Contrasts of Chile - Journeys of Distinction Light

15-DAY ENLIGHTENED TOUR

Discover the extremes of Chile as you travel from arid desert, through verdant parkland to snow-capped volcanoes, visiting characterful cities en route.

So much is included in the price
• Return flights to and from the UK, and internal flights, with LAN Airlines including all UK taxes
• Experience the extremes of Chile, from the stark beauty of the Atacama Desert with its brilliant clear night skies, to the Torres Del Paine National Park in Patagonia with views of the mountains and glaciers
• Sightseeing as specified with transfers and entrance fees included
• Local guides who’ll share their knowledge of the country, its history and culture
• Free time to explore independently
• 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches
• Quality hotels throughout

Extend your holiday
Once the travel bug bites you, it’s hard to return to normal life; but you can always put it off for a bit longer by booking an extension or stopover to give yourself a few more days’ holiday and a wealth of different experiences.

Easter Island Extension

Day 1 Santiago to Easter Island
You’ll fly to one of the most remote places on earth; a small, mysterious island in the Pacific Ocean.

Days 2 & 3 Easter Island
Your programme of island excursions includes the amazing stone moai, and ceremonial sites.

Day 4 Easter Island to Santiago
You’ll transfer back to Santiago for one more night.

Day 5 Depart Santiago
Your return flight leaves this afternoon.

Day 6 Arrive Heathrow
Your flight lands this morning.
Meals: 4 breakfasts, in-flight
Hotel: 2 nights Puku Vai, 1 night Galerias
From £685 per person

Tour itinerary

Day 1 Depart Heathrow
From Heathrow you’ll fly to Santiago via Madrid.
Meals: In-flight.

Day 2 Santiago
You’ll arrive into Santiago early this morning and transfer to your hotel for breakfast. You’re then free to settle in and explore.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Galerias

Day 3 Santiago
Today’s city tour includes the presidential palace and the bustling streets and plazas of downtown Santiago. This afternoon is at leisure to explore independently.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Galerias.

Day 4 Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama
After breakfast, you’ll fly to Calama and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, 2,000m above sea level in an unusual green oasis. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the eerily silent moonscape of Valle de la Luna. The backdrop of snow-capped volcanoes seems ever more beautiful as the sun sets.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Poblado do Kimal.

Day 5 Atacama
Today you’ll explore the lagoons of the Altiplano, visit Toconao, the oasis of a mountain river, and cross the Jerez Canyon to visit one of the largest salt lakes in the driest desert of the world: the Salar de Atacama. You’ll see flamingos in their natural habitat at Laguna Chaxa, then, after lunch, you’ll drive to an altitude of 4,700 m for incredible views over the blue-black Meñiques and Miscanti lagoons and the volcanoes beyond.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Poblado do Kimal

Day 6 Atacama
You’ll set off early to visit the El Tatio Geysers. Watching the plumes of steam in the early morning light is an unforgettable experience. After breakfast, you’ll walk around the geothermal field then continue on to the Puritama hot springs for a soak in the natural thermal pools. This afternoon you’re free to relax.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Poblado do Kimal

Day 7 Atacama to Puerto Varas
When your morning flight lands in Puerto Montt, you’ll go on a short city tour before transferring to Puerto Varas, the City of Roses, on the shores of Lake Llanquihue.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Solace.

Day 8 Puerto Varas
After breakfast, you’ll travel to lakeside Frutillar and visit the outdoor museum dedicated to the German founders. You’ll then travel back to your hotel for a free afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Solace

Day 9 Puerto Varas to Puerto Natales
Today, you’ll fly south to Punta Arenas and transfer to Puerto Natales, the frontier-style port city on the shores of Last Hope Sound.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: CostAustralis

Day 10 Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine
You’ll set off early this morning for a 2 night stay in the Torres del Paine National Park. En route you’ll pass Laguna Amarga and Lake Pehoé, with views across the Paine Massif, Almirante Nieto, and the famous Torres del Paine towers. Keep your eyes peeled for guanacos, ñandus, black-necked swans, flamingos, condors and eagles.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Rio Serrano.

Day 11 Torres del Paine
You have a free day to explore or take an optional excursion.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Rio Serrano

Day 12 Torres del Paine to Santiago
Today you’ll fly back to Santiago. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore this vibrant city independently.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Galerias

Day 13 Santiago
This morning you’ll visit the traditional port town, Valparaíso, rich in history and character, then drive through the beautiful valleys that are home to some of Chile’s best vineyards, stopping off for a tour and wine tasting before returning to Santiago.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Galerias.

Day 14 Depart Santiago
You’ll transfer to the airport for your return flight, via Madrid, unless you have booked a tour extension.
Meals: Breakfast, In-flight.

Day 15 Arrive Heathrow
Your flight arrives in the afternoon.