18 days - from $5640
?Experience the highlights of this astonishing country
?Travel from the dry Atacama to the verdant lake district
?Discover the dramatic mountains of Torres del Paine
?Admire the Maoi stone heads on Easter Island
Atacama Desert & Salt Lake
Landing in the valley between the mountains at Santiago de Chile gives a taste of the dramatic scenery awaiting us in this fascinating land. Flying up to the Andes and the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama, we will watch the sun setting on the fantastic landscapes of the Valley of the Moon, walk in the Atacama Desert, marvel at the pink flamingos on the vast Salt Lake, or you may wish to take the opportunity to witness geysers erupting at an altitude of over 4,000m.
Volcanoes & Lakes
Flying south to Puerto Montt, we begin our exploration of the Chilean Lake District, a region of thickly wooded rolling hills and unspoilt waterways. Setting off on foot through the spectacular Valdivian forests, we hope to reach the lower slopes of the Osorno Volcano, a near perfect cone rising above the eastern end of Lake Llanquihue. Try rafting, mountain biking or taking a boat across to the intriguing island of Chiloe.
Torres del Paine
Patagonia, in Chile's deep south, boasts some of the most breathtaking mountain vistas anywhere. Exploring on foot, we discover a wild topography of ice-blue glaciers, thundering waterfalls and turquoise lakes - all radiating out from the granite massif that rise as the lofty peaks of the Torres del Paine.
Easter Island
Journeying out to Easter Island, we spend 4-days on this remote archipelago. Probably one of the most easily recognisable symbols in the world, the Moai stone heads of Easter Island have been a source of wonderment for generations of explorers.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Join Santiago; city tour. 2 In Santiago; optional trip to Valparaiso. 3 Fly Calama; drive San Pedro de Atacama; walk in Valley of the Moon. 4 & 5 In San Pedro; walks around Atacama Desert and Salt Lake, optional visit to El Tatio Geysers or 'Dali Desert'. 6 Fly Puerto Montt drive Puerto Varas; walk at Llanquihue Lake. 7 & 8 In Puerto Varas; walks on slopes of Osorno Volcano and Valdivian forest, optional rafting, trekking or boat trip to Chiloe Island. 9 Fly Punta Arenas; optional trip to Magdalena Island penguin colony. 10 Drive via Milodon Cave to Torres del Paine NP; walk to Laguna Azul and Paine Falls. 11 Day hike to Paine Towers. 12 Day hike near Lake Grey; drive Natales. 13 Bus to Punta Arenas, fly Santiago. 14 Fly Easter Island. 15 & 16 Visit Moais at Anakena beach, Crater Lake and ceremonial village of Orongo. 17 Fly Santiago. 18 Tour ends Santiago.
Accommodation: 17nts hotel; good standard of hotels throughout the tour, including 2nts in a comfortable family-run hosteria with great views of Torres del Paine; 17 breakfasts included.
Transport: Minicoach/Public bus/On Foot/Flights as itinerary.
Comment: A tour discovering the remarkable and diverse highlights of Chile. Some of the included walks are graded moderate to strenuous, although all walks are optional and shorter walks are possible.
Group: Approx. 14 to 18.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s) and some local guides. Please note: the extension is not escorted by a Tour Leader.
Trip Reference: TDPE
