Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Santiago

Private transfer from the airport in Santiago to the hotel in Santiago.

Private half day city tour of Santiago

In Santiago de Chile, the best features of a vibrant, modern metropolis are paired with the old-world

charm of a former colonial capital, and this private tour will introduce you to both sides of the city.

You will begin with a visit to the presidential palace, named La Moneda because the splendid

building once housed the national mint. Many other sights in the historic centre are clustered

around the always-bustling Plaza de Armas: the impressive cathedral; the beautiful old post office;

the Palacio de la Real Audiencia, now home to the National History Museum; and the Casa Colorada,

once the Spanish governors residence.

Leaving the centre, youll travel west toward the soaring Andes, past the Cerro San Cristóbal, an

outpost of the mountains which towers over the city with a great white statue of the Virgin Mary

crowning its summit. Your tour will conclude with a visit to the fashionable business districts of

Providencia and Las Condes, with their broad boulevards lined with modern high-rises, and shady

side-streets flanked by fine restaurants and trendy boutiques. This half-day excursion forms the

perfect initiation to the charms of one of South Americas most exciting cities.

Overnight Stay at Hotel.

Day 2: Santiago (B)

Private full day excursion to Valparaíso including a visit to a vineyard in the Casablanca Valley

You will be met by your guide in the morning, who will accompany you during this full day excursion

to Valparaíso and the Casablanca Valley.

The historic city of Valparaíso is Chiles oldest port. It is also home to the countrys Senate and

Chamber of Deputies, which moved here from the capital in 1989, when Chilean democratic

governance was re-established. The citys many hills are covered with a multi-coloured panorama

of painted houses crowding every nook and cranny, ensuring a spectacular backdrop to your visit.

During your tour, you will see the historic city centre, whose fine 19th-Century architecture provides

good reason for its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Then, you will travel to a view-

point overlooking the city via one of Valparaísos signature funicular elevators, two dozen of which

were built at the turn of the 20th Century to connect the upper and lower sections of the city. You

will also visit the parliamentary building and Plaza Sotomayors memorial to the heroes of the War

of the Pacific.

Before your city tour in Valparaíso or afterwards you will visit a vineyard in the Casablanca Valley.

Casas del Bosque Winery

Viñas Casas del Bosque is a family-run vineyard in Casablanca Valley, about 70 km from Santiago.

On 245 hectares of land, grape varieties like Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Syrah

and Pinot Noir are cultivated, with the Sauvignon Blanc in particular known for its high quality. About

80% of the production of Casas del Bosque is exported to locations all over the world. The modern

buildings and friendly staff attract visitors for delicious wine tastings, supplemented by the mouth-

watering cuisine of the Tanino restaurant.

www.casasdelbosque.cl

Overnight Stay at Hotel.

Day 3: Santiago/San Pedro Atacama (B)

Private transfer from the hotel in Santiago to the airport in Santiago.

Private transfer from the airport in Calama to the hotel in San Pedro.

Private half day excursion to Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna)

One of the best-known destinations between Calama and San Pedro is the Valle de la Luna. This tour

into the rugged beauty of the Atacama Desert begins at dusk. With the Licancabur volcano providing

the backdrop, strange salt and rock formations in the middle of the valleys barren sandy landscape

really do look like a moonscape. After a tour past the bizarre natural rock and salt shapes, you will

pass by the bizarre rock formation Tres Marías and end the excursion at Coyote´s rock (Piedra del Coyote). From the top of this rock, you overlook the Kari-Canyon and wide parts of the desert,

you can even catch a glimpse at the Salar de Atacama. The setting sun bathes the landscape in a

light that changes with every minute, providing a mesmerising play of colours. The return drive to

San Pedro is after sunset.

Overnight Stay at the Hotel.

Day 4: San Pedro de Atacama (B)

Half day excursion City tour San Pedro de Atacama

You will start the tour with a visit to the Iglesia San Pedro, the towns white parish church dating from

the year 1641. Of particular note is the roof made of cactus wood. The church is San Pedro de

Atacamas emblem, and looks directly onto the attractive Plaza de Armas and its centuries-old pepper

trees. You guide will take you for a stroll across the plaza before showing you the adjacent craft

market.

Private half day excursion to the Atacama Salt Flat (Salar de Atacama) and Toconao Village

You depart with your tour guide to the Salar de Atacama: A salt lake of huge proportions (3000 sq

km/1,158 sq mi!), its surface is covered by a thick layer of light-coloured salt crystals, caused by the

evaporation of the lakes water. The worlds largest lithium deposits are found here, but the salt pan

is also home to several flamingo species, including the Andean, Chilean and James flamingo, who

feed on the microorganisms found in the saline lagoons. These beautiful birds and other species can

be observed in their natural habitat at the Salar de Atacamas Chaxa Lagoon, which is part of the

Reserva Nacional de los Flamencos.

On the way to the salt flat, you will stop at the village of Tocoano to see its green square with large

cacti. Afterwards, return drive to San Pedro.

Overnight Stay at the Hotel.

Day 5: San Pedro de Atacama (B)

Private full day excursion to the Geysers of El Tatio

Those who wish to experience the El Tatio Geysers have to get up early, to ensure a timely arrival at

the geyser field at sunrise. The fountains, located over 4300m/14,108ft, shoot up to 10m/33ft high.

The suns first rays reflecting countless colours as they mingle with boiling jets coming from the

geysers create a strong contrast with the rising steam and the surrounding summits. After the

spectacular show there, you have the choice of recovering from the morning chill and warming up in

natural pools created by hot springs.

The tour begins in the very early hours of the morning in San Pedro, to ensure a timely arrival at the

geyser field at sunrise. The return drive to San Pedro takes place around midday.

Overnight Stay at the Hotel.

Day 6: San Pedro de Atacama/Puerto Varas (B)

Private transfer from the hotel in San Pedro to the airport in Calama.

Transfer from Puerto Montt airport to the hotel in Puerto Varas including a city tour Puerto Montt

You will be picked up at the airport and start your city tour through Puerto Montt.

Founded by German settlers in 1853, Puerto Montt is also known as the Gateway to Patagonia.

This is where the Carretera Austral begins and where ships set off for Tierra del Fuego, the Magellan

Strait, and to Patagonias glaciers.

During your city tour, we will show you the main square right by the sea, with its cathedral built of

wood, a memorial to the German settlers, the town hall, and other representative buildings.

Afterwards, we follow the coastal promenade to the port of Angelmó and its colourful small boats

anchored in front of the island of Tenglo. The morning catch can be bought fresh off the boat at the

fish market of Angelmó or savoured in one of the many small harbour kitchens. Right next door, you

will find a craft market with local crafts made of wood and lapis lazuli, as well as thick woollen

jumpers and hats from Chiloé. The tour is completed by a drive along the Ruta Chinquihue, past

small yacht marinas, moorings, boat yards and fish factories, before you will be taken to your hotel

in Puerto Varas.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 7: Puerto Varas

Private full day excursion to the Petrohue waterfalls and the Osorno volcano

Departure for this full day tour into the wonderful region surrounding Puerto Varas is after

breakfast, and wonderful views towards the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes can already be enjoyed

during the drive along Lake Llanquihue.

First stop of the day is by the wild Saltos de Petrohue, a collection of rapids and waterfalls that

dance over the impressive formations of lava rocks from the surrounding volcanoes. It is the waters

of the Petrohue River itself that have eroded and shaped these rocks over a period of thousands of

years.

The journey continues with a drive up the Osorno volcano (2,660m/8,727ft). The road ends at an

elevation of 1,200m/3940ft, by a mountain cabin, where the unforgettable views range from the

mighty towering heights of the Osorno volcano and the neighbouring volcanoes of Calbuco,

Antillanca, Tronador, to the profoundly blue Llanquihue Lake. A hike across the volcanos immense

lava fields is made, and the panoramic views improve with every foot of elevation gained. By good

weather, you can also enjoy the landscape during a ride by chairlift (optional). The return journey

to Puerto Varas is in the afternoon.

Pioneer Museum Museo Pioneros in Petrohué

Become a pioneer and immerse yourself in the world of adventurers and explorers who have

devoted themselves to the development of wild Patagonia: the Pioneer Museum Museo Pioneros

tells the story of the first settlers who came to Patagonia more than 14,500 years ago as well as the

story of the Schirmer-Roth family, who came to the region as pioneers in 1866. The museum explains

how the pioneers came into the region and the difficulties they had to face. Archaeological finds

represent the way of life of the first settlers vividly; hunting techniques, medical care, distances the

pioneers had to pass, are explained as well as their organization and accommodation. In addition,

different legends and tales are portrayed in the context of pioneers.

Regular Short Boat trip on the Todos Los Santos Lake

This boat trip starts at the pier at the Todos Los Santos Lake. The boat will take you into the middle

of the lake where, on a clear day, you will be able to see a unique panoramic view of the volcano

Osorno. On the way back, you will pass beautiful small waterfalls and can see different bird species.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 8: Puerto Varas

Private full day excursion Ancud and surroundings

This day trip begins early in the morning, setting off south, towards Pargua, where the car ferry

crosses to Chiloé an island full of myths, legends and very special people. The first stop on the

island will be the village of Chacao, where you can visit a beautiful wooden church from 1710.

Afterwards you will stop at the Bay of Caulín to observe black-necked swans and other bird species

(in summer). Then you continue to Ancud, the northern-most town and former capital of the island,

where you get an insight into the lifestyle of the islands inhabitants, known as Chilotes in Chile.

You will also see the colourful shingle houses on stilts, typical for the island, as well as fishing boats,

the harbour, and the market. Fortifications dating back to the era of the War of Independence are

also visited in Ancud. After a lunch break (optional lunch) you will return to Puerto Varas.

Museo Azul Islas Chiloé

The Museo Azul Islas Chiloé (Museo Regional de Ancud) offers an extensive collection of artefacts

and archives which document the history of Chiloé, Chilote culture and traditions. One popular

item is the full-size replica of the Ancud, which sailed the treacherous fjords of the Strait of Magellan

to claim Chile's southernmost territories.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 9: Puerto Varas/Puerto Natales (B)

Private transfer from the hotel in Puerto Varas to the airport in Puerto Montt.

Private transfer from the airport in Punta Arenas to the hotel in Puerto Natales.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 10: Puerto Natales (B,BL)

Full day excursion to Torres del Paine National Park

This full day excursion through the Torres del Paine National Park will provide wonderful views onto

the Torres Massif and its jagged peaks, as well as of Lake Grey and the Grey Glacier. Several short

hikes enable visitors to reach the most beautiful viewing points in the park, and to become

acquainted with the wealth of flora and fauna found in the area. The return drive to your selected

hotel is in the late afternoon.

Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day 11: Puerto Natales

Private transfer from Puerto Natales to Puerto Bories.

Shared full day boat excursion to Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers

This seaborne excursion, which starts and concludes in Puerto Natales, takes you to a pair of

Patagonias icy giants: Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers. You will leave Puerto Natales early in the

morning and cruise north-west through the Seno Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope Sound), which offers

unforgettable views of snowy peaks, sparkling waterfalls, and lush green forests, along with wildlife

like sea lions, cormorants, and condors. Around noon the excursion will reach the two glaciers,

which both flow down from Monte Balmaceda toward the sea. Near the base of Serrano Glacier,

you will disembark for a short hike to a lookout offering a splendid view of the awesome river of ice,

before continuing by boat to a delicious lunch at the remote Estancia Perales. The day concludes

with another memorable cruise along the Seno Ultima Esperanza, arriving back in Puerto Natales in

the late afternoon.

Private transfer from Puerto Bories to Puerto Natales.

Day 11: Puerto Natales (B)

Private transfer from the hotel in Puerto Natales to the airport in Punta Arenas.