Chile, Wildlife Tours

Exploring Chile on a Budget

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Tailor-Made Tour
14 Days
From 4780
Budget

Tour Introduction

14 Days from  4780 per adult. Prices based on flight fares at the time of costing & may vary. Please ask for a definitive quote

Explore a good deal of Chile’s highlights in this well-priced tour full of contrasts. From the Moon Valley watch the beautiful fading light as the sun sets over the vast Atacama desert, and visit the famous El Tatio Glaciers, at 4,300 metres the highest geothermal field in the world. Fly to Chile’s beautiful Lake District, hike on snow-capped Osorno volcano, and visit Chiloe Island, home to a combined colony of Humboldt and Magellanic penguins. Then fly to the far south and Torres del Paine National Park, one of South America’s most iconic protected areas. Enjoy the magnificent landscapes and varied flora and fauna during a full day tour of the park, and enjoy a day hike to the famous base of the Towers. This is a truly varied, value-for-money itinerary and we wholeheartedly commend it to you.

Full Itinerary

Price from  4780 per adult. Based on sharing double / twin rooms
Day 1
Arrive Santiago

Met on arrival in Santiago and transfer to hotel. Afternoon guided exploration (shared) of the historical and modern sights of Santiago. This will include La Moneda, a walk through the pedestrian streets of Huerfanos and Ahumada, the Plaza de Armas, and Santa Lucia Hill where the Spanish founded Santiago in 1541. Continue on to the cultural and artistic neighbourhood of Bellavista, explore San Cristobal Hill, and finish in elegant Providencia before returning to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Staying at Hotel Bonaparte. Includes Breakfast.

Day 3
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 stone and sand formations of Moon Valley, and later on marvel at the beautiful scene as the sun sets over the vast desert.

Staying at Hotel de Poblado de Kimal. Includes Breakfast.

Day 4
San Pedro de Atacama

After breakfast explore (shared) the town of San Pedro de Atacama, visit the 3,000 year old pre-Colombian village of Tulor, and continue to the Pukara de Quitor fortress. In the afternoon visit Toconao village (known for its white volcanic stone sculptures) and Atacama Salt Lake before returning to San Pedro de Atacama.

Staying at Hotel Poblado de Kimal. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 5
San Pedro de Atacama

Before dawn head north the the famous El Tatio geysers situated high on the altiplano at 4,300 metres elevation. At dawn observe the powerful jets of steam that shoot out from various blowholes, and steaming salt-encrusted ponds. Then drive to the village of Machuca which was once the resting place for llama caravans that travelled the Inca Highway. Return to San Pedro de Atacama in the late morning and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

Staying at Hotel Poblado de Kimal. Includes Breakfast.

Day 6
Lake District

After breakfast transfer to Calama Airport and fly to Puerto Montt via Santiago. Met on arrival and transfer to Puerto Varas on the shores of Lake Llanquihue. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Staying at Casa Kalfu. Includes Breakfast.

Day 7
Lake District

Head towards Vicente Perez Rosales National Park (shared), stopping at viewpoints along the way to enjoy the landscape and wildlife. Once inside the park look out for entertaining torrent ducks on the lagoon then continue to the Petrohue River and Petrohue Waterfalls. Afterwards, continue to Todos Los Santos Lake and a boat ride across the emerald water to the town of Ensenada at the base of Osorno Volcano. Weather permitting, trek on the volcano or explore the lake before returning to Puerto Varas in the afternoon.

Staying at Casa Kalfu. Includes Breakfast.

Day 8
Lake District

In the morning drive to Chiloe Island, crossing the Chacao Channel by ferry. Explore the Bay of Ancud including the local craft and fish market, and San Antonio Fortress. Afterwards continue towards the Pacific west coast and the small cove of Punihuil with three small islands where Humboldt and Magellanic penguins breed together. Board a Zodiac for a close view of the penguins and other fauna including sea lions, pelicans and cormorants. Return to Puerto Varas in the late afternoon.

Staying at Casa Kalfu. Includes Breakfast.

Day 9
Torres del Paine National Park

Transfer to Puerto Montt Airport and fly to Punta Arenas. Met on arrival and transfer north to your hotel just outside Torres del Paine National Park.

Staying at Hotel Rio Serrano. Includes Breakfast.

Day 10
Torres del Paine National Park

Spend the day enjoying the landscapes and wildlife of Torres del Paine National Park in a small group accompanied by a bilingual guide. The National Park is home to 26 species of mammals including guanaco, puma, the endangered South Andean deer (the Huemul, Chile’s national symbol), 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 Hotel Rio Serrano. Includes Breakfast.

Day 11
Torres del Paine National Park

Today head to the eastern sector of Torres del Paine National Park and hike to the base of the famous Towers for a thoroughly rewarding view.

Staying at Hotel Rio Serrano. Includes Breakfast.

Day 12
Valparaiso

After breakfast return to Punta Arenas and fly back to Santiago. Met on arrival and transfer to Valparaiso on the coast.

Staying at Hotel Fauna. Includes Breakfast.

Day 13
Valparaiso

In the morning visit the waterfront, parks and status of the seaside town of Vina del Mar then return to Valparaiso to explore the city’s historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ride a cable car, stroll along Atkinson and Gervasoni boardwalks, visit Plaza Sotomayor and finish with a visit to La Sebastiana Museum.

Staying at Hotel Fauna. Includes Breakfast.

Day 14
Valparaiso

Enjoy a day at leisure to relax or explore on your own.

Staying at Hotel Fauna. Includes Breakfast.

Day 14
Depart Santiago

After breakfast transfer to Santiago Airport in time to catch your international flight home.

Includes Breakfast.

Tour Accommodation

Chile Chilean Lake District

Casa Kalfu

Overview

This small 3* hotel is located two blocks from Lake Llanquihue, and just a 10 minute stroll from downtown Puerto Varas. Casa Kalfu is owned by Horatio Bovolo who is originally from Argentina, and his Chilean wife (from Vina del Mar). They both speak English and are usually around in the early evening to mix with guests. There are 14 ensuite rooms divided across four floors, four of the rooms have a lake view. The rooms are spacious with plenty of storage, and shower only in the bathroom except the top floor rooms which have a tiny tub. There is also a TV and heating.

There is a small breakfast area, bar and cosy lounge with TV, and complimentary Wi Fi in the communal areas. Pizzas can be prepared in the evening on request, and an informal room service of pizzas, sandwiches and soft drinks is also available. Box lunches can be ordered from a nearby delicatessen.

Swimming Pool
No
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
14
Facilities

Small breakfast area, bar and cosy lounge with TV, and complimentary Wi Fi in the communal areas.

Chile Central Chile

Hotel Fauna

Overview

This hotel is located in the Cerro Alegre district, part of the Zona Tipica (historical district) of Valparaiso and close to a number of bars and restaurants. There are parquet floors and exposed natural stone walls throughout the property, including in some guest rooms. There is complimentary WiFi, room service, a laundry service, rooftop terrace bar and restaurant, and massages by prior arrangement.

Swimming Pool
No
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
17
Chile Northern Chile

Hotel Poblado Kimal

Overview

The hotel has 21 individual cabanas with private terrace set around a garden where the decorative grass seems to be getting out of control! The bedrooms are spacious and equipped with heating, minibar and phone, and there is complimentary WiFi throughout. There is a swimming pool, and a restaurant and bar in the sister property, Hotel Kimal, across the street.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
21
Chile Chilean Patagonia

Hotel Rio Serrano

Overview

The hotel is just outside the southern boundary of Torres del Paine National Park. It is situated on the banks of the Serrano River which flows from Toro Lake into Last Hope Sound. The rooms have large windows offering scenic views of the Paine Massif or Mount Balmaceda. All have heating, fans and private bathrooms.

Swimming Pool
No
Air Conditioning
No
Facilities

Restaurant, bar, lounge, games room and complimentary WiFi in the communal areas.

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 operate 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:

January to January

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

So good to be able to have the holiday organised for us and to be collected/guided by enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides. Nice for the majority of the accommodation to be all inclusive. Met all our expectations. Nice to be able to review and select our hotels.

Mr PL - Surrey