From the sheer beauty of its mountain peaks in Torres del Paine National Park to the most arid desert on earth with its surreal landscapes, geysers, and clear night skies; Chile’s contrasting landscapes are nothing short of enchanting. Its geographical and cultural tapestry offers a captivating blend of natural wonders, vibrant cities, and a rich heritage that will make lasting memories.
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Arrive at Santiago airport and transfer to your hotel. Santiago, the capital of Chile, is a bustling, modern city nestled in a valley amidst the ever-present backdrop of the majestic snow-capped Andes.
Today, you'll explore the vibrant coastal city of Valparaiso, renowned for its hilly neighbourhoods, meandering staircases, and kaleidoscopic street art. This UNESCO World Heritage site effortlessly blends history with a contemporary vibe. Ascending the stairs or riding the funiculars reveals charming German-style houses, reminiscent of past inhabitants, and stunning vistas of the bay.
A highlight of your journey is a visit to the home-museum of Chile's Nobel Prize-winning poet, Pablo Neruda (please note that the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). Valparaiso's artisanal spirit is embodied in its many art studios, galleries, and silver workshops. Get an intimate look at this community during your visit to a silver workshop. Here, you'll discover the artistry behind traditional techniques, textures, and the sustainable use of materials to craft exquisite and authentic jewelry.
Take a break and discover Don Sergio’s Alfajores, a cherished culinary icon since the 1980s. Blending European pastry traditions with local ingredients, this family-run business upholds Don Sergio’s legacy of artisanal alfajores. Beloved by locals and tourists alike, his family continues to honour his tradition of quality, ensuring these iconic treats remain a vital part of the community’s cultural and economic fabric.
Journey to Casablanca Valley for a wine tasting at Casas del Bosque, a family-run boutique winery established in 1993. Nestled in the pristine Casablanca Valley, they prioritize sustainable practices, preserving the ecosystem. Holding sustainability certifications for both winery and vineyard, their eco-conscious viticulture produces exceptional grapes and characterful, environmentally conscious wines.
Savor Casas del Bosque's exceptional vintages during the tasting. Afterward, indulge in an inventive lunch at Tanino restaurant, featuring locally sourced ingredients and complemented by a fine wine selection. This experience offers a delightful blend of wine appreciation and culinary exploration in a picturesque setting. (B, L)
Transfer to the airport in time for your flight to Calama where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel.
Set in the most impressive location amongst the salt mountains and beneath the ancient fortress of Pukara de Quitor, Alto Atacama is an exclusive hideaway. Built using Adobe, a building material made from earth and organic materials, the hotel's design was influenced by local village architecture and conceived to blend seamlessly into its environment and appear as a part of the terracotta-coloured ridge that rises behind it.
The Atacama Desert is the driest non-polar place on earth, an arid yet stunning place that is Chile’s most alluring destination. With a wide range of excursions available, experience a challenging bike ride through canyons and sand dunes, a rewarding hike through volcanoes and mountain ranges, or a relaxing picturesque sunset on Tebequinche Lagoon. Whether on foot, horseback, bike, or vehicle, you will experience the desert adventure of a lifetime.
This afternoon visit The Valley of the Moon, an ideal introduction to the Atacama landscape. The countless peaks, rock formations and canyons are a bewildering natural spectacle. You’ll venture to uncrowded locations to contemplate the awesome surrounds in an eerie silence and enjoy a cocktail in the soft light of the setting sun. (B)(L)(D)
Today perhaps explore the high Andean Lagoons. On the way you’ll pass traditional terraces growing quinoa and purple potatoes. You’ll stop to visit the town of Toconao, notable for its typical colonial architecture made from volcanic rock. The church, built in 1744, is a fine example of the use of this material. From here you ascend to the high Andean lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques. The deep blue waters and white shores welcome a large variety of birds and provide a magical contrast with the snow-capped hills that surround them. The scenery is spectacular and the perfect setting to enjoy a delicious lunch, before the return journey. (B)(L)(D)
Today may be the day you choose to depart before dawn on an excursion to witness the magical Tatio Geysers, one of the world’s most impressive geothermal sites and an icon of the Atacama Desert. The fumaroles of more than eighty active geysers expel enormous columns of white steam, creating an astonishing spectacle. You will enjoy breakfast with the geysers as your backdrop. As you leave the area you will often spot wildlife including vicuñas, foxes, vizcachas and Andean ostriches. You will stop at the picturesque village of Machuca with its wooden church and handicraft stalls, a charming interlude on the return journey. In the afternoon, visit the archaeological sites of Quitor and Tulor. (B)(L)(D)
Transfer to Calama airport for your flight to Santiago. Upon arrival you’ll spend the evening at an airport hotel in Santiago. (B)
Transfer to Calama airport for your flight to Santiago. Upon arrival you’ll spend the evening at an airport hotel in Santiago. (B)
Day 7: Santiago - Punta Arenas – Torres del Paine National Park
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Punta Arenas, gateway to the Torres del Paine National Park. On arrival you will be met and transferred by road to Estancia Cerro Guido, your home, for the next three nights.
At the end of the 19th century, this estancia was born as part of the "Tierra del Fuego Exploitation Society", the largest cattle network in the history of Chilean Patagonia. Forged by European pioneers, with 100,000 hectares, it is today the largest in the region, with one of the largest livestock masses and extensions of crops in this area.
The estancia (traditional ranch) is situated in the heart of Torres del Paine,
nestled along the slopes of the imposing Cerro Guido. It comprises houses built by the pioneers in 1920 and offers a unique and warm experience in a place where time stops. The lodge features 12 rooms with
delicate and elegant decorations inspired by the original English style of the place, considering details that will give you a good rest after a day of excursions.
Experience the real gauchos and country life during your stay at Cerro Guido, actively participating in their daily activities caring for the livestock on their natural grasslands. (B, L, D)
Torres del Paine National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the world’s most spectacular national parks. A place of rugged natural beauty, Torres del Paine is home to jaw dropping landscapes, from towering granite peaks and dramatic glaciers to turquoise lakes and emerald-green forests.
Choose from an array of half-day or full day excursions including trekking, horseback riding and guided vehicle excursions. The excursions are designed around a variety of themes to enjoy the national park: from the flora, fauna and geology to the heritage and culture of the gauchos and the indigenous people of the region. They vary from easy to difficult depending on your physical condition and experience. (B, L, D)
Today you will join the Conservation Safari and immerse yourself in the Cerro Guido Foundation's mission to protect Patagonia's diverse wildlife and the growing puma population, while fostering harmonious coexistence with livestock.
At the break of dawn, depart from Cerro Guido Hotel to shadow dedicated trackers in their daily routines. Begin with puma research, engaging in activities like binocular observation and reviewing camera traps, all accompanied by easy to moderate short hikes. By late morning, gain insight into the invaluable role of sheep protection dogs, bridging the gap between conservation and human activity.
Enjoy a hearty lunch before you head to "Casa Puma," the Cerro Guido Conservation Foundation's nerve center. Here, the trackers share their work in a presentation. As the day draws to a close, embark on your final quest to observe wildlife and pumas at sunset. This enlightening adventure also delves into the ongoing research in Sierra del Toro.
After a day spent searching for pumas and learning about Cerro Guido’s conservation efforts, relax and enjoy dinner at the estancia restaurant. Serving products from their greenhouse and orchard, the kitchen offers dishes inspired by traditional, simple, and elegant recipes, suitable for all tastes. (B, L, D)
Transfer to Punta Arenas airport for your flight back to Santiago. Upon landing at Santiago airport, your local guide will warmly welcome you for your transfer to Casa Real at Santa Rita winery.
Nestled just south of Santiago, Maipo Valley is home to some of the country's most prestigious wines. It is often described as the 'Bordeaux of South America', and rich, fruit-driven Cabernet Sauvignon is undoubtedly its most celebrated wine style. Many historic vineyards from that era still thrive in Chile's wine industry.
En route to Santa Rita, there will be a stop at Fundación Origen, an extraordinary non-profit organization committed to community development. Explore the innovative School of Promise, where you'll witness education in action, empowering young minds for the future. Stroll through lush gardens and learn about sustainable farming, promoting environmental and human health.
The tour concludes with a delectable empanada tasting, showcasing traditional flavors crafted from organic ingredients. Each bite is a tribute to sustainability and local gastronomy. After this enriching experience, you'll head to Hotel Casa Real, knowing your journey has supported a thriving community.
Hotel Casa Real, situated within the Santa Rita Estate, was once the summer residence of the winery's founder. It underwent restoration in the mid-1990s, retaining the mansion's original layout, including the entry hall, salons, dining room, billiard room, and inner colonnade, all preserved since the late 19th century with their original furnishings. Surrounded by a unique 40-hectare park designed by French landscape gardener Guillaume Renner, it stands as a historic monument and the country's sole park of its kind.
This evening, join a guided tour of the residence, culminating in a private thematic wine tasting on the Red Hall terrace. Following the tour, savor a meticulously prepared dinner featuring estate-grown seasonal ingredients, harmoniously paired with Santa Rita's finest wines. (B, S, D)
Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast overlooking the garden. Immerse yourself in nature's splendor as you set out on our exclusive experience which encompasses the century-old park, Roman baths, neo-gothic chapel, and historic wine cellars. This tour is complemented by an exclusive wine tasting paired with artisanal cheese and dried fruits.
After your enriching tour, relish a delightful lunch at Doña Paula restaurant. Nestled within an 18th-century colonial building, honored as a historic monument, Doña Paula restaurant has received acclaim for its traditional cuisine, offering a blend of traditional Chilean and international cuisine,
If time allows, explore the Andean Museum independently, featuring an extensive ethnographic collection of over 3,000 items from the Claro Vial Foundation amidst the scenic vineyards.
As you reflect on the incredible journey you've experienced, you will make your way back to Santiago for your onward flight. (B, L)
*Conditions apply. Prices are per person in Australian dollars and are correct as at 29 Nov 24 but may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. Fares are subject to availability, outbound/inbound blackout dates and flight restrictions at the time of booking and seats based on advertised fares are limited and may not be available on both outbound and/or inbound journeys — combinations with higher fare classes may apply. Agents may charge service fees, rates vary. Prices displayed are ‘from’ pricing, includes all prepaid taxes and fees, except payment card fees which may be payable in addition, rates vary. Prices displayed are based on select departure dates as displayed. Alternative travel dates are subject to seasonal surcharges. Adventure World and Helloworld Travel terms and conditions apply, see in store for full details.
