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Overview
Chile: Top to Toe Tour
Travel the entire length of Chile on this incredible journey, from the dramatic landscapes of the Atacama Desert and the high-altitude Altiplano in the north, through the lakes and volcanoes of the beautiful Lake District, and all the way to the spectacular mountains and glaciers of Patagonia in the south.
This unforgettable tour showcases Chile’s most iconic scenery, rich culture and unique cuisine, offering a truly diverse experience across one of South America’s most fascinating countries.
Tour Includes
Fully Inclusive Touring
Guided sightseeing and entrance fees included throughout the tour.
Flights Included
International flights and current taxes are included.
Accommodation
10 nights in comfortable 4★ accommodation.
Small Group Tour
Maximum group size of 18 travellers for a more personal experience.
Physical Rating: 2
Moderate touring with walking, some steps and extended time on your feet.
Meals Included
Breakfasts: 11
Lunches: 10
Dinners: 11
Tour Highlights
This carefully designed itinerary allows you to explore Chile’s most remarkable landscapes while enjoying authentic cultural experiences.
Patagonia Glacier Cruise
Cruise along the dramatic waters of Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope) Fjord, one of Patagonia’s most breathtaking natural settings. From the water you’ll admire the rugged Patagonian scenery and visit the spectacular Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers.
Explore the Rainbow Valley
Journey deep into the Atacama Desert to discover the extraordinary Rainbow Valley, where the rock formations display vibrant natural colours including greens, pinks and yellows created by different minerals in the landscape.
El Tatio Geysers Sunrise Experience
Travel across the high-altitude Altiplano before sunrise to witness the famous El Tatio Geyser Fields at their most active. As the sun rises over the Andes, enjoy a scenic picnic breakfast while watching the geothermal steam rising from the geysers.
14 Day Chile: Top to Toe Tour Itinerary
DAYS 1-2: FLY TO SANTIAGO
Fly to Chile’s sophisticated capital Santiago, arriving the same or following day. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon you have an optional walking tour of Santiago, before a welcome dinner this evening. (D)
DAY 3: EXPLORE VALPARAISO
Travel 3 hours to the coast to visit the bohemian UNESCO port town of Valparaíso. Explore this colourful city, with a ride on the funicular into the hills to visit Chilean poet Pablo Neruda’s house. Return to Santiago this afternoon. (B)
DAY 4: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
Fly to the northern city of Calama, from where you will drive to the desert oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama. Drive out to the sun-scorched Death and Moon valleys. Enjoy the views of the lonely volcanoes, and the afternoon sun, turning the hues of the rock from orange, to red to purple. (B,L)
DAY 5: SALAR DE ATACAMA
Travel to the otherworldly Salar de Atacama, the largest salt flat in Chile. Visit the scenic Chaxa, Miscanti and Miniques lagoons. Travel to the village of Socaire to see ancient agricultural terraces with irrigation channels. Visit another peaceful village with typical colonial architecture built in Liparita (volcanic stone). Explore the village before returning to your hotel. (B,L)
DAY 6: EL TATIO GEYSERS
Rise early to visit El Tatio Geyers, a stunning natural phenomenon. Watch the geysers hiss and spit over sunrise before a guided tour. Gaze upon Putama Volcano and Tocopuri Mountains as you travel through the Andes, before visiting the desert village of Machuca to see how the locals live, then visit a fascinating nearby archaeological site. Round off the day with a trip to the colourful Rainbow Valley. (B,L)
DAY 7: TRAVEL TO PUERTO VARAS
This morning, transfer back to Calama and board your flight to Puerto Montt, the gateway to Chile’s spectacular Lake District. The flight is approximately 5 hours via Santiago. Continue on to Puerto Varas, a charming town on Llanquihue Lake that is dominated by two snow-capped volcanoes. Check into your hotel for a relaxing evening. (B)
DAY 8: VOLCAN OSORNO
Travel further around Llanquihue Lake to the village of Ensenada at the foot of Volcan Osorno, where you’ll take an easy hike through the volcano’s plentiful nature to reach the visitors centre at 1,240 metres. Travel to Perez Rosales National Park to Petrohué Falls, where boardwalks will help you admire the turquoise waters and lush greenery of the Petrohué River. (B,L)
DAY 9: TRAVEL TO PUERTO NATALES
Transfer to the airport and fly further south to Punta Arenas, a city that sits at the end of continental South America on the Straits of Magellan. From there you’ll head to Puerto Natales, the lively, picturesque town that is the gateway to the Torres del Paine. (B,L,D)
DAY 10: OPTIONAL TOURING
Enjoy a day at leisure, or with the option to book on one of two tours. Either sail on the gloomily-named Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope) Fjord to Mount Balmaceda Glacier before continuing on foot to the magnificent Serrano Glacier or visit a local estancia for a glimpse of daily life on a traditional ranch and to enjoy a typical Patagonian asado lunch. (B)
DAY 11: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy another full day excursion, this time to the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Torres del Paine National Park. Keep an eye out for large herds of guanacos as you go. Visit the Salto Grande of the Pehoé River with the impressive mountains of Torres del Paine in the background, and visit Lake Pehoé, Lake Grey and Grey Glacier. After lunch stop at Milodon Cave where the remains of a prehistoric animal were found in the last century. (B,L)
DAY 12: FLY TO SANTIAGO
Transfer back to the airport in Punta Arenas and board your flight to Santiago for a farewell dinner this evening to round off the trip. (B,L,D)
DAYS 13-14: FLY SANTIAGO TO THE UK
Transfer to the airport according to your international flight time and fly to the UK, arriving home the following day. (B)
