The Manifold Highlights of Spectacular Chile
Tour Introduction
This varied and exciting tour uses excellent accommodation and perfectly showcases the diversity of Chile in one comprehensive, breathtaking itinerary. Begin by exploring the fascinating history of Easter Island, visiting a variety of ahus (ceremonial sites) to see the famous moai (statues) and their red scoria pukaos (topknots). Returning to mainland Chile, head north into the extremely dry Atacama Desert and drive, hike or bike through this vast mysterious landscape. Then fly south to Chile’s verdant Lake District for a picturesque landscape of lakes, forested hills and volcanoes. Visit Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, hike on Osorno Volcano, and spend a day on Chiloé Island, home to a combined colony of Magellanic and Humboldt penguins and the last redoubt of the Spanish colonial forces. Continue to Patagonia in the far south to experience magnificent Torres del Paine – certainly one of the continent’s most iconic national parks. Enjoy wonderful landscapes and a surprisingly varied flora and fauna, including the chance to spot the elusive puma. For the active, there will even be an opportunity to hike to the base of the famous towers. With such variety and range of contrasts this itinerary is will appeal to those wishing to see Chile in all its diversity and splendour.
Full Itinerary
Met on arrival in Santiago and transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Staying at Hotel Le Reve. Includes Breakfast.
Transfer to Santiago Airport and fly to Easter Island. Afternoon at leisure to explore Hanga Roa independently.
Staying at Hotel O'Tai. Includes Breakfast.
In the morning head south to visit the toppled moai (statues) of Ahu Vaihu. From there continue to the Rano Raraku volcano, home to the ancient quarry from where about 95% of the island’s sculptures were carved. In the afternoon travel to Ahu Tongariki, the largest restored ahu (sacred ceremonial place) on Easter Island with 15 moai. Afterwards drive towards the east coast to Te Pito o Te Henua and nearby Ahu Te Pito. Then continue to the beautiful palm-fringed white sand beach of Anakena and nearby Ahu Nau Nau. There will be time for a refreshing swim in the warm Pacific before returning to Hanga Roa.
Staying at Hotel O'Tai. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
In the morning drive up the extinct Rano Kau volcano and enjoy panoramic views of Easter Island in its entirety. From there visit the ceremonial village of Orongo and learn about the village’s past, culture and the history of the birdman cult. Afterwards drive down the volcano to Ahu Vinapu with its interesting stonemasonry, then see the wall paintings at Ana Kai Tangata cave. In the afternoon travel to Ahu Akivi which is located inland and features seven re-erected moai. From there continue to Hanga Poukura, an extraordinary ahu where a number of tumbled moai status and scattered pukao (topknots) can be seen. Next visit Puna Pau quarry that provided the sole source of the red scoria rock that the Rapa Nui villagers used to carve the pukaos. The last visit of the day visits the ceremonial site of Tahai boasting three ahus, restored moais, remains of boat houses, and a boat ramp.
Staying at Hotel O'Tai. Includes Breakfast.
After a relaxed morning transfer to the airport and fly to Santiago.
Staying at Holiday Inn Santiago - Airport Terminal. Includes Breakfast.
Transfer to Santiago Airport and fly to Calama. Met on arrival and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. Afternoon shared activity.
Staying at Tierra Atacama Hotel and Spa. Includes All Meals.
Enjoy two half days or one full day of shared excursions exploring the Atacama Desert. These could include a drive to the Moon Valley, Tatio Geysers or altiplano lagoons, hiking, mountain biking, volcano climbing (depending on physical fitness), star gazing, and a night hike when there is a full moon.
Staying at Tierra Atacama Hotel and Spa. Includes All Meals.
Enjoy two half days or one full day of shared excursions exploring the Atacama Desert.
Staying at Tierra Atacama Hotel and Spa. Includes All Meals.
Transfer to Calama Airport and fly to Puerto Montt via Santiago. Met on arrival and transfer to Puerto Varas on the shores of Llanquihue Lake.
Staying at Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas. Includes Breakfast.
Head towards Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, stopping at viewpoints along the way to enjoy the landscape and wildlife. Once inside the park look out for torrent duck on the lagoon then continue to the Petrohue River and the Petrohue Waterfalls. After some time to explore, continue to Todos Los Santos Lake for a boat ride across the emerald water to the town of Ensenada at the base of Osorno Volcano. Depending on the weather conditions enjoy a trek on the volcano or explore the lake before returning to Puerto Varas in the afternoon.
Staying at Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
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 Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas. Includes Breakfast.
Transfer to Puerto Montt Airport and fly to Punta Arenas. Met on arrival and transfer northwards to your hotel overlooking Sarmiento Lake and the eastern sector of Torres del Paine National Park. The 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 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, ostrich-like rhea, which lives on the Patagonian steppe.
Staying at Tierra Patagonia Hotel and Spa. Includes All Meals.
Enjoy two half day or one full day of shared excursions exploring Torres del Paine National Park and some less visited areas outside the National Park. These could include a hike to the Cuernos viewpoint, French Valley or the Base of the Towers, horse rides, or vehicle based excursions to some of the principal sites of interest within the National Park, or to Estancia Cerro Guido outside the Park.
Staying at Tierra Patagonia Hotel and Spa. Includes All Meals.
Enjoy two half day or one full day of shared excursions exploring the National Park.
Staying at Tierra Patagonia Hotel and Spa. Includes All Meals.
Transfer to Punta Arenas and fly back to Santiago. Met on arrival and transfer to hotel.
Staying at Hotel Le Reve. Includes Breakfast.
Transfer to the airport and catch your international flight home.
Includes Breakfast.
Tour Accommodation
Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas
Overview
The Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas is part of a leading hotel chain and is perched on a hill overlooking Lake Llanquihue towards the Osorno and Calbuco Volcanoes. The town centre is just a few minutes walk away.
The 90 rooms and suites have either partial or full views of the lake and mountains, and many also have private balconies. All are equipped with air-conditioning, independent heating, complimentary WiFi, cable TV, minibar, and safety deposit box.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Large lobby with overstuffed sofas and log fireplace, Cumbres del Lago Restaurant, Bar La Araucaria, Winter Garden Cafe Lounge with glass terrace and outside seating, and spa with heated pool, sauna and fitness room.
Hotel O’Tai
Overview
This comfortable 3* hotel is centrally located on one of Hanga Roa’s main streets yet just two minutes from the seafront. The 40 ensuite rooms all overlook a beautiful tropical garden and are equipped with a safety deposit box, terrace and WiFi.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant serving Polynesian specialties and international cuisine, cosy bar, outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees and other native plants, and WiFi.
Hotel Le Reve
Overview
This stylish boutique hotel is conveniently located in the Providencia district of Santiago within walking distance of a variety of bars and restaurants. There is a distinct French influence, though the hotel is Chilean owned! The 28 rooms and 3 suites are all equipped with LCD cable TV, complimentary WiFi, air-conditioning, minibar, safety deposit box and phone.
There is a cosy, attractive living room, and a lovely interior garden. Breakfast only is provided, though there are plenty of meal options steps from the hotel. Room service is available for breakfast, and the hotel also has menus from various nearby restaurants from which meals can be ordered. In the evening an honesty bar is set up in the lounge, and late night tea, coffee and snacks in the kitchen.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Living room, interior garden, honesty bar and complimentary WiFi.
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
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Lounge, restaurant and cocktail bar, indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, small fitness centre, laundry and room service (1000 – 0500).
Tierra Atacama Hotel and Spa
Overview
This stylish hotel on the outskirts of San Pedro de Atacama is set among landscaped desert gardens with magnificent views of Licancabur Volcano or the salt mountain range.
All guestrooms have a view of the volcano through sliding glass doors that lead to a private terrace, indoor and outdoor showers, central heating, air-conditioning, ceiling fan and safety deposit box.
The hotel is set in landscaped gardens which have preserved many of the original trees, as well as cultivated native species, a small orchard, vegetable gardens, medicinal herb garden, and several fields of alfalfa and other crops.
The hotel’s restaurant serves healthy gourmet food using the best Chilean produce and locally sourced specialities, and there is an extensive wine list with a variety of excellent Chilean wines.
A variety of small group half or full day desert adventures ranging from hikes, bikes rides and horse rides, to volcano climbs, are led by experienced guides.
Those seeking total relaxation, or some pampering after after the desert adventures, can relax at Uma Spa which offers a full range of treatments, many of which are based on natural desert elements. As well as an outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, indoor heated pool, steam room, and private outdoor hot tub.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
TV lounge, excursions area, lounge/dining room/bar, board games, terrace fire pits, complimentary WiFi throughout, and spa.
Tierra Patagonia Hotel and Spa
Overview
The hotel is about a 20-minute drive from the Sarmiento Gate entrance to Torres del Paine National Park and occupies a lovely position overlooking Sarmiento Lake towards the National Park.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
There are 40 rooms, all equipped with central heating, safety deposit box and phone. There are no TVs in the room. There is a large dining room/bar/lounge with fireplace and large windows overlooking the lake, in addition to a library and TV room, and a spa with a small indoor pool, sauna, and outside Jacuzzis. Complimentary Wi Fi is available but there is only a signal by the windows in the dining room/bar/lounge.
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.
Route Map
Departure Dates
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:
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
Be prepared for ever changing weather conditions in Torres del Paine National Park by packing suitable kit – it is possible to experience four seasons in one day there.
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.
