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16 Days Tour Cost
Middle Class hotels
AUD$4433 pp t/s
AUD$908 SRS Comfort Class hotels
AUD$4949 pp t/s
AUD$1348 SRS Guaranteed Departures
2011: 13/27 Nov 2012: 08/29 Jan, 12/26 Feb, 18 Mar, 01 Apr, 23 Sep, 07/21 Oct,
04/18 Nov This tour of Chile includes visits to regions that can justifiably claim to have the world’s most beautiful scenery. From the world’s driest desert to the world’s greatest glaciers, Chile is an incredibly beautiful country.
The route commences in Santiago where you’ll find some excellent examples of Spanish colonial architecture and, ascending San Cristobal Hill, incredible views across the city to the Andean peaks beyond. We then head south to the Atacama Desert- the world’s driest desert, and a centre of Indian culture and tradition, then still further south to the Lake District surrounding the towns of Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas. From here we journey inland, to the pristine shores of Lake Llanquihue, the rapids of Petrohue and the Vicente Perez Rosales Nat. Park, and to Punta Arenas where we visit the enormous colony of penguins. We then turn northwards, to Puerto Natales and the Torres del Paine Nat. Park (Voted the world’s best national park in October 2009). Surrounded by snow capped mountain peaks, lakes and forests, you will agree- there is no place in the world more beautiful than Chile.
Includes: Airport-hotel transfers Days 1 to 16, fifteen nights’ hotel and lodge accommodation, portage, breakfast daily, local guides and applicable entry fees, transport by coach, public inter-city coach, boat and flight. Not included: Airfare from/to Australia, visas, exit taxes if applicable, other meals, personal purchase, tipping, travel insurance, optional activities. Our hotels in Chile
City Middle Class Comfort Class Santiago Hotel Torremayor Hotel Atton el Bosque
Atacama Hotel Casa Don Tomas Hotel Altiplano
Puerto Varas Hotel Cabanas del Lago Hotel Cabanas del Lago
Punto Arenas Hotel Jose Nogueira Hotel Cabo de Hornos
Puerto Natales Hotel Charles Darwin Hotel Costaustralis
ITINERARY
Day 1: Santiago
You are met on arrival and transferred to your hotel for 3 nights. Rest of day at leisure
Day 2: Santiago [B]
The morning is at leisure. An afternoon guided tour includes the Church of San Francisco, several Barrio neighbourhoods, Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and ascent of San Cristobal Hill.
Day 3: Santiago [B]
A full day at leisure in this relaxed and friendly city, or join an optional tour to Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. Here old funiculars provide local transport, restaurants display the catch of the day and the beaches are often crowded .
Day 4: San Pedro de Atacama [B]
Transfers and flight to Calama, then by road to the Atacama. An afternoon tour includes the cobbled colonial streets, the interesting archaeological centre and the Indian Museum.
Day 5: Atacama [BL]
A full day excursion to the huge salt lake, Salar de Atacama, and to the lakes at the base of two ancient volcanoes. We then continue into the desert to the Indian village of Toconao.
Day 6: Atacama [B]
A day at leisure in the charming town of San Pedro de Atacama, or you may join an optional early morning tour to the geysers at El Tatio, located 4321 metres above sea level.
Day 7: Santiago [B]
We return south to the capital and overnight at our city-centre hotel.
Optional: An afternoon visit to the Cavas de Maipo vineyard.
Day 8: Puerto Natales [B]
Transfer and flight to Punta Arenas followed by a tour of this, the most southern town in Chile and located on the shores of the Magellan Strait. Afterwards we transfer by inter-city coach to Puerto Natales.
Day 9: Torres del Paine [B]
A full day excursion into arguably the world’s best national park; a region of jagged mountain peaks, shimmering lakes, cascading waterfalls, rivers and glaciers. You may catch a glimpse of herds of guanacos, groups of fox and many bird species.
Day 10: Punta Arenas [B]
Return by inter-city coach to Punta Arenas for a visit to the penguin colony at Otway Bay or, subject to weather, Nandu Park to see the unique birdlife.
Day 11: Puerto Varas [B]
Transfers and flight via Santiago to Puerto Varas. En-route to your hotel, a short tour of Puerto Montt, gateway to the Chilean Lake District. Puerto Varas overlooks Lago Llanguihue and the reflections of snow covered peaks on the still waters is an unforgettable sight.
Day 12: Lakes and Rivers [B]
A full day excursion by road, catamaran and walking in the Lake District. You’ll see the Petrohue Rapids, enter the national park, cross Lago Todos los Santos and see local villages. An in the background the snow-covered peaks of the Andes.
Day 13: Temuco [B]
We use the inter-city coach to Temuco, a small town inhabited by Mapuche Indians. The route partly follows the Pan-Americano Highway.
Day 14: Temuco [B]
A full day at leisure in Temuco allows time to explore the markets and central district, or you may join an optional tour visiting the Araucania Museum, enjoy a typical Mapuche lunch and experience elements of their traditional lifestyle.
Day 15: Santiago [B]
Transfers and flight to Santiago. You are met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Remainder of day at leisure.
Day 16: Departure [B]
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your onward arrangements. |