Chile Holidays
Exploring the Andes & two Expedition Cruises in Patagonia
13 Night Itinerary from £7,507
O’Higgins Tour
Discover Santiago, Valparaiso and the surrounding Andean countryside, followed by fjords, glaciers, nature, islands, wildlife, villages and the scenery of Patagonia on two first class expedition cruises.
Select your Preferred Departure Date OR Default to Today's Date
Tour Route
- Santiago and Valparaiso - 4 Nights
- Southern Patagonia Expedition Cruise - 4 Nights
- Northern Patagonia Expedition Cruise - 5 Nights
- Santiago - 0 Nights
Travel Highlights
- Begin in Santiago, home to grand European buildings and world class vineyards
- Enjoy a day trip to the colourful and bohemian port city of Valparaiso
- Take two expedition cruises in Patagonia, with all meals, shore excursions and drinks included
- Travel with the experienced first class Skorpios Cruises
- Travel south and enjoy a 4-night expedition cruise through the ice fields and glaciers of Southern Patagonia
- Explore the scenic Chilean Lake District from Puerto Montt
- Embark on a 5-night Skorpios II Cruise and discover Northern Patagonia's remote islands, villages and unique wildlife
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 and Valparaiso - 4 Nights
Day 1 - Fly to Santiago do Chile
Day 2 - Arrive in Santiago
Day 3 - Tour through Santiago's past and present
Day 4 - Day trip to colourful Valparaiso
Day 5 - Cajon Del Maipo and the mountains
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Meet your Guide
Our hand-picked guides offer you an exclusive insight into the best excustions and activites on offer.
Monday, 02 October 2023
Fly to Santiago do Chile
Depart Monday evening on an overnight British Airways flight to Santiago.
Tuesday, 03 October 2023
Arrive in Santiago
You will be met on arrival at the airport and taken to your hotel, where you stay for 4 nights on a bed and breakfast basis. You have the chance to get to know your guide and ask them some initial questions about the city.
Wednesday, 04 October 2023
Tour through Santiago's past and present
Today enjoy a private guided tour of Santiago to learn about the city's past history and present. 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 Santa Lucia Hill, the location upon which the Spanish founded the city.
Thursday, 05 October 2023
Day trip to colourful Valparaiso
Today we take a tour to the Pacific Coast, visiting the charming city of Valparaiso. We take a walking tour of this historic city, including the UNESCO recognised port area once the Pacific leading trading centres. We also visit colourful hillside neighbourhoods, art galleries, cafés and the home of poet Pablo Neruda.
Friday, 06 October 2023
Cajon Del Maipo and the mountains
This morning we visit the Maipo river valley and the quaint mountain town of San Alfonso, here we explore a wild park of rugged mountains and valleys, rivers, springs and waterfalls. Here, you have the option of horse riding, trekking, hiking, white water rafting or a zip line/canopy tour. A superb swimming pool is also available for those who just want to enjoy a day contemplating the Andes while sunbathing.
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.
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.
Southern Patagonia Expedition Cruise - 4 Nights
Day 6 - Fly to Patagonia and transfer to Skorpios III
Day 7 - Exploring magnificent glaciers
Day 8 - Glaciers and nature walks
Day 9 - Fjord of the Mountains
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Saturday, 07 October 2023
Fly to Patagonia and transfer to Skorpios III
Fly to Punta Arenas, transfer to Puerto Natales and embark Skorpios III cruise ship, for a 4-night expedition cruise on the Kaweskar Route to remote fjords and glaciers of the Southern Patagonia Ice Fields, with all meals, open bar and excursions included.
Set sail after lunch through the Almirante Montt Gulf arriving at Caleta Juarez in Guardramiro Fjord. Here we travel on small boats to see up close a colony of elephant seals. Evening sailing crossing Kirke narrows, Morla Vicuna, Union, Collingwood, and Sarmiento channels
Sunday, 08 October 2023
Exploring magnificent Glaciers
This morning sail north through Pitt Channel to Guillard Fjord and sail close to Guillard Glacier. Here we explore the glacier on land. Enjoy an afternoon tour through the Glacier's channels. In late afternoon, drive at Sarratea Bay where we take a small boat to explore.
Monday, 09 October 2023
Glaciers and nature walks
This morning we arrive at Amalia Glacier. The ship will get as close as possible to the glacier for amazing views. We then go ashore and explore the nearby beach and hike through sand, vegetation, and rocks, reaching a viewpoint from where you can observe this beautiful glacier. Back on board we continue to the El Brujo Glacier. If weather and ice conditions allow, you can see the glacier from a nearby rock.
We then sail to spectacular Calvo fjord and enjoy an excursion in a boat navigating amongst the ice, visiting Fernando, Capitán Constantino, and Alipio glaciers.
Tuesday, 10 October 2023
Fjord of the Mountains
Today we visit the Fjord of the Mountains, where four glaciers descend from the Sarmiento Mountain Range to the sea. We then visit Alsina Glacier, where we explore by boat visiting this small bay and its eye-catching glacier. Continue to Bernal Glacier where we hike in a small native forest and across a glacial water lagoon to the front of the Glacier. Here, we will have the opportunity to touch some ice and watch the receding phase of a glacier that no longer reaches the sea. In the evening, as we navigate through the Almirante Montt Gulf, enjoy a farewell dinner.
The Skorpios III
Southern Ice Field Skorpios III Cruise - First Expedition Ship
Experience a feeling of pure excitement, as you get up close to the awe-inspiring glaciers of the Southern Patagonian Icefield, from the comfort of the custom built Skorpios III. One of life’s great travel adventures!
A cruise on Skorpios III will take passengers to view as many as 14 different glaciers at close range, in channels which are not visited by any other tourist boat. The glaciers all form part of the Southern Patagonian Icefield, one of the largest areas of solid ice outside the polar regions.
Custom built for expedition cruising in the Southern Patagonia, the Skorpios III is a class 1A icebreaker, making her perfect for exploring these icy waters. She was most recently refurbished in 2012 to a high standard. She has two lounges with bars, dining room, shops and observation deck with sun loungers. The 45 air-conditioned double cabins offer twin or double beds, with private bathroom, TV and safe. The Skorpios III has an open bar included in the price, offering Chilean wines, beer and spirits.
Northern Patagonia Expedition Cruise - 5 Nights
Day 10 - Lake District, set sail, and Chiloe Island
Day 11 - Puerto Aguirre and Islote Barrientos
Day 12 - San Raphael Glacier
Day 13 - Quitralco Fjord
Day 14 - Whales, Penguins, and Dalcahue
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Wednesday, 11 October 2023
Lake District, set sail, and Chiloe Island
Disembark in Puerto Natales after breakfast and fly to Puerto Montt. On arrival, transfer to the Skorpios II for your 5-night cruise. Enjoy a captain's welcome dinner tonight and meet your fellow passengers. Arrive at Chiloe Island late afternoon, where you can go ashore and expose the handicraft market, local streets and coffee shops, and the museum of Chilean writer Francisco Coloane.
Thursday, 12 October 2023
Puerto Aguirre and Islote Barrientos
Sailing through beautiful scenery, arrive at the fishing village of Puerto Aguirre late morning. at 11:00 am. Explore the streets and typical Patagonian rainforest.
Continue to Islote Barrientos, where we disembark to smaller boats approaching the rock formations to visit one of the largest bird colonies in Chile, including Kelp Gulls, Rock shags, Red-legged shags and Imperial shags. The birds are accompanied by South American fur seals. Back on board, we continue south towards the San Rafael glacier.
Friday, 13 October 2023
San Raphael Glacier
Early morning crossing the San Rafael Lagoon where we anchor. Small boat excursions take you up close among multi coloured icebergs (weather permitting)
A truly inspiring day.
Saturday, 14 October 2023
Quitralco Fjord
Today the ship mores in Quitralco Fjord Here, spend the day bathing in hot springs, trekking in an Patagonia coastal rainforest and exploring the fjord by small boat.
Return to the ship and set sail northbound back towards Chiloe Island and the Lake District.
Sunday, 15 October 2023
Whales, Penguins, and Dalcahue
As we navigating through the channel of Leucayec, crossing the Gulf of Corcovado, you may be lucky to observe humpbacks or blue whales. We arrive at Islote Conejos and visit the island inhabited by Magellan Penguins and birds. Continue through glorious scenery to Dalcahue (on Chiloe Island), with its authentic handicraft market, church, and lovely promenade. This evening, on board ship, enjoy a farewell party, and captains dinner.
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.
Santiago - 0 Nights
Day 15 - Fly to Santiago and back to the UK
Day 16 - Arrive in the UK
- Full Description
Monday, 16 October 2023
Fly back to the UK
Transfer to Puerto Montt airport for your flight back to the UK, via Santiago de Chile.
Alternatively, take a full day excursions across the Andean Lake Region to Argentina. Journey by bus and boat across three lakes, surrounded by lush maintain landscapes. Arrive in Bariloche for a few days in the Argentinean Lake Region for walks, treks, picnics, islands and beautiful scenery in the mountains surrounding the Seven Lakes Road, Villa La Angostura, Traful and San Martin de los Andes. Then fly to cosmopolitan Buenos Aires for a few days before flying home or staying on longer. Please call us for details, a bespoke itinerary and a quotation.
Tuesday, 17 October 2023
Arrive in the UK
Arrive in the UK in the morning.
Price Guidelines
| Season | Low Season | High Season |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Dates | November to March | November to March |
| Room Arrangement | First | First |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Room | £7,507 | £7,507 |
| Single Traveller - Own Room | £12,325 | £12,325 |
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
- 4-night Skorpios III S Patagonia Cruise, with full board, open bar and all excursions
- 5-night Skorpios II N Patagonia Cruise, with full board, open bar and all excursions
- 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
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