Best of Chile
Day 1
Santiago
Arrive into Santiago. Chile’s elegant capital is set in spectacular mountain surroundings, with a mixture of colonial and modern architecture. Food is a highlight - with exceptional seafood and world class wines. On arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2
Santiago
Morning at leisure. Afternoon sightseeing tour of the city. The four hour excursion will provide an insight into the Chilean capital’s colonial past, as well as it’s modern business hub. Among the sights included in this tour are the La Moneda Presidential Palace, the city’s main square - the Plaza de Armas, the National Congress, the Supreme Court of Justice, and the Cathedral. The hill of Cerro San Cristóbal provides a breathtaking finale to this tour with it's view of the city and the Andes Mountains.B
Day 3
Santiago
Day at leisure. Optional full day tour to Valparaíso the principal seaport of Chile. The tour provides an opportunity to see something of the countryside and beaches. After visiting Valparaíso continue to Vina del Mar, the most fashionable of Chile’s beach resorts, before returning to Santiago.B
Day 4
Santiago - Pucon
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the city of Temuco, one of the principal gateways to the Lake District. Founded just over a century ago, on the banks of the Cautin River, Temuco is the main town of the new frontie and the cultural centre of the Mapuche Indians. On arrival you will be transferred to Pucon, a small city on Lake Villarrica at the foot of the live Volcano Villarrica and in the vicinity of three parks and a large ski resort.B
Day 5
Pucon
Today enjoy a full day trekking excursion to Villarrica Volcano, probably the most famous of the area and one of the most active in South America. On a clear day you should be able to see several “mini eruptions” as puffs of smoke appear above it’s snow capped peak. At the base of the volcano you can walk through lava tunnels formed in the last eruption in the 1970’s. A relatively easy climb to the crater, will allow you to look inside and see a bubbling cauldron of rock, lava and volcanic activity.B
Day 6
Pucon - Puerto Varas
Transfer to Puerto Varas, situated on Chile’s largest lake, Lake Llanquihue, which reflects in its clear waters the magnificent volcanoes, Osorno and Calbuco. It is a thriving, beautiful, well kept town with roses planted along the streets, hence the name “city of roses”. The town best illustrates the German influence in this part of Chile with its architecture reminiscent of the houses in the Black Forest.B
Day 7
Puerto Varas: Lakes District
Travel by road this morning into the Chilean Lakes District to Petrohué, skirting the lake towards Ensenada and Petrohué River with its falls and rapids. Here board a launch and cross spectacular Lake Todos Los Santos, also known as Lake Emerald due to its vivid blue-green coloured waters. After a two hour journey arrive in Peulla, a peaceful place of astounding beauty, where you will enjoy lunch, before returning to Puerto Varas in the afternoon.BL
Day 8
Puerto Varas - Punta Arenas - Paine Towers National Park
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Punta Arenas where you will be transferred by regular bus overland to the picturesque town of Puerto Natales situated on Ultima Esperanza Fjord. Continue by private transfer to Torres del Paine National Park, stopping en route at the Milodon Cave, an impressive natural cave where a gigantic prehistoric herbivore fossil was discovered, a replica of which can be seen at the entrance of the cave. Arrive into the National Park this evening.B
Day 9
Paine Towers National Park
Chilean Patagonia is a magical region of long forgotten pioneers and civilisation. The Torres del Paine National Park exemplifies the heart of this land with its breathtaking scenery. Guanacos and ñandus (rheas) live in harmony with flocks of flamingoes, amidst glaciers, emerald lakes, dramatic peaks, valleys and waterfalls. Paine is without doubt one of the world's most spectacular national parks. Choose from a variety of optional tours by van, on foot, mountain-bike, or on horseback.B
Day 10
Paine Towers National Park
Day at leisure. Perhaps enjoy one or more of the optional tours, which include the wonderful Grey Glacier, surrounded by forest, Laguna Azul, beautifully reflecting the “Torres del Paine” (towers) in its tranquil waters, Lake Nordenskjold, with its wonderful view of the “Cuernos del Paine” (Horns) and the waterfalls on Rio Paine, Salto Chico and Salto Grande.B
Day 11
Paine Towers National Park - Punta Arenas
Transfer over the Patagonian steppes, to Punta Arenas Airport for your departure flight.B
