5 Days • 4 Nights
Chile Short Escape: Santiago & the Atacama
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Vibrant Santiago and its wine country
- The surreal Atacama, the driest desert on earth
- Steaming El Tatio geysers
- Salt flats and flamingo lagoons
- Sunset in the Valley of the Moon
- World-class stargazing
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 5-day journey.
Met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the capital, ringed by the Andes, with a welcome dinner of Chilean cuisine and wine.
A guided tour of Santiago and an afternoon in a nearby wine valley for tastings and a vineyard lunch beneath the Andes.
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.
A full day exploring the Atacama, the steaming El Tatio geysers, the salt flats and flamingo lagoons and dramatic desert landscapes, ending with world-class stargazing.
You fly back to Santiago for your onward flight, having experienced Chile's vibrant capital and surreal desert.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 4 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 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 five days enough for Chile?
It is a taste rather than a full tour, but it captures the country's vibrant capital and the surreal Atacama beautifully. It is ideal for a short break or as an add-on to Peru, Argentina or a wider South American trip.
Can this be extended?
Easily — we can add Patagonia and Torres del Paine, the Lake District, Easter Island, or the wine country. The Atacama also connects well to Bolivia's Uyuni salt flats. Just tell us how much time you have.
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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