Highlights of Chile

15 days from £5640 per person

Ornate colonial architecture of the Cerro Santa Lucia, Santiago

A ribbon of land stretching from the Peruvian border at the far north to the very tip of South America, Chile is a land of volcanoes and lakes, barren desert and colourful cosmopolitan cities. Starting in Santiago with the Andes as a backdrop, fly north to Calama and experience the vast expanses of the Atacama — the driest desert in the world. Continue to the snow–capped volcanoes of Chile’s Lake District before heading to the far south to Punta Arenas and the Torres Del Paine National Park, a highlight of any visit and quintessential Patagonia.

Route: Santiago – San Pedro – Santiago – Villarrica – Puerto Varas – Torres del Paine National Park – Santiago

Itinerary Highlights

Overlooked by the snow-capped spires of the Andes Mountains, Santiago is an energetic city filled with grand architecture, an enthralling nightlife and plenty of charm.

Located in a naturally beautiful setting with the expansive Lake Llanquihue to one side and volcanic peaks on the other, Puerto Varas is brimming with Chilean-German traditions.

In the company of a specialist guide, explore Patagonia’s glistening gem, Torres del Paine National Park; an area of sheer natural beauty and flourishing habitats.

Itinerary: Highlights of Chile

Day 1 London Heathrow to Santiago

Fly from London Heathrow to Santiago with British Airways. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Santiago

Arrive in the morning where you will be met and escorted to your accommodation. 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)

Accommodation in Santiago: Ritz Carlton Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 Santiago

Today take a sightseeing tour through the main streets of Santiago’s civic centre with its many different architectural styles. Visit the heart of the city Plaza de Armas which is home to the neo-classical Palacio de la Real Audiencia which houses the National History Museum, and the 19th century Metropolitan Cathedral. In the evening discover the wonderful culinary scene that Santiago has to offer. (B)
Accommodation in Santiago: Ritz Carlton Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Santiago to Calama – by air

Early morning fly north to Calama and on arrival drive to San Pedro in the heart of the Atacama Desert. The highest, driest desert in the world contains volcanoes, salt flats, geysers and spectacular scenery. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in San Pedro: Altiplanico Hotel (or similar)

Days 5 – 6 San Pedro

From your base at the Altiplanico Hotel explore the Atacama’s surreal landscapes and archaeological sites such as the geysers and spurting fumaroles at Tatio, the vast salt lakes and decaying ghost towns. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in San Pedro: Altiplanico Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 Calama to Santiago – by air

Return by air to Santiago where you will stay overnight. (B)

Accommodation in Santiago: Holiday Inn Santiago - Airport Terminal (or similar)

Day 8 Santiago to Temuco – by air/ Temuco to Villarrica – 81kms

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)

Accommodation in Villarrica: Villarrica Park Lake Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 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)

Accommodation in Villarrica: Villarrica Park Lake Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 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. (B)

Accommodation in Puerto Varas: Cumbres Patagonicas (or similar)

Day 11 Puerto Varas

In the morning visit Puerto Varas to explore this charming area where German influences are still very much reflected in the architecture in the towns of Frutillar, Puerto Octay and Puerto Varas affording fabulous views of Osorno Volcano and Llanquihue Lake. (B)

Accommodation in Puerto Varas: Cumbres Patagonicas (or similar)

Day 12 Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt/ Puerto Montt to Torres Del Paine National Park – by air & 380km

In the morning depart Puerto Montt by air to Punta Arenas. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Torres Del Paine National Park: Hostería Las Torres (or similar)

Days 13 - 14 Torres del Paine

Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park is the most recognized symbol of Patagonia. This remote and beautiful area encompasses mountains, glaciers and lakes and is a habitat for guanaco, condor and the native flightless rhea. In the company of specialist guides visit Nordenskjold Lake, Salto Grande waterfall, Lake Pehoé, Lake Grey and Amarga Lagoon. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Torres Del Paine National Park: Hostería Las Torres (or similar)

Day 15 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. Alternatively, upon your return to Punta Arenas board the Stella or Mare Australis for a four night cruise through the dramatic pristine wilderness of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego to Ushuaia in Argentina. (B)

Accommodation in Santiago: Ritz Carlton Hotel (or similar)

Day 16 Santiago to London Heathrow

In the evening depart by British Airways to London Heathrow. (B)

Day 17 Arrive London Heathrow

Arrive into London Heathrow in the afternoon. (N)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Domestic flights
Private car and driver
Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
Hotel accommodation and taxes

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

Highlights of Chile

15 days from £5640 per person

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary: Highlights of Chile

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What's included

What's not included

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