10 Days • 9 Nights
Chile Family Adventure
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Steaming geysers and salt flats in the Atacama
- Flamingos and moonlike valleys
- Stargazing beneath the clearest skies
- Volcano hikes and hot springs
- Rafting and lake cruises
- Colourful Valparaiso and Santiago
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 10-day journey.
The family is met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the capital, ringed by the Andes, with a welcome dinner.
A day exploring Santiago and a trip to the colourful, hilly port of Valparaiso, riding funiculars and hunting for street art, a fun introduction to Chile.
You fly north to Calama and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. Take it easy to acclimatise, with an afternoon in the Valley of the Moon for a spectacular sunset over the dunes.
An early excursion to the steaming El Tatio geysers and the high-altitude lagoons and salt flats full of flamingos, with Andean wildlife along the way, and evening stargazing.
A day exploring the Atacama salt flat, the Rainbow Valley and dramatic desert landscapes, with a family picnic and time to enjoy the oasis town of San Pedro.
You return to Santiago and fly south to the Lake District, transferring to Pucon beneath the smoking Villarrica volcano.
A family day exploring the volcano slopes and national park, with forest walks, waterfalls and a fun soak in natural thermal hot springs.
A day of family adventure, gentle rafting or kayaking, a lake cruise, or a visit to the monkey-puzzle forests, immersed in the alpine scenery.
You fly back to Santiago for a final evening in the capital, with a farewell dinner.
After breakfast the family transfers to the airport for the onward flight home, full of Chilean adventures.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 9 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a desert picnic
- Airport and internal transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert English-speaking guides
- Domestic flights as specified
- National park and attraction entry fees as per itinerary
- a Santiago and Valparaiso tour, Atacama desert excursions, Lake District activities and domestic flights
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities, including UK, US, EU, Canadian and Australian passport holders, do not need a visa for tourism and receive up to 90 days on arrival; a passport valid for at least six months is required. We confirm details for your nationality
- Currency: The currency is the Chilean Peso; cards are widely accepted in cities and resorts, but carry cash for markets, small vendors and remote areas such as the Atacama and Patagonia. We advise on current money matters
- Vast distances: Chile is extraordinarily long, over 4,000 km, so itineraries rely on domestic flights between regions such as Santiago, the Atacama and Patagonia; these are arranged and included where specified
- Seasons reversed: Chile is in the southern hemisphere, so summer (December to February) is warm and ideal for Patagonia and the Lake District, while the Atacama and the wine country are wonderful year-round
- Atacama altitude: San Pedro de Atacama sits high (around 2,400 metres) with excursions much higher, so allow time to acclimatise, ascend gradually, stay hydrated and take it easy on the high-altitude days
- Patagonia weather: Patagonia is famously windy and changeable even in summer, so pack warm, waterproof layers, a hat and sturdy footwear; the best season for trekking is roughly October to April
- Getting around & tipping: Cities are walkable with taxis and rideshares; tipping around ten percent is customary in restaurants and appreciated by guides and drivers. Spanish is the language, though English is common in tourism
- Health & power: No vaccinations are required for most travellers; bring strong sun protection for the desert and high altitude, and warm layers for Patagonia and cold desert nights. Power is 220V with type C and L plugs, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Atacama altitude a concern for children?
San Pedro sits at moderate altitude with some higher excursions, so we pace the itinerary, schedule the highest sites carefully and keep the family hydrated and rested. Children generally cope well, but we advise consulting your doctor, especially for very young children.
What ages does this suit?
It works wonderfully for families with children of around six and up who enjoy nature and activity. The geysers, salt flats, volcano and rafting delight all ages, and we tailor the pace and activities to your children.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner, a wine-country lunch or full board at remote lodges in the Atacama and Patagonia. Other meals are left free with our recommendations.
Are domestic flights included?
Yes — the domestic flights between regions specified in your itinerary, such as Santiago to the Atacama or Patagonia, are arranged and included, along with all airport and hotel transfers, so your journey is seamless.
Do I need a visa for Chile?
Most nationalities do not need a visa for tourism and receive up to 90 days on arrival with a passport valid for at least six months. We confirm the requirement for your nationality when you book.
When is the best time to visit Chile?
It depends on the regions, summer (December to February) is best for Patagonia and the Lake District, while the Atacama desert and the wine country are wonderful year-round. We advise on the best timing for your route.
How do we manage the altitude in the Atacama?
San Pedro de Atacama is high, with excursions higher still, so we pace the itinerary to aid acclimatisation and schedule the highest sites for later in your stay. You should rest, hydrate and take it easy; we advise fully.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of desert, Patagonia, wine and cities, add Easter Island or the Lake District, change the pace and tailor hotels to your interests and budget.
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