Chile – The Atacama to Patagonia

Overview
Embark on an adventurous journey through Chile, a country of diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and dramatic natural wonders. From the arid Atacama Desert to the icy wilderness of Patagonia, this tour includes everything, from volcanoes and geysers to penguins and glaciers, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Highlights

• Just You Tour Manager as your host
• Return flights from Heathrow with LATAM Airlines via Sao Paulo
• Use of an airport lounge in the UK
• 13 nights in 3 & 4-star hotels plus 2 nights in flight
• 21 meals: 13 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 1 dinner
• All excursions included

PLUS

• Specialist Local Guides
• Overseas transfers & other transportation
• Porterage
• Dedicated Just You representative to greet you at all UK airports

Itinerary

Day 1: UK to Santiago
Fly to Santiago, Chile’s vibrant capital city.

Day 2: Santiago
Upon arrival, explore Santiago’s historic center, visiting sights like Santa Lucia Hill, the Moneda Palace, and the Plaza de Armas with its cathedral and National History Museum.

Day 3: San Pedro de Atacama
Fly to Calama, then transfer to San Pedro de Atacama in the Atacama Desert. Visit the Salt Mountains, Death Valley, and the Valley of the Moon, and watch the sun set over the mineral-rich rocks.

Day 4: San Pedro de Atacama
Explore more of this unique desert landscape, visiting the village of Toconao, Chaxa Lagoon (with flamingos), Socaire, and the blue lagoons of Miscanti and Meñiques, surrounded by volcanic peaks.

Day 5: Santiago
Early visit to the Geysers del Tatio to witness over 80 active geysers at sunrise. Afterward, visit the village of Machuca and return to Santiago for an overnight stay.

Day 6: Puerto Varas
Fly to Puerto Varas, known for its German-style architecture and views of Osorno Volcano. Explore the town, visit Puerto Montt, and enjoy an included dinner.

Day 7: Puerto Varas
Take a boat trip to Peulla, an ecological village in Vicente Pérez National Park, where you’ll see emerald-green Petrohué Falls and sail on Todos los Santos Lake.

Day 8: Chiloé Island
Cross to Chiloé Island, explore evergreen forests, visit wooden churches, and enjoy a ferry ride. Meet locals in Tenaún and have lunch with them.

Day 9: Punta Arenas
Fly to Punta Arenas, Chile’s southernmost city and the gateway to Patagonia.

Day 10: Puerto Natales
Visit Magdalena Island to see the colony of Magellanic penguins, then travel to Puerto Natales.

Day 11: Torres del Paine
Explore Torres del Paine National Park, home to granite peaks, glaciers, and sparkling lakes. Visit the Salto Grande waterfall, Grey Lake, and Milodón Cave.

Day 12: Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers
Cruise the Última Esperanza Sound to view the Balmaceda Glacier and the Serrano Glacier, followed by a lunch at a cattle ranch.

Day 13: Santiago
Fly back to Santiago.

Day 14: Valparaiso
Visit the former home of Pablo Neruda, followed by lunch in Vina del Mar, the “Garden City.” Explore Valparaiso’s coastal city sights.

Days 15 & 16: Santiago to UK
Participate in a culinary tour of Santiago’s Central Market with a chef, then take a cooking class and enjoy the dishes you’ve prepared. Afterward, fly back to the UK, arriving on Day 16.

This comprehensive tour of Chile offers a perfect blend of exploration, natural beauty, and cultural experiences, from the arid desert to the glaciers of Patagonia.