Active Chile Adventure
Chile’s wide, open space and stunning natural scenery lend themselves well to an active holiday packed with adventure, which is exactly what you’ll get on this 13-day holiday to the Latin American country. Starting in the capital, Santiago, you’ll explore the colonial centre before visiting the contrasting city of Valparaiso, famous for its steep hills and colourful graffiti. Leaving the urban areas behind you’ll fly to the Atacama Desert, where you can choose excursions to the salt flats, geysers and lagoons. After discovering the natural beauty of the Lake District you’ll then head to Patagonia, the country’s premier area for adventure, to experience life as a cowboy, spot glaciers and icebergs and hike in the unspoilt surroundings. Your trip finishes in the winelands outside Santiago, where you can sample the delicious products.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore the gritty, colourful port city of Valparaiso and view its unusual graffiti
- Go stargazing in the Atacama Desert, or explore the impressive salt flats
- Try hiking, walking or watersports in the Lake District
- Visit Patagonia and live out your fantasies as a cowboy (or girl!)
- Sample delicious wines and learn about the processes of organic wine production
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrive in Chile
Fly to Chile and land in the capital city, Santiago. On arrival you will be driven to your hotel in the city where you will spend the next two nights. Once you’ve settled into your hotel you’ll be taken on a half-day city tour, where you’ll get to explore the colonial landmarks such as Plaza de Armas, the historic centre and the city’s beautiful green spaces.
Day 2 – Visit Valparaiso
Today you will be driven to Valparaiso, a coastal city with plenty of character. During your full-day excursion you’ll get to discover its quirky, colourful houses which are set on the cliffs, ride the steep funicular railways and explore the downtown area including Plaza Sotomayor. Romantic and charmingly dilapidated, Valparaiso is very different in character in Santiago, mainly due to its history as a port.
Day 3 – Fly to the Atacama Desert
You’ll be driven to the airport for your flight to Calama, the gateway to the Atacama Desert. From here you’ll be driven to the oasis village of San Pedro de Atacama, where you’ll stay for three nights.
Days 4-5 – Discover the Atacama Desert
The Atacama Desert is so dry, there are many parts in which no rainfall has ever been recorded. This makes for some incredible landscapes, which you can view and photograph during your time here. You’ll have the chance to visit local villages built from adobe, spend time at the salt flats, visit the lagoons and geysers and uncover the secrets of the night sky in the observatory.
Day 6 – Fly to Puerto Montt
You will be taken back to Calama Airport for your short domestic flight to Puerto Montt. In stark contrast to the Atacama Desert, this is Chile’s Lake District. On arrival you’ll be driven to the picturesque town of Puerto Varas where you’ll spend the next two nights.
Day 7 – Visit the Lake District
Your day in the Lake District can be spent in many ways: relaxing in your hotel and enjoying the facilities, exploring the forest on walking trails, learning about the wetlands, riding horses through the countryside or taking boat trips across the lakes.
Day 8 – Fly to Patagonia
Fly from Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas, one of the cities from which it’s possible to access Torres del Paine National Park. On arrival you’ll have a lengthy transfer of around five hours to reach your hotel where you’ll be spending the next three nights, but it’s the perfect opportunity to observe the changing landscapes.
Days 9-10 – Explore Patagonia
Patagonia is a land for adventurers and you’ll have plenty of time to explore during your stay. There are various excursions available to suit your preferences; perhaps take a hike along the shore of Lago Grey to view the incredible glacier and bobbing icebergs; go horseriding in the mountains for exceptional vistas of the torres; trying rock climbing in the granite hills; learn from the Chilean cowboys on a traditional ranch.
Day 11 – Fly to Santiago
Today you’ll travel back to Punta Arenas airport for your flight to Santiago. On arrival your driver will take you to Rosario Valley, around 90 minutes’ drive away, where you’ll stay at the relaxing Casona Vina Matetic vineyard for the next two nights. The Syrah, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay wines are particularly renowned.
Day 12 – Explore the winelands
Discover the beautiful winelands with a tour of Matetic’s winery and vineyards, learning about the principles of organic winemaking, bottling and storage, with the chance to taste some of the estate’s esteemed creations.
Day 12 – Return flight
For more information please contact us directly for a tailor-made travel quote.