Essence of Chile

Resort:	Essence of Chile
Operator:	Cox and Kings
Destination:	Chile
Price From:	£3995.00

Overview

This introductory tour of Chile takes in the striking extremes of this amazing country. Starting and ending in the cosmopolitan city of Santiago, the tour visits the Atacama desert, one of the driest places on Earth, before heading south to Patagonia to see stunning granite peaks, glaciers and wildlife.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Santiago

Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) to Santiago with British Airways. (N)

Day 2: Santiago

Arrive and transfer to the Plaza San Francisco Hotel for 2 nights. Afternoon is at leisure to relax or visit the Costanera viewing platform for views of the city and the Andes mountains. (N)

Day 3: Santiago

This morning explore the cathedral and main square of Santiago on a tour of the city. Afternoon at leisure or optional visit to a nearby winery or the Pre-Columbian Museum. (B)

Day 4: Fly to Calama – San Pedro de Atacama

Fly to Calama and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama for 3 nights at the Altiplanico Hotel. (B)

Day 5: Atacama

In the morning, visit the Atacama salt flat. Afternoon visit to the Valley of the Moon for stunning sunsets. (B)

Day 6: Atacama

Day at leisure to explore the town on foot or take optional excursions. (B)

Day 7: Fly to Punta Arenas via Santiago – Puerto Natales

Early morning transfer to Calama airport and fly to Punta Arenas, via Santiago. On arrival, transfer to the charming town of Puerto Natales, surrounded by the glassy waters of Last Hope Sound and the mountain peaks of Patagonia. Stay overnight at the Hotel CostAustralis (sea-view room). On selected days in high season it is possible to fly to Santiago and then take a direct flight to Puerto Natales. (B)

Day 8: Torres del Paine

Full-day shared tour taking in prehistoric remains at the Milodon cave and Torres del Paine’s dramatic scenery of granite peaks, emerald lakes and waterfalls. There will be an opportunity for a short hike through ancient lenga forests near Lake Grey and its glacier. Stay at the Hotel Lago Grey for 2 nights with panoramic views of the lake. (B)

Day 9: Torres del Paine

Day at leisure or take optional excursions to explore the park further. (B)

Day 10: Fly to Santiago

Drive back to Punta Arenas for a late afternoon flight to Santiago. Transfer to the Hotel Plaza San Francisco for an overnight stay. (B)

Alternatively, end your tour with a stay at a winery hotel not far from Santiago, such as Casa Silva in the Colchagua Valley or La Casona Matetic in the Casablanca Valley. Please enquire for further details.

Day 11: Fly to London

Morning at leisure or optional tour of Los Dominicos handicraft village. Afternoon transfer to the airport and fly to London with British Airways. (B)