SOUTH AMERICA
HIGHLIGHTS OF CHILE
Number of days
11
Cities Involved
Santiago, Atacama desert, Patagonia with Torres Del Paine national park, Valparaiso & Vina Del Mar
ACTC Tours SPECIAL FEATURES:
- Hotel accommodations of your choice with private bath & shower.
- Meals as listed on each day.
- Transfers and sightseeing tours as per itinerary.
- Services of local English speaking guide
- AIRFARES both International and domestic are not included. Call for details and quote.
Day to Day Program:
DAY 1
Arrive Santiago
Reception at the Santiago airport and transfer to the hotel. Encounter Santiago, Chile’s capital, nestled in the central valley, right below the imposing Andes. This city mixes the “Mapuche” legacy, the natives that inhabited this land during the Pre-Columbian era, our Spanish colonial past and the modernity of any thriving city of the world. Walk its streets, visit its museums, engage with its architecture and become a part of it. Historical and contemporary features combined in the heart of Chile. HOTEL -2 nights. D
DAY 2
city tour
Morning tour of the city. Begin our journey towards the city center, where we will get to know its main attractions. First, we will visit the Santa Lucia Hill, where the city of Santiago was founded in 1541. Continue to the Plaza de Armas, to see the Cathedral of Santiago, the Municipality, the Post Office Building and National History Museum. Later visit the Cerro San Cristobal, where we can enjoy a panoramic view of Santiago. The experience continues with a panoramic tour through the Providencia neighborhood and finally, along the Costanera Highway until reaching the elegant Vitacura neighborhood and the Alonso de Córdova Avenue, transfer back to the Hotel, Dinner and overnight. BD
Time free until transfer to the airport to board flight to Calama. Upon arrival in Calama drive into the Atacama Desert arriving at San Pedro de Atacama. After stettling in enjoy lunch at local restaurant. Tour this afternoon of the Moon Valley. The Valley of the Moon, declared a Natural sanctuary and monument, is formed by a depression surrounded by small hills with stunning sharp ridges. This unique place is famous for its natural mineral sculptures, one of them being “Las Tres Marías” (The three Mary’s)formed by the wind erosion, resembling a lunar setting. Finally, end your trip with a magical sunset (subject to weather) at the Kari Viewpoint, one of the highest points of the “Cordillera de la Sal” (Salt Mountain Range); before returning to hotel. Dinner in a local restaurant. HOTEL. BL
DAY 3
Calama – San Pedro de Atacama (Atacama Desert
DAY 4
DAY 4: Altiplanic Lagoons & Atacama Salt Flat escusrion
After Breakfast travel on the international highway towards the Atacama Salt Flat, one of the largest in the world. Within the Salt Flat, in the area known as Soncor and the Chaxa Lagoon, where you may see the three species of native pink flamingos. Continue and travel further within the Altiplano, reaching 4,300 meters above sea level. Arrive at the Miñique and Miscanti lagoons, at the foothill of the Miñique and Miscanti volcanoes, with fantastic scenery of bluish waters arising from the background of volcanoes. Return to Socaire for lunch. Our final stop is the village of Toconao visiting the main square, the bell tower built in 1750 made of cactus wood, mud and straw, and the church of San Lucas, both have been declared National Monument since 1951. Return to the hotel for Dinner and overnight. BLD
DAY 5
Tatio Geysers + Machuca excursion – Santiago
Rise early this morning to visit the Tatio Geysers; the geothermal centre of the Atacama Desert. Witness its impressive natural spectacle of steam combined with volcanic magma; it’s a visual performance that is waiting to surprise you. After watching this delightful 3 spectacle, it is time to enjoy a delicious breakfast to later spend time at the natural hot pool with an average temperature of 36° C. Breakfast and visit the village of Machuca, where local families dedicate their life to grazing and agriculture. There is a good chance to observe a flock of flamingos, ducks and gulls in the nearby wetlands. Return back to San Pedro de Atacama for lunch and later transfer to Calama Airport for flight to Santiago. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel where rest of the evening is free. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel. HOTEL. BLD
DAY 6
Viña del Mar & Valparaíso excursion
After Breakfast travel along the Pacific coast, crossing the Coastal Mountain Range and the Casablanca and Curacaví Valleys. Our first stop will be Viña del Mar, known as the Garden City; because of the great amount of parks and nice gardens that it has. We will visit the Quinta Vergara, Palacio Carrasco, and see an original Moai from Easter Island. Then, we continue along the bay, forming part of the most important central coastline, and get to know the city’s famous flower clock. Next, we arrive at the city of Valparaíso, World Heritage Site and main commercial port and home to the Congress of Chile. During the tour, visitors are greeted by the multi-coloured houses on the hills, parks and diverse historic monuments, traditional bars and restaurants. We will have lunch at a typical seafood restaurant and get to know the Plaza Sotomayor, the most important civic square of the city, located on the shore. Finally we will sail across the bay, in order to appreciate the best views of Valparaíso. Return back our hotel in Santiago. Dinner and overnight at Hotel. BLD
DAY 7
Santiago – Santiago- Punta Arenas – Puerto Natales (Patagonia)
Breakfast at the Hotel and transfet to Santiago airport for flight to Puanta Arenas. Upon arrival you will be driven towards Muñoz Gamero Square, to visit the Monument to Hernando de Magallanes next to Selknam natives. Legend says that anyone who kisses the foot of the native will return to the city. Next we ascent to De la Cruz Hill to enjoy & photograph a panoramic view of the city, Magellan’s Strait and Tierra del Fuego. After lunch at a local restaurant, we will drive along the Pampa for around 3 hours towards Puerto Natales, a small city located in the heart of the Chilean Patagonia. Overnight & dinner at the hotel. HOTEL COSTA AUSTRALIS- 1 night. BLD
DAY 8
Torres del Paine National Park excursion- Serrano
Breakfast at Hotel. Visit National Park Torres del Paine, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural places in the world, and recently chosen as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Through our tour we will appreciate some of its main attractions, such as Amarga Lagoon, overlooking the Horns of Paine, Salto Grande and Grey Lake. Enjoy lunch in the park and continue exploring the park. Overnight in Serrano area. HOTEL . BLD
DAY 9
Torres del Paine – Puerto Natales
After Breakfast, spend the morning discovering the National Park Torres del Paine. Following Lunch, we will return to Puerto Natales. Overnight & Dinner at the hotel. HOTEL COSTA AUSTRALIS- 1 night. BLD
DAY 10
Puerto Natales – Punta Arenas – Santiago
Transfer from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas (aprox. 3h driving time). On the way, lunch in a local estancia. Transfer to the airport to fly to Santiago. Meeting assistance and transfer to your hotel. Dinner & Overnight at HOTEL . BLD
DAY 11
Santiago – Depart or extend stay
Breakfast and time free until transfer to the airport.
AUSTRALIS CRUISE EXTENSION- (5 days / 04 nights)
DAY 1
( DAY 10 of the main Program ) PUNTA ARENAS/ AUSTRALIS CRSUISE
Participants will be transferred to the Australis Cruises office for Check in. Board the M/V Via Australis cruise ship at 18:00. After a welcoming cocktail reception hosted by the Captain and his crew, the M/V Via Australis will depart for one of the remotest parts of the planet. Our trip will take us through the Strait of Magellan and the Fuegian-Patagonian channels to explore one of the most breathtaking wilderness regions in the world: Southern Patagonia, which includes the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. D
DAY 2
Brookes Glacier – Ainsworth Bay (Australis Cruise)
At dawn, we will be sailing to Brookes Fjord. The area is a natural amphitheatre shaped by glaciers in constant movement. Take a short walk towards one of the glaciers, enjoying the breathtaking surroundings and the view of the Darwin Mountain Range. Later, we will navigate our way through Almirantazgo Sound, arriving at Ainsworth Bay which is sited within Alberto De Agostini National Park. It’s the perfect spot from which to see the Marinelli Glacier descending from Darwin Mountain Range in the distance; and to appreciate how the land returns to life after glacial retreat. We will also take a walk to a beaver dam in the stunning sub-polar Magellan Forest. Whether on the beach or the island, there’s a good chance of sighting Southern Elephant Seals.
DAY 3
Almirantazgo Bay – Parry Glacier ( Australis Cruise)
Early in the morning we will reach Almirantazgo Bay. Take a walk from the mouth of a river going North, entering the sub-Antarctic forest and finally reaching a glacial waterfall. On our way back, we will see several beaver dams. Finally, we will take a ride on the Zodiac boats in order to observe elephant seals, cormorants and other birds while we go back to our cruise ship. In the afternoon we will navigate Parry Fjord. From this area it will be possible to appreciate various glaciers that come down to the sea from the upper icefield. Onboard Zodiac boats, we will motor to the far end of the fjord to see an amphitheatre of glaciers in an area where sometimes it is possible to see leopard seals.
DAY 4
Magdalena Island ( Australis Cruise) – Punta Arenas . Santiago
Early in the morning, weather permitting, we will go ashore on Magdalena Island, located in the middle of the Strait of Magellan. The island used to be an essential source of supplies for navigators and explorers and is inhabited by an immense colony of Magellan Penguins that we will be able to see during our walk to the lighthouse. (In September and April, this excursion is replaced by a ride aboard Zodiacs to Marta Island to observe South American Sea Lions) Finally, disembarkation at Punta Arenas is scheduled for 11:30 am.
Transfer to the airport to fly into Santiago, Transfer to hotel, dinner and overnight.
DAY 5
Santiago- Next Destination
Breakfast and time free until transfer to the airport.
EASTER ISLAND EXTENSION- (4 days / 03 nights)
DAY 1
Santiago – Easter Island (Hanga Roa)
Transfer out to the airport to board your flight to Easter, arrival at Mataveri airport and transfer to your hotel in the village of Hanga Roa. HOTEL – 3 nights
DAY 2
Easter Island (Anakena and Moai Route)
Departure from your hotel in Hanga Roa, the tour will take you to the south-east and north-east of the island to visit the Ahu Vaihu, a temple located 10 km from Hanga Roa composed of a well-worked stone platform where 8 Pukaos and 8 Moais are scattered nearby. Here you can also find the Ahu Akahanga, formed by 4 platforms, 12 Moais and 8 Pukaos. From here you can see one of the best preserved villages of the island. The trip continues towards the Rano Raraku volcanic crater formed of consolidated volcanic ash. Rano Raraku is a visual record of Moai design vocabulary and technological innovation, where 397 Moai remain. After Lunch visit Ahu Tongariki, the most surprising Ahu on the island, with 15 giant Moais. Ahu Te Pito Kura has the largest statue erected on an Ahu, the Paro Moai (10 mts, weighing 85 tons) and Pukao with a weight of 11.5 tons. It is believed that the last statue was demolished by 1840. The Ahu is located next to a large stone ball which is identified as the center of the world (Te Pito o Te Henua), which according to a legend was brought by King Hotu Matua by boat. Ahu Nau Nau has 5 Moai with Pukao of which 2 are broken. The back of the Moai and some stones from the rear wall have petroglyphs. During excavations an extraordinary eye pupil of white coral red slag was found, and nowadays it is exhibited at the Museum of the Island. Finish the tour at Anakena beach, known for its white sand beach and warm waters including its own Moais, before returning to your hotel. BL
DAY 3
Easter Island City Tour (Hanga Roa)
Travel today to Ahu Tahai, a group of ceremonial altars that make up the best-kept archaeological site of the island, certainly a must in your journey to the Island. This incredible place is formed by three ahus, Kote Riki (to the North), Tahai (in the center) and Vai Uri (to the South). Here receive a short lecture on-site by your local guide. This tour includes also a visit to Easter Island downtown, to its Catholic Church, handicraft market and the Sebastian Englert Museum which promotes the Rapa Nui culture. B
DAY 4
Time free until to the airport for flight to Santiago. Upon arrival connect with your international flight. B
Related
Book This Tour
Book Now
Number of days
11
Cities Involved
Santiago, Atacama desert, Patagonia with Torres Del Paine national park, Valparaiso & Vina Del Mar
