Hello Alan, I just received your newsletter and realized that I had never sent you my thanks for the phenomenal trip through Rio, Iguazu, Buenos ... more Suzana Otano
Lodging and Meals: This tour includes accommodations for 9 nights (3 nights in Santiago, 3 nights in Atacama, and 3 nights in Torres del Paine), and 17 meals (9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners). 4 Star, 5 Star and Deluxe accommodations include 22 meals.
Elevations: Santiago is 1,700 feet above sea level, Atacama is 8,005 feet, Socaire is 10,498 feet, Minique and Miscanti Lagoons are 13,615 feet, Tatio Geyser is 14,107 feet, and Torres del Paine National Park elevations can reach 4,000 feet or more, depending upon your itinerary.
Santiago, Atacama, and Torres del Paine
Visit Santiago and Chile's north and south in this amazing itinerary. Beginning in Santiago, you will have a city tour and vineyard excursion, and then head north to Atacama, the driest desert in the world. Atacama offers archaeological sites, salt lake lagoons, and geysers. You will continue south to Torres del Paine National Park, which features granite peaks towering above mountain lakes and glaciers, and provides a breathtaking natural setting for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Activities: Cultural/historical sightseeing, hiking, and trekking.
Note: The itinerary below reflects our suggested excursions for the Atacama portion of the tour. The exact order of the tours may vary, depending upon your arrival date. Excursions in Atacama for 4 Star, 5 Star, and Deluxe accommodations are offered on an a la carte basis, meaning you can choose from a number of different alternatives.
Day 1: Santiago
Depart to Santiago via overnight flight.
Day 2: Santiago/Folkloric Dinner Show
After passing through immigration and customs, proceed to the reception area, where our inbound services representative will be holding a sign with your name on it. You will be greeted and then transferred to your hotel. In the evening, you will have a folkloric dinner show with typical Chilean dishes, dances, music, and costumes. Overnight in Santiago. (B,D)
Note: Check-in time is 2:00 PM. We can request early check-in but cannot guarantee it.
Day 3: Santiago/City Tour/Winery Tour
In the morning, you will have a panoramic city tour of Santiago, which will include Parque O'Higgins, Plaza de Armas (the city's historic center), Palacio de la Moneda, ex-National Congress, Mapocho Station Cultural Center, Santa Lucia Hill, the place of Santiago's founding in 1541,and the Bohemian district of Bellavista. In the afternoon, you will visit your choice of one of the following vineyards around Santiago (included in price): Concha y Torro, Cousino Macul, and Undurraga. Overnight in Santiago. (B)
Day 4: Santiago/Atacama/Salt Mountains/Moon Valley/Mars Valley
Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Calama. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. In the afternoon, you will have a half-day excursion to the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountains) which features magnificent geological formations and sediments of various colors. You will visit the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) and Valle de Marte (Mars Valley), and enjoy an amazing sunset. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama. (B)
Day 5: Atacama/Toconao/Atacama Salt Lake/Chaxa Lagoon/Minique and Miscanti Lagoons
Today you will have a full day excursion to the Altiplanic Lagoons. One the way, you can see the impressive Licancabur Volcano, and will stop at the oasis town of Toconao, known for its Liparita (volcanic) stone houses, which are quarried nearby. The town also features the Church and bell tower of San Lucas, which dates to the mid-18th century. You will also visit the Atacama Salt Lake and Chaxa Lagoon. The Lake is an important nesting site for three species of flamingos, and contains 40% of the world's lithium reserves. Box lunch.
After lunch, you will visit the small village of Socaire, and then continue on to Minique and Miscanti Lagoons, where you will have time to walk around and enjoy the surroundings. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama. (B,L)
Day 6: Atacama/Tatio Geysers/Puritama Hot Springs
Early morning (4:00 AM) you will depart for an excursion to the Tatio Geysers, the world's highest geyser field at 14,107 ft. above sea level. The steaming fumaroles, which reach a height of 160 ft., are a sight to behold, especially at sunrise, against the backdrop of the altiplano. On the way back, you will visit the Puritama Hot Springs, which will be much appreciated after an early rise and day of exploration. The mineral rich waters are 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama. (B)
Day 7: Atacama/Santiago
Transfer to Calama for the flight to Santiago. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Santiago. (B)
Day 8: Santiago/Punta Arenas/Estancia Cerro Negro/Torres del Paine
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, you will be taken from the airport by van (+/- five hours of travel time) to Hotel Las Torres. En route (after traveling for two hours), you will visit the Cerro Negro cattle ranch and see first-hand the lifestyle of the settlers at the end of the world and roam around the beautiful colonial house. Depending on the time of arrival, the visit will include a traditional Magallanes-style barbeque. Overnight at Hotel Las Torres. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Torres del Paine
Choose from one full-day or two half day optional excursions (included in the cost of the tour). Overnight at Hotel Las Torres. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Torres del Paine
Choose from one full-day or two half day optional excursions (included in the cost of the tour). Overnight at Hotel Las Torres. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Torres del Paine/Punta Arenas/Santiago
Transfer from Torres del Paine to the airport in Punta Arenas for your return flight to Santiago and your final destination. (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Santiago, Atacama, and Torres del Paine
Single
Double
Triple
3 Star
$5,639
$3,479
$3,089
4 Star
$6,149
$4,179
$3,709
5 Star
$6,259
$4,569
$3,769
Deluxe
$7,179
$5,119
$3,959
All prices are in U.S. Dollars. Click here to see our prices in your currency.
NOTES:
The above prices are valid until December 31, 2013.
4 Star, 5 Star, and Deluxe accommodations are all-inclusive in Atacama.
Accommodations at Hotel Las Torres are all-inclusive.
Santiago, Atacama, and Torres del Paine
The Price of This Tour Includes
South American Vacations' expert pre-departure planning services and documentation.
Airport/hotel transfers including baggage handling.
Hotel accommodations including taxes and service charges.
Excursions as indicated on the itinerary including all applicable entrance fees.
Meals as indicated on the itinerary.
Local, English-speaking tour guides.
The Price of This Tour Does Not Include
International airfare.
Domestic airfare.
Chilean reciprocity tax ($140).
Meals not indicated on the itinerary.
Gratuities to tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
Gifts and personal items.
Travel insurance.
We will be happy to quote the cost of international and domestic airfare and travel insurance, and to make these arrangements for you.
