Contrasts of Chile

13-Day Enlightened Tour

Discover the extremes of Chile as you travel from the other-world landscapes of the Atacama Desert, through fertile coastal valleys to the towering snowcapped peaks of Torres del Paine in Patagonia.

So Much is Included in the Price

• Return flights to and from the UK, and internal flights, 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

• 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Want to Extend Your Holiday?

Explore Easter Island from £975pp

Take the opportunity to visit one of the most remote and mysterious places on earth with a 3 night extension to Easter Island. See the spectacular statues and explore all corners of this small island in the middle of the Pacific, with an extra night in Santiago before your return home.

Chilean Lake District from £180pp

Visit the pristine Chilean Lake District for a relaxing few days amongst lakes and snow-capped volcanoes.

Any Questions? Get in touch and chat to your Personal Travel Advisor on 0161 491 7616 today!

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Depart London Heathrow

From Heathrow you’ll fly to Santiago via Madrid.

Day 2 Arrive 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.

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.

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 oasis in the driest desert on Earth. You’ll stay at the Poblado de Kimal hotel for 3 nights. The rest of the day is at leisure. We recommend seeing the eerie Valley of the Moon in the afternoon light.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 5 Atacama Desert

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: 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.

Day 6 Atacama

You’ll set off early this morning to visit the El Tatio Geysers close to the Bolivian border. Watching the plumes of steam in the early morning light is an unforgettable experience. After breakfast, you’ll walk around the geothermal fields then continue on to the Puritama hot springs where you can soak in the natural thermal pools. This afternoon you’re free to relax in this unforgettable environment.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 7 Atacama to Valparaiso and Santiago

Transfer to Calama and fly to Santiago, where on arrival you’ll head to the Pacific Ocean coast for a tour of Valparaiso. Valpo, as the locals call it, was a major worldwide port in the 19th century before the Panama Canal was built. You’ll also stop for wine tasting in one of Chile’s best vineyards on the way back to Santiago. Stay at the Hotel Galerias for 1 night

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 8 Santiago to Puerto Natales

Today you’ll fly south to Punta Arenas. On arrival transfer along the coast to Puerto Natales, stopping en route to see the Otway Sound penguin colony. Over night at the distinctive Hotel Altiplanico Sur.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 9 Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine

This morning you’ll travel into the heart of Patagonia and the spectacular Torres Del Paine National Park. Stay for 2 nights in the heart of the national park at the riverside Hotel Rio Serrano, with exceptional views of the towering granite peaks.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 10 Torres del Paine National Park

A morning tour to Lago Grey reveals the huge glacier and stunning Patagonian scenery. Keep your eyes peeled for condors or the native flightless nandu bird. The rest of the day is at leisure to unwind or explore this pristine wilderness.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 11 Torres del Paine to Punta Arenas

Today you’ll journey south to the port of Punta Arenas, stopping at the Milodon cave. In Punta Arenas you’ll see the Straits of Magellan and visit the Nao Victoria museum to see the recreation of Magellan’s ship. Stay at the Diego de Almagro hotel for 1 night.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 12 Depart Punta Arenas

You’ll transfer to the airport for your return flight, via Santiago and Madrid, unless you have booked a tour extension.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 13 Arrive London Heathrow

Your flight arrives in the afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast.

Want to get started? Chat to your Personal Travel Advisor on 0161 491 7616 today!