Compare Northern Chile & Easter Island explored by Audley Travel vs Chile in 12 days - From the Atacama Desert to Patagonia - Charm by Exoticca
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 13 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 6,835 | $ 2,999 |
| Price Per Day | $ 526 | $ 250 |
| Highlights |
N/A
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Internal airfare and ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 11 breakfasts and 1 lunch. |
| Description |
The Atacama — the highest, driest desert on Earth. The uninhabitable icefields of Tierra del Fuego. The inscrutable moai of Easter Island. On a tailor-made holiday to Chile with Audley, you’ll see the scenic highlights — and much more — your way. We’ll design your ideal trip with you, paying close attention to your interests, your travel style and your budget. Our Chile specialists know the country inside out and can lead you to experiences you won’t find in a guidebook.
Debate the merits of local cabernet sauvignons over carmeneres, Chile’s foremost red wines, at a chic vineyard retreat in Chile’s central winelands. Lose yourself in the higgledy-piggledy streets of Valparaíso and admire their artistic murals. Explore the island community of Chiloé with its troll-infused mythology. Strap on your spikes to hike a Patagonian glacier, or nose your kayak into vaulting caves of marble. Stargazing in Elqui Valley. Horseback riding with gauchos on pampas trails. The granite spires of Torres del Paine, and the toothy peaks of the Argentine Lake District. What excites you? Travel at your own pace, in your own style, with the confidence that we’ll show you the best options, wherever you go. |
Discover one of South America's most diverse country's on a north to south journey of discovery through Chile. Soak up the charms of the culinary capital of Santiago and head into the otherworldly landscapes of San Pedro de Atacama and the Valley of the Moon. In Puerto Natales, discover the wonders of Patagonia and explore the landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park. |
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Santiago.
Day 2 : Santiago
Morning arrival transfer to your hotel. Afternoon to relax or perhaps take a city tour. If you want to explore on your own, why not take a walk around trendy Lastarria, home to a burgeoning art scene.
Day 3 : San Pedro de Atacama
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Calama. Here you will be met by your guide who will transfer you to your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama, in the heart of the Atacama desert, surrounded by stunning scenery.
Day 4 : San Pedro de Atacama
Over the next few days your guide will help you choose from a range of excursion options in the Atacama Desert. Today could be spent visiting the famous Moon Valley, for stunning views of Licanacbur Volcano. Perhaps this evening you could take advantage of the clear skies and head off on a stargazing excursion.
Day 5 : San Pedro de Atacama
For further exploration in the Atacama Desert, perhaps visit the stunning geysers at El Tatio, for an up close view of these impressive volcanic features. In the afternoon why not visit the Salar de Atacama and try and observe flamingos.
Day 6 : Valparaiso
Your hotel will transfer you back to Calama airport this morning in time for your onward flight to Santiago. Here you will be met and driven by your private driver, through valleys of vines, to the quirky city of Valparaiso on the Pacific coast.
Day 7 : Valparaiso
Enjoy a tour of Valparaiso with your private guide, ride on the funiculares that link the port to the hills, enjoy some fascinating local life and discover the home of one of Chile's two Nobel Prize winning poets, Pablo Neruda.
Day 8 : Easter Island
Travel back to Santiago with your private driver in time to fly to Easter Island. Upon arrival on this far flung outpost in the Pacific you will be met by your guide from your lodge who will escort you to your accommodation.
Day 9 : Easter Island
Over the next few days your guide will help you choose from a range of excursion options in Easter Island.
Day 10 : Easter Island
Further excursions on Easter Island.
Day 11 : Santiago
Your lodge will take you back to the airport today in time for your flight to Santiago, where you have one more night.
Day 12 : International return flight
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Day 13 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
Day 1: US - Night on board
Arrive at your US departure airport ready to check-in for an overnight flight to Santiago. Night on board. If your outbound flight leaves at dawn (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the selected departure day.
Day 2: Santiago
Arrive in Santiago and transfer to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the beautiful city which is surrounded by Andean mountains and boasts a charming historic centre. We recommend strolling around the colonial centre and people-watching in one of the many cafe terraces. Overnight stay in Santiago.
Day 3: Santiago
After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a fascinating panoramic tour of Santiago. Begin your discovery on the main avenue, soaking up the atmosphere and history. Head to the cobblestoned neighbourhood of Lastarria, filled with green spaces and 19th-century mansions. Continue up to Santa Lucia Hill where you'll have some time to take photos of the amazing views and the Hidalgo Castle. Next up, explore the most emblematic sights in the city such as the Plaza de Armas, Santiago Cathedral, the La Moneda government house and the impressive Plaza de la Constitucion. See local life in action at the Central Market before stopping at a Lapis Lazuli store to admire the beautiful crafts and jewellery of local artisans. Return to the hotel and the remainder of the day is free at your leisure to explore or relax as you please. Join the locals in the historic plazas of the city for an evening drink! Overnight stay in Santiago.
Day 4: Santiago - Calama - San Pedro de Atacama
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to airport for flight to Calama. On arrival, transfer to San Pedro de Atacama situated in the dusty plateaus of the Andean mountains. Arrive at the hotel and begin exploring this town, set within the breath-taking natural scenery. Overnight stay in San Pedro de Atacama.
Day 5: San Pedro de Atacama
Breakfast at the hotel. The morning is at your leisure to relax or take an optional excursion to the Tatio Geysers and Machuca.* This afternoon, set off to the famous Moon Valley, situated just outside of the town, between the hills of the Cordillera de la Sal. One of Chile's most astonishing natural spectacles, discover the moon-like landscape, unusual rock formations and the unique geological environment. Continue to the Death Valley, home to the best views of the Andes Mountains and it's towering volcanoes. As the sun sets, enjoy the atmospheric red and golden tones over the landscape, an unforgettable moment to feel at one with nature. Return to the hotel and spend the evening at your leisure, recounting the amazing afternoon with your fellow travelers! Overnight stay in San Pedro de Atacama. * Optional Tatio Geysers & Machuca Excursion: Take an excursion to the beautiful Altiplano, setting off early to see the sunrise over the geothermal field of the Tatio Geysers, where 70 fumaroles emerge from the ground in jets of steam and water. Also visit the village of Machuca, home to traditional straw houses and artisans selling traditional Andean crafts. Lunch included. Entrance not included.
Day 6: San Pedro de Atacama
After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a free day to relax at your own pace or get out into the other-worldly landscapes of the Atacama desert to explore further. We recommend visiting the beautiful Altiplanic lagoons, a true natural spectacle. Overnight stay in San Pedro de Atacama. * Optional Altiplanic Lagoons Excursion: Climb to the magnificent Salar de Aguas Calientes, famous for its red stones and visit the Altiplanic lagoons of Miscanti and Miniques, home to a multitude of wildlife. Afterwards, explore Chaxa Lagoon and the Andean town of Toconao to get to know local life in this unique environment. Lunch included. Entrances not included.
Day 7: San Pedro de Atacama - Calama - Santiago
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Calama airport to board the flight to Santiago. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. Depending on the time you arrive, spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure. Be sure to sample Chilean wine at one of the local wine bars, it's world-renowned for its quality. Overnight stay in Santiago.
Day 8: Santiago - Valparaiso - Vina del Mar - Santiago
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, it's time to discover the beautiful Chilean coast. Embark on a full-day excursion to Vina del Mar and Valparaiso, two delightful coastal towns. Drive along the coast and through the lush Casablanca Valley until reaching Valparaiso. Here you can explore the old town and learn of its important history as a trading port. Enjoy breathtaking views of the colorful streets and charming harbour from the hills surrounding the city and discover the neighbourhoods of Cerro Concepcion and Cerro Alegre. Continue to Vina del Mar, known for its wine production, where the Flower Clock, Fonck Museum and Los Canones Beach are the highlights of the tour. After gaining a great overview of these coastal cities, return to Santiago. Overnight stay in Santiago.
Day 9: Santiago - Punta Arenas - Puerto Natales
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport to board a flight to Puerto Arenas. On arrival, transfer to hotel, situated in stunning Puerto Natales and take some time to explore this once modest fishing port. Make sure to see the pretty corrugated tin houses and cosy old-style lodgings as well as enjoying the international restaurants and cafes. Overnight in Puerto Natales.
Day 10: Puerto Natales - Torres del Paine National Park - Puerto Natales
Breakfast at the hotel. Today is the day you explore the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park, an icon of Chile's natural beauty and loved by adventurers around the world. Set off into the landscapes, stopping at the Milodon Cave, an amazing natural monument where the fossilised remains of an extinct ground sloth were discovered in the 19th-century. Continue into the national park observing the picturesque Sofia Lagoon, Cordillera Prat, Porteno Lake and pristine natural landscapes. Take in the views and snap some photos at the Gray Lake Viewpoint, and walk along the shore of Gray Lake. Stop for lunch at the designated rest point before continuing into the Salto Grande sector of the park to visit the Nordenskjold Lake Viewpoint and the Paine Waterfall and Amarga Lake. Enjoy the amazing untouched wilderness and soak up the fresh air. The last stop, at dusk, is the Sarmiento Lake Viewpoint, for an unforgettable view as the sun begins to set. Return to Puerto Natales. Overnight stay in Puerto Natales.
Day 11: Puerto Natales
Enjoy a delicious breakfast and spend the day at your leisure. We recommend visiting the local public museum and enjoying the sea views across the islets and inlets from the unique Hand Monument. Take some time to stroll along the waterfront and soak up the tranquil atmosphere of this unique city. Overnight stay in Puerto Natales.
Day 12: Puerto Natales - Punta Arenas - Santiago
After breakfast at the hotel transfer to the airport for a flight to Santiago. On arrival transfer to hotel. Depending on your arrival time enjoy some free time to explore the city or do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Overnight stay in Santiago.
Day 13: Santiago - Night on board
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Santiago airport for flight back to the US Night on board.
Day 14: US
Arrive in the US and end your trip.
