Exploring Chile on a Budget

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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