a luxury tour of the chilean wine, deserts & lakes  | santiago, san pedro de atacama, colchagua valley & pucon lake district

Day 1 Arrive Santiago
Upon arrival in Santiago, be met and transferred to your hotel for your next 2 nights' accommodations.

Day 2 Santiago
Today, enjoy a full day sightseeing around Santiago. Described by the international media as a surprising destination, Santiago stands out for being a cosmopolitan and modern city that perfectly combines its traditions with a modern outlook. Your introduction of the Chilean capital starts with a visit to Mercado Central. Enjoy a stroll through his colorful market lined with fresh seafood, local produce and delicious street food. Continue to La Vega Central, the popular fruit and vegetable market and the perfect place to discover new flavors. After a enjoying a typical Chilean lunch, visit the heart of the city and its emblematic sites such as the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and Central Postal Office. Visit the city's historical city center and traditional neighborhoods before returning to your hotel. (B,L)

Day 3 Santiago / San Pedro de Atacama (Moon Valley)
Today, we head north by air to Atacama Desert, also known as the driest place on Earth. Upon arrival at Calama Airport, be met and transferred to your resort in San Pedro de Atacama. This afternoon, head out for some amazing scenery to Moon and Death Valley. A couple of kilometers outside of San Pedro de Atacama, between the jagged rocks and unusual shapes of Salt Mountains, lies Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), a geological wonder of the Los Flamencos National Reserve boasting incomparable views of the Andes and its volcanoes. As dusk falls, witness mother nature at her finest as colorful skies radiate brilliantly off the desert's moon-like landscape. Overnight in Atacama. (B,L)

****Note: transfers and excursions in Atacama operated on JOIN basis in a small group with other passengers (8 max). 

Day 4 San Pedro de Atacama (Rainbow Valley & Atacama Salt Flats)
Today's exciting program begins with a drive through the Domeyko hills famous for its prehistoric rock art and dramatic desert tones. Visit Yerbas Buenas, an area of great historical importance due to its prehistoric rock art, one of the most important groups of petroglyphs constructed by the indigenous people in the region. Continue to Rainbow Valley, named after the various colors of the surrounding hills. Its red, green, white, yellow, brown and earth colored tones combine with the blue sky and the white salt flats to create a truly unique setting. Next, visit the impressive Atacama Salt Flats, a surprisingly large and arid landscape stretching 100 km from north to south. Marvel at the amazing Chaxa Lagoon which is split into various clear water lagoons inhabited by both Andean and James flamingos. Finally, head to Toconao, a traditionally colonial-style village built from volcanic rock before returning to your resort late in the afternoon. Includes lunch, (B,L)

****Note: today's excursion operates on JOIN basis in a small group with other passengers (8 max). 

Day 5 San Pedro de Atacama (Tatio Geysers)
Today's tour features the impressive Tatio Geysers. Our journey to the Altiplano starts in the early hours to experience sunrise in one of the most important geothermic fields in the world - Tatio Geysers. At nearly 13,000 ft above sea level, Tatio comprises 70 geysers with pools of boiling water spurting vapor. In the early mornings, visitors are rewarded with a beautiful contrast of colors between the intensely blue sky and the pristine vapor from the geysers while enjoying breakfast in the picturesque setting. On our way back to San Pedro de Atacama, stop at the village of Machuca, an Atacameño village of just 20 houses built from clay, straw and cactus wood. Take a stroll through the village and observe the locals' way of life as well as a visit to the wetlands for some flamingo and birdwatching. Return to your resort and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. Includes lunch. (B,L)

****Note: today's excursion operates on JOIN basis in a small group with other passengers (8 max). 

Day 6 San Pedro de Atacama / Colchagua Valley
Morning transfer by private car for your flight to Santiago. Upon arrival, journey southbound by road to Colchagua valley, Chile's famed wine capital. Check in at your resort and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure to relax and soak up the beautiful Chilean countryside. Dinner is served at the resort. (B,D)

Day 7 Colchagua Valley (Wine Tasting) 
The Colchagua Valley lies some 130 kilometers south of Santiago, with the Andes to the east and Pacific Ocean to the west. The face of the coastal mountains in the valley is very low in altitude and this allows for the entrance of the influential cool Pacific breezes, creating a terroir perfectly suited to producing full-bodied, lusty red wines. Today's program features tours of local vineyards including wine-tasting and lunch. Return to your hotel in the afternoon. (B,L)

**Note: Intended wineries to feature Lapostolle, Montes and Viumanent but subject to availability/operating schedules. 

Day 8 Colchagua Valley / Pucón
Transfer for your flight to Temuco. Continue by private car to Pucon, Chile's famed Lake District. Native to the indigenous Mapuche people, Pucon and the surrounding region offer a wide selection of both soft and hard adventure activities. Over the next few days, we explore national parks of lush forests, lakes and lagoons, waterfalls, hot springs and majestic snow-capped volcanoes. After checking in at the beautiful Vira Vira, relax at the resort and soak up the region's tranquil environs. (B)

Day 9 Pucón (Villarrica Volcano Trek )
Today's adventure involves a 4 to 5 hour trek to the summit of the still-active Villarrica Volcano. Reaching an altitude of 9,100+ feet,  the view from the summit is nothing short of spectacular. Here, feast your eyes with panoramas that comprise of eight imposing volcanoes over glacial lakes. Afterward, stop by Pucón for a stroll and a bite before returning to your resort. Afternoon at leisure.  (B,L)

****Note: Difficulty Level is moderate but requires no technical abilities. Alternatives treks/sightseeing/activities may be arranged for those preferring a less strenuous excursion. 

Day 10 Pucón (Huerquehue National Park)
Discover the beauty of the Huerquehue National Park and enjoy various trekking or nature walk options tailored to your ability, difficulty level and preference. Your guide will discuss these exciting options with you before embarking on today's soft adventure. Includes picnic lunch. (B,L)

Day 11 Pucón / Santiago 
Transfer to Temuco Airport for your flight back to Santiago. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel in Santiago City. Enjoy the balance of the day to eat, shop and explore Santiago on your own. (B)

Day 12 Depart Santiago
Transfer to the Airport for your departure flight onward. (B)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
• Price includes all entrance fees, domestic air taxes, hotels taxes & service charges
• Price excludes international airfares, personal expenses, beverages during included lunches/dinners, gratuities to guides and drivers.
• Blackout dates, minimum stays and/or holiday surcharges apply for the following periods:
  • X-Mas Holidays (Dec. 15 - Jan. 10)
  • Holy Week (Easter Holiday)
• All flights, hotels and land services are subject to availability at time of reservation