Our signature tour in Chile focuses on the natural treasures of the country, undoubtedly its main attraction. Start with the charming Lake District, sail through the famous lakes and enjoy incredible views of millenary forests and volcanoes. Then travel to Torres del Paine, one of South America's top destinations. From your base in the heart of the park, venture out on fantastic overland expeditions, hiking outings and horseback excursions. Wrap it up with a visit to the Central Valley for a look and taste of Chile's famous wine country.
PROGRAM DAY-BY-DAY
DAY
DESCRIPTION
1
Arrive in the Lake District (Puerto Varas) After collecting your luggage, proceed to the reception area, where our guide will be holding a board with your name on it. You will be greeted with a “Bienvenidos a Chile” and transferred to your hotel in Puerto Varas. The rest of the day is free to rest after the long haul flight or start exploring the surroundings on your own.
Discovering the Lake District (Puerto Varas) It is hard to describe the beauty and magnificence of the Lake District. Anybody who has visited the region will mumble at finding the right words only to realize that there are no words that can describe it. Let’s just say that this is a region of ancient forests of birch and myrtle trees crisscrossed by meandering pristine rivers and interspersed with lakes of myriad hues, so clear that the surrounding snow-capped peaks can’t stop staring at their reflection all day long. German pioneers started populating the district in the beginning of the 20th century. They built settlements along rivers and lakes, introducing their characteristic architecture and customs that still prevail to this day. Today we enjoy a panoramic tour of Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt, the main towns in the district, complete with a visit to the lovely Angelmo Cove, a traditional fishing village. In the afternoon, you will have plenty of free time for a stroll around the lake and admire the German architecture and savor the delicious sweets made from traditional European recipes. (B)
Lakes and volcanoes (Puerto Varas) Leaving Puerto Varas we take the road through Ensenada, bordering Lake Llanquihue until we arrive in Petrohue. Here we embark on a catamaran and begin cruising on the emerald waters of Todos Los Santos Lake. Along the trip we will be enjoying astounding views of Osorno Volcano. We disembark in Peulla, a tiny village on the lake, and have lunch in the local hosteria. Then we will embark on a lovely hike on the Valdivian Rainforest to the Bride’s Waterfall. In the afternoon we return to Puerto Varas in reverse order. (B,L)
To Southern Patagonia (Torres del Paine) Today we will arrive at one of the most impressive natural monuments of South America: Torres del Paine National Park. You will fly to Punta Arenas and then drive along the dramatic Patagonian wilderness, observing herds of sheep and beech forests before arriving in Puerto Natales. From Puerto Natales continue on a gravel road to the national park. En route we may stop at the Milodon cave, a huge cavern where we admire the remains of a prehistoric animal. During your stay in the park you will be lodging at Hosteria Las Torres, a cozy property situated in the heart of the national park. The property, a former traditional ranch, has been reconverted into a fantastic lodge with plenty of creature comforts and excellent traditional cuisine. (B,L,D)
Exploring Torres del Paine (Torres del Paine) During the following three days you will join daily explorations and outings, which will be programmed by the guides according to weather conditions, time of the year, duration and degree of difficulty. Each day you will depart on hiking and trekking expeditions and panoramic tours by van to the most scenic points in the park. All explorations are led by expert, bilingual guides, include all necessary equipment and are reduced to small groups per guide. (B,L,D)
Leave the hinterlands and depart for the wine country (Santiago) This morning bid farewell to the incomparable Torres del Paine National Park. We travel back to Punta Arenas along the Patagonian steppes in order to catch the plane to Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The evening is at leisure. (B)
An introduction to Chilean wines (Santiago) Leave Santiago and start heading south towards the beautiful Maipo Valley, where the famous Concha y Toro winery is located. Founded in 1883 it sits amidst a beautiful park next to the old family mansion La Chascona, which dates back to the 19th century. Escorted by a local guide we tour the vineyards and then continue with a comprehensive presentation of the winemaking process. At the end of the tour enjoy a wine tasting of the different wines offered by Concha y Toro. This evening, back in Santiago, we recommend you head out for the Las Condes District and dine in one of the trendy restaurants. (B)
Depart Santiago Today our local representative will be transferring you to the airport in time for your departure flight. We wish you a pleasant trip back home and hope to enjoy your company in another exciting adventure very soon. (B)
PRICES FROM
From: $2,407 per person in double occupancy
SPECIALS
June Special : Book any 2010 departure and receive a $75 per person discount!
FACTS
Departure: Daily from September through April
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Type of services: Private services in Santiago and the Lake District except for the lake cruise tour. In Paine, all transfers and activities are conducted in small groups.
Highlights: The mesmerizing Lake District; Torres del Paine National Park; Chile's wine country.
Travel documents: American citizens only need a valid passport to travel to Chile.
Inclusions: All ground transportation at the destination; lodging, meals and tours per itinerary; hotel taxes; English-speaking assistance.
Not included: International and domestic airfares; airport departure taxes; tips of any kind; incidentals at hotels; any meals not included in the itinerary; alcoholic beverages; souvenirs.
VISA INFORMATION
It is the travelers responsibility to have all proper travel documents which can include passports and foreign visas. Learn more here: Passport & Visa Information
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel Insurance is highly recommended to protect your travel investment and for any emergencies that could occur while traveling. Learn more here: Travel Insurance
IMPORTANT NOTES
All rates are “From Prices”
and correspond to the lowest season in the year.
Expect moderate to high increases for high season
and holiday periods. Low season dates vary from
destination to destination. Please inquire for details.
All rates on this website are per person and based
on double occupancy, unless otherwise indicated.
If a hotel included in a program is not available
at the time of the reservation, we will substitute
it for a hotel of similar category.
Room and cabin upgrades are available at most hotels
and cruises. Please inquire at the time of reservation.
Most programs can be customized.
All itineraries are subject to change without notice.
Website is for research purposes only.
To receive an estimate, please contact Toll Free at 1-800-255-4266 us
or send
an email to us.
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