CHILE 27 DAYS AUD 11,790
DEPARTS 11 OCT 2020 EX SYDNEY, SHARE TWIN
From mild conditions in Northern Chile, to cold conditions in Southern Patagonia.
| Northern Chile | Maximum day temperature Minimum night temperature |
20° – 25°C 09° – 14°C |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Chile (Patagonia) | Maximum day temperature Minimum night temperature |
09° – 14°C 01° – 06°C |
Chile Tour Map
No Hidden Extras
There are no hidden extras to pay for whilst on tour.
Peaceful Enjoyment
We respect peaceful enjoyment, we don t talk on the microphone all the time.
At Your Own Cost
- Fourteen optional dinners (3 course meal & wine $60) and most lunches or snacks.
- One funicular, two chair lifts at snowy mountains, Wulff Castle at Viña del Mar, one park at Lota, live show in Santiago.
- Travel insurance.
- Single accommodation supplement.
- Entry tax into Chile (Australian passport holders only).
Included in the Price
- Return air travel flying LATAM economy class.
- Five domestic flights, flying mainly SKY Airlines.
- All airport taxes (international and domestic).
- Transfer from all airports to hotels and vice versa.
- Quality hotel accommodation with breakfast. See hotel list in our programme.
- Air conditioned coaches or mini coaches with English speaking tour guides from Calama to Punta Arenas.(Air travel is not escorted).
- All the coach tours listed in our program.
- Ten dinners with 1/4 bottle of wine and 1/2 bottle of water included. Two special gastronomic lunches.
- Full day river cruise by exclusive boat from Valdivia to the Ocean disembarking at the Isle of Mancera.
- Full day lake cruise in the Andes.
- Full day cruise at Puerto Natales along a fjord with disembarkation at Serrano Glacier and special lunch at Estancia Perales.
- Entrance fees to National Parks.
- Optional extension to your international ticket.
NATURALLY EXTREME
Our unique approach is a radical departure from any conventional tour of obvious and commercialised resorts.
Chile’s length, when compared with Europe, exceeds the distance from Norway’s northern tip to the Sahara desert.
With a total area of 742,000 sq km (three times the size of the United Kingdom) it has a population of only 18 million people and encompasses amazing extremes:
- In the north, the world’s driest desert, the Atacama.
- In the centre, a mediterranean coast, lakes and rain forests.
- In the south, fjords and glaciers.
Yet, you can drive across the entire width of the country in a mere three hours, climbing from sea level to elevations higher than any peak in Europe or North America.
Here it’s possible to ski on the slopes of active volcanoes, sail amongst icebergs, venture into lunar outposts, or raft down wild rivers.
Patagonia in the south, is a land of untamed beauty, with plenty of natural wonders. It boasts an impressive 400 km long ice-field, known as the Southern Ice Cap.
Lake Miscanti – Located at 4,100m in the Northern Andes, at the edge of the Atacama desert, this small lake is set amongst a complex system of volcanoes, mostly around 6,000m high (see photo in the brochure).
Atacama Desert – It’s a very unusual desert because it features plenty of spectacular gorges and it is flanked by the Andes with snowy volcanoes 6,000m high as well as high altitude lakes. Yet it’s the world’s driest.
River Cruise – Navigation by exclusive boat from Valdivia to the strategic Isle of Mancera, facing the ocean, at the mouth of the river. Disembarkation and visit to historic XVII century Spanish Fortress. Disembarkation at the historic town of Niebla, on the banks of the river, opposite to Mancera Island.
Puerto Varas – The beautiful green countryside of Middle Chile graces this tranquil town set on the banks of Lake Llanquihue. The majestic snow capped volcano Osorno is mirrored in its waters.
Torres Del Paine – It’s the most famous spectacular National Park in Chile. Its wilderness is unparalleled and features amazing untamed landscapes as well as a unique fauna: most prominent are the guanacos (similar to lamas), easy to see and approach.
Patagonia-Tierra del Fuego cruise – Expedition in the deep south of the country. It boasts an incredible scenic variety: emerald green rivers, a maze of fjords and giant glaciers, high rising snowy peaks, dense forests, waterfalls and abundant wildlife.
PROGRAM
Sun 11 Oct 10.30 – Departure from Sydney, flying LATAM to Santiago.
15.00 – Flight to Calama.
17.00 – Same day arrival in Calama (2,200m) and transfer to hotel.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel (included).
Mon 12 Oct 08.30 – Departure for Lake Tebinquiche (2,400m). This is a scenic drive along the Atacama Desert. Local sighseeing. Lunch stop at San Pedro de Atacama. Return to Calama stopping at the spectacular Valley of Mars.
17.00 – Arrival back at the hotel.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel (included).
Tue 13 Oct 08.30 – Scenic drive in the Andes to the Tatio Plateau at 4,300m, flanked by impressive snowy peaks and endowed with amazing warm water pools! On the way back, stop at the picturesque village of Caspana.
16.00 – Arrival at the hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
19.30 – Dinner at the the hotel (Included).
Wed 14 Oct 08.30 – Departure for Lake Miscanti (4,100m), a natural protected reserve in the high Andes. First, we drive to San Pedro de Atacama, and from there we gradually climb up to 4,100m through a spectacular road flanked by volcanoes as high as 6,000m. The deep blue waters of Lake Miscanti offer a fascinating contrast with the lunar landscape of mountains and volcanoes surrounding it.
17.00 – Arrival back at the hotel.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel (included).
Thu 15 Oct 07.30 – Transfer to airport.
09.30 – Flight to Santiago.
11.30 – Arrival and transfer to hotel.
15.30 – City orientation: a relaxed 1.5 hrs stroll through elegant downtown.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel (included).
Fri 16 Oct – Morning at leisure.
14.00 – Spectacular funicular to San Cristobal Hill. The funicular gets you to the top (865m) in the centre of Santiago, with a sweeping view of the city and the snowy Andes.
19.30 – Optional dinner with live show and typical dances.
Sat 17 Oct – Departure for Valle Nevado (2,850m). The highly spectacular winding road climbs amongst some of the highest peaks in South America. Local sightseeing. Lunch/snack in picturesque setting.
16.30 – Arrival back at the hotel.
19.30 – Optional dinner.
Sun 18 Oct 08.30 – Excursion to Viña del Mar, a seaside resort rich in heritage and natural beauty. Local sightseeing and visit to the Wulff Castle.
16.00 – Return to Santiago.
19.30 – Optional Dinner.
Mon 19 Oct 10.30 – Transfer to airport.
13.00 – Flight to Concepcion.
14.10 – Arrival in Concepcion and transfer to hotel.
16.00 – Brief city centre orientation.
19.30 – Optional dinner.
Tue 20 Oct 08.30 – Departure for Lake Laja. Spectacular uphill drive to lake level (1,200m) through wild rugged mountains. Local picnic and easy scenic walk on the banks of the lake, flanked by the Andes and massive snow capped Volcano Antuco.
17.30 – Arrival back in Concepcion.
19.30 – Optional dinner.
Wed 21 Oct 08.30 – Scenic drive along the Gulf of Arauco. Morning stop at Lota and visit to historic mansion and its beautiful park.
11.00 – Departure from Lota and continuation on the coastal road. Lunch stop at restaurant in scenic spot. Return to hotel by 15.30.
15.30 – Time at leisure.
19.30 – Optional dinner.
Thu 22 Oct 08.30 – Excursion to the snowy Volcano Chillan (peak of 3,100m). We stop at the bottom of the volcano (at 1,680m) in a resort village which also boasts natural hot water thermae. Local time at leisure for lunch and optional chair lift above snow level.
16.30 – Arrival back in Concepcion.
19.30 – Optional dinner.
Fri 23 Oct 08.30 – Departure for Pucon, the “resort-capital” of the lake district of Chile: a complex of seven beautiful lakes in the Andes.
15.00 – Arrival in Pucon. Afternoon at leisure in this beautiful resort.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel (included).
Sat 24 Oct 08.30 – Scenic drive throughout the green lush landscape of the Southern Andes, graced by snow-white peaks. Stop at the resort Termas de Huife and continuation eastward. Lunch at Curarrehue.
16.00 – Arrival back in Pucon.
19.30 – Optional dinner.
Sun 25 Oct 08.30 – Departure for Valdivia.
10.30 – River cruise by exclusive boat to the Pacific Ocean. Disembarkation at the strategic island of Mancera, facing the ocean, at the mouth of the river, and visit to XVII century Spanish Fortress. Disembarkation at the historic town of Niebla.
18.30 – Arrival in Pucon.
19.30 – Optional dinner.
Mon 26 Oct 08.30 – Excursion to Lakes Calafquen and Panguipulli. This is a super spectacular scenic drive, which makes Swiss Alpine beauty pale in comparison. Lunch in picturesque panoramic spot at Lake Pirihueico.
16.00 – Arrival back in Pucon.
19.30 – Optional dinner.
Tue 27 Oct 08.30 – Departure for Puerto Varas on the banks of Lake Llanquihue. This is a freeway journey along a pretty green countryside. Lunch stop in a picturesque spot on the banks of Lake Puyehue.
16.00 – Arrival at the hotel. Afternoon at leisure in this picturesque town.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel (included).
Wed 28 Oct 08.30 – Departure for Lake Emerald, in the heart of the Andes. Full day cruise through unspoilt snowy mountains with lunch stop in Peulla.
18.30 – Arrival back at the hotel.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel (included).
Thu 29 Oct 08.30 – Excursion to the snow capped volcano Osorno (peak of 2,700m). A scenic road reaches a chair lift station at 1,200m (bar/snack facilities). From here a two-segment chair lift climbs to 1,700m above snow line, boasting a panoramic view of the Andes and Lake Llanquihue. Return to Puerto Varas by lunch time. Afternoon at leisure.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel (included).
Fri 30 Oct 08.30 – Today’s excursion takes us to Calbuco, a coastal colourful town south of Puerto Montt. We drive along a scenic coastline flanked by small islands. Local orientation in Calbuco and time at leisure. After lunch we return to Puerto Varas via a modern freeway.
17.00 – Arrival at the hotel.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel (included).
Sat 31 Oct 08.30 – Departure for Puerto Montt Airport.
11.00 – Flight to Punta Arenas
13.00 – Arrival at Punta Arenas and transfer to Puerto Natales (Southern Patagonia), on the banks of a beautiful bay surrounded by snowy peaks.
17.00 – Arrival at the hotel located in prime panoramic position.
19.30 – Optional dinner.
Sun 01 Nov 07.00 – Transfer to nearby harbour and embarkation on a small ship which will sail through the fjord “Ultima Esperanza” right to the end. Disembarkation at the foot of the Serrano Glacier. Transfer to a nearby estancia for a special lunch (included). Return to Puerto Natales.
18.00 – Arrival at the hotel.
19.30 – Optional dinner.
Mon 02 Nov 08.30 – Scenic drive in the National Park of Torres del Paine with a few stops in spectacular places. Lunch in splendid panoramic position on the banks of Lake Pehoe.
16.00 – Arrival in Puerto Natales.
19.30 – Optional dinner.
Tue 03 Nov 09.30 – Excursion to the Estancia Cerro Guido in the countryside at the foot of snowy peaks. A special Patagonian lunch is included. Return to Puerto Natales in the afternoon.
19.30 – Optional dinner.
Wed 04 Nov 09.30 – Departure for Punta Arenas.
12.30 – Arrival in Punta Arenas. (Passengers booked on the cruise will embark here). Transfer to airport.
18.00 – Flight to Santiago.
Thu 05 Nov – In flight.
01.00 – LATAM flight to Sydney.
Fri 06 Nov 09.00 – Arrival in Sydney.
NINE DAY CRUISE THROUGH FJORDS & GLACIERS
USD 6000 SEASIDE AA CABIN share twin. ex Punta Arenas
AA CABINS ARE ON THE 3RD DECK (OUT OF 4 DECKS)
FOR MORE DETAILS SEE: www.australis.com
This Cruise includes all meals and wine + daily excursions ashore by way of Zodiac boats
Our optional cruise-expedition sails through the southern Chilean Fjords
Wed 04 Nov – Punta Arenas
13.00 – Check in at the quay prior to boarding ship.
Thu 05 Nov – Sail through Admiralty Fjord. Disembarkation by Zodiac at Ainsworth Bay near Marinelli Glacier and visit to a colony of elephant seals.
Fri 06 Nov – Navigation through the Beagle Channel and disembarkation by Zodiac at Pia Glacier.
Sat 07 Nov – Navigation to Cape Horn and local disembarkation by Zodiac, with walk to the “end of the earth”. Afternoon disembarkation by Zodiac at Wulaia Bay.
Sun 08 Nov – Disembarkation at Ushuaia, in Argentina: the southernmost town in the world. Day available for local excursions, which can be booked on board the ship.
Mon 09 Nov – Same program as Wednesday 31 (Cape Horn).
Tue 10 Nov – Navigation to Garibaldi Glacier and local disembarkation
Wed 11 Nov – Navigation along the Beagle Channel. Disembarkation by Zodiac and excursion at Aguila Glacier.
Thu 12 Nov – Early morning disembarkation at Magdalena Island, the home of a colony of penguins. Then the ship sails to Punta Arenas: 11.00 – Disembarkation.
HOTELS
We believe that you are entitled to know exactly what you get for your money and that’s why we clearly state not only the number of stars but also the location of the hotels we use.
Unless you are in a rush tour, where you get to the hotel late at night and leave early morning, we do believe that a good location makes a world of difference to the quality of your holiday.
Calama
Hotel DE ALMAGRO
Spacious modern four star hotel with a good downtown location. Everything at your fingertips. Best hotel in town.
Santiago
Hotel PANAMERICANO
It’s the best in the historical city centre. Quality in this three star hotel is in junior suites which offer a very high standard of comfort.
Concepcion
Hotel ALBORADA
Excellent four star hotel (Best Western chain) in the heart of this major city. Its privileged location is within walking distance from all the main highlights.
Pucon
GRAN HOTEL
This four star hotel is a very elegant complex. It is located on the banks of Lake Villarrica boasting great scenic views and it’s adjacent to charming downtown centre.
Puerto Varas
Hotel BELLAVISTA
Elegant four star hotel in splendid central location overlooking Lake Llanquihue, with direct view of the snow capped volcano Osorno and the Andes.
Puerto Natales
Hotel COSTAUSTRALIS
Luxury four star hotel in splendid prime seaside location overlooking the beautiful bay of Puerto Natales and its snowy peaks. Yet it is within walking distance from the downtown
district.
Cruising Ship
All cabins have large windows boasting great scenic views of glaciers and fjords.
TOTAL ACCOMMODATION – 24 NIGHTS
4 in Calama, 4 in Santiago, 4 in Concepcion, 4 in Pucon, 4 in Puerto Varas, 4 in Puerto Natales
OPTIONAL CRUISE: SHIP ACCOMMODATION – 8 ADDITIONAL NIGHTS