Contrasts of Chile

Day 1 Depart UK
Overnight flight to Santiago via Madrid.

Day 2 Arrive Santiago
You’ll arrive into Santiago early this morning and transfer to your hotel for breakfast. On a city tour of the capital you will see the presidential palace and the bustling streets and plazas of downtown Santiago as well as Cerro San Cristobal.

Meals: Breakfast. Hotel: Galerias

Day 3 Valparaiso
Head to the Pacific Ocean coast for a tour of Valparaiso. Valpo, as the locals call it, was a major worldwide port in the 19th century before the Panama Canal was built. You’ll also stop for wine tasting in one of Chile’s best vineyards on the way back to Santiago.

Meals: Breakfast. Hotel: Galerias

Day 4 Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama
After breakfast, you’ll fly to Calama and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, 2,000m above sea level in an oasis in the driest desert on Earth. The rest of the day is at leisure. We recommend seeing the eerie Valley of the Moon in the afternoon light.

Meals: Breakfast. Hotel: Poblado do Kimal

Day 5 Atacama Desert
You’ll set off early this morning to visit the El Tatio Geysers close to the Bolivian border. Watching the plumes of steam in the early morning light is an unforgettable experience. After breakfast, you’ll walk around the geothermal fields then continue on to the Puritama hot springs where you can soak in the natural thermal pools. This afternoon you’re free to relax in this unforgettable environment.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch Hotel: Poblado do Kimal

Day 6 Atacama & overnight Santiago
Today you’ll explore the lagoons of the Atacama. Visit Toconao; the oasis of a mountain river, and cross the Jerez Canyon to visit one of the largest salt lakes, the Salar de Atacama. You’ll see flamingos in their natural habitat at Laguna Chaxa, then drive to an altitude of 4,700 m for incredible views over the blue-black Meñiques and Miscanti lagoons and the volcanoes beyond. This evening fly to Santiago for overnight.

Meals: Breakfast. Hotel: Holiday Inn Santiago Airport

Day 7 Santiago to Puerto Natales
Morning flight Punta Arenas on Chile’s southern tip. On arrival transfer along the coast to Puerto Natales, stopping en route to see the Otway Sound penguin colony. Overnight at the distinctive Hotel Altiplanico Sur.

Meals: Breakfast. Hotel: Altiplanico Sur

Day 8 Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine
This morning you’ll travel into the heart of Patagonia and the spectacular Torres Del Paine National Park. Stay for 2 nights in the heart of the national park at the riverside Hotel Rio Serrano, with exceptional views of the towering granite peaks.

Meals: Breakfast. Hotel: Rio Serrano

Day 9 Torres del Paine
A morning tour to Lago Grey reveals the huge glacier and stunning Patagonian scenery. Keep your eyes peeled for condors or the native flightless nandu bird. The rest of the day is at leisure to unwind or explore this pristine wilderness.

Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Rio Serrano

Day 10 Torres del Paine to Punta Arenas
Today you’ll journey south to the port of Punta Arenas, stopping at the Milodon cave. In Punta Arenas you’ll see the Straits of Magellan and visit the Nao Victoria museum to see the recreation of Magellan’s ship.

Meals: Breakfast. Hotel: Diego de Almagro

Day 11 Punta Arenas to Santiago
Fly back north over the glaciers and along the Andes to Santiago. The afternoon is free to explore or for some souvenir shopping.

Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Galerias

Day 12 Depart Santiago
You’ll transfer to the airport for your return flight, via Santiago and Madrid.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 13 Arrive UK
Your flight arrives in the afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast.

Tour includes:

Maximum group size: 25
Local expert guides in resort
All flights specified
Inspirational sightseeing programme
11 breakfasts, 1 lunch

On a Journey of Distinction, you are not merely a bystander. They believe that the wonders, customs and cultures you experience will live on in the core of your being. They even go so far as to say that one of their holidays will change your life forever.

Their combination of Tour Managers and Local Guides is what makes Journey of Distinction so distinctive. When you’re embarking on a voyage of discovery, it’s reassuring to know that a seasoned traveller is with you every step of the way; planning, organising, checking details and offering their advice and support. Their groups all depart from the UK, and no one joins us along the way, so you have the reassuring constancy of always knowing your travelling companions.

Our Opinion
“Limited to just 25 travellers per departure, every Journeys of Distinction escorted tour has an intimate, personal feel that makes for a more enjoyable experience.”