Day 1 London to Santiago
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 Hotel Ritz Carlton for two nights. In the shadow
of the Andes Santiago it is considered to be one of the
most scenic cities in South America. Remainder of the day
at leisure to rest and acclimatise.
Day 3 Santiago
Morning tour the highlights of Chile’s capital; the
old part of the city around the Alameda containing a number
of fine buildings including the La Moneda Palace. In the
afternoon visit the vineyards that lie outside of the city
such as Concha y Toro in the village of Pirque.
Day 4 Santiago to Temuco
– by air
Morning flight to Temuco in Chile’s northern Lake
District and proceed by car to the Villarrica Park Lake
Hotel which is situated overlooking the beautiful Lake Villarrica.
Relax and enjoy this peaceful retreat.
Day 5 Villarrica
Spend the day exploring the Villarrica National Park where
you will discover crystal waters, waterfalls, lush green
forests and snow-capped volcanoes.
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.
Day 7 Puerto Varas
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 wonderful
scenery and abundant birdlife make Chiloé a unique
place to explore.
Day 8 Puerto Varas to Punta
Arenas – by air
This morning fly from Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas in Patagonia.
On arrival drive 255kms north across the windswept Patagonian
steppe to Puerto Natales stopping on the way 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 Hotel Costaustralis.
Day 9 Puerto Natales to
Torres del Paine – 145kms
Today drive into Torres del Paine National Park to stay
four nights at the Hosteria Las Torres or at the superior
Explora Lodge strategically set on the shore of Lake Pehoé
with views of the Salto Chico waterfall. Considered to be
one of the world’s most beautiful national parks,
Torres del Paine is described by the Chilean poet Pablo
Neruda as “The last cry of the Andes before surrendering
to the Ocean”. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
in 1978 it 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.
Day 10 to Day 12 Torres
del Paine National Park
Three full days of sightseeing in Torres del Paine National
Park. A must is Lago Grey and the vivid blue icebergs that
have broken away from the glacier. Also a journey to the
north of the park to explore the beautiful Laguna Azul and
the Rio Paine waterfall is recommended.
Day 13 Torres del Paine
to Punta Arenas – 400kms
This morning return by road to Punta Arenas to board Osorno
Volcano near Puerto Varas, Chile your flight to Santiago.
Upon arrival transfer by car to the Hotel Ritz Carlton for
one night. 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.
Day 14 Santiago to London
In the evening depart by LAN to Madrid, connecting onto
the Iberia/LAN codeshare flight to London.
Day 15 Arrive London
Arrive London in the afternoon.
