11 Days • 10 Nights
Chile Highlights: Santiago, Atacama & Patagonia
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Santiago and its Andean wine country
- The surreal Atacama Desert
- Geysers, salt flats and flamingo lagoons
- The clearest night skies on earth
- The granite towers of Torres del Paine
- Guanacos, glaciers and Patagonian peaks
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 11-day journey.
Welcome to Chile. You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the capital, ringed by the Andes. The evening is free before a welcome dinner of Chilean cuisine and wine.
A guided tour of Santiago, its historic centre, Plaza de Armas and the views from San Cristobal hill, followed by an afternoon in a nearby wine valley for tastings and a vineyard lunch.
You fly north to Calama and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, an oasis town in the driest desert on earth. Take it easy to acclimatise, with an afternoon visit to the Valley of the Moon for a spectacular sunset.
An early excursion to the El Tatio geysers, steaming at dawn at over 4,000 metres, and the high-altitude flamingo lagoons and salt flats, with Andean villages and wildlife along the way.
A day exploring the Atacama salt flat, the altiplanic lagoons and dramatic desert landscapes, ending with world-class stargazing beneath the clearest skies on earth.
You fly the length of the country to Patagonia, transferring to the Torres del Paine region and settling into a lodge amid the wild peaks and lakes.
A full day exploring Torres del Paine, hiking beneath its iconic granite towers, past glacial lakes, waterfalls and grazing guanacos, in one of the world's most beautiful national parks.
A day of further exploration, a boat trip to the Grey Glacier or a hike to the French Valley or the base of the towers, immersed in Patagonia's wild grandeur.
You transfer and fly back to Santiago for your final days, with time to relax and explore the capital.
A day trip to the colourful, bohemian port city of Valparaiso, a UNESCO site of steep hills, funiculars and street art, and the nearby coast, with a farewell dinner.
After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight, having journeyed from desert to ice.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 10 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a wine-country lunch
- 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 wine tour, Atacama desert excursions, a Torres del Paine programme 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
How do I manage the Atacama altitude?
San Pedro sits at around 2,400 metres, with excursions such as the geysers reaching over 4,000 metres, so we schedule the highest sites after you have acclimatised, and you should rest, hydrate and take it easy. We advise fully; those with heart or lung conditions should consult a doctor.
When is the best time for this trip?
The Atacama and wine country are wonderful year-round, while Patagonia is best in the southern summer (October to April) for trekking and open access. December to February offers the mildest Patagonian weather; we advise on timing.
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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