11D10N Best of Chile From Atacama to Patagonia

Welcome to Santiago. A picturesque city back dropped by the spectacular, snow-capped Andes, it offers a metropolitan world of museums, top restaurants and historic finds. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel and enjoy a Welcome Dinner.

Valparaiso and the Casablanca Wine Country

Begin your day with a visit to the coastal city of Valparaiso. Explore the UNESCO protected site with a Local Expert as you discover its church-dotted hillsides and unique ampitheatre-like layout. After lunch, visit the Kingston Family Vineyard for a private wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley. Recognised as one of the best wineries in Chile, its varieties have been featured on the wine lists of top restaurants including Aureole in New York. The evening is yours at leisure to relax or have a night out on the town.

On to Atacama

Take a transfer to the airport for your flight to Calama, a city based in the Atacama Desert. On arrival you'll head to San Pedro de Atacama. You’ll then be driven to the Moon Valley for a guided visit. True to its name, this moon-like area is made up of dunes, caves and caverns. Learn more about its history and the land formations from a Local Expert.

Explore Atacama

This morning, take a guided visit to the Atacama Geysers known as El Tatio Geysers, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Located in the Andes Mountains, you'll be 14,170 feet (4,230 metres) above sea level. Afterwards, enjoy a visit to the Puritama Hot Springs before taking a scenic drive back to your hotel.

Atacama Salt Flats

Explore the Atacama Salt Flats, the largest in Chile. One of the driest parts of the world, the area stretches for over 40,000 square miles (103,600 kilometres). Keep your eyes open for species of wild birds including the Andean and James flamingos on the shores of the Chaxa, Miscanti and Minque Lagoons. This afternoon, make your way to Toconao, a traditional colonial village known for its volcanic rock architecture. Take a stroll through the main square and visit the handicraft stands that sell alpaca textiles.

Atacama to Santiago

Wake up for your transfer and flight back to Santiago. Enjoy lunch at El Galeón restaurant, located in the heart of the Central Market. Continue to the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral, traveling to the heart of the city along the famous Alameda, Santiago's vibrant main avenue. Continue your tour by crossing the Mapocho River to reach the bohemian Bellavista district on your way to San Cristobal Hill.

On to Puerto Natales

Fly to Punta Arenas where you'll then drive to Puerto Natales, a port city, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park and starting point for explorers in search of the Patagonian fjords. This afternoon, you’ll have leisure time in the day to rest and rejuvenate before heading to dinner. Famous for its spiced meat and seafood dishes, tonight's meal will have you savouring typical Patagonian dishes.

Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers Excursion

Wake for a scenic breakfast before starting your day. Torres del Paine National Park boasts jaw-dropping landscapes filled with turquoise lagoons, glaciers, and towering granite horns. Head out on a Balmaceda and Serrano Glacier Cruise to view these majestic ice formations. On return, the rest of your day is at leisure.

Torres del Paine National Park

Join your Local Expert on an excursion of  Torres del Paine National Park. Situated in Chile's Patagonia region, this park is famous for its glaciers, grasslands, imposing mountains and the three granite towers it is named after. This afternoon, explore Torres del Paine with Insight Choice. Choose to join a local expert, exploring the National Park, the area is known for its rivers, lakes, mountains, and glaciers that are worth exploring. Alternatively, choose to join a tour of the region's oldest gardens at Reserva Cerro Paine which produces seasonal fruits and vegetables using bio-intensive sustainable methods. Tonight, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you enjoy dinner at your hotel. All the ingredients are produced onsite utilizing sustainable farming techniques.

Sightseeing in Torres del Paine

Today you'll spend the day sightseeing in Torres del Paine as you look out for the park's guanacos, a rare creature similar to the llama, as well as Andean condors. Witness the sharp peaks of Cuernos del Paine and marvel at the emerald waters of the park’s lakes. These include Dickson Lake, Lake Pehoé, Sarmiento Lake, Del Toro Lake and Nordenskjöld Lake.
After a day exploring, join your Travel Director and new friends as you toast to your travels at a Celebration Dinner with wine.

It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers as your trip comes to an end. Head to Punta Arenas where you'll fly to Santiago International Airport for your flight home.