The best of Chile: deserts, wineries and Patagonia big cats

Day 1 - Arrive in Santiago

Welcome to Santiago in Chile! Santiago is a fast-growing city located in the central valley of Chile between the Andes mountains range to the east and the Cordillera of the Coast to the west. Santiago has been cataloged as surprising, cosmopolitan, energetic, sophisticated and worldly, a city of cultural currents, expansive museums and top-flight restaurants.

It is a wonderful place for strolling, and each neighbourhood has its unique flavour and tone. A private transfer will pick you up to take you from Santiago’s Airport to your selected hotel where you will spend 3 nights with daily breakfast.

Day 2 - Half day city tour - private

Described by the international media as a surprising destination, Santiago stands out for being a cosmopolitan and modern city that perfectly combines its traditions with a modern outlook. The tour will take you to visit the heart of the city and its emblematic sites such as the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, Santiago’s Central Postal Office and its Municipality. We will also visit the Moneda Palace, which is the government’s headquarters as well as the traditional neighborhoods of the historic city centre. 

The tour also includes a visit to the San Cristobal hill. It is a real urban oasis in the center of the city. There we will learn more about Chile’s history and enjoy some of the best views in the city. 

Day 3 - Gourmet experience and cooking class - private

Today, we are set to embark on a sensory journey through Santiago’s culinary delights. We will commence our exploration by visiting the Central Market, La Vega chica and Vega grande — bustling markets brimming with fresh produce and authentic Chilean flavours. Continuing our gastronomic adventure, we will explore the vibrant neighbourhoods of Bellavista and Isidora Goyenechea.

We will then head to the chef’s apartment in the El Golf neighbourhood. Here, we will indulge in a cocktail before immersing ourselves in a hands-on cooking class. The menu includes a starter of Ceviche de reineta and a main course featuring Charquicán, a traditional dish from the Mapuche culture. As we savour our culinary creations, we will be treated to a panoramic view from the chef’s apartment, capturing the awe-inspiring beauty of Cerro Manquehue, the majestic Andes Mountains and a lush golf course. Our gastronomic journey will conclude with delectable desserts and a coffee or tea.

Day 4 - Flight to the Atacama & tour of the Moon Valley

Today you will be taken by private transfer to Santiago’s airport where you will catch a domestic flight (included) to Calama. Once landed, you will be met by your guide and driven by private car to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama, where you will spend 3 nights with daily breakfast.

Enjoy a few hours at leisure and in the late afternoon you will be picked up by your transport and guide for a tour to the famous and geologically spectacular Moon Valley.

A couple of km outside of San Pedro de Atacama, between the jagged rocks and unusual shapes of the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountains), we find the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), a geological wonder of the Los Flamencos National Reserve.  During the afternoon, you can enjoy the unbeatable views of the Andes and its volcanoes. As dusk falls you will be overwhelmed by the red and golden colours of the desert sky.

Included: Entrance fee.

Day 5 - Altiplanic Lagoons, Piedras Rojas and Chaxa - private

Before dawn break we will depart from San Pedro and we will head to Salar de Atacama where we will first visit the Chaxa Lagoon, an oasis in the middle of a salt desert. It’s one of the most spectacular and dramatic landscapes on earth, which will remain forever in our memory.

After that, we will continue our tour heading to the next stop, Piedras Rojas. For this, we will have to go up in our vehicle to 3,800 meters of altitude and walk 1h approximately (round trip) to see these copper-colored rocks, as well as the surrounding lagoons and salt flats. In this majestic landscape, we will enjoy a delicious breakfast before continuing on our way to the Altiplanic Lagoons.

The Altiplanic Lagoons are the Miscanti and Meñiques, two lagoons with crystalline waters, surrounded by massifs that have a unique landscape. After many photos and dazzled by so many impressive landscapes, we will visit the charming town of Socaire, famous for its crop soil. There we will enjoy an exquisite lunch, and after that move on to the town of Toconao, built with volcanic rock and recognized for the spectacular views it offers of the Salar de Atacama. At the end of the day we will return to San Pedro de Atacama.

Day 6 - El Tatio geysers - private

Before dawn breaks we will depart from San Pedro and head north to the famous El Tatio Geysers. We travel 62 miles to the highlands towards the Andes until we reach the Geysers del Tatio geothermal field, the highest in the world at an altitude of 14,100 ft.

After 90 minutes of travel, approximately, we reach the moment that they are in their maximum manifestation. We walk along a marked path to observe the emanations of boiling water. On the way back, we enjoy the beauty of the landscape, native flora and fauna in stops to observe vicuñas, birds and vegetation. Afterwards we will return to San Pedro de Atacama to enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Day 7 - Fly to Patagonia

Today you will be picked up on time to catch your flight to Patagonia via Santiago.

Day 8 - Full day Torres del Paine - private

Today we will pick you up from the hotel in Puerto Natales and start our tour visiting the Mylodón Cave, located about 30 minutes away from the town. After visiting this natural monument, we will continue toward the Village of Cerro Castillo, heart of the sheep farming business in the area. As we continue on the road we will spot the mountains of the Paine Massif (if the weather is favorable) including the famous Torres del Paine and the spectacular Cuernos del Paine.

Before reaching the entrance of the park we will be able to see the Sarmiento Lake and the Amarga Lagoon. This is also the best place to observe the wild life of the park in big numbers and close to the road. Later, we will move on to the central area of the park to enjoy views of the Nördenskjold and Pehoe lakes. In this area we will also be able to enjoy magnificent views of the Salto Grande waterfall. Afterwards, we will take a break and have lunch before hiking for about an hour to reach the Grey Lake. Here we will be witness of the many icebergs that come from the Grey Glacier, evidence of the last ice age here in Patagonia.

After visiting this area, we will drive back to Las Torres area where you will stay overnight, in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park for 3 nights with daily breakfast.

Today includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 9 - In search of the Puma!

One of the most amazing skills that our guides and trackers have is to be able to identify tracks on the ground. By doing so we will be able to exchange stories on some of the amazing wildlife that lives in this remote area of the world.

Foxes, Condors, Rheas, and many other endangered species roam freely within the park and we will be able to spot them in their natural habitat. We will also learn about Puma’s behavior and diet which will allow us to increase the chances of spotting them.

Most of our day will be spent on the Laguna Amarga area, which features several interesting paths to follow.

Day 10 - Another day on the Puma's tracks

Most of our day will be spent in the Sarmiento Lake area, on the eastern side of the Park and one of the most interesting ones in terms of views and geological history.

It is also one of the ones where the Pampa allows visitors to have long views of the landscape to be able to spot animals. Many families of Guanacos graze on this side of the Park which also means that Pumas could be feeding around. Overnight in Torres del Paine National Park.

Today includes breakfast and a box lunch.

Day 11 - On the way to the wine region

At the proper time, your private transfer will take you back to Puerto Natales bus station. Here you board the public bus directly to Punta Arenas Airport where you will board a flight to Santiago.

Once landed you will be driven by a private car with guide to the wine region. Here you will spend 2 nights in a vineyard hotel with daily breakfast.

Day 12 - Relax and....drink wine!

Relax your beautiful surrounding!

You can add a wine tasting tour whilst staying at your wine hotel, we suggest adding this extra experience, simply have a chat to us!

Day 13 - Departure

Your once in you life adventure in Chile has come to an end but you leave full of everlasting memories. A private car will pick you up at a suitable time and drive you to the airport for you flight back home.