Santiago, Atacama, and Torres del Paine
11 Days/9 Nights
From $5,809 per person
(Dbl. Occupancy, Not Incl. Airfare)
Daily Departures from October to April
Overview
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.
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.
Best Time to Go: October-April.
Destinations: South America, Chile, and Patagonia.
Interests: Adventure, All-Inclusive Properties, Culture & History, and Wine Tasting.
Places Visited: Santiago, the Atacama Desert, and Torres del Paine National Park.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
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.
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. Overnight in Santiago. (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-Baltinache Lagoons or Laguna Cejar.
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. Following the tour, you will be returned to your hotel.
In the afternoon, choice of Baltinache Lagoons or Laguna Cejar. 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-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 your hotel. For Hotel Las Torres (3/4 Star Accommodations), en route, 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 in Torres del Paine. (B,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 in Torres del Paine. (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 in Torres del Paine. (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
What's Included
Price 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.
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare.
- Domestic airfare.
- 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 airfare and travel insurance and to make these arrangements for you.
Accommodations
Santiago
Atacama
Torres del Paine
Additional Details
Group Private: All airport transfers in Santiago are private, and the city tour and winery tour are group tours for single passengers and 3 Star accommodations, and private for 4 Star, 5 Star, and Deluxe accommodations. All services in Atacama, Punta Arenas, and Torres del Paine are operated on a group basis.
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.
Passport/Visa: U.S., Canadian, UK, and EU citizens require a valid passport for at least six months from the date of entry, sufficient funds, and a return ticket. Upon entry, you will be issued a Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo) valid for up to 90 days which you can extend for another 90-day period by paying $100 USD at the Chilean Immigration Office. You must return the Tourist Card upon departure. Citizens of other countries are advised to contact the Chilean embassy in their country before traveling.
Travel Insurance: In order to protect your travel investment from unforeseen circumstances that may arise before or during your trip, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. We offer Allianz Global Assistance’s Classic Comprehensive and other plans. The Benefits and Coverage Limits are summarized on our Travel Insurance page. Call your travel counselor if you have any questions or to purchase a plan.
To Book This Trip: We require a non-refundable deposit of $500 per person plus the cost of the airfare (if we arrange it for you). For Single passengers and 4 Star, 5 Star, and Deluxe accommodations a more substantial deposit is required. Ask your travel counselor for the details.
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