Chile Discovery: From the Atacama Desert to Patagonia’s Glaciers
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Embark on an unforgettable journey through Chile’s stunning landscapes, from the arid beauty of the Atacama Desert in the north to the icy majesty of Patagonia’s glaciers in the south. Begin your adventure in the world’s driest desert, exploring salt flats, geysers, and lunar-like landscapes. Then, journey south to the Lake District, with its stunning volcanic lakes and lush forests, before reaching the dramatic fjords and glaciers of Patagonia. Discover the natural wonders, rich culture, and diverse ecosystems of Chile on this epic expedition, a perfect blend of adventure, exploration, and breathtaking scenery.
What Trip Includes
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Accommodation:
- 9 nights in carefully selected hotels, lodges, and boutique accommodations (based on the itinerary, from the Atacama Desert to Patagonia).
- Accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama, Puerto Natales, and El Calafate with breakfast included.
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Domestic Flights:
- Flights from Santiago to Calama (Atacama Desert).
- Flights from Calama to Punta Arenas (Patagonia).
- Flights from Punta Arenas to El Calafate (Argentina).
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Transportation:
- Private transfers between airports, hotels, and national parks as specified in the itinerary.
- Transportation for all included tours (e.g., park visits, glacier excursions).
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Guided Tours:
- Full-day guided tour to Torres del Paine National Park, including park entry fees.
- Half-day guided tour to Valle de la Luna in the Atacama Desert.
- Guided visit to El Tatio Geysers, Laguna Cejar, Salar de Atacama, and other key desert sites.
- Guided boat trip to Grey Glacier in Torres del Paine National Park.
- Optional astronomy tour in the Atacama Desert (weather permitting).
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Park Entry Fees:
- Entrance fees to Torres del Paine National Park and other included parks.
- Entrance to Perito Moreno Glacier (Argentina side).
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Meals:
- Daily breakfast at all accommodations.
- Selected lunches and dinners in local restaurants and park lodges.
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Tour Leader/Local Guides:
- Professional English-speaking tour leader throughout the trip.
- Local expert guides in both the Atacama Desert and Patagonia.
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Special Activities:
- Stargazing experience in the Atacama Desert.
- Glacier viewing experiences (boat trips, trekking, etc.).
- Wildlife spotting in Patagonia (guanacos, condors, and more).
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Local Support:
- 24/7 customer support during your trip.
- Detailed travel documents with itinerary and local recommendations.
What Trip Excludes
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International Flights:
- International flights to and from Chile (Santiago) and Argentina (El Calafate or Buenos Aires) are not included.
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Meals Not Listed:
- Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary (e.g., lunch on days at leisure, dinners not included in specific locations).
- Alcoholic beverages and drinks not included with meals.
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Travel Insurance:
- Comprehensive travel insurance is not included (strongly recommended to cover cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage).
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Personal Expenses:
- Souvenirs, personal shopping, laundry, or any other personal expenses are not included.
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Optional Activities:
- Optional activities, such as additional guided excursions or special activities outside the listed itinerary (e.g., horseback riding, additional glacier tours).
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Tips & Gratuities:
- Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included. Tipping is customary in Chile and Argentina, typically around 10% for services.
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Visa Fees:
- Any applicable visa fees or entry requirements to Chile or Argentina are not included (most travelers do not need a visa for short stays, but please check your nationality).
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Health & Vaccinations:
- Costs related to medical treatment, vaccinations, or health services are not covered.
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Hotel Upgrades:
- Any upgrades to higher category hotels or rooms are not included unless specified in the package.
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Additional Transfers:
- Transfers outside the specified itinerary, including transportation to/from locations not mentioned in the tour package.
Itineraries
No details found.
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Morning:
- Arrive in Santiago, Chile’s vibrant capital.
- Transfer to the airport for a flight to Calama, the nearest airport to San Pedro de Atacama.
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Afternoon:
- Arrive in San Pedro de Atacama and transfer to your hotel.
- Take a leisurely walk around the town to explore its charming adobe architecture and local artisan markets.
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Evening:
- Visit the Valley of the Moon for sunset, where you’ll witness otherworldly landscapes as the sun sets over the desert dunes and salt flats.
- Enjoy a traditional Chilean dinner in town.
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Morning:
- Early morning departure for a visit to the El Tatio Geysers, the highest geothermal field in the world. Watch as the steam rises dramatically from the geysers at sunrise.
- Enjoy a traditional breakfast in the desert before heading to Piedras Rojas and the Lagunas Altiplánicas, high-altitude lagoons surrounded by stunning desert landscapes and snow-capped mountains.
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Afternoon:
- Visit the Salar de Atacama, one of the largest salt flats in the world, and spot flamingos grazing in the saltwater lagoons.
- Return to San Pedro de Atacama for some free time to relax and explore more of the town.
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Evening:
- Optional: Stargazing tour in the Atacama Desert, one of the clearest skies in the world.
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Morning:
- After breakfast, fly from Calama to Puerto Montt, located in the heart of Chile’s Lake District.
- Transfer to the picturesque town of Puerto Varas, nestled beside Lake Llanquihue, with stunning views of the Osorno Volcano.
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Afternoon:
- Explore the charming town of Puerto Varas, known for its German-inspired architecture, and take a stroll along the lakefront.
- Optional: Visit Petrohue Falls, where the waters cascade through volcanic rock, or take a scenic boat ride on Lake Todos los Santos.
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Evening:
- Enjoy a cozy dinner at a lakeside restaurant, sampling local seafood and Chilean specialties.
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Morning:
- Fly from Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas and transfer to Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most iconic natural wonders of Patagonia.
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Afternoon:
- Explore the stunning Torres del Paine, known for its towering granite peaks, turquoise lakes, and vast glaciers. Take an introductory hike to the Laguna Amarga or Salto Grande, where you can marvel at the dramatic landscapes.
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Evening:
- Overnight in Torres del Paine at a lodge or eco-camp, offering breathtaking views of the park.
- Enjoy dinner surrounded by the beauty of Patagonia.
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Morning:
- Embark on a half-day hike or scenic drive around Torres del Paine, visiting highlights such as the Grey Glacier, Laguna Azul, and the Cuernos del Paine (Horns of Paine).
- If time permits, enjoy a boat ride on Grey Lake, with views of the stunning glacier.
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Afternoon:
- Return to Punta Arenas for a flight back to Santiago.
- If you have time before your departure, enjoy a brief tour of Santiago or relax at your hotel.
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Evening:
- Departure from Santiago, or continue your onward journey.
Trips Facts
FAQ
The best time to visit Chile for this tour is during the southern hemisphere summer months of November to March, when the weather is warm and conditions are ideal for exploring the desert and Patagonia. The Atacama Desert will be sunny and dry, while Patagonia will have more temperate conditions, though it can be windy.
Chile’s diverse climates require packing for both desert heat and Patagonian cold:
Atacama Desert: Light clothing for the day (shorts, T-shirts), warm layers for the evenings, sunglasses, sunblock, a hat, and comfortable hiking shoes.
Patagonia: Layers for cold weather (windproof jacket, fleece, gloves, hat), sturdy hiking boots, and waterproof gear, as Patagonia can be unpredictable with wind and rain.
Other Essentials: A small daypack, camera, water bottle, and insect repellent.
This tour is designed for moderate-level fitness. There are some light to moderate hikes and walks, especially in Torres del Paine National Park and the Atacama Desert. While you don’t need to be an expert hiker, a basic level of fitness is recommended, especially for walking on uneven terrain and higher altitudes.
Yes! While the tour includes guided excursions to major attractions, you will also have free time to explore at your leisure, especially in the evenings or during select afternoons. You can relax in San Pedro de Atacama or Puerto Natales, stroll through local markets, or enjoy the scenery on your own.
This trip involves some moderate walking and hiking, especially in Torres del Paine and the Atacama Desert. Expect to walk for several hours on some days, often on uneven or rocky terrain. However, the hikes are optional in most cases, and you can decide if you prefer to take it easy or participate in the hikes.
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