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Chile Holidays

Central Valley vineyards; salt flats, geysers and deserts in the north; glaciers, fjords and Andean peaks of Patagonia

14 Night Itinerary from  £6,986

Tierra Australis Tour

Contrast the northern deserts with vineyards of Santiago and glaciers and Andean peaks of Patagonia. Enjoy a three night expedition cruise through Patagonian ice fields

Select your preferred departure date

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Tour Route

Travel Highlights

  • Contrast Chile's desert moonscapes with snow-capped Andean peaks and glorious glaciers
  • 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
  • Visit the Atacama Desert, home to salt flats, geysers and wondrous rock formations
  • Venture into Southern Patagonia and the renowned Torres del Paine National Park
  • Admire chiselled peaks, turquoise lakes and the magnificent glacier
  • Embark on a 3 night Skorpios III Cruise through the ice fields of Patagonia
  • Encounter epic glaciers, native Patagonian forest and pristine fjords

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

1708 Valparaiso

Santiago and Valparaiso - 3 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

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Sunday, 02 April 2023

Fly to Santiago do Chile

Depart Monday evening on an overnight British Airways flight to Santiago.


Monday, 03 April 2023

Arrive in Santiago

You will be met on arrival at the airport and taken to your hotel, where you stay for 3 nights. You have the chance to get to know your guide and ask them some initial questions about the city. 

 


Tuesday, 04 April 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.


Wednesday, 05 April 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.

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.

2016 Su Merced

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.

2017 Lastarria

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.

2015 Plaza San Francisco Hotel
Mountain Pond Cars People

Atacama Desert - 3 Nights

Day 5 - Transfer to San Pedro Atacama

Days 6-7 - Atacama's salt flats, geysers and rock formations 

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Thursday, 06 April 2023

Transfer to San Pedro Atacama

Flight 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, for 3 nights. Alto Atacama is the perfect base to explore this harsh and varied environment.


Friday, 07 April 2023

Salt flats, geysers and rock formations of the Atacama

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 star gazing. The lodge has a special area with loungers that enable you to lie flat and obverse the sky in warmth and comfort. 

 


Saturday, 08 April 2023

Explore the Atacama Desert

Alto Atacama

Atacama Desert - First Lodge

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.

2999 Alto Atacama
Happy days in the wilderness

Torres del Paine - 4 Nights

Day 8 - Return to Santiago

Day 9 - Travel to Torres del Paine

Days 10-11 - Torres del Paine National Park

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Sunday, 09 April 2023

Return to Santiago

After a morning excursion, we transfer to Calama and fly to Santiago, staying in the capital overnight.


Monday, 10 April 2023

Torres del Paine National Park

Our journey continues south, taking a flight to Punta Arenas, gateway to Torres del Paine National Park where we stay for 3 nights at a comfortable lodge within the park for ease of access and the best walks and scenery.

 


Tuesday, 11 April 2023

Torres del Paine National Park

Our days are spent walking in this awe-inspiring area, where dramatic granite massifs rise from the earth, surrounded by glaciers, lakes and gnarled Magellanic beech trees. The walks vary from short 2 hour strolls, to longer full day treks. Whichever you choose, the scenery will be unforgettable and invigorating.


Wednesday, 12 April 2023

Explore Torres del Paine

Patagonia Camp

Patagonia and Torres del Paine - First Lodge

The Patagonia Camp is located on the edge of Torres del Paine National Park on the shores of "Lago el Toro" and is 100% eco-friendly. This place has been created to fulfill your expectations, combining nature, adventure, relaxation, comfort and luxury. The Camp has 20 luxury yurts specially designed to resist the Patagonian wind, rain and snow, all of which have a view of Lake Toro and the Paine Massif. Each yurt has a private bathroom and a private terrace and is equipped with double beds (twin or king size), closet, desk, and full-bodied timber flooring and heating systems. The Patagonian decor gives the yurts a unique atmosphere. You can relax in the lounge, enjoy your dinner with the meals prepared by the chef. There is one building that serves as a restaurant, bar and lounge. All are connected by elevated walkways. The camp also has a massage room only steps away form the main building. You will enjoy a typical Patagonian Barbecue one of the days of your stay, you will be able to take part in the preparation of the typical "Magellan lamb", and other regional foods.The expert bilingual staff will welcome you and make you feel at home.

There are daily excursions offered, according to your particular preferences and weather conditions which have been tailored in a way that you enjoy the Chilean Patagonia and Torres del Paine at the most and in your best interest. The suggested excursions will be either for a Full Day : Base Torres, Laguna Verde or La Península; or; half day excursions: Mirador Cóndor, Lago Sarmiento, Playa Grey, Mirador Cuernos, Mirador El Estribo, Cerro Tenerife, or Laguna Azul.

2020 Patagonia Camp

Hotel Las Torres

Patagonia and Torres del Paine - First Lodge

The Hotel las Torres was once an Estancia that has now been developed for tourism with comfortable, purpose built accommodation with private facilities and heating; restaurant, bar and social area. The Hostel is ideally located for those wishing to trek along the Ascension River and up to the 'Towers', the rocky peaks with towering above a lake. Visits to Lago Grey on the other side of the park are possible with private transport and excursions arranged at the hotel.

The rooms of the hotel provide a cozy atmosphere, being the perfect setting to relax and enjoy after a long days excursion. Central heating, box spring beds, telephones and private bathrooms in a rustic yet elegant decoration provide the ideal ambience in our superior rooms for resting and preparing the next days activities.

Several services are available in the relaxing environment of your room, with a simple call you have the possibility of enjoying massages, food, wine and drinks.

Hostería Las Torres offers single, double twin, matrimonial and triple rooms in categories standard and superior.

Large variety of excursions

With over 25 excursions to choose from every day, passengers will have the opportunity to decide the next day's trip with the assessment of their guide. Many of the outings are very different to what is ordinarily offered in the park. Interesting Archeological areas visited on 4x4, private paths that climb to the base of mountain glaciers and the more subtle yet profound walk in the Lenga forests provide an in-depth view of the powerful nature in Patagonia.

2019 Hosteria Las Torres

Explora Patagonia

Patagonia and Torres del Paine - Deluxe Hotel

Explora Lodge cuisine offers authentic flavors based on the best-quality ingredients, many of which are produced locally. The food is healthy and well-balanced, ideal for people going trekking, horseback riding or on other explorations. All menus include some of the best local dishes, such as Magellanic lamb, southern king crab and delicious fish and vegetables.

Torres del Paine can be visited all year round. Each season has its own beauty, colours and aromas; each reveals new and different aspects of this wonderful place.

2022 Explora Patagonia

Patagonia Expedition Cruise - 3 Nights

Day 12 - Transfer to Skorpios III

Day 13 - Amalia and El Brujo Glaciers and Calvo Fjord

Day 14 - Montanas Fjord and White Angostura

 

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Thursday, 13 April 2023

Transfer to Skorpios III

Transfer to Puerto Natales and embark Skorpios III cruise ship, for a 3 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 through Angostura Kirke, Moria, Vicuna, Union, Colingwood and Sarmiento Channels. The captain will host a welcome cocktail and dinner tonight. 

 


Friday, 14 April 2023

Amalia and El Brujo Glaciers and Calvo Fjord

Arrive at Amalia Glacier. The ship sails as close to the glacier as possible. We take a walk on the beach to a stunning viewpoint. Continue to El Brujo Glacier, where, weather permitting, you can disembark and get a closer view of the glacier on dry land. In the afternoon we sail to Calvo Fjord, where we take an excursion on the ‘Captain Constantino’ icebreaker, navigating through the ice. We visit Captain Constantino and Alipio Glaciers.


Saturday, 15 April 2023

Montanas Fjord and White Angostura

This morning we visit Montanas Fjord, where you can see four glaciers melting into the sea. At Alsina Glacier, we explore the small bay on the ship’s zodiacs. At Bernal Glacier, we take a walk in a native forest and cross a glacial water lagoon. Here, you can touch and feel the ice. Continue on Montanas Fjord, observing Herman and Zamudio Glaciers from the observation deck.  We arrive at White Angostura, where we explore in the ship’s zodiacs. Enjoy the Captain’s dinner and farewell party tonight.

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.

Skorpios III
Pixabay (3)

Santiago - 1 Night

Day 15 - Fly to Santiago

Day 16 - Fly back to the UK

Day 17 - Arrive in the UK

  • Full Description

Sunday, 16 April 2023

Fly to Santiago

Transfer to Punta Arenas Airport and fly back to Santiago. Transfer to your chosen hotel for your final night stay in Chile.


Monday, 17 April 2023

Fly back to the UK

Morning at leisure. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.


Tuesday, 18 April 2023

Arrive in the UK

Arrive in the UK in the morning.

Price Guidelines

Season Low Season High Season
Travel Dates Rest of the year 1 JUL - 11 AUG, 7 DEC - 5 JAN
Room Arrangement Deluxe Deluxe
Multiple Travellers - Twin Room £6,986 £7,395
Multiple Travellers - Own Room £9,379 £9,590

Prices are a guideline and per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.


What's Included

  • 17 Days / 14 Nights
  • International flights (2 overnight)
  • Internal flights
  • Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
  • 3 night Skorpios III Expedition Cruise on full board basis including 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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READY - 24 March 2023

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