Compare Patagonia Popular Packages - The Great Atacama Desert by Quasar Expeditions vs Best of Chile from Atacama to Patagonia 2023 Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 5 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 2,200 | $ 7,196 |
| Price Per Day | $ 440 | $ 654 |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included |
5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 5 Dinners |
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| Description |
Everyone traveling to Patagonia will need to spend at least some time in Chile or Argentina. All the tours presented below are designed to dovetail with our Patagonia Jeep Overland Safaris. Whether you have the bare minimum time apart from your safari, or if you can enjoy a grand South American tour, extending your stay in Chile or Argentina, nearby Peru and Ecuador or the astonishing Galapagos Islands, can render rich rewards in a region that is home to thriving indigenous cultures, ancient Incan temples, 400 year old haciendas, the Central Andean mountain range, the western edge of the Amazon basin and lakes, animals and beaches in Galapagos! |
Journey across Chile on an immersive 11-Day adventure, from Santiago set against the snow-capped Andes to the UNESCO protected sites of Valparaíso and the llama farms of Torres del Paine. Wine connoisseurs will be in their element at the Kingston Family Vineyard where a private Casablanca Valley Wine Tasting uncorks the finest local tipples—including regional Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. In Torres del Paine, join the Patagonia Ranch cultural experience and see the world through the eyes of your local baqueano guides—the cowboy descendants of horsemen who came to work the ranches over a century ago. In Atacama, journey 14,000 feet up into the Andes for a dip in the Puritama Hot Springs before an evening of stargazing under the crystal-clear skies of the Chilean desert. |
Day 1: flight to Calama Airport (San Pedro de Atacama) / transfer to your hotel
You will be met at the airport by an English speaking guide and driver who will transfer you to your hotel of choice.
Day 2 - 4: San Pedro de Atacama and its surroundings
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
The El Tatio Geysers are located at an altitude of 4,300m / 14,190 feet. The geothermal field has close links to the volcanic activity in the zone and consists of huge steam columns which reach heights of 12 metres /almost 40 feet. Intense sulphur odors and pools of boiling water and mud make this place seem like the initiation of life. The moon valley journey allows participants to appreciate the surreal beauty of the landscape from many viewpoints in the Salt Mountain Range, such as the scenery of Death Valley, Moon Valley and the Andes mountain range. The Altiplanico lagoons adventure includes the discovery of important facts about the atacameñan culture. In the villages of Toconao and Socaire, life as it is today can be observed. On arrival at the highland lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques, (4,200 m/13, 860 feet high) there is time to view the large numbers of birds which live here and admire the beautiful scenery.
Day 4: transfer to airport for your Santiago flight. Arrive to Santiago and relax for your journey to Patagonia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After an early breakfast and pickup you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Santiago. Enjoy your afternoon relaxing in your hotel.
Day 5: transfer to airport for Patagonia flight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After an early breakfast and pickup you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Patagonia.
Day 1: Arrive in Santiago
Welcome to Santiago. A picturesque city back dropped by the spectacular, snow-capped Andes, it offers a metropolitan world of museums, top restaurants and historic finds. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel and enjoy a Welcome Dinner.
Day 2: Valparaiso and the Casablanca Wine Country
Begin your day with a visit to the coastal city of Valparaiso. Explore the UNESCO protected site with a Local Expert as you discover its church-dotted hillsides and unique ampitheatre-like layout.After lunch, visit the Kingston Family Vineyard for a private wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley. Recognised as one of the best wineries in Chile, its varieties have been featured on the wine lists of top restaurants including Aureole in New York.The evening is yours at leisure to relax or have a night out on the town.
Day 3: On to Atacama
Take a transfer to the airport for your flight to Calama, a city based in the Atacama Desert. On arrival you'll head to San Pedro.You’ll then be driven to the Moon Valley for a guided visit. A nod to its name, this moon-like area is made up of dunes, caves and caverns. Learn more about its history and the land formations from a Local Expert.
Day 4: Explore Atacama
This morning, take a guided visit to the Atacama Geysers known as El Tatio Geysers, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Located in the Andes Mountains, you'll be 14,170 feet (4,230 metres) above sea level. Enjoy a visit to the Puritama Hotsprings before taking a scenic drive back to your hotel.
Day 5: Atacama Salt Flats
Explore the Atacama Salt Flats, the largest in Chile. One of the driest parts of the world, the area stretches for over 40,000 square miles (103,600 kilometres). Keep your eyes open for species of wild birds including the Andean and James flamingos on the shores of the Chaxa, Miscanti and Minque Lagoons. This afternoon, make your way to Toconao, a traditional colonial village known for is volcanic rock architecture. Take a stroll through the main square and visit the handicraft stands that sell alpaca textiles.
Day 6: Atacama to Santiago
Wake up for your transfer and flight back to Santiago.Enjoy lunch at El Galeon restaurant, located in the heart of the Central Market.Continue to the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral, traveling to the heart of the city along the famous Alameda, Santiago's vibrant main avenue. Continue your tour by crossing the Mapocho River to reach the bohemian Bellavista district on your way to the San Cristobal Hill.
Day 7: On to Puerto Natales
Fly to Punta Arenas where you'll then drive to Puerto Natales, a port city, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park and starting point for explorers in search of the Patagonian fjords. This afternoon, you’ll have leisure time in the day to rest and rejuvenate before heading to dinner.Famous for its spiced meat and seafood dishes, tonight's meal will have you savouring typical Patagonian dishes.
Day 8: Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers Excursion
Wake for a scenic breakfast before starting your day. Torres del Paine National Park boasts jaw-dropping landscapes filled with turquoise lagoons, glaciers, and towering granite horns. Head out on a Balmaceda & Serrano Glacier Cruise to view these majestic ice formations. On return, the rest of your day is at leisure.
Day 9: Torres del Paine National Park
Join your local expert on an excursion of the Torres del Paine National Park. Situated in Chile's Patagonia region, this park is famous for its glaciers, grasslands, imposing mountains and the three granite towers it is named after.This afternoon, explore Torres del Paine with Insight Choice. Choose to join a Patagonian Ranch Cultural Experience and learn about the baqueano (cowboy) way of life. During your time with them, you will learn about their special clothing, saddles and other horse tack. You'll also be shown how to properly saddle a horse, nail a horseshoe and of course how to ride. Alternatively, choose to join a tour of the region's oldest gardens at Resrva Cerro Paine which produces seasonal fruits and vegetables using bio-intensive sustainable methods.Tonight, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you enjoy dinner at your hotel. All the ingredients are produced onsite utilizing sustainable farming techniques.
Day 10: Sightseeing in Torres del Paine
Today you'll spend the day sightseeing in Torres del Paine as you keep a look out for the park's guanacos, a rare creature similar to the llama, as well as Andean condors. Witness the sharp peaks of Cuernos del Paine and marvel at the emerald waters of the park’s lakes. These include Dickson Lake, Lake Pehoé, Sarmiento Lake, Del Toro Lake and Nordenskjöld Lake.After a day exploring, join your Travel Director and new friends as you toast to your travels at a Celebration Dinner with wine.
Day 11: Back to Santiago
It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers as your trip comes to an end. Head to Punta Arenas where you'll fly to Santiago International Airport for your flight home.
