The ultimate CHILE TOUR
A GRAND CHILE ADVENTURE
Sample itinerary – Atacama Desert, Rapa Nui, Patagonia, Wine Region
Chile is located along the western coast of the southern cone of South America, and is one of the longest and narrowest countries in the world, with broad cultural and climatic contrasts.
This extensive Ultimate Chile Tour can be tweaked and adjusted to best suit your travel needs. From the highlands to the unexplored southern territories of the end of the world, Chile invites you to live adventures in the middle of the driest desert in the world, and the mysteries of Rapa Nui (Easter Island), in front of thousand-year-old glaciers, waiting to be discovered or under the imposing Andes Mountains in the middle of the movement of modern cities such as Santiago.
We’ve designed this Chile Tour to best showcase the highlights of this amazing country. Diverse landscapes unfurl over a 4300km stretch: parched dunes, fertile valleys, volcanoes, ancient forests, clear rivers, massive glaciers, and fjords. A country of geographical extremes, Chile’s diversity is reflected both in its people and its gastronomy, which encompasses the tropical fruit of the far north as well as king crab from southern Patagonia.
Above all, visitors travel to Chile for its remote and shockingly gorgeous landscapes.
Contact us for more info – info@finisterra.ca
Day 1 – ARRIVAL TO SANTIAGO, CHILE, + TOUR
Private Transfer Santiago Airport – Hotel Santiago:
Today begins your Ultimate Chile Tour. Private transfer from Santiago Airport to your hotel in Santiago City.
Half Day Private Santiago Tour – 4 hours (AM-PM):
We invite you to discover Santiago, a cosmopolitan city that has become one of South America’s most modern hubs. Described by the international media as a surprising destination, Santiago stands out for being a cosmopolitan and modern city that perfectly combines its traditions with a modern outlook. The tour is absolutely flexible but will take you to visit the heart of the city and its emblematic sites such as the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, Santiago’s Central Postal Office, and its Municipality. We will also visit the Moneda Palace, which is the government’s headquarters as well as the traditional neighborhoods of the historic city center.
Roundtrip Teleferico Santiago included.
Hotel La Reve | Standard Deluxe Room:
Night at hotel La Reve in a standard deluxe room.
Included: transport, bilingual local guide, bedroom and breakfast
Day 2 – TRAVEL TO SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
Private Transfer Hotel in Santiago – Santiago Airport:
Private transfer from hotel in Santiago to Santiago Airport.
Transfer Calama Airport – San Pedro de Atacama:
Private transfer from Calama Airport to Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama (1:20 hours).
Private Excursion to Moon Valley (PM) – 5 Hours:
Departure at 14:30 hrs. A couple of kilometers outside of San Pedro de Atacama, between the jagged rocks and unusual shapes of the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountains), we find the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), a geological wonder of the Los Flamencos National Reserve. During the tour, you can take in the extraordinary shapes of the landscape, which will make you feel as if you were walking on the moon. During the afternoon, you can enjoy the unbeatable views of the Andes and its volcanoes. As dusk falls you will be overwhelmed by the red and golden colors of the desert sky. All this results in a simply unforgettable tour. Moon and Death Valley entrance fee included.
Hotel Altiplanico San Pedro de Atacama | Standard Room:
Night at the hotel Altiplanico San Pedro de Atacama in a standard room.
Included: transport, bilingual local guide, Driver-guide, entrance fees, excursion, bedroom and breakfast
Day 3 – EXPLORING THE ATACAMA DESERT
Private Excursion Tatio Geysers (AM) – 8 Hours:
On this exciting tour, we will visit the impressive Tatio Geysers, at 4000 meters above sea level on the Andean plateau. Our journey to the Altiplano starts in the early hours (5:30 hrs), so we can watch the sunrise in one of the most important geothermic fields in the world: the Tatio Geysers. There are over 70 geysers with pools of boiling water spurting vapor. It is best to see them first thing in the morning, so you can truly appreciate the beautiful contrast of colors between the intensely blue sky and the pristine vapor from the geysers. We will then enjoy a deserved breakfast in this amazing setting, in the shadows of the Andes. This will allow us to warm up, as the temperatures in the zone can range from -2°C (28.4°F) to 24.5°C (76.1°F).
On our way back to San Pedro de Atacama, we will travel through some beautiful landscapes, seeing the valleys, flora, and fauna, and maybe spot some of the local vicuñas and vizcachas – a real highlight. We will then stop off in the village of Machuca, a truly atacameño village of just 20 houses built from clay, straw and cactus wood. The inhabitants of Machuca all dedicate themselves to its tourism and will offer hand-crafted Andean souvenirs, as well as typical food from the region such as llama meat, sopaipillas (a traditional bread made from squash), and empanadas. While there, we will also visit the beautiful San Santiago Church, named after the patron saint of the village, as well as visit the wetlands where we can see flamingos, ducks and other birds.
Astronomic Tour – Shared excursion:
The Astronomical Tour begins with a brief talk, naked eye, with a laser pointer drawing in the sky the different constellations and objects present. Then you will observe Planets, Nebulas, open and closed clusters, Star Sequences, Galaxies, Super Giants and Hyper Giants through the telescope (the objects to observe will depend on the season). Emphasis will be placed on the Greek and Andean worldviews, explaining their way of interpreting the cosmos. On the premises, they have a 16-inch Newtonian Meade Lightbridge Dobsonian telescope (40 cm. primary mirror) F 4.5 (2 meters high). During the observation, there will be a table set with homemade pisco sour or wine (depending on the season), hot drinks (tea, coffee, hot chocolate, milk, etc.), in addition to cheeses, salami, and sweet cakes. The tour will end with a group and individual Astrophotography, which are sent virtually. The tour is subject to weather conditions such as clouds or rains and does not operate on full moon days (in case of being suspended the service can be rescheduled or canceled).
Hotel Altiplanico San Pedro de Atacama | Standard Room:
Night at the hotel Altiplanico San Pedro de Atacama in a standard room.
Included: Breakfast on tour, entrance fees, excursion, bilingual local guide, bedroom and breakfast
Day 5 – ATACAMA DESERT TOUR
Private Excursion to Altiplanic Lagoons – 10 Hours:
Departure at 08:30am for an Atacama Desert Tour. Discover the magic nuances of the desert by visiting the Toconao village, the great Atacama Salt Flat with its Chaxa Lagoon, and the impressive mountain lagoons Miscanti and Miñiques in Los Flamencos Natural Reserve. The journey will begin with a visit to Lagoon Chaxa, a scenery of spectacular beauty that is divided into several water mirrors where a large number of flamingos and other birds live. Later we will visit Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons at more than 4,200 meters above sea level, surrounded by imposing volcanoes a habitat of a variety of birds, and are a truly amazing destination. Finally, the landscape gives us breathtaking views of the Licancabur and Lascar volcanoes. Chaxa and Lagunas Altiplánicas entrance fees are included.
Hotel Altiplanico San Pedro de Atacama | Standard Room:
Night at the hotel Altiplanico San Pedro de Atacama in a standard room.
Included: entrance fees, excursion, bilingual local guide, lunch, bedroom and breakfast
Day 5 – TRAVEL TO VALPARAISO
Transfer San Pedro de Atacama – Calama Airport:
Private Transfer out from San Pedro de Atacama to Calama Airport (1:20 hours).
Private Transfer Santiago Airport – Hotel in Valparaíso:
Private transfer from Santiago Airport to your hotel in Valparaíso or Viña del Mar (1:30 aprox).
Hotel Fauna I Superior room:
Night at hotel Fauna in a superior room.
Included: transport, Driver-guide, bilingual local guide, bedroom and breakfast
Day 6 – VALPARAISO + STREET ART TOUR
Valparaiso City Tour + Street Art Experience:
Valparaiso and its geography have made its inhabitants have to construct their houses and buildings in the mounds and ravines that surround it. This vertical labyrinth makes a thousand corners and in each one, we can find some interesting surprises. In our half-day walking tour, we will visit two of its traditional hills, Alegre and Concepción, where we can see how the history of the city and its geography has been determining its peculiar architecture. We can also appreciate the picturesque murals that have made Valparaíso one of the capitals of Street Art. Artists and groups recognized around the world have left their work, paintings that tell stories of those who have passed through the city, subliminal messages, secrets or images of the world or local history. All of them are drawing the cultural development of Valparaiso and helping illuminate its history. Finally, we will participate in a graffiti Workshop (approximately 45 minutes) in which we will make our own paintings. Coached by a graffiti instructor, who will teach us the secrets of this art and put into practice what we learned during the tour, using the observed techniques.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Hotel Fauna | Standard room:
Night at hotel Fauna in a standard room.
Included: excursion, bilingual local guide, Public Transport, Street Art Experience, drinks, lunch, bedroom and breakfast
Day 7 – TRAVEL TO RAPA NUI (EASTER ISLAND)
Private Transfer Valparaíso/Viña del Mar – Santiago:
Private transfer from Valparaiso/Viña del Mar to Santiago/Santiago Airport (Approx. 1:30 Hours).
Private Transfer Easter Island Airport – Hotel:
Private transfer from Easter Island Airport to Hotel.
Entrance fee Easter Island National Park.
Hotel Vai Moana | Harevaka Room:
Night at Hotel Vai Moana in a Harevaka room.
Included: transport, bilingual local guide, entrance fees, bedroom and breakfast
Day 8 – RAPA NUI TOUR
Private Full-Day Excursion on Easter Island – 7.5 Hours:
The first stop will be on the south coast, where you will visit the ruins of the temple of Vaihu, this platform next to the attractive fishing bay of Hanga Te’é holds 8 moai, each with its red headdress, the moai now lying face down, just as they stood when they were knocked down. Next, you will meet Ahu Akahanga, an archaeological site with remains of platforms where, according to oral tradition, the first king of the island Hotu Matua was buried. After that, we will go to the Rano Raraku Volcano, also known as the quarry, or the “factory of the moai”, here you can see almost 400 statues in different stages of carving, with different characteristics and states of conservation.
From here, we will visit Ahu Tongariki, the most extensive platform and with the largest amount of restored moai in the whole island, one of the unmissable postcards of your trip to the navel of the world. Next, we will move to Te Pito Kura, where you will find a rock with magnetic properties that would have been brought by the first King from Hiva, the mythical Polynesian island from which the first settlers came and is therefore full of mana (energy), near there is also the Paro moai, the largest moai ever transported from Rano Raraku and erected on a platform, it measures 10 meters (32.8 feet) and weighs 70 tons approx. And last but not least visit the beach of Anakena a paradisiacal beach with white and fine coral sand and crystalline turquoise sea, near the beach you will meet the Ahu Ature Huki which is the first moai statue raised on the island in modern times and the Ahu Nau Nau an imposing platform with seven moais, is one of the island’s best-preserved platforms. Once finished the tour we will return to the Hotel.
Hotel Vai Moana | Harevaka Room:
Night at Hotel Vai Moana in a Harevaka room.
Included: excursion, bilingual local guide, transport, box lunch, bedroom and breakfast
Day 9 – ORONGO TOUR + AKIVI
Private Excursion in Orongo – 3.5 Hours:
We will drive up the extinct Rano Kau, the largest volcano, from where you will appreciate one of the most majestic views of the whole island. Afterward, we will go to the ceremonial village of Orongo, where the birdman competition took place and you can see the spectacular petroglyphs related to this culture and enjoy the breathtaking view towards the 3 islets Motu Nui, Motu Iti, and Motu Kao Kao opposite the coast. We continue our journey toward the sector of Vinapu where you can appreciate the development of carving techniques for the construction of platforms on Easter Island. At the last stop, we will visit the cave of Ana Kai Tangata, where you will appreciate the wall of the cave bottom, which reveals the remains of several paintings of native birds. The figures are painted with natural pigments of earth and animal fat, which in theory made them much more durable. Return to hotel.
Private Excursion in Akivi – 3.5 Hours:
After hotel pickup, travel south with your guide into the park to visit the Tahai with its three ahu or ceremonial platforms located on the small rocky cliff that rises above the sea. The altars form a visual line that stars in this magnificent setting. If you look straight at the platforms, the first group on the left with five restored moai a sample of the different styles is the Ahu Vai Uri, the next one is the Ahu Tahai, a single solitary moai about 4.5 meters high (14.7 feet) raised on the oldest platform of the complex built around 700 AD. And the last one, the Ahu Ko Te Riku, is a single statue wearing a pukao or headdress, this is the only moai that has the eyes of the whole island. After that we will continue to Ahu Akivi the most important and elaborate platform, it has seven moai that it is said, are the only statues that look at the sea of the whole island, since the rest turns their back on the ocean. The last stop before returning to the Hotel is Puna Pau volcano where the red pukao, or headdress, was extracted and carved.
Hotel Vai Moana | Harevaka Room:
Night at Hotel Vai Moana in a Harevaka room.
Included: excursion, bilingual local guide, transport, bedroom and breakfast
Day 10 – TRAVEL TO SANTIAGO, CHILE
Private Transfer Hotel to Easter Island Airport:
Private transfer from Hotel – Easter Island Airport.
Hotel Holiday Inn Santiago Airport Terminal | Standard Room:
Night at Hotel Holiday Inn Santiago Airport Terminal in a standard room.
Included: bilingual local guide, transport, bedroom and breakfast
Day 11 – PUNTA ARENAS, PATAGONIA
Transfer Punta Arenas Airport – Hotel:
Private transfer from Punta Arenas Airport to Hotel in Punta Arenas (30 minutes).
English speaking guide for assistance.
Private City Tour in Punta Arenas – 2 1/2 Hours:
Discover the special charm of this extreme city, which was shaped by the Strait of Magellan with the contribution of various cultures leaving a valuable historical and cultural legacy with traditions that endure to this day. Its population descends mainly of Croatian, Spanish, Italian, German, and English immigrants and families from Chiloé Island (south of Chile). Our tour begins with a visit to Cerro Mirador, where we can get a panoramic view of the city and the Strait of Magellan. Along with it, we will visit main streets and avenues, along with various monuments, as well as have the possibility of visiting the Maggiorino Borgatello Museum, a place of great patrimonial value that keeps a great ethnological and natural history exhibition with a varied collection of flora specimens and fauna present in the Region of Magallanes, handicrafts from the Yaganes, Onas, Alacalufes people and register on the way of life of the first settlers. The tour concludes in the Muñoz Gamero main square.
Local guide and entrance fees are included.
Hotel Cabo de Hornos | Standard room:
Night at Hotel Cabo de Hornos in a standard room.
Included: transport, bilingual local guide, entrance fees, excursion, bedroom and breakfast
Day 12 – VISIT PENGUIN COLONY
Excursion to Magdalena and Marta Island:
Early in the morning, we start with this unparalleled adventure, after checking in at our office, we head to Laredo Bay to board speedboats, we navigate 45 minutes to Magdalena Island, where we stay for 1 hour with our guide to know the natural habitat of the Magellanic Penguins in the largest colony of South America. We continue our journey to Isla Marta to see sea lions, imperial cormorants, and hundreds of southern gulls. Then we return to the pier and to Punta Arenas. Depending on luck we will be able to see Austral Dolphins and Toninas Overa.
Hotel Cabo de Hornos | Standard room:
Night at Hotel Cabo de Hornos in a standard room.
Included: excursion, english speaking guide, transport, entrance fees, bedroom and breakfast
Day 13 – TORRES DEL PAINE
Hotel Las Torres | Superior Rooms All Inclusive:
All-inclusive program at Hotel Las Torres in a superior room.
4 nights All Inclusive Program includes:
Check-in 15:00 / Check-out 11:00 AM
Regular transfers to/from Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales or Calafate (fixed schedule only)
All meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Open bar (except premium drinks)
Visit Estancia Cerro Negro on day 1 (only for transfers from Punta Arenas) with lunch and activities included
All excursions inside the National Park (cruise fee is not included)
Entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park.
Bilingual guides Spanish / English
20% discount in our spa
Included: all inclusive, entrance fees, excursion, bilingual local guide, room, transport
Day 14 – TORRES DEL PAINE
Hotel Las Torres | Superior Rooms All Inclusive: All-inclusive program at hotel Las Torres in a superior room.
Enjoy the day with excursions from the hotel – Torres del Paine tour.
Included: entrance fees, excursion, full board, bilingual local guide, room, transportation
Day 15 – TORRES DEL PAINE
Hotel Las Torres | Superior Rooms All Inclusive:
All-inclusive program at hotel Las Torres in a superior room
Enjoy the day with excursions from the hotel – Torres del Paine tour.
Included: entrance fees, excursion, full board, bilingual local guide, room, transport
Day 16 – TORRES DEL PAINE
Hotel Las Torres | Superior Rooms All Inclusive:
All-inclusive program at hotel Las Torres in a superior room.
Enjoy the day with excursions from the hotel – Torres del Paine tour.
Included: entrance fees, excursion, full board, bilingual local guide, room, transport
Day 17 – TRAVEL TO SANTIAGO
Hotel Las Torres | Superior Rooms All Inclusive:
Check out at 11:00. Transfer to Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales or Calafate.
Private Transfer Santiago Airport – Hotel Santiago:
Private transfer from Santiago Airport to your hotel in Santiago City.
Hotel La Reve | Standard Deluxe Room:
Night at hotel La Reve in a standard deluxe room.
Included: transport, bilingual local guide, bedroom, and breakfast
Day 18 – MAIPO VALLEY TOUR
Private Tour to Maipo Valley (7 hours):
Private round transfer to Maipo Valley vineyards (7 Hours). The oldest wine valley in Chile and the closest to Santiago, the Maipo Valley blends sun, wind and winter rains to create Mediterranean climate conditions that make it perfect for producing Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Located less than an hour’s drive from Santiago, the valley is famous for its well-balanced red wines. The salts carried in the water of the River Maipo irrigate the fields, creating a unique balance between flavor and acidity in the resulting wines. The Maipo Valley can be visited all year round.
Private Organic Wine Tour with the owner:
Patricio Ulloa, creator of Viña Las Araucarias, will take you on a tour of our organic vineyard, harvest patio, cellar, barrel room, and bottle room. Where you will be able to taste wines in different fermentation processes, by ending with a tasting of 3 organic wines:
Organic Cabernet Sauvignon, Organic Merlot, Organic Blend; Gran Reserva Las Araucarias, Carmenere, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sirah 2015
This tour will be a conversation with Patricio where he will speak about his experiences concerning the production of wine, the reasons why he decided on organic and ecological production, demolishing myths about Chilean wine, and showing the passion and work he has put into his organic vineyard.
Lunch at La Viluma Restaurant:
Lunch at La Viluma Restaurant with wine tasting included. Tips included
Hotel La Reve | Standard Deluxe Room:
Night at hotel La Reve in a standard deluxe room.
Included: transport, bilingual local guide, excursion, wine tasting, and tour, lunch, bedroom, and breakfast
Day 19 – OAXACA TO CDMX
Private Transfer Hotel in Santiago – Santiago Airport:
Private transfer from the hotel in Santiago to Santiago Airport or extend your adventure to Argentina
Included: transport, bilingual local guide
Tour Exclusions
TERMS & CONDITIONS:
Please take the time to read and understand the conditions of booking set out in our Booking Terms & Conditions prior to booking a trip with Finisterra Travel LTD. We strongly recommend that you also read the Country Information relating to your trip prior to booking, and ensure that you understand the itinerary and the active style of the trip you are undertaking.
IMPORTANT NOTES
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever-changing nature of Morocco, activities, hotels, and visits are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.
AIR TRAVEL: Flights are not included in the tour price. DO NOT purchase any airline tickets until the trip is confirmed to take place. Pre and post-tours can be arranged through available at an additional charge.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
VISAS: (responsibility of the traveller)
PROGRAM COSTS: Program costs are based on a minimum number of participants and are subject to change without notice. Single supplement will apply to single travelers (unless a participant opts in for room share and a roommate is found. this cannot be guaranteed).
Travel Insurance
Cancellation, Travel, Flight, and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Click HERE for a Travel Insurance Quote or please email nicola@finisterra.ca for a quote.
Check with your local travel agent /insurance provider/health plan for advice about traveling overseas.
Waiver Form
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver Form prior to departure.
SAMPLE HOTELS
Santiago – Hotel La Reve
San Pedro de Atacama – Hotel Altiplánico San Pedro de Atacama
Valparaiso – Hotel Fauna
Rapa Nui (Easter Island) – Hotel Vai Moana
Punta Arenas – Hotel Cabo de Hornos
Torres del Paine – Hotel Los Torres
Are you all ready for your next adventure?
Even though we wish you a flawless trip, things can happen, especially nowadays. Make sure you are prepared with a Travel Insurance policy that is right for you. Finisterra recommends Manulife Insurance or John Hancock Please feel free to ask us about Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, Cancel for Any Reason Policies, Travel Medical Insurance, or any other questions you may have.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CANADIANS
Travel with confidence knowing that you’re covered with Manulife Insurance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR AMERICANS – JOHN HANCOCK
Explore the world, stress-free, when you book travel insurance with John Hancock International.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
At Finisterra Travel we help you discover, push personal boundaries, and explore the unknown.
We are super passionate about sustainable, transformational, and adventure travel. Definitely not “armchair travellers”, we have firsthand experience of where you’ll be heading.No one wants to feel like a tourist which is why when we plan a custom travel experience for you, we strive to make your adventure as authentic as possible. We offer an array of Small Group Adventures & Custom Trips, and have something for every type of traveller.
Our unique itineraries are designed to best showcase some of our favourite destinations around Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. All itineraries are fully-customizable.Not your typical online travel agency, nor are we quite a tour operator, we are international travel designers with a flair for unique experiences. We’d love to hear from you!
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