Atacama Desert & Lake District - 9 Days

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Santiago de Chile

Welcome to Chile! Upon arrival at Santiago International Airport, a driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. You'll have the rest of the day to explore the city at your leisure. 

Suggested activities include:

• Hike to the top of Cerro San Cristobal, where you can get your bearings by surveying the area from a high vantage point. Pathways lead 2,788 feet (850 m) up this central hill to a series of lookouts that offer wraparound views of Santiago. If you aren't the hiking type, not to worry: catch a scenic gondola instead.
  
  
• Stroll the cobblestone streets of Barrio Bellavista. On the north side of Santiago, you'll find this trendy enclave, at once fashionable and bohemian. Stroll past colorful houses adorned with graffiti art and choose between an eclectic array of eateries and bars—great for people watching. 
  
  
• Visit the Plaza de Armas, a stone plaza located in Santiago's historic center dating to 1541. There's also the impressive Catedral Metropolitana, a neoclassical church dating to 1748 whose towering twin bell towers dominate the north side of the plaza.
  
  
• Snap pics in front of the Palacio de la Moneda. Chile's opulent Presidential Palace (known simply as "La Moneda") is a short stroll from the Plaza de Armas. It was here in 1973 that Chile's armed forces, backed by the U.S. government, overthrew President Salvador Allende, kicking off a brutal right-wing military dictatorship that would last for 17 years. Visitors are welcome.

For dinner be sure to get out of the hotel and enjoy a culinary adventure in the city. In recent years Santiago has emerged as a global foodie destination. Chilean chefs are reinventing traditional dishes like empanadas, cazuelas (stews), and seafood with ingredients harvested all the way from the northern deserts and southern Patagonian regions. You can find great restaurants and wine bars not only in the Bellavista neighborhood but also in the revitalized historic barrios of Yungay and Italia.

Day 2: Santiago - San Pedro de Atacama

This morning you transfer from your hotel in Santiago to the airport for your flight to Calama. Upon arrival, transfer approximately one hour to the charming town of San Pedro de Atacama where your accommodations await. 

Day 3: San Pedro de Atacama, Salt Flat & Altiplanic Lagoons

Following breakfast this morning, you will be picked up and head out on a full day tour of the Atacama Salt Flats (Salar de Atacama) and the Altiplanic Lagoons. Enjoy the stunning surroundings of the Chaxa Lagoon and marvel at the flamingos that migrate to the salt flat every year. Follow the road to the highlands through a landscape of many contrasts to visit the Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons, which, at 13,800 feet, sit at the base of the volcanic Andes.

Enjoy lunch at the local village of Socaire, famed for its traditional cuisine, before visiting the town of Toconoa's renowned bell tower and Church of San Lucas.  You'll then return to the hotel for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Day 4: San Pedro de Atacama - Tatio Geysers, Machuca, & Moon Valley

After a very early morning pick up, begin your trip to one of the most incredible geothermal fields in the world. Walk amongst the Tatio Geysers as they spurt steam and water, and enjoy an outdoor breakfast against the natural backdrop of the Andes before you continue on to the "Pozon Rustico" where you are able to relax in the warm thermal springs.

From here,  take the road back to San Pedro as you appreciate the beautiful landscapes, native flora, and fauna before finally stopping at the village of Machuca, the ancient home of the llama shepherds. Today, this town of adobe, straw and cactus houses specializes in local products such as Andean handicrafts, llama meat, and empanadas. This afternoon you will head out on your half day tour to the Valley of the Moon, nestled deep in the middle of the mountains. This landscape of salt and clay has been formed by water and wind over millions of years, allowing you to enjoy the extravagant and inspiring mountain range.

After spending the day at the foot of the Andes and its volcanoes, wrap up your experience by taking in the incredible mountain sunset before being transferred back to the hotel. This evening you will enjoy a private tour with a specialized astronomic guide who will take you to the Astronomic Sanctuary from where you can take in amazing and unobstructed views of constellations.

Day 5: San Pedro de Atacama - Santiago de Chile –Puerto Montt

Following breakfast this morning, you are transferred one hour to the  Calama airport for your flight to Puerto Montt via Santiago. Upon arrival, you pick up your rental car and drive yourself to your hotel in the Puerto Varas city center. 

Day 6: Puerto Varas –Osorno Volcano & Frutillar 

Today you set off for Todos Los Santos Lake where you will experience the most impressive views of Osorno Volcano. En route you will also have the chance to visit the remarkable Petrohue Rapids. This afternoon, drive back to  Puerto Varas via Frutillar and experience this cozy little town and its delicious handmade German food.

Day 7: Chiloe Island

In the morning, set off on the scenic two-hour drive to you will drive to Chiloe Island. Upon arrival, check in to your accommodations and home for the next two nights. While here you will have plenty of time to discover the island at your own pace as well a take in the local culture and cuisine.

Day 8: Chiloe Island

Enjoy your day at leisure on the ethereal island of Chiloe. Activities abound ranging from kayaking and fishing to whale watching and museums so you are sure to have an exciting day.

Day 9: Chiloe Island - Puerto Montt & Departure

After breakfast, it's time to head to the Puerto Montt Airport where you take your flight back to Santiago. Upon arrival in Santiago, transfer to the international terminal for check-in to your flight back home.