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Best of Chile from Atacama to Patagonia with Easter Island
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Trip Style
Regional Journey
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Max. Group Size
40
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
ZCHLE
Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Insight Vacations 14 Day Best of Chile from Atacama to Patagonia with Easter Island. Journey across Chile on an immersive two-week adventure, from Santiago set against the snow-capped Andes to the UNESCO protected sites of Valparaíso and the llama farms of Torres del Paine. Wine connoisseurs will be in their element at the Kingston Family Vineyard where a private Casablanca Valley Wine Tasting uncorks the finest local tipples—including regional Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. In Torres del Paine, join the Patagonia Ranch cultural experience...read more and see the world through the eyes of your local baqueano guides—the cowboy descendants of horsemen who came to work the ranches over a century ago. In Atacama, journey 14,000 feet up into the Andes for a dip in the Puritama Hot Springs before an evening of stargazing under the crystal-clear skies of the Chilean desert.
Itinerary
Welcome to Santiago. A picturesque city back dropped by the spectacular, snow-capped Andes, it offers a metropolitan world of museums, top restaurants and historic finds. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel and enjoy a Welcome Dinner. (DW) Stay: The Singular Santiago Lastarria Hotel
Begin your day with a visit to the coastal city of Valparaiso. Explore the UNESCO protected site with a Local Expert as you discover its church-dotted hillsides and unique ampitheatre-like layout. After lunch, visit the Kingston Family Vineyard for a private wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley. Recognised as one of the best wineries in Chile, its varieties have been featured on the wine lists of top restaurants including Aureole in New York. The evening is yours at leisure to relax or have a night out on the town. (B/LW)
Take a transfer to the airport for your flight to Calama, a city based in the Atacama Desert. On arrival you'll head to San Pedro. You'll then be driven to the Moon Valley for a guided visit. A nod to its name, this moon-like area is made up of dunes, caves and caverns. Learn more about its history and the land formations from a Local Expert. (B) Stay: Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama
This morning, take a guided visit to the Atacama Geysers known as El Tatio Geysers, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Located in the Andes Mountains, you'll be 14,170 feet (4,230 metres) above sea level. Enjoy a visit to the Puritama Hotsprings before taking a scenic drive back to your hotel. (B/D)
Explore the Atacama Salt Flats, the largest in Chile. One of the driest parts of the world, the area stretches for over 40,000 square miles (103,600 kilometres). Keep your eyes open for species of wild birds including the Andean and James flamingos on the shores of the Chaxa, Miscanti and Minque Lagoons. This afternoon, make your way to Toconao, a traditional colonial village known for is volcanic rock architecture. Take a stroll through the main square and visit the handicraft stands that sell alpaca textiles. (B/L)
Wake up for your transfer and flight back to Santiago. Enjoy lunch at El Galeon restaurant, located in the heart of the Central Market. Continue to the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral, traveling to the heart of the city along the famous Alameda, Santiago's vibrant main avenue. Continue your tour by crossing the Mapocho River to reach the bohemian Bellavista district on your way to the San Cristobal Hill. (B/LW) Stay: The Singular Santiago Lastarria Hotel
Fly to Punta Arenas where you'll then drive to Puerto Natales, a port city, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park and starting point for explorers in search of the Patagonian fjords. This afternoon, you'll have leisure time in the day to rest and rejuvenate before heading to dinner. Famous for its spiced meat and seafood dishes, tonight's meal will have you savouring typical Patagonian dishes. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Remota, Puerto Natales.
Wake for a scenic breakfast before starting your day. Torres del Paine National Park boasts jaw-dropping landscapes filled with turquoise lagoons, glaciers, and towering granite horns. Head out on a Balmaceda & Serrano Glacier Cruise to view these majestic ice formations. On return, the rest of your day is at leisure. (B/L)
Join your local expert on an excursion of the Torres del Paine National Park. Situated in Chile's Patagonia region, this park is famous for its glaciers, grasslands, imposing mountains and the three granite towers it is named after. This afternoon, explore Torres del Paine with Insight Choice. Choose to join a Patagonian Ranch Cultural Experience and learn about the baqueano (cowboy) way of life. During your time with them, you will learn about their special clothing, saddles and other horse tack. You'll also be shown how to properly saddle a horse, nail a horseshoe and of course how to ride.
Alternatively, choose to join a tour of the region's oldest gardens at Reserva Cerro Paine which produces seasonal fruits and vegetables using bio-intensive sustainable methods. Tonight, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you enjoy dinner at your hotel. All the ingredients are produced onsite utilizing sustainable farming techniques. (B/L/DW) Stay: Hotel Las Torres Patagonia.
Today you'll spend the day sightseeing in Torres del Paine as you keep a look out for the park's guanacos, a rare creature similar to the llama, as well as Andean condors. Witness the sharp peaks of Cuernos del Paine and marvel at the emerald waters of the park's lakes. These include Dickson Lake, Lake Pehoé, Sarmiento Lake, Del Toro Lake and Nordenskjöld Lake. After a day exploring, join your Travel Director and new friends as you toast to your travels at a Celebration Dinner with wine. (B/L/DW)
It's time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers as your trip comes to an end. Head to Punta Arenas where you'll fly to Santiago International Airport for your flight home. (B)
Arrive on Easter Island, the cradle of an enigmatic culture that persists to this day (transfer flight not included). Be greeted by your local expert, followed by an organised transfer to your hotel. Afterwards, embark on an excursion to Orongo. Start by driving up to Rano Kau, an extinct volcano that offers stunning views of the island and Crater Lake.
Then continue onwards to Easter Island's southwestern tip to the stone ceremonial village of Orongo. End your tour at the Ana Kai Tangata cave, where you'll observe the intricate rock paintings as you hear stories about the birdmen culture. (B) Stay: Hanga Roa Resort and Spa, Easter Island.
Uncover more of Easter Island's mysteries with a visit to the bay of Hanga Te'e and the unrestored Ahu Vaihu where the toppled "moais" are surrounded by spectacular views.
From there, you'll visit Akahanga, the burial site of King Hotu Matua. Afterward, visit the Rano Raraku, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to almost 900 moais. Your exploration of the island continues to Ahu Tongariki and its impressive 15 moais that stand tall overlooking the land and at Ahu Te Pito Kura where the largest carved moai stands at 33 feet (10 metres). End your tour at Anakena beach to enjoy some sun and the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. (B/L)
Drive inland to see the restored Ahu Akivi, where seven identical "moais" were built in the center of the island. According to legend, they represent the seven explorers who were sent to the island by King Hotu Matua.
Afterwards, you'll be able to admire the impressive masonry skills of these carvings when you view the unrestored, tumbled "moai" at Ahu Hanga Poukura and visit the Puna Pau volcano quarry. You'll end your tour at Tahai, a ceremonial site and the only place on the island where eyes were re-instated into a statue. This afternoon you'll be transferred to the airport where you'll fly back to Santiago (flight not included). (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Valparaiso: Join a Local Expert on a guided tour of the coastal city of Valparaiso and explore this colourful UNESCO protected site.
- San Pedro de Atacama: Head to the Moon Valley for a guided visit. A nod to its name, this moon-like area is made up of dunes, caves and caverns. You'll learn more about its history and the land formations from a Local Expert.
- Santiago: On arrival, take a tour of the city with a Local Expert. Discover its Neoclassical landmarks including the 18th century Metropolitan Cathedral, vibrant Central Market, and San Cristobal Hill.
- Torres del Paine National Park: Cruise on the Ultima Esperanza Gulf to admire the beauty of the Serrano glacier and the glacier Balmaceda, part the southern ice fields and home to some of the most impressive sites of the region.
- Torres del Paine National Park: Take a scenic drive to Torres del Paine National Park, with plenty of scenic photo stops along the way. The park is situated in Chile's Patagonia region and is famous for its glaciers, grasslands, imposing mountains and the three granite towers it is named after. The park is also part of UNESCO's Biosphere Reserve System, known for its rare wildlife.
- San Pedro de Atacama: Our journey to the Altiplano starts in the early hours, just in tie to watch the sun rise in one of the most important geothermic fields in the world: the El Tatio Geysers. There are over 70 geysers with pools of boiling water spurting vapor and its best to see them first thing in the morning, so you can truly appreciate the beautiful contrast of colours between the intensely blue sky and the pristine vapor from the geysers. You will then enjoy a well-deserved breakfast in this amazing setting, in the shadows of the Andes. Take a moment to warm up as the temperatures in the zone can range from -2°C to 24.5°C (28°F to 76° F). On you way back to San Pedro de Atacama, you will travel through beautiful landscapes, seeing the valleys, flora and fauna, and maybe even spotting some of the local vicunas and vizcachas - a real highlight.
- San Pedro de Atacama: Explore the Atacama Salt Flats, the largest in Chile. One of the driest parts of the world, the area stretches for over 40,000 square miles (103,600 square kilometres). View the nearby volcanoes, and keep your eyes open for species of wild birds including the Andean and James flamingos on the shores of the Chaxa, Miscanti and Minque Lagoons.
- Easter Island: Visit the Ana Kai Tangata cave and observe the intricate rock paintings as you listen to stories about the Birdmen Culture.
- Easter Island: At the Ahu Vinapau archeological complex, you'll learn about ancient carving and construction techniques that may have been influenced by the Inca Culture.
- Easter Island: Drive up to Rano Kau, an extinct volcano with stunning views of Easter Island, its distinct geological features, and Crater Lake.
- Easter Island: At the stone ceremonial village, uncover the Birdman culture's mysteries as you view the ancient petroglyphs.
- Easter Island: Head to Ahu Te Pito Kura where the largest carved "moai" stands at 33 feet (100 metres).
- Easter Island: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Rano Raraku, a volcanic crater where almost 900 "moais" remain: some standing, laying, or buried.
- Easter Island: Drive inland to see the restored Ahu Akivi where seven identical moais were built in the center of the island. According to legend, they represent the seven explorers who were sent to the island by King Hotu Mantua.
- Easter Island: Appreciate the impressive masonry skills of the birdmen culture at Hanga Pokura, where several unrestored moais reside.
- Easter Island: End your Easter Island tour at Tahai, a ceremonial site where you can see several restored statues, boathouse remains and more. This is the only site on Easter Island where eyes were re-inserted into a statue.
- Torres del Paine National Park: This afternoon, join a Patagonian Ranch Cultural Experience and learn about the baqueano (cowboy) way of life. Many of these local cowboys are the descendants of horsemen who came to work ranches in this remote region more than a century ago. During your time with them, you will learn about their special clothing, saddles and other horse tack. You'll also be shown how to properly saddle a horse, nail a horseshoe and of course how to ride. Enjoy a Yerba mate tea with them while chatting about Patagonian culture.
- Torres del Paine National Park: Join an immersive tour of the regions oldest organic kitchens and garden at the Reserva Cerro Paine. Using bio-intensive sustainable methods, this farm conserves traditional heirloom varieties as well as an assortment of culinary and medicinal herbs.
- Torres del Paine National Park: Enjoy the exquisite local flavours of Torres Del Paine National Park as you dine at Hotel Las Torres. Every meal features fresh, in-season ingredients grown onsite at the regions oldest gardens that utilizes bio-intensive sustainable techniques.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
- Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Prices include economy air and air-related charges for flights between Santiago - Calama, Calama - Santiago, Santiago - Puerto Natales, Puerto Natales - Torres del Paine and Torres del Paine - Santiago. This trip experiences high elevations, we recommend guests with preexisting medical conditions talk with a doctor prior to travel.
- Santiago: In the evening meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel, where you'll enjoy a delicious Welcome Dinner while getting to know some of your new travel companions.
- Santiago: Visit Kingston Family Winery, a small boutique winery located in Casablanca Valley for an introduction to and tasting of their exquisite wines.
- Santiago: Enjoy lunch at El Galeon restaurant, located in the heart of the "Central Market," Santiago's main market for fish and seafood.
- Torres del Paine National Park: After a day exploring, join your Travel Director and new friends as you toast to your travels at a Celebration Dinner with wine.
- Dining Summary: 3 Dinners with Wine (DW), 13 Breakfasts (B), 2 Lunch with Wine (LW), 2 Dinners (D), and 5 Lunch (L)
- Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
- Our Well-Being Directors take a proactive approach to your welfare ensuring all well-being regulations are met (available on tours with 21 or more guests).
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
- Easter Island Option requires an included overnight in Santiago.
- Flight from Santiago - Easter Island not included.
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Insight Vacations. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Insight Vacations. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Insight Vacations. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Insight Vacations. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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