Chile, Wildlife Tours

Wild Chile: Off The Beaten Track

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Tailor-Made Tour
16 Days
From 7150
Off The Beaten Track

Tour Introduction

16 Days from  7150 per adult. Prices based on rates applicable at the time of costing which may vary. Please ask for a definitive quote

Our comprehensive off-the-beaten-track itinerary offers a diverse mix of activity and wildlife in three of Chile’s most dramatic regions: the Atacama Desert, the Lake District and southern Patagonia. From Santiago, fly north to San Pedro de Atacama. Explore the vast desert landscape by van, foot, and bike, enjoying sunset scenes over Moon Valley and early morning light at the El Tatio geysers. The landscape changes dramatically in Chile’s lake district where you experience the depths of the temperate moist forest. Based at the quirky, unique Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve,  pursue an active programme of nature walks, horse riding, boat trips, kayaking and zip lining. The last few days are spent in the far south of Patagonia at spectacular Torres del Paine National Park, exploring the astonishing landscapes by kayak and on horseback, mountain bike and foot. This is an excellent all-round itinerary for those seeking an active journey to some of the southern hemisphere’s most extraordinary and beautiful wilderness locations.

Full Itinerary

Price from  7150 per adult. Based on sharing double / twin rooms
Day 1
Arrive in Santiago

Met on arrival in Santiago and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Staying at Hotel Orly. Includes Breakfast.

Day 2
San Pedro de Atacama

Transfer to Santiago Airport. Fly to Calama and transfer by road to San Pedro de Atacama at an altitude of 2440 metres. In the afternoon explore the strange stone and sand formations of Moon Valley and enjoy the vast, beautiful landscapes as the sun sets over the desert.

Staying at La Casa de Don Tomas. Includes Breakfast.

Day 3
San Pedro de Atacama

Today will involve approximately 45km of cycling. Leave the village in the early morning and pedal to the Atacama Salt Flats. After 18km into the ride, stop to have a dip in the salt water at the pristine Cejas Lagoon. From there drive to Tambillo and the National Flamingo reserve, which also happens to be full of tamarugo trees whose seeds are a good source of nutrition for the Atacameño people. After lunch in Toconao, ride to a village in the Talabre Gorge located at 3,500m.a.s.l. and from there everything starts going downhill (in the best sense). Coast down to the edge of the Salar de Atacama and witness a spectacular sunset amongst pink flamingos before heading back to San Pedro.

Staying at La Casa de Don Tomas. Includes Breakfast.

Day 4
San Pedro de Atacama

Before dawn head north to the famous El Tatio geysers situated high on the altiplano at 4,300 metres elevation. At dawn, observe steaming salt-encrusted ponds and powerful jets of steam that shoot up to 40 metres high from numerous blowholes. Return to San Pedro de Atacama in time for lunch, enjoying magnificent views of the Tocopurri and Sairecabur volcanoes en route. In the afternoon enjoy a bike ride across the immense, sparkling white Atacama salt flat to Laguna Cejar which has so much salt in its waters that a person can float with no effort, rather like the Dead Sea.

Staying at La Casa de Don Tomas. Includes Breakfast.

Day 5
Santiago

Depart San Pedro early in the morning and drive to Death Valley, part of the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountain Range) for astounding ancient rock formations. Receive instruction before enjoying some thrilling sandboarding down the immense dunes. Transfer to Calama airport and fly back to Santiago.

Staying at Holiday Inn Santiago - Airport Terminal. Includes Breakfast.

Day 6
Lake District

Fly to Temuco in time for the shared transfer to Neltume in the Valdivian Ecoregion – 34 million hectares of temperate moist forest, one of only seven such reserves left in the world. Biologically important for its high levels of endemism, in 2007 UNESCO declared it a Biosphere Reserve. Within the 2,000,000 hectares of the Austral Andes Temperate Moist Forest Biosphere Reserve lies the 100,000-hectare private reserve of Huilo Huilo. Its eponymous waterfall, clear rivers and snow-capped mountains form a backdrop for exhilarating excursions and discovering the unique flora and fauna of the southern forest. One rare species found there is known as Darwin’s frog, the male of which incubates the tadpoles in his vocal sac and ejects them as fully formed frogs ready to fend for themselves.

Staying at Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 7
Lake District

There are a large number of tours and excursions on offer at Huilo Huilo, some included, some optional. Enjoy guided nature walks through native forest to the spectacular waterfall; relax at the spa or by the pool; visit the micro-brewery and Mapuche tribal museum; ride horses along the valley; drive up to the snow-capped mountain for stunning views; cruise by ferry along forest-lined shores across Piriheuco Lake; try the exciting yet safe zip-lining tour (separate child and adult lines); go mountain biking and kayaking – there are so many activities to enjoy, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Staying at Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve. Includes All Meals.

Day 8
Lake District

Another day to enjoy the large number of tours and excursions on offer at Huilo Huilo.

Staying at Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve. Includes All Meals.

Day 9
Punta Arenas

Return to Temuco, fly to Santiago and connect with flight to Punta Arenas in the far south of Patagonian Chile. Met on arrival and transfer to hotel.

Staying at Hotel Cabo de Hornos. Includes Breakfast.

Day 10
Torres del Paine National Park

After breakfast transfer north to Torres del Paine National Park. Stop en route in Puerto Natales for a hearty lunch, and at Cueva de Milodon, a large prehistoric cave where the remains of an extinct giant sloth were discovered in the 1890s. Arrive at your accommodation within the National Park in the late afternoon.

Torres del Paine National Park is home to 26 species of mammals including guanaco, puma, Chile’s largest carnivore, the endangered South Andean deer (the huemul, Chile’s national animal), two species of fox, and the Patagonian skunk. Bird species number 118 and include wading birds such as the Chilean flamingo which live in the numerous lakes and lagoons across the park, 15 species of birds of prey including the Andean condor, and South America’s largest bird, the flightless rhea, which lives on the Patagonian steppe.

Staying at EcoCamp Patagonia. Includes All Meals.

Day 11
Torres del Paine National Park

After breakfast drive to Estancia Laguna Amarga where mountain bikes await, and pedal across the Patagonian plains for about 13 miles to Laguna Azul. Along the way stop to see the Paine waterfall and admire the stunning views, and look out for wildlife that includes guanacos, rheas, and perhaps even a puma. Enjoy a packed lunch and time to climb to a nearby viewpoint with a panoramic view of the lagoon and the Towers of Paine in the distance. The energetic can return to EcoCamp by bike, or alternatively return by van.

Staying at EcoCamp Patagonia. Includes All Meals.

Day 12
Torres del Paine National Park

Head off to Grey Lake in the western sector of the park. Cross the glacial lake by boat and enjoy stunning views of the Paine massif, and the impressive glacier which forms part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Leave the boat, don kayaking gear, then paddle out onto the lake and head towards the eastern face of the glacier. Paddle on through icebergs close to the face of the glacier before returning to dry land to take the boat back to the dock, and the van back to EcoCamp.

Staying at EcoCamp Patagonia. Includes All Meals.

Day 13
Torres del Paine National Park

Departing in the morning, ride through forests, ford streams and cross wide open grasslands where experienced riders are welcome to gallop. Lunch is served at the Seron campsite with spectacular views of parts of the Towers, Mount Admiral Nieto, Laguna Azul and the Paine River. Return to EcoCamp in the late afternoon.

Staying at EcoCamp Patagonia. Includes All Meals.

Day 14
Torres del Paine National Park

After breakfast hike from EcoCamp towards Hostería Las Torres before ascending Ascencio Valley on the Towers’ eastern side. Mountain ridges, beech forests and small rivers line the scenic uphill walk through the valley. The final part of the hike is through a steep moraine, a huge mass of boulders which lead to a stunning, iconic view from the base of the Towers. The Towers are three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. After a tough uphill climb, the Towers eventually come into full stunning view with the glacial lake visible below.

After enjoying a packed lunch, backtrack down through the Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp for a well-deserved rest.

Staying at EcoCamp Patagonia. Includes All Meals.

Day 15
Santiago

Return to Punta Arenas and fly to Santiago. Met on arrival and transfer to hotel.

Staying at Hotel Orly. Includes Breakfast.

Day 16
Santiago

Transfer to Santiago Airport for flight home.

Includes Breakfast.

Tour Accommodation

Chile Chilean Patagonia

EcoCamp Patagonia

Overview

EcoCamp Patagonia is located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, with a unique view of the majestic granite towers. The region’s first fully sustainable accommodation south of the Amazon and the first of its kind in the Patagonian wilderness, EcoCamp offers upscale camping in geodesic domes inspired by the region’s ancient nomadic inhabitants.

Swimming Pool
No
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
23
Facilities

The 10 suite domes have comfortable double or twin beds, a modern low-emission wood stove and a private bathroom with a state of the art composting toilet. Guests can gaze at the stars through the ceiling windows while falling asleep each night, after enjoying a spectacular sunset from their private terrace. There are also 13 basic Standard Domes, with shared gender divided facilities. There is no heating or electricity in the standard domes but cameras etc can be charged in the Community Domes. Towels and fleece bedding are provided.

Walkways lead from the domes to a central core dome area which houses the dining room, main lounge and bar, gift shop, and outside terrace. Energy is provided by solar power and a micro-hydro turbine. There is no mobile phone signal at EcoCamp, nor WiFi. A laundry service is available on request.

Local Wildlife

There are 26 species of mammal in Torres del Paine National Park including guanaco, puma, south Andean deer, dwarf armadillo and Patagonian skunk. Bird species number 118 including Chilean flamingo, lesser rhea and Andean condor.

Chile Central Chile

Holiday Inn Santiago – Airport Terminal

Overview

This 306 room hotel is located directly in front of Santiago Airport terminal making it an ideal place to stay for a late arrival/early departure. The comfortable rooms are equipped with cable/satellite TV, air-conditioning, complimentary WiFi and safety deposit box.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
Yes
Rooms
306
Facilities

Lounge, restaurant and cocktail bar, indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, small fitness centre, laundry and room service (1000 – 0500).

Chile Chilean Lake District

Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve

Overview

At the heart of the Patagonian Andes in the south of Chile lies the Valdivian Ecoregion, 34 million hectares of temperate moist forest, one of seven left in the world. Biologically, it’s important for its high levels of endemism, so much so that in 2007 UNESCO declared it a Biosphere Reserve.

Within the 2,000,000 hectares of the Austral Andes Temperate Moist Forest Biosphere Reserve lies the 100,000-hectare private reserve of HUILO HUILO. Its eponymous, impressive waterfall, clear rivers and snow-capped mountains form a backdrop for exhilarating walks and bike rides, adventurous horse rides and discovering the unique flora and fauna of the southern forest. You might be lucky and catch a glimpse of Darwin’s frog, a highly unusual species in that the male carries the tadpoles in a special pouch in his abdomen until they hatch. When the time is right they are expelled from his mouth one or two at a time in an act akin to giving birth.

Nothofagus Lodge, the main hotel building, is a magical wooden Tolkein-esque edifice containing guest rooms and suites, swimming pools, spa, games room, children’s playroom, reception, restaurant, bar and lobby areas. Adjacent to Nothofagus is Reino Fungi, a newer, wooden, mushroom-shaped structure with more guest accommodation, joined to Nothofagus by a corridor. Nearby is Montana Magica Lodge, the original Huilo Huilo building, seemingly encased in stones and vegetation, with a small waterfall cascading down one side and containing cosy rooms and a restaurant/bar. Take a golf cart a few hundred metres down a raised wooden “road” from Nothofagus to Nawelpi Lodge, smaller, more intimate and with its own riverside setting and reserve.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
102
Facilities

Lawenko Spa, swimming pools, restaurants, bars, games room, children's playroom and WiFi in communal areas.

Local Wildlife

The reserve has 81 registered bird species including the Chucao Tapaculo, the endangered Darwin's frog can be found here, and a number of mammals including the southern pudu, Geoffroy's cat, and monito del monte.

Optional Activities

Numerous outdoor activities are offered including trekking, climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, rafting, kayaking and ice trekking.

Chile Chilean Patagonia

Hotel Cabo de Hornos

Overview

This hotel is located right on the main square in Punta Arenas. The ensuite rooms have either sea or city views and are equipped with satellite TV and safety deposit box. There is a restaurant, bar, small business centre (four computers!), room service, laundry service and WiFi throughout.

Swimming Pool
No
Air Conditioning
No
Facilities

Restaurant, bar, small business centre, room service, laundry service and WiFi throughout.

Chile Northern Chile

La Casa de Don Tomas

Overview

Conveniently located just a 5 minute walk from San Pedro de Atacama’s main street. The ensuite rooms and cabanas are equipped with an in-room safe and heating. There is also a restaurant, patio and outdoor pool with views of Licancabur Volcano, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
No
Facilities

Restaurant, coffee shop and snack bar, laundry service, outdoor pool and complimentary WiFi.

Chile Central Chile

Hotel Orly

Overview

This comfortable 30-room hotel is located in the Providencia district of Santiago, close to a variety of cafés, restaurants and bars. The rooms have a safety deposit box, cable TV, minibar, central heating and air-conditioning. There is a small lounge area on the ground floor, and a lovely glass-domed breakfast room. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the property, and there are also two computer workstations. A laundry service is available. The hotel provides breakfast only but there are numerous eating options literally on the doorstep!

Swimming Pool
No
Air Conditioning
Yes
Rooms
30
Facilities

Small lounge, glass-domed breakfast room, and complimentary WiFi throughout.

Route Map

Departure Dates

This tour has no set departure date and can be tailored to suit your travel requirements. Contact us for more details.

Travel Information

Are International Flights Included?

No. Please contact us for a quote if required.

Flight Info:

British Airways operates four direct flights per week from London Heathrow to Santiago. Other flight options from the UK to Santiago include Air France via Paris, Iberia via Madrid, LATAM via Madrid or Sao Paulo, and Avianca via Bogota.

Best Visited:

October to April

Are you ATOL Registered?

Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.

John Melton

Area Specialist

If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965

I last used Reef and Rainforest 11 years ago when we went to Costa Rica. Once again we were very impressed with the level of organisation and attention to detail. Hopefully we will be using the company again.

MRS HC - BUCKS