Chile Highlights – Santiago, Atacama Desert & Lake District

Our holiday begins as we fly to Santiago, Chile, where an unforgettable journey through this remarkable country awaits.

We have arrived in Santiago, Chile. Let’s meet our guide and transfer to our hotel. 

Let’s discover one of Santiago’s highlights on an afternoon excursion. We’ll visit the Sky Costanera observatory, the tallest skyscraper in South America, for panoramic 360-degree views across Santiago on a clear day.

After taking in the views, we return to our hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Discover Santiago on a half-day city tour, taking in the historic centre and some of the city’s best-known landmarks. With the Andes Mountains as your backdrop, explore lively squares, elegant architecture and finish with lunch at the famous Central Market.

• Guided tour of Santiago’s historic centre
• Visit to Plaza de Armas and Santiago Cathedral
• See La Moneda Palace, the official seat of the Chilean presidency
• Light seafood lunch at Santiago’s iconic Central Market (included)

After our guided tour we return the hotel and relax for the afternoon. Take a walk, sit in a café and people watch the choice is yours. Your local guide will be happy to make some recommendations for your free time.

We set off by coach for the scenic Maipo Valley, where we’ll spend a full day at Santa Rita Winery (or similar), surrounded by vineyards with the Andes as a backdrop.

• Visit Santa Rita Winery (or similar) and learn about its fascinating history
• Take a guided winery tour and taste four wines with cheese
• Explore the Andean Museum, home to a collection of 3,000 archaeological artefacts
• Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (included)
• Spend some time exploring the vineyard setting and gardens

Later, we return to Santiago, with the evening free to explore at your own pace.

Today, we leave Santiago behind and head north to the dramatic Atacama Desert. We’ll fly to Calama before continuing to the village of San Pedro de Atacama, our base for the next three nights.

On arrival, we’ll transfer to our hotel. Once we’ve checked in, we’ll have some time to relax before our next experience.

Tonight, we’ll experience the spectacular night skies of the Atacama Desert with our expert guides:

• Learn more about the night sky
• Discover the stars through modern astronomy and the traditional Andean worldview
• Gather around the fire to hear traditional stories and myths
• View the night sky through a telescope and take in the incredible desert surroundings

Wrap up warm, as temperatures can drop significantly after dark in the desert. Following our stargazing experience, we’ll return to our hotel.

San Pedro de Atacama is located at around 2,400 metres above sea level, while our visits to Rainbow Valley and El Tatio Geysers take us to significantly higher altitudes. El Tatio reaches approximately 4,320 metres above sea level. 

• Take it easy while your body adjusts to the altitude
• Drink plenty of water
• Limit alcohol and avoid strenuous activity where possible
• Our guide will be on hand to offer advice and support throughout your excursions

After breakfast, we’ll meet our guide and head out to explore Moon Valley in the Atacama Desert, set within the dramatic Salt Mountain Range.

• Take a guided scenic drive through the Salt Mountain Range.
• Visit Moon Valley and see its striking salt deposits and rock formations
• Discover the colourful geology that has shaped this otherworldly landscape over millions of years

We return to our hotel, with some free time before our afternoon excursion.

After lunch, we’ll head out again on a guided excursion to Rainbow Valley and the nearby area of Yerbas Buenas.

• See the colourful geological formations of Rainbow Valley
• Visit Yerbas Buenas and see its ancient rock art
• Take in views towards the Andes and Atacama Salt Flat

After experiencing one of Chile’s natural wonders, we’ll return to our hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

As the sun rises, we’ll head into the Andean highlands on a guided tour of the El Tatio Geysers, another highlight of the Atacama Desert, to witness the powerful volcanic activity.

• See geysers, fumaroles and volcanic landscapes as steam and hot water rise from the ground
• Explore the White Geysers, with the opportunity to enjoy a thermal bath
• Observe the biodiversity of the Machuca and Putana wetlands en route
• Visit the Andean village of Machuca

After our exploration of this unique and biodiverse area, we’ll return to our hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Today, we say farewell to the Atacama Desert and its natural wonders as we transfer to the airport for our flight to Santiago.

On arrival in Santiago, we’ll take a short transfer to our hotel near the airport for a convenient overnight stay ahead of tomorrow’s flight to Puerto Montt. With the rest of the day at leisure, we can take some time to relax, recharge and get ready for another exciting day ahead.

Today, we fly south to Puerto Montt and continue to Chile’s beautiful Lake District. We’ll visit the charming village of Frutillar, set on the shores of Lake Llanquihue.

• Discover Frutillar’s German heritage and local traditions
• Visit the local museum
• Enjoy a light three-course lunch (included)

After our visit, we’ll continue to Puerto Varas for an overnight stay. Once we’ve checked in, we’ll have some free time to relax and soak up the local atmosphere. Our local guide can recommend places to visit during your free time.

After breakfast, we’ll set off on a 60 km drive along the shores of Lake Llanquihue, with views of the Osorno and Calbuco Volcanoes as our backdrop. We’ll continue into Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park.

• Visit the majestic Petrohué Waterfalls
• Board a catamaran for the 1-hour 45-minute journey across Lake Todos los Santos to Villa Peulla, surrounded by volcanic landscapes and emerald-green waters.
• Enjoy a walking tour and lecture in Villa Peulla
• Light lunch and dinner 3 course set menu are included today

Arrive at our hotel, check in and enjoy the evening at leisure to relax and soak up the scenic surroundings.

Please note: Due to limited space on the Catamaran transfer journeys, one suitcase per person is permitted. Please pack an extra bag or soft bag for you stay in Villa Peulla, if you need to bring extra luggage. Additional luggage will be left in storage at the hotel in Puerto Varas.

This region of Chile is natural and scenic and off the beaten track, mobile signals can be weak for this area. Take the time to enjoy our unique part of the world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Meals in Peulla will be set three course meals, light, simple meals for your stay. 

Today, we’ll set off by off-road vehicle to explore Villa Peulla Valley and the surrounding landscapes.

• Travel by off-road vehicle through Villa Peulla Valley
• Walk through a local farm
• Cross the Peulla River and continue into the Río Negro Valley
• Take a catamaran ride through El Encanto, with views of the Andean valleys and evergreen forests
• Enjoy a light three-course lunch and dinner (included)

After our morning adventure, we’ll return to the hotel, with the afternoon free to spend as we wish, whether enjoying some quiet time in our remote setting or making the most of the hotel’s surroundings.

After breakfast, we’ll enjoy one final experience in Villa Peulla before setting off for Puerto Varas.

• Enjoy a guided “forest bathing” walk through the woods and learn more about the local nature
• Light lunch included

We’ll then travel by catamaran across Lake Todos los Santos before continuing by coach along the scenic shores of Lake Llanquihue to Puerto Varas.

On arrival, the rest of the evening is free to enjoy at leisure.

This morning we say farewell to Puerto Varas and transfer by coach to Puerto Montt airport for our flight to Santiago Airport.

On arrival at Santiago Airport, we’ll check in for our international flight home after an unforgettable journey through Chile.