Eco Chile, Land of Extremes

Day 1 Arrive Santiago

Santiago is an architectural collage of old Spanish colonial charm, European elegance, and North American suburbia. Founded in 1541, it is today one of the continent’s most modern cities, serving as gateway to Chile’s Central Valley and connecting point for trips around the country. Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. We suggest a few hours rest and lunch at the restaurant or poolside. In the afternoon, you’ll set out to discover Santiago’s secrets. The historic quarter is first stop: Cobblestone walkways, historic buildings, La Moneda Palace and, of course, the very heart of the city the Plaza de Armas. Then, for modernity and glamour, on to residential districts -Providencia, Las Condes, and Vitacura. We finish atop San Cristobal Hill for a magnificent panoramic view of the city. Evening free.

Day 2 Santiago - Calama – San Pedro de Atacama

The day starts with an early flight to Calama, where our local representative is waiting to transfer us to San Pedro de Atacama, an hour’s drive from the airport. San Pedro de Atacama is an oasis located amid the world’s driest desert. Once the center of Atacamanian civilization, San Pedro provides a perfect base for fascinating excursions into the surrounding desert, including visits to archaeological sites, ancient villages, colonial towns, salt flats, geysers, and the unique Valley of the Moon. Outings range from excursions on especially prepared vehicles to mountain biking, trekking and horseback riding. Time permitting we will start our explorations this evening. Otherwise you will have free time to get acquainted with this unique town. (B, D)

Day 3 Exploring the Atacama Desert

The Atacama is far more than a desert. Since time immemorial, native communities have inhabited the area, their legacy still alive in the local folklore and traditions and in the numerous archaeological sites, including a pre-Inca fortress just outside town. Daily excursions will unveil the spectacular landscapes and natural phenomena that occur in this mysterious place. We will watch fiery sunsets in the Valley of the Moon and welcome a new day admiring the searing Tatio geysers; pass by tiny communities where a colonial church of volcanic stone stands as testimony of the rich history of the area and observe flocks of flamingos feeding on vast salt flats. On an even more active note, trekking expeditions to the summit of volcanoes, horseback rides and mountain biking excursions are sure to satisfy the appetite of our most adventurous expeditioneers. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Exploring the Atacama Desert

Exploring Atacama Desert.

Day 5 Exploring the Atacama Desert

Exploring Atacama Desert.

Day 6 San Pedro Atacama – Calama - Santiago

Our morning will be devoted to a last excursion into the surrounding desert. Later, our guide will transfer us to the airport in Calama for our flight back to the capital city. Arrival transfer and free evening. (B)

Day 7 Santiago - Punta Arenas – Torres del Paine

We continue our journey with a flight south, to Punta Arenas, gateway city to southern Patagonia. Our guide and vehicle are waiting to drive us to magnificent Torres del Paine National Park. En route we will enjoy spectacular views and landscapes as we traverse wilderness Patagonia, crossing trout rivers, beech tree forests, and passing large sheep ranches. Once in the park, have your camera ready for waterfalls, pristine lakes, imposing glaciers, and finally the impressive Paine Horns, two towering peaks that star in many popular postcards. (B)

Day 8 Torres del Paine

We may go on a trekking expedition along park trails ending up at Laguna Azul, a mirrored lagoon embedded in a valley of flowers. Or sail along Lake Grey to the massive walls of Grey Glacier. Or drive up to the Great Waterfall and then follow our guide on a leisure hike in full view of the mighty Paine Horns. Or mountain bike and horseback ride to lookout points to gain unforgettable vistas of wild guanacos and rheas, and soaring condors overhead. All excursions and outings are carefully designed by our guides according to daily weather conditions, guests' preferences, and duration and degree of difficulty. They include all necessary equipment and are reduced to small groups. (B)

Day 9 Torres del Paine

Exploring Torres del Paine.

Day 10 Torres del Paine

Exploring Torres del Paine.

Day 11 Torres del Paine – Punta Arenas

This morning we drive one last time around the spectacular national park on our return to Punta Arenas. Balance of day at leisure to explore the city, visit the fascinating Regional History Museum or shop for unique Patagonian souvenirs and artisan crafts. (B)

Day 12 Visit a penguin colony. Then depart for Santiago

Our last excursion in Patagonia can be another trip stealer. Every October, Magellanic penguins return to the safe haven of Otway Sound to lay eggs and raise their chicks. Located an hour north of Punta Arenas, this trip makes a fantastic finale to our Patagonian adventure. Once in Otway, take a short hike into the heart of the reserve to observe these harmless and comic animals in their natural habitat. Besides the penguins, other “locals” like rheas, flamingos, foxes or skunks may make an appearance. In the afternoon, we will reach the airport in time for our flight to Santiago, where we will arrive in the early evening. Meeting and transfer to your hotel. (B)

Day 13 Depart Santiago

Free day in Santiago for last minute shopping. At the appointed time, transfer to the airport for overnight/connecting flights home, arriving the following morning in the USA. (B)

Remarks

Not included:
Gratuities of any kind; airport departure taxes; meals unless included in the itinerary.