Best of Chile from Atacama to Patagonia
Experience Overview
Journey across Chile on an immersive 11-Day adventure, from Santiago set against the snow-capped Andes to the UNESCO protected sites of Valparaíso and the llama farms of Torres del Paine. Wine connoisseurs will be in their element at the Kingston Family Vineyard where a private Casablanca Valley Wine Tasting uncorks the finest local tipples—including regional Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. In Torres del Paine, join the Patagonia Ranch cultural experience and see the world through the eyes of your local baqueano guides—the cowboy descendants of horsemen who came to work the ranches over a century ago. In Atacama, journey 14,000 feet up into the Andes for a dip in the Puritama Hot Springs before an evening of stargazing under the crystal-clear skies of the Chilean desert.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Lunch with Wine (LW)
- 4 Lunch (L)
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Torres del Paine National Park: This afternoon, join a Patagonian Ranch Cultural Experience and learn about the baqueano (cowboy) way of life. Many of these local cowboys are the descendants of horsemen who came to work ranches in this remote region more than a century ago. During your time with them, you will learn about their special clothing, saddles and other horse tack. You'll also be shown how to properly saddle a horse, nail a horseshoe and of course how to ride. Enjoy a Yerba mate tea with them while chatting about Patagonian culture.
- Torres del Paine National Park: Join an immersive tour of the region's oldest organic kitchens and garden at the Reserva Cerro Paine. Using bio-intensive sustainable methods, this farm conserves traditional heirloom varieties as well as an assortment of culinary and medicinal herbs.
Authentic Dining
- Valparaiso: In the evening meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel, where you'll enjoy a delicious dinner while getting to know some of your new travel companions.
- Santiago: Enjoy lunch at El Galeón restaurant, located in the heart of the Central Market, Santiago's main market for fish and seafood.
- Torres del Paine National Park: After a day exploring, join your Travel Director and new friends as you toast to your travels at a dinner with wine.
Insight Choice
- Torres del Paine National Park: This afternoon, join a Patagonian Ranch Cultural Experience and learn about the baqueano (cowboy) way of life. Many of these local cowboys are the descendants of horsemen who came to work ranches in this remote region more than a century ago. During your time with them, you will learn about their special clothing, saddles and other horse tack. You'll also be shown how to properly saddle a horse, nail a horseshoe and of course how to ride. Enjoy a Yerba mate tea with them while chatting about Patagonian culture.
- Torres del Paine National Park: Join an immersive tour of the region's oldest organic kitchens and garden at the Reserva Cerro Paine. Using bio-intensive sustainable methods, this farm conserves traditional heirloom varieties as well as an assortment of culinary and medicinal herbs.
Insight Experiences
- San Pedro de Atacama: Our journey to the Altiplano starts in the early hours, just in time to watch the sun rise in one of the most important geothermic fields in the world: the El Tatio Geysers. There are over 70 geysers with pools of boiling water spurting vapor and it is best to see them first thing in the morning, so you can truly appreciate the beautiful contrast of colors between the intensely blue sky and the pristine vapor from the geysers. You will then enjoy a well-deserved breakfast in this amazing setting, in the shadows of the Andes. Take a moment to warm up as the temperatures in the zone can range from -2°C to 24.5°C (28°F to 76° F). On you way back to San Pedro de Atacama, you will travel through beautiful landscapes, seeing the valleys, flora and fauna, and maybe even spotting some of the local vicunas and vizcachas - a real highlight.
- San Pedro de Atacama: Explore the Atacama Salt Flats, the largest in Chile. One of the driest parts of the world, the area stretches for over 40,000 square miles (103,600 square kilometers). View the nearby volcanoes, and keep your eyes open for species of wild birds including the Andean and James flamingos on the shores of the Chaxa, Miscanti and Minque Lagoons.
Make Travel Matter
- Torres del Paine National Park: Enjoy the exquisite local flavors of Torres Del Paine National Park as you dine at Hotel Las Torres. Every meal features fresh, in-season ingredients grown on-site at the region's oldest gardens, which utilize bio-intensive sustainable techniques. Your experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Top Rated Highlights
- Valparaiso: Join a Local Expert on a guided tour of the coastal city of Valparaiso and explore this colorful UNESCO protected site.
- Santiago: Visit Bodegas RE Winery, a small boutique winery located in Casablanca Valley for an introduction to and tasting of their exquisite wines.
- San Pedro de Atacama: Head to the Moon Valley for a guided visit. A nod to its name, this moon-like area is made up of dunes, caves and caverns.You'll learn more about its history and the land formations from a Local Expert.
- Santiago: On arrival, take a tour of the city with a Local Expert. Discover its Neoclassical landmarks including the 18th century Metropolitan Cathedral, vibrant Central Market, and San Cristobal Hill.
- Puerto Natales: Explore Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers aboard a sea vessel.
- Torres del Paine National Park: Take a scenic drive to Torres del Paine National Park, with plenty of scenic photo stops along the way. The park is situated in Chile’s Patagonia region and is famous for its glaciers, grasslands, imposing mountains and the three granite towers it is named after. The park is also part of UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserve System, known for its rare wildlife.
Trip Details
Product Code: 22646
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator:
Insight Vacations (CA)
Supplier Code: 258
Starts: Santiago (Chile), Chile
Finishes: Santiago (Chile), Chile
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $14,472 ($1,316 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Santiago. A picturesque city back dropped by the spectacular, snow-capped Andes, it offers a metropolitan world of museums, top restaurants and historic finds. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel and enjoy a Welcome Dinner.
Accommodation: Intercontinental, Santiago
Meals: Dinner with Wine
Begin your day with a visit to the coastal city of Valparaíso. Explore the UNESCO protected site with a Local Expert as you discover its church-dotted hillsides and unique amphitheater-like layout. After lunch, visit Bodegas RE Winery for a private wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley. Recognized for crafting exceptional wines with passion and precision, embodying the essence of Chilean terroir in every bottle. The evening is yours at leisure to relax or have a night out on the town.
Accommodation: Intercontinental, Santiago
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
Take a transfer to the airport for your flight to Calama, a city based in the Atacama Desert. On arrival you'll head to San Pedro de Atacama. You’ll then be driven to the Moon Valley for a guided visit. True to its name, this moon-like area is made up of dunes, caves and caverns. Learn more about its history and the land formations from a Local Expert.
Accommodation: Cumbres, San Pedro de Atacama
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, take a guided visit to the Atacama Geysers known as El Tatio Geysers, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Located in the Andes Mountains, you'll be 14,170 feet (4,230 meters) above sea level. Afterwards, enjoy a visit to the Puritama Hot Springs before taking a scenic drive back to your hotel.
Accommodation: Cumbres, San Pedro de Atacama
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Explore the Atacama Salt Flats, the largest in Chile. One of the driest parts of the world, the area stretches for over 40,000 square miles (103,600 kilometers). Keep your eyes open for species of wild birds including the Andean and James flamingos on the shores of the Chaxa, Miscanti and Minque Lagoons. This afternoon, make your way to Toconao, a traditional colonial village known for its volcanic rock architecture. Take a stroll through the main square and visit the handicraft stands that sell alpaca textiles.
Accommodation: Cumbres, San Pedro de Atacama
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Wake up for your transfer and flight back to Santiago. Enjoy lunch at El Galeón restaurant, located in the heart of the Central Market. Continue to the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral, traveling to the heart of the city along the famous Alameda, Santiago's vibrant main avenue. Continue your tour by crossing the Mapocho River to reach the bohemian Bellavista district on your way to San Cristobal Hill.
Accommodation: Intercontinental, Santiago
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
Fly to Punta Arenas where you'll then drive to Puerto Natales, a port city, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park and starting point for explorers in search of the Patagonian fjords. This afternoon, you’ll have leisure time in the day to rest and rejuvenate before heading to dinner. Famous for its spiced meat and seafood dishes, tonight's meal will have you savoring typical Patagonian dishes.
Accommodation: Remota Patagonia Lodge, Puerto Natales
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Wake for a scenic breakfast before starting your day. Torres del Paine National Park boasts jaw-dropping landscapes filled with turquoise lagoons, glaciers, and towering granite horns. Head out on a Balmaceda and Serrano Glacier Cruise to view these majestic ice formations. On return, the rest of your day is at leisure.
Accommodation: Remota Patagonia Lodge, Puerto Natales
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Join your Travel Director on an excursion of Torres del Paine National Park, famous for its glaciers, grasslands, imposing mountains and the three granite towers it is named after. Later today, explore with Insight Choice. Opt to learn the Patagonian cowboy way of life by spending an evening with local vaqueros to learn about their special clothing, saddles and an opportunity to share mate, a herbal tea made from yerba mate leaves. Or, join a tour of the region's oldest gardens at Reserva Cerro Paine which produces seasonal fruits and vegetables using bio-intensive sustainable methods. Tonight, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you enjoy the exquisite flavors of Torres Del Paine National Park.
Accommodation: Las Torres Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
Today you'll spend the day sightseeing in Torres del Paine as you look out for the park's guanacos, a rare creature similar to the llama, as well as Andean condors. Witness the sharp peaks of Cuernos del Paine and marvel at the emerald waters of the park’s lakes. These include Lake Pehoé, Sarmiento Lake, Del Toro Lake and Nordenskjöld Lake.After a day exploring, join your Travel Director and new friends as you toast to your travels at a Celebration Dinner with wine.
Accommodation: Las Torres Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers as your trip comes to an end. Head to Punta Arenas where you'll fly to Santiago International Airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Insight Vacations (CA)
Part of The Travel Company (TTC) family of brands, Insight Vacations began operations in 1978 and is based in Cypress, CA. Journeys are featured to destinations, such as the U.S. and Canada, Europe, Latin America, North Africa, Asia, the UK and Ireland. The company offers are a variety of tours under the classifications of Regional Journeys, Country Roads, Discovery Journeys, Easy Pace trips, and Special Interest tours. Insight is the ideal name for the tour operator, as the journeys provided by Insight Vacations allow travelers to gain further insight into whatever destination they wish to explore. For example, Discovery Journeys are the ideal choice for first-time visitors to Europe. Itineraries include Dine-at-Home or Farm-to-Table experiences so travelers can learn more about how locals live and dine. Regional Journeys allow trip-goers to see a specific location in Europe that they have always wanted to see – Poland, Switzerland, Italy, etc. The carefully planned trips enable customers to immerse themselves in one specific region or country and to become acquainted with its culture, traditions, and people. For anyone seeking travel off the beaten track, Insight Vacations offers Country Roads – trips that lead travelers off the well-tread tourist trail to explore hidden gems where visitors can savor the local produce with Farm-to-Table dining. Some trips are offered under the Easy Pace travel style – the ideal trip choice for trip-goers who wish to slow their pace during their vacation. During these tours, vacationers stay at least 3 nights at each destination, giving them some additional time to explore a place and enjoy it. Regardless of the travel style, many of the vacations offered by Insight Vacations begin with Relaxed Starts – giving travelers time to sleep in a little, spend more time at breakfast, or explore an area on their own. The tour company prides itself on providing business class tours that features luxury coaches with 40 seats. While most coach touring operators provide vehicles with 53 seats, Insight Vacations has re-configured its motor coaches to hold up to 40 guests. This gives passengers extra leg room while traveling and offers them more space and privacy.
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