Chile: Mountains, Lakes & Desert
(Jan. 25 - Feb. 9, 2008)
At A Glance
- See the best of Chile: the fjords, glaciers and towering peaks of Patagonia; the lakes, volcanoes and forests of the central Lake District, and the geological and archeological sites of the Atacama - driest desert on earth.
- Enjoy a full day in the wine country outside of Santiago.
- Stay in lodges and hotels that emulate the character of their surroundings while providing all the amenities you’d expect.
- Experience exciting zodiac and boat trips, mini-treks, sunset over the desert & more!
- Travel with experienced host and traveller, Sarah Smith of the Calgary Zoo.
Brief Itinerary
Jan. 25/26: Arrive Santiago midday on Jan. 26 (assumes Air Canada). Afternoon orientation tour. (Hotel Plaza San Francisco, D)
Jan. 27: VALPARAISO & VIÑA DEL MAR - Visit Chile’s oldest port and the coastal “Garden City” of Viña del Mar. (Hotel Plaza San Francisco, B, D)
Jan. 28: PUNTA ARENAS - Fly to Punta Arenas. Group from Antarctica flies Ushuaia to Punta Arenas. BBQ lunch at an estancia then continue to Puerto Natales. (Hotel Altiplanico Sur, B, L, D)
Jan. 29/30: TORRES DEL PAINE N.P. - Exciting boat and zodiac trip into Torres del Paine - unique! Mini-trek on a glacier; walks to view the towering peaks; drives in custom vehicles. (Hosteria Lago Grey 1 nt, B, L, D, Lodge Cerro Guido 1 nt, B, D)
Jan. 31: TO PUERTO NATALES - BBQ at an estancia; drive to Puerto Natales via Milodon Cave Nat’l Monument. (Htl Altiplanico Sur, B, L, D)
Feb. 1/2/3: LAKE DISTRICT - Fly to Puerto Montt; city tour; transfer to Puerto Varas. Enjoy the natural wonders: Petrohué Falls,
catamaran cruise on ‘Emerald Lake’, walks in the forest, marvel at the volcanoes, visit small villages. (Hotel Puelche, 3B, 1L, 2D)
Feb. 4/5/6: ATACAMA DESERT - Fly to Calama; discover the surpising Atacama Desert: see Moon Valley, vast salt pans, El Tatio Geysers, flamingos and other birds at Laguna Chaxa, night sky viewing & more. (Htl Altiplanico Atacama,3B,2D)
Feb. 7/8: SANTIAGO - Fly to Santiago. On Feb. 8, tour famous vineyards. (Hotel Plaza San Francisco, 2B, 1L, 2D)
Feb. 9: DEPART - Transfer to the airport for your flights home, or continue to Easter Island! (B)
Cost
- (1) Coming from Canada: CA$5,550 starting in Santiago
- Single Supplement: CA$1,210
- (2) Joining in Punta Arenas (combining with the Antarctic trip): CA$5,125
- Single Supplement: CA$1,100
Trip cost based on twin-share accommodation. All quoted prices effective at time of publication (Feb. 25, 2007). While not expected, itinerary, accommodation, and prices are subject to change.
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