Splendours of Chile

Overview

Chile is an extraordinarily beautiful country, encompassing nearly every type of landscape on Earth, from the arid desert in the north to verdant lakes, pastures, and the soaring peaks and glaciers of Patagonia. This expansive tour explores Chile’s spectacular desert, mountain scenery, and Patagonian wilderness while allowing time to discover some fascinating Chilean traditions.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Santiago via São Paulo

• Fly from London (regional connections available) to Santiago, via São Paulo, with LATAM Airlines. (N)

Day 2: Santiago

• Morning arrival and transfer to the Hotel Plaza San Francisco for a 2-night stay.
• Afternoon at leisure. (N)

Day 3: Santiago

• Morning tour of Santiago, including the cathedral, historic main square, central market, and Sky Costanera, the tallest building in South America, offering views of the city and Andes.
• Afternoon drive into the countryside to Undurraga vineyard for a tour and wine tasting. (B)

Day 4: Fly to Calama • San Pedro de Atacama

• Early morning flight to Calama and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama for 3 nights at the Hotel Altiplanico.
• Afternoon excursion to the Valley of the Moon to witness the mesmerising change of colours at sunset. (B)

Day 5: Atacama Desert

• Full-day journey into the spectacular desert landscape.
  • Visit the Atacama salt flats, where you may spot pink flamingoes.
  • Stop at the village of Toconao, known for its white volcanic stone buildings.
  • Lunch at a traditional farm and visit Tebinquinche lagoon. (B, L)

Day 6: Atacama Desert

• Day at leisure.
• Optional excursion to El Tatio geysers, hot springs, or the 17th-century fortress of Pukara de Quitor. (B)

Day 7: Fly to Puerto Montt via Santiago • Puerto Varas

• Fly to Puerto Montt via Santiago and transfer to Puerto Varas, surrounded by shimmering lakes and snow-capped volcanoes.
• Stay 2 nights at the Cabana del Lago Hotel, located on the lake. (B)

Day 8: Chilean Lake District

• Take a shared boat trip across Lake Todos los Santos to Peulla. (B)

Day 9: Fly to Punta Arenas • Puerto Natales

• Fly to Punta Arenas and continue to Puerto Natales, nestled amid jagged peaks and the glassy waters of Last Hope Sound.
• Stay overnight at the Hotel CostAustralis (fjord-view room). (B)

Day 10: Torres del Paine

• Drive across Patagonia to Torres del Paine National Park.
• Full-day shared tour through the dramatic scenery of granite peaks, emerald lakes, waterfalls, and ancient lenga forests.
• Stay at Hotel Lago Grey for 2 nights in a Superior room with views of the glacier or Paine massif. (B, L)

Day 11: Torres del Paine

• Morning shared boat excursion on Lake Grey for a close-up view of the striking bright-blue glacier.
• Afternoon at leisure or optional tours. (B)

Day 12: Punta Arenas

• Drive to Punta Arenas, located on the Magellan Strait, followed by a short city tour.
• Transfer to the Cabo de Hornos Hotel for 1 night. (B, L)

Day 13: Fly to Santiago

• Fly to Santiago and transfer to the Hotel Plaza San Francisco for an overnight stay. (B)

Day 14: Fly to London via São Paulo

• Morning at leisure or optional tour of the Pre-Columbian Museum or Los Dominicos handicraft market.
• Afternoon transfer to the airport and fly to London, via São Paulo, with LATAM Airlines. (B)

Day 15: London

• Arrive in London. (N)