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HIGHLIGHTS OF CHILE
Day 1 London to Santiago
via Madrid
Fly from London by the Iberia/LAN codeshare flight to Madrid connecting onto
the overnight LAN flight to Santiago.
Day 2 Arrive Santiago
Arrive in the morning where you will be met and escorted to the Ritz Carlton
Hotel for your two night stay. In the shadow of the Andes, Santiago it is
considered to be one of the most scenic cities in South America. The remainder
of your day will be at leisure to rest and acclimatise. (N)
Day 3 Santiago
In the morning tour the highlights of Chile’s capital. Places of interest
include the old part of the city around the Alameda which, among other fine
buildings, contains the La Moneda Palace. In the afternoon visit the vineyards
that lie outside of the city with Concha y Toro in the village of Pirque one
of the best well known. (B)
Day 4 Santiago to Temuco – by air
This morning return to Santiago Airport for the flight to Temuco in Chile’s
northern Lake District. On your arrival you will be met and transferred by
car to the Villarrica Park Lake Hotel which is situated overlooking the beautiful
Lake Villarrica. Relax and enjoy this peaceful retreat. (B)
Day 5 Villarrica
Spend the day exploring the Villarrica National Park. With its crystal waters,
lush green forests, waterfalls and snow-capped volcanoes this truly is am
area of outstanding natural beauty. (B)
Day 6 Villarrica to Puerto Varas – 340kms
Today it is a scenic drive south through the lakes to Puerto Varas, located
by Llanquihue Lake with magnificent views of Osorno Volcano. Later explore
this charming area where German influences are still very much reflected in
the architecture of the pretty lakeside towns of Frutillar, Puerto Octay and
Puerto Varas. Stay for two nights at Cabañas del Lago. (B/L)
Day 7 Puerto Varas
After breakfast, visit Chiloé, one of Chile’s most traditional
and picturesque islands, located just a short ferry crossing off the west
coast of the mainland. Wooden churches and houses, traditional customs and
crafts combined with the wonderful scenery and abundant birdlife make Chiloé
a unique place to explore. (B/L)
Day 8 Puerto Varas to Punta Arenas, Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales – by air
This morning fly from Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas in Patagonia. On your arrival
drive north across the Patagonian steppe to Puerto Natales stopping en-route
to view the small colony of Magellanic penguins in Otway Sound. Superbly situated
on the Canal Señoret fjord and bordered by spectacular mountains, Puerto
Natales is a natural gateway to the Torres del Paine National Park. Stay overnight
at the Costaustralis Hotel. (B)
Day 9 Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine – 145kms
Today drive into Torres del Paine National Park. This magnificent park is
a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its unique wildlife and stunning scenery.
Stay for four nights at the Hostería Las Torres or up-grade to the
superior Explora Lodge – minimum stay four nights – strategically
set on the shore of Lake Pehoé with its turquoise waters and views
of the Salto Chico waterfall. Torres del Paine is famous for its glaciers,
towering snow-capped granite peaks, lakes and forests. This rugged region
is also home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the Andean condor
and large numbers of guanacos. (B)
Day 10 Torres del Paine National Park
to
Day 12 Torres del Paine National Park
Two days of sightseeing in Torres del Paine National Park. Visit Nordenskjold
Lake, the spectacular Salto Chico waterfall on Lake Pehoé, Lago Grey
and the beautiful Amarga Lagoon. A journey to the north of the park to explore
the beautiful Laguna Azul and the Rio Paine waterfall is also recommended.
(B/L)
Day 13 Torres del Paine to Punta Arenas – 400kms
Punta Arenas to Santiago – by air
This morning return by road to Punta Arenas to board your flight to Santiago.
On your arrival transfer by car to the Ritz Carlton Hotel for your overnight
stay. Alternatively, upon your return to Punta Arenas board the Mare Australis
for a four night cruise –Saturday departure only – through the
dramatic pristine wilderness of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego to Ushuaia
in Argentina. (B)
Day 14 Santiago to London Heathrow
via Madrid
In the evening depart by LAN to Madrid and on arrival connect onto the Iberia/LAN
codeshare flight to London. (B)
Day 15 Arrive London
Arrive into London Heathrow in the afternoon.
STAYING ON
Mysterious and isolated Easter Island is a five hour flight from Santiago over the Pacific Ocean. The giant and mysterious volcanic stone statues known as ‘moai’ are now world renowned and, to those who have witnessed them, are considered to be the some of the most incredible ancient relics ever discovered. Depending on flight schedules a stay of three or four nights is recommended.
Explore the Atacama Desert resplendent with geysers, the spurting fumaroles at Tatio, vast salt lakes and decaying ghost towns from your base at the Awasi Lodge. The Atacama is reached by air with flights from Santiago to Calama and road from Calama to San Pedro de Atacama set high amongst the spectacular volcanoes of the Andes Cordillera.
Vineyards are aplenty in Chile with some of the best found in the Colchagua Valley. A two night extension from Santiago is an excellent introduction to the region and your base at the delightful Santa Cruz Plaza Hotel in Santa Cruz allows you to explore the many excellent vineyards of the Valley – one of the finest wine growing regions in the country.
Experience the Straits of Magellan on a four night cruise aboard the MV Mare Australis. This journey of a lifetime travels the mythical Strait of Magellan, Southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. The cruise also rounds the 425 metre high sheer promontory of Cape Horn - weather permitting – where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet and encounters passing glaciers, elephant seals, cormorants and penguins.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – HIGHLIGHTS OF CHILE
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £5,290. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
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