Best of Chile from Atacama to Patagonia - Classic Group
Best of Chile from Atacama to Patagonia - Classic Group
$9435
Best of Chile from Atacama to Patagonia - Classic Group
11 Days Starting and ending in Santiago, Chile
Visiting: Santiago, Valparaíso, San Pedro de Atacama, Atacama Salt Flats, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ZCHLM20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Chile with the "Best of Chile from Atacama to Patagonia - Classic Group" tour. This adventure takes you from the vibrant city of Santiago to the breathtaking landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park. Explore the colorful streets of Valparaiso, savor exquisite wines in Casablanca Valley, and marvel at the moon-like terrain of the Atacama Desert. Experience the cultural richness of a Patagonian Ranch and the sustainable practices at Reserva Cerro Paine. Enjoy guided tours, scenic drives, and a glacier cruise, all while staying in comfortable accommodations. With a focus on authentic dining and cultural experiences, this tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Chile's diverse beauty and heritage.
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- 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 region's 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.
Top Rated Highlights
- Valparaiso: Join a Local Expert on a guided tour of the coastal city of Valparaiso and explore this colourful UNESCO protected site.
- Santiago: Visit Bodegas RE Winery, a small boutique winery located in Casablanca Valley for an introduction to and tasting of their exquisite wines.
- 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.
- Puerto Natales: Explore Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers aboard a sea vessel.
- 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.
Make Travel Matter
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 on-site at the region's oldest gardens, which utilize bio-intensive sustainable techniques. Your experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Authentic Dining
Valparaiso: In the evening meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel, where you'll enjoy a delicious dinner while getting to know some of your new travel companions.
Santiago: Enjoy lunch at El Galeón 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 dinner with wine.
Insight Choice
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 region's 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.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Santiago
Location: Santiago
Accommodation Name: Intercontinental, Santiago
Meals Included: Dinner
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.
Day 2: Valparaíso And The Casablanca Wine Country
Location: Valparaíso
Accommodation Name: Intercontinental, Santiago
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your day with a visit to the coastal city of Valparaíso. Explore the UNESCO protected site with a Local Expert as you discover its church-dotted hillsides and unique amphitheatre-like layout. After lunch, visit Bodegas RE Winery for a private wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley. Recognized for crafting exceptional wines with passion and precision, embodying the essence of Chilean terroir in every bottle. The evening is yours at leisure to relax or have a night out on the town.
Day 3: On To Atacama
Location: San Pedro de Atacama
Accommodation Name: Cumbres, San Pedro de Atacama
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 de Atacama. You’ll then be driven to the Moon Valley for a guided visit. True 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.
Day 4: Explore Atacama
Location: San Pedro de Atacama
Accommodation Name: Cumbres, San Pedro de Atacama
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. Afterwards, enjoy a visit to the Puritama Hot Springs before taking a scenic drive back to your hotel.
Day 5: Atacama Salt Flats
Location: Atacama Salt Flats
Accommodation Name: Cumbres, San Pedro de Atacama
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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 its volcanic rock architecture. Take a stroll through the main square and visit the handicraft stands that sell alpaca textiles.
Day 6: Atacama To Santiago
Location: Santiago
Accommodation Name: Intercontinental, Santiago
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up for your transfer and flight back to Santiago. Enjoy lunch at El Galeón 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 San Cristobal Hill.
Day 7: On To Puerto Natales
Location: Puerto Natales
Accommodation Name: Remota Patagonia Lodge, Puerto Natales
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 8: Balmaceda And Serrano Glaciers Excursion
Location: Torres del Paine National Park
Accommodation Name: Remota Patagonia Lodge, Puerto Natales
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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 and Serrano Glacier Cruise to view these majestic ice formations. On return, the rest of your day is at leisure.
Day 9: Torres Del Paine National Park
Location: Torres del Paine National Park
Accommodation Name: Las Torres Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Join your Travel Director on an excursion of Torres del Paine National Park, famous for its glaciers, grasslands, imposing mountains and the three granite towers it is named after. Later today, explore with Insight Choice. Opt to learn the Patagonian cowboy way of life by spending an evening with local vaqueros to learn about their special clothing, saddles and an opportunity to share mate, a herbal tea made from yerba mate leaves. Or, 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 the exquisite flavours of Torres Del Paine National Park.
Day 10: Sightseeing In Torres Del Paine Relaxed Start
Location: Torres del Paine National Park
Accommodation Name: Las Torres Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today you'll spend the day sightseeing in Torres del Paine as you 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 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.
Day 11: Back To Santiago
Location: Santiago
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes 10 breakfasts, 3 dinners with wine, 2 lunches with wine, 2 dinners, and 3 lunches.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours are included in various locations such as Valparaiso, Moon Valley, Atacama Salt Flats, and Torres del Paine National Park.
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Cultural Experiences
Cultural experiences such as the Patagonian Ranch Cultural Experience and a visit to the Reserva Cerro Paine's organic kitchens and garden are included.
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Wine Tasting
A wine tasting session at Bodegas RE Winery in Casablanca Valley is included.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Intercontinental in Santiago, Cumbres in San Pedro de Atacama, Remota Patagonia Lodge in Puerto Natales, and Las Torres Patagonia in Torres del Paine National Park.
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Transfers
Transfers between locations and to/from airports are included.
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Scenic Drives and Cruises
Scenic drives and a Balmaceda and Serrano Glacier Cruise are included.
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Local Experts
Local experts will guide you through various locations, providing insights and information.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Lunch with Wine (LW)
- 4 Lunch (L)
Insight Experiences
- San Pedro de Atacama: Our journey to the Altiplano starts in the early hours, just in time 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 it is 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.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a Patagonian Ranch Cultural Experience where you can learn about the baqueano (cowboy) way of life, including their clothing, saddles, and horse tack. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy Yerba mate tea while discussing Patagonian culture. Additionally, there is a visit to the Reserva Cerro Paine's organic kitchens and garden, which uses bio-intensive sustainable methods.
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What kind of dining experiences can I expect during the tour?
You will enjoy a variety of dining experiences, including a Welcome Dinner in Santiago, lunch at El Galeón restaurant in Santiago's Central Market, and a Celebration Dinner with wine in Torres del Paine National Park. Meals feature fresh, in-season ingredients, and you will have the opportunity to taste local flavors and wines.
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What are some of the natural highlights of the tour?
The tour includes visits to the Moon Valley in the Atacama Desert, known for its moon-like dunes, caves, and caverns, and the Atacama Salt Flats, home to wild birds like Andean and James flamingos. In Torres del Paine National Park, you will see glaciers, grasslands, and the iconic granite towers, as well as the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers during a sea vessel excursion.
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Are there any opportunities for wine tasting on this tour?
Yes, the tour includes a wine tasting session at Bodegas RE Winery in the Casablanca Valley, where you will be introduced to and taste exquisite wines.
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What kind of wildlife might I see in Torres del Paine National Park?
In Torres del Paine National Park, you may encounter guanacos, which are similar to llamas, as well as Andean condors. The park is also known for its rare wildlife as part of UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserve System.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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