicraft market, run by locals selling artisan goods.

From there, transfer to the airport and fly to Punta Arenas, Patagonia. Then transfer to Puerto Natales.

Stay overnight at the Hostal Francis Drake or similar.

(B)

Drive to the Torres del Paine National Park in the morning. The park is home to a variety of plant and wildlife species, along with stunning views from the Cuernos viewpoint. You’ll also learn about the local floral and fauna, with an informative session with local experts.

Stay for 2 nights at the Hotel del Paine or similar.

(B)

Spend another day in the Torres del Paine National Park. Explore the western section of the park, including Lake Grey. The lake is fed by the Grey Glacier and filled with icebergs. Enjoy a short hike by crossing the bridge over the Pingo River.

The path will take you to a Legna forest, and then the southern part of the lake. This stunning viewpoint will give you spectacular views of the water, the nearby icebergs, and the tongue of the Grey Glacier. Stop by the visitor center on the way back to learn about the history of the park. Enjoy free leisure in the afternoon.

(B)

Enjoy free leisure in the morning or take part in an optional boat trip to the Grey Glacier. Then, regroup and head to the Milodon Cave, which must be paid locally on the day.

Stay overnight at the Hostal Francis Drake or similar.

(B)

Transfer to the Pampa of Patagonia and then the Punta Arenas airport. Fly back to Santiago and spend one last evening in Chile.

Stay overnight at the Hotel Providencia or similar.

(B)

Transfer to the airport and board a flight back to London.

(B)

Arrive at London.