Travel to Santiago Chile , a sophisticated and worldly modern capital city that has preserved its 16th century colonial central square and streets. Founded in 1541 after the Spanish Conquistadors led by Pizarro had conquered Cuzco in Peru, Santiago today caters to the conquistadors of commerce from venture capitalists to adventurous travelers. Spec...Read More
- Day 1
Santiago
Arrive in Santiago, On the way to the hotel, take a half day city tour beginning with a visit to San Cristobal Hill, the second highest natural point in Santiago, where you are offered panoramic views of the city. Then visit Plaza de Armas, the spot from where the city has grown throughout the centuries. You will also visit some the original colonial neighborhoods such as Concha and Toro Square. Then it is on to the eastern part of the city and the more modern side of Santiago. Arrive at the hotel for check in and overnight.
- Day 2
Santiago
This morning you will take a full day excursion to Viña del Mar and Valparaiso. Depart from Santiago to the coastline, passing through the fertile Curacaví and Casablanca Valleys, its vineyards, fruit plantations and forest reserves. Enroute, you will visit two important cities, Viña del Mar, the main resort of Chile and Valparaíso, a port city founded in the XVI century and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Continue along this beautiful route in front of the sea and arrive at the city of Viña del Mar, known as the “Garden City”. Return to the hotel for overnight. (B)
- Day 3
Santiago
Today, enjoy a day leisure or choose to take one of the many optional tours. (B)
- Day 4
Santiago | Calama | San Pedro de Atacama
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to Calama. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel in San Pedro. Later this afternoon you will visit Moon Valley & Death Valley and as the sun dips below the distant horizon you will witness a magnificent sunset with small mountains of capricious and sculptural forms that resemble a moon landscape. To celebrate this natural spectacle, cocktails and wine tasting will be offered. Overnight at your hotel. (B)
- Day 5
San Pedro de Atacama
Today take a full day tour to Atacama Salar Flat and Altiplanic Lagoons, home to a large number of flamingos that choose this water as a nesting place, allowing you to observe these wonderful birds. Continue your trip to the Altiplanic Lagoons. In its landscapes you can see wonderful Andean varied shades of colors. Then, pass thru the town of Socaire, where they continue the ancestral traditions of their inhabitants. Enjoy lunch with typical food in a local house in Socaire. Overnight at your hotel. (B,L)
- Day 6
San Pedro de Atacama
Take a full day excursion to Tatio Geysers and Puritama Hot Springs. Your tour will start early to visit the higher geothermal field, the Tatio Geysers where the steam fumaroles reach 50 meters high. Here you will enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared at the geysers. When you return, enjoy the Puritama hot springs, embedded in a large broken stone. These springs will be a short break as you return from a day of exploration. Overnight at your hotel. (B)
- Day 7
San Pedro de Atacama to USA (or extend your stay)
After breakfast, transfer to Calama airport for your flight home. (B)
