Chile Holidays
From the Atacama Desert to the wilderness of Patagonia
14 Night Itinerary from £7,184
Azul Tour
A fascinating contrast of the Atacama Desert landscapes of salt flats, Tatio geysers and high mountains with a cruise along the Chilean Fjords with lush forests, hot springs and glaciers
Select your Preferred Departure Date OR Default to Today's Date
Tour Route
- Santiago - 2 Nights
- Atacama Desert - 3 Nights
- Valparaiso - 2 Nights
- Lake District and Patagonia Cruise - 6 Nights
- Return to Santiago - 1 Night
Travel Highlights
- Discover the varied landscapes of Chile on this panoramic tour
- See the desert of the north, the Andes Mountains and the ice fields of Patagonia
- Get to know the cosmopolitan capital Santiago and historic port city of Valparaiso
- Explore the Mars-like Atacama Desert, with a range of guided excursions included
- Visit a powerful geyser field, huge salt flats and experience Moon Valley at sunset
- Journey through Chilean Fjords to the San Rafael Glacier on a 5 night Patagonia Cruise
This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of route, duration, flights, hotels, transport and excursions.
Tour Itinerary
Santiago - 2 Nights
Day 1 - Departure from the UK
Day 2 - Tour of Santiago
Day 3 - Santiago at leisure
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Meet your Guide
Our hand-picked guides offer you an exclusive insight into the best excustions and activites on offer.
Thursday, 18 April 2024
Departure from the UK
Depart Thursday on Iberia or LAN Airlines flight via Madrid to Santiago, arriving the following morning.
Friday, 19 April 2024
Tour of Santiago
On arrival, our guide will meet you and take you to your chosen hotel for a 2 night stay. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic tour of Santiago surrounded to learn about the city's past and more recent history. You will explore the bustling modern heart of the commercial district and Main Avenue, as well as historical main-square, with its majestic cathedral, before visiting the location upon which the Spanish founded the city, on Santa Lucia hill.
Saturday, 20 April 2024
Santiago at leisure
The following day is at leisure for you to explore the city independently, visiting the numerous parks and museums or we can arrange for you to have additional excursions to visit local wineries, nearby coastal towns or mountain walks.
Plaza San Francisco Hotel
Santiago de Chile - Deluxe Hotel
The Hotel Plaza San Francisco is just a short distance from the heart of Santiago. There are 160 rooms with air conditioning, telephone, cable TV, safety box and mini bar. The hotel also features a bar, restaurant, swimming pool, sauna, gymnasium and business centre. Accommodation includes room and breakfast.
Su Merced
Santiago de Chile - Tourist Boutique
Su Merced is renovated townhouse, small boutique hotel with only 9 rooms. Its location in the Lastarria area opposite the park in the heart of Santiago making it ideal for visiting the artistic, bohemian area of Bellavista, the main square Plaza de Armas, Presidential Palace and downtown. The rooms are comfortable and modern though rather small, and and the hotel has a restaurant and bar on which doubles as the reception.
Lastarria
Santiago de Chile - Deluxe Boutique
This handsome townhouse, built in 1927, has been renovated and converted into a luxury boutique hotel, with all its original architectural splendour. Filled with European style and sophistication, the 14 rooms were designed to make guests feel at home. The hotel retains the back garden of the original house, complete with a small pool. The hotel has a simple snack bar, but there are many bars and restaurants nearby.
Atacama Desert - 3 Nights
Day 4 - Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama
Days 5-6 - Excursions in the Atacama Desert and mountains
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Sunday, 21 April 2024
Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama
Fly to Calama and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, an oasis village fed by two rivers and surrounded by outstanding natural beauty. You will be staying at Alto Atacama, a modern desert architecture lodge, including all meals and daily excursions to explore this harsh and varied environment. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Monday, 22 April 2024
Atacama Desert and mountains
Over the next 2 days, enjoy guided excursions exploring the Atacama Desert and mountains. We will visit the colonial town on Toconao with its imposing bell tower, observe the beautiful Andean flamingo and marvel at the famous Salt Flats, once fought over by Chile and Bolivia and Peru in the War of the Pacific the outcome of which meant Chile gained much of this mineral-rich area for their own.
We will rise early to see the Tatio Geysers at the best viewing time around breakfast time, go walking in the Valley of the Moon ending at sunset, visit the ancient Indian fortress at Pucara de Quitor and the highland village of Chiu Chiu.
After dark, our guide will explain the incredible views of the stars - the Atacama Desert is one of the best places in the world for the study of astronomy.
Tuesday, 23 April 2024
Atacama Desert
Don Tomas
Atacama Desert - Tourist Hotel
A simple hotel located on the outskirts of the town of San Pedro, La Casa de Don Tomas is built in the desert style to blend with its environment, and is an ideal base from which to explore the desert. The rooms are clean, comfortable and spacious, all with modern furnishings and private facilities. There is a restaurant serving Chilean and International cuisine, a patio for relaxing outdoors and a swimming pool with views of the surrounding mountains and volcanoes.
Nayara Alto Atacama
Atacama Desert - Deluxe Lodge
The Nayara Alto Atacama is a luxury lodge & spa in a breathtaking environment 3km from San Pedro de Atacama. Built in the style of traditional adobe, the lodge is a stunning example of innovative and sustainable architecture, blending into the surrounding red-rock, in the shadow of the Pukará de Quitor ruins and alongside the San Pedro river.
The public spaces and 42 guestrooms, each with private terraces and incredible views, pay homage to the Atacama Region with warm, desert colors and local textiles, crafts and stone. The lodge offers a wonderful restaurant, six outdoor pools, a spa, a cozy common area with a fireplace, an open-deck observatory, as well as over 30 cultural and adventurous activities to explore the desert.
Travelers may choose between a simple B&B nightly stay, or all-inclusive "premium" packages (private excursions are available as well). With the premium packages, transfers to and from Calama or the border with Bolivia are included on a complimentary basis at any time of day.
Valparaiso - 2 Nights
Day 7 - Travel to Valparaiso
Day 8 - At leisure in Valparaiso
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Wednesday, 24 April 2024
Travel to Valparaiso
Afternoon transfer to Calama, fly to Santiago and transfer to Valparaiso, staying for 2 nights. Rest of the day at leisure.
Thursday, 25 April 2024
Walking tour of Valparaiso
Enjoy a guided walking tour of this historic UNESCO credited city, including the colourful hillside neighbourhoods, art galleries and cafes. We explore the colourful clifftop homes, the street art scene and the port area of Valparaiso - once one of the leading trading ports in South America. At night, perhaps enjoy one of the many top class restaurants in this vibrant city.
Palacio Astoreca
Valparaiso -
Located in the historic quarter of Valparaiso, Palacio Astoreca was built in 1923 as a Victorian palace and has been recently restored into a boutique hotel.
Hotel Palacio Astoreca opened in September 2012, after a three-year restoration project. Being a national heritage building its original façade and some of the interior architecture has been preserved, giving it a unique style that combines both old and new.
The hotel has 23 guestrooms with views to the bay or hillside, a piano bar lounge, library, a spa with heated swimming pool and hammam, and a wine cellar stocking some of Chile's finest wines.
The hotel restaurant 'Alegre' offers excellent fusion cuisine made with local produce, led by Spanish chef Sergio Barroso, who previously worked in award winning Spanish restaurant El Bulli.
Its proximity to the famous Yugoslavo pedestrian walk, the Fine Arts Museum at Barburizza Palace, and El Peral funicular - all in the heart of the popular Cerro Alegre hill - is the perfect setting to grasp the natural layout of the city. The hotel has also been Relais & Châteaux member since Nov 2013.
Lake District and Patagonia Cruise - 6 Nights
Day 9 - Embark the Skorpios II cruise ship
Day 10 - Explore the Lake District and set sail
Day 11 - Patagonian rainforest
Day 12 - The San Rafael Glacier
Day 13 - Quitralco Fjord and hot springs
Day 14 - Whales, penguins and Dalcahue
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Friday, 26 April 2024
Embark the Skorpios II cruise ship
Transfer to Santiago. Flight to Puerto Montt, transfer to the pier, board the Skorpios II ship for a 5 night cruise on a full board basis, including an open bar and all excursions. We stay the first night in Puerto Montt.
Saturday, 27 April 2024
Explore the Lake District and set sail
Morning tour of the Lake District region where we visit Puerto Varas, the Osorno Volcano and the impressive Petrohue Waterfalls. Set sail southbound in the afternoon on the Chonos Route through the Chilean Fjords to Laguna San Rafael Glacier. We sail through the Llanquihue archipelago and arrive at Quemchi on the island of Chiloé, where we explore a local village.
Sunday, 28 April 2024
Patagonian rainforest
We arrive at the fishing village of Puerto Aguirre where we go ashore and explore a typical Patagonian rainforest. Continue southbound through the channels of Ferronave, Pilcomayo and Casma arriving at Islote Barrientos. Here, where we visit one of the largest bird colonies in Chile, observing kelp gulls, rock shags, red-legged shags and imperial shags. We will also see South American fur seals.
Monday, 29 April 2024
The San Rafael Glacier
We cross the Tempanos Channel to the entrance of the San Rafael Lagoon for the highlight of the cruise. From here (depending on weather conditions), we take an excursion by small boat navigating through multicoloured icebergs to observe the San Rafael Glacier at close range. This is an experience you will never forget; the immense power of fire and ice in all its natural glory. The Skorpios II will also navigate close to the glacier, so when you return to the ship you have even more photo opportunities from the height of the sun deck.
Tuesday, 30 April 2024
Quitralco Fjord and hot springs
We arrive at Quitralco Fjord where we spend most of the day. Enjoy a dip in the hot springs and (weather dependent) a small boat excursion exploring the Fjord. Set sail late afternoon towards Chiloé, navigating through the Moraleda and Pérez Norte channels.
Wednesday, 01 May 2024
Whales, penguins and Dalcahue
We cross the Gulf of Corcovado, where from July-October humpback or blue whales might be observed. We arrive at Islote Conejos, an island inhabited by Magellan penguins and birds. After lunch, we sail to Dalcahue, where we go ashore and explore. We visit the handicraft market, church and take a stroll on the promenade. Back on board, it's the Captain's Farewell party and dinner tonight, always an enjoyable way to end your Patagonian adventure.
The Skorpios II
Northern Ice Field Skorpios II Cruise - First Expedition Ship
Cruise through Northern Patagonia’s fjords and beautifully sculpted icebergs to the mighty San Rafael Glacier and feel the excitement as we explore by small boat. Discover the remote forests and fishing villages, spot wildlife and relax in exclusive hot springs.
Set within the Laguna San Rafael National Park, in the Northern Ice Field of Patagonia, is a lagoon with a spectacular massive glacier. The large Skorpios II cruise vessel provides a panoramic view of San Rafael, before you disembark onto smaller boats to get truly up close and personal with the giant wall of ice and immense electric-blue icebergs.
Cruises to the glacier depart from Puerto Montt and also visit the charming fishing village Puerto Aguirre and the beautiful Quitralco Fjord, surrounded by mountains and lush vegetation and with its own natural thermal hot springs.
Fully refurbished in 2012, the M/V Skorpios II is custom built to sail Patagonia’s remote and wild coastline. The ship has two comfortable lounges, a dining room and large observation deck with sun loungers. The 53 air-conditioned double cabins have twin, double or king-size beds, flat screen TV, safe and private bathroom. The Skorpios II has an open bar included in the price, offering Chilean wines, beer and spirits.
Return to Santiago - 1 Night
Day 15 - Return to Santiago
Day 16 - Fly back to the UK
Day 17 - Arrive in the UK
- Full Description
Thursday, 02 May 2024
Return to Santiago
Disembark after breakfast and fly back to Santiago. On arrival, transfer to your chosen hotel for your last night in Chile.
Friday, 03 May 2024
Fly back to the UK
Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.
Saturday, 04 May 2024
Arrive in the UK
Arrive in the UK in the morning.
Price Guidelines
| Season | Low Season | High Season |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Dates | 5 Mar-19 Dec | 20 Dec-4 Mar |
| Room Arrangement | First | First |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Room | £7,184 | £7,479 |
| Single Traveller - Own Room | £10,084 | £7,291 |
Prices are a guideline and per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.
What's Included
- 16 Days / 13 Nights
- International flights (2 overnight)
- Internal flights
- Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
- Breakfast every day and meals as described in the itinerary
- Transfers to and from airports
- Transport throughout the itinerary
- Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
- Prices are per person
- Prices for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter on request
Client Testimonials
Speak with a Specialist
Travel Enquiries
Contact an Advisor
Stay in touch
Infuse your travels, with inspiration from our monthly newsletter.
READY - 12 April 2024
INDIA: Fascinating Culture & Kembh Mela Festival
LANDMARK TOURS: Multi-Country & Cross Continent. New Cosmopolitan Tour: Buenos Aires, Iguazu, Rio
CHINA & INDIA: Local Life, People & Unique Cultures
GUIDES by Veloso Tours, are the best Local Hosts
PRIVATE VILLAS: Quality Time in exclusive settings
TRAVEL INSURANCE with extensive COVID-19 cover