Best of Chile from Atacama to Patagonia - Small Group
Best of Chile from Atacama to Patagonia - Small Group
Best of Chile from Atacama to Patagonia - Small Group
11 Days Starting and ending in Santiago, Chile
Visiting: Santiago, Valparaíso, San Pedro de Atacama, Atacama Salt Flats, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SZCHLN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Chile with the "Best of Chile from Atacama to Patagonia - Small Group" tour. This adventure takes you from the vibrant city of Santiago to the breathtaking landscapes of the Atacama Desert and the majestic Torres del Paine National Park. Experience the colorful streets of Valparaíso, savor exquisite wines in the Casablanca Valley, and explore the moon-like terrain of the Moon Valley. Discover the wonders of the Atacama Salt Flats and the stunning Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers. Immerse yourself in Patagonian culture with a ranch experience or a visit to organic gardens. Enjoy authentic dining experiences and comfortable accommodations throughout your journey, with guided tours and local experts enhancing your exploration of Chile's diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Santiago
Location: Santiago
Accommodation: Intercontinental, Santiago
Accommodation Name: Intercontinental, Santiago
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Santiago. A picturesque city back dropped by the spectacular, snow-capped Andes, it offers a metropolitan world of museums, top restaurants and historic finds. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel and enjoy a Welcome Dinner.
Day 2: Valparaíso And The Casablanca Wine Country
Location: Valparaíso
Accommodation: Intercontinental, Santiago
Accommodation Name: Intercontinental, Santiago
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your day with a visit to the coastal city of Valparaíso. Explore the UNESCO protected site with a Local Expert as you discover its church-dotted hillsides and unique amphitheater-like layout. After lunch, visit Bodegas RE Winery for a private wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley. Recognized for crafting exceptional wines with passion and precision, embodying the essence of Chilean terroir in every bottle. The evening is yours at leisure to relax or have a night out on the town.
Day 3: On To Atacama
Location: San Pedro de Atacama
Accommodation: Cumbres, San Pedro de Atacama
Accommodation Name: Cumbres, San Pedro de Atacama
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a transfer to the airport for your flight to Calama, a city based in the Atacama Desert. On arrival you'll head to San Pedro de Atacama. You’ll then be driven to the Moon Valley for a guided visit. True to its name, this moon-like area is made up of dunes, caves and caverns. Learn more about its history and the land formations from a Local Expert.
Day 4: Explore Atacama
Location: San Pedro de Atacama
Accommodation: Cumbres, San Pedro de Atacama
Accommodation Name: Cumbres, San Pedro de Atacama
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, take a guided visit to the Atacama Geysers known as El Tatio Geysers, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Located in the Andes Mountains, you'll be 14,170 feet (4,230 meters) above sea level. Afterwards, enjoy a visit to the Puritama Hot Springs before taking a scenic drive back to your hotel.
Day 5: Atacama Salt Flats
Location: Atacama Salt Flats
Accommodation: Cumbres, San Pedro de Atacama
Accommodation Name: Cumbres, San Pedro de Atacama
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore the Atacama Salt Flats, the largest in Chile. One of the driest parts of the world, the area stretches for over 40,000 square miles (103,600 kilometers). Keep your eyes open for species of wild birds including the Andean and James flamingos on the shores of the Chaxa, Miscanti and Minque Lagoons. This afternoon, make your way to Toconao, a traditional colonial village known for its volcanic rock architecture. Take a stroll through the main square and visit the handicraft stands that sell alpaca textiles.
Day 6: Atacama To Santiago
Location: Santiago
Accommodation: Intercontinental, Santiago
Accommodation Name: Intercontinental, Santiago
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up for your transfer and flight back to Santiago. Enjoy lunch at El Galeón restaurant, located in the heart of the Central Market. Continue to the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral, traveling to the heart of the city along the famous Alameda, Santiago's vibrant main avenue. Continue your tour by crossing the Mapocho River to reach the bohemian Bellavista district on your way to San Cristobal Hill.
Day 7: On To Puerto Natales
Location: Puerto Natales
Accommodation: Remota Patagonia Lodge, Puerto Natales
Accommodation Name: Remota Patagonia Lodge, Puerto Natales
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to Punta Arenas where you'll then drive to Puerto Natales, a port city, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park and starting point for explorers in search of the Patagonian fjords. This afternoon, you’ll have leisure time in the day to rest and rejuvenate before heading to dinner. Famous for its spiced meat and seafood dishes, tonight's meal will have you savoring typical Patagonian dishes.
Day 8: Balmaceda And Serrano Glaciers Excursion
Location: Torres del Paine National Park
Accommodation: Remota Patagonia Lodge, Puerto Natales
Accommodation Name: Remota Patagonia Lodge, Puerto Natales
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Wake for a scenic breakfast before starting your day. Torres del Paine National Park boasts jaw-dropping landscapes filled with turquoise lagoons, glaciers, and towering granite horns. Head out on a Balmaceda and Serrano Glacier Cruise to view these majestic ice formations. On return, the rest of your day is at leisure.
Day 9: Torres Del Paine National Park
Location: Torres del Paine National Park
Accommodation: Las Torres Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park
Accommodation Name: Las Torres Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Join your Travel Director on an excursion of Torres del Paine National Park, famous for its glaciers, grasslands, imposing mountains and the three granite towers it is named after. Later today, explore with Insight Choice. Opt to learn the Patagonian cowboy way of life by spending an evening with local vaqueros to learn about their special clothing, saddles and an opportunity to share mate, a herbal tea made from yerba mate leaves. Or, join a tour of the region's oldest gardens at Reserva Cerro Paine which produces seasonal fruits and vegetables using bio-intensive sustainable methods. Tonight, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you enjoy the exquisite flavors of Torres Del Paine National Park.
Day 10: Sightseeing In Torres Del Paine Relaxed Start
Location: Torres del Paine National Park
Accommodation: Las Torres Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park
Accommodation Name: Las Torres Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today you'll spend the day sightseeing in Torres del Paine as you look out for the park's guanacos, a rare creature similar to the llama, as well as Andean condors. Witness the sharp peaks of Cuernos del Paine and marvel at the emerald waters of the park’s lakes. These include Lake Pehoé, Sarmiento Lake, Del Toro Lake and Nordenskjöld Lake.After a day exploring, join your Travel Director and new friends as you toast to your travels at a Celebration Dinner with wine.
Day 11: Back To Santiago
Location: Santiago
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers as your trip comes to an end. Head to Punta Arenas where you'll fly to Santiago International Airport for your flight home.
What's Included
-
Meals
The tour includes 10 breakfasts, 3 dinners with wine, 2 lunches with wine, 2 dinners, and 3 lunches.
-
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Intercontinental in Santiago, Cumbres in San Pedro de Atacama, Remota Patagonia Lodge in Puerto Natales, and Las Torres Patagonia in Torres del Paine National Park.
-
Transfers
Transfers are included from the airport to the hotel and between various locations during the tour.
-
Guided Tours
Guided tours are included in various locations such as Valparaíso, Moon Valley, Atacama Geysers, Atacama Salt Flats, and Torres del Paine National Park.
-
Local Expert
Local experts will provide guided visits and insights at various locations including Valparaíso, Moon Valley, and Santiago.
-
Special Experiences
Special experiences such as a Patagonian Ranch Cultural Experience, a visit to Reserva Cerro Paine's organic kitchens and garden, and a Balmaceda and Serrano Glacier Cruise are included.
-
Welcome and Farewell Dinners
A welcome dinner on the first day and a celebration dinner with wine on the last day in Torres del Paine National Park are included.
-
Transport
Travel conveniently with transfers and flights between Santiago, Calama, and Punta Arenas. Enjoy scenic drives and guided tours throughout the journey, including a cruise to view the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers.
What's Not Included
-
International Flights
International flights to and from Santiago are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages not mentioned in the inclusions are not covered.
-
Optional Activities
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
-
Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently with transfers and flights between Santiago, Calama, and Punta Arenas. Enjoy scenic drives and guided tours throughout the journey, including a cruise to view the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Intercontinental in Santiago, the Cumbres in San Pedro de Atacama, and the Remota Patagonia Lodge in Puerto Natales. Enjoy the exquisite Las Torres Patagonia in Torres del Paine National Park.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Lunch with Wine (LW)
- 4 Lunch (L)
Insight Experiences
- San Pedro de Atacama: Our journey to the Altiplano starts in the early hours, just in time to watch the sun rise in one of the most important geothermic fields in the world: the El Tatio Geysers. There are over 70 geysers with pools of boiling water spurting vapor and it is best to see them first thing in the morning, so you can truly appreciate the beautiful contrast of colors between the intensely blue sky and the pristine vapor from the geysers. You will then enjoy a well-deserved breakfast in this amazing setting, in the shadows of the Andes. Take a moment to warm up as the temperatures in the zone can range from -2°C to 24.5°C (28°F to 76° F). On you way back to San Pedro de Atacama, you will travel through beautiful landscapes, seeing the valleys, flora and fauna, and maybe even spotting some of the local vicunas and vizcachas - a real highlight.
- San Pedro de Atacama: Explore the Atacama Salt Flats, the largest in Chile. One of the driest parts of the world, the area stretches for over 40,000 square miles (103,600 square kilometers). View the nearby volcanoes, and keep your eyes open for species of wild birds including the Andean and James flamingos on the shores of the Chaxa, Miscanti and Minque Lagoons.
Check out our Q&As
-
What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a Patagonian Ranch Cultural Experience where you can learn about the baqueano (cowboy) way of life, including their special clothing, saddles, and horse tack. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy Yerba mate tea while chatting about Patagonian culture.
-
What kind of dining experiences can I expect during the tour?
You will enjoy a variety of dining experiences including a welcome dinner in Valparaiso, lunch at El Galeón restaurant in Santiago's Central Market, and a celebration dinner with wine in Torres del Paine National Park. Meals feature fresh, in-season ingredients, with some sourced from the region's oldest gardens using sustainable techniques.
-
Are there any special activities related to sustainability on this tour?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to the Reserva Cerro Paine's organic kitchens and garden, which uses bio-intensive sustainable methods to conserve traditional heirloom varieties and an assortment of culinary and medicinal herbs. This experience supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
-
What wildlife might I see in Torres del Paine National Park?
In Torres del Paine National Park, you may see rare wildlife such as guanacos, which are similar to llamas, and Andean condors. The park is also known for its diverse ecosystems and stunning landscapes.
-
What are some of the highlights of the Atacama Desert portion of the tour?
In the Atacama Desert, you will visit the Moon Valley, known for its moon-like landscape of dunes, caves, and caverns. You will also explore the Atacama Geysers, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, and the Atacama Salt Flats, home to wild birds including Andean and James flamingos.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.
