Highlights
- Be amazed by the beauty of the total solar eclipse
- Check out the colorful street art in UNESCO-listed Valparaiso
- Taste some of Chile's finest wines at several wineries
- Explore the modern and dynamic capital of Chile, Santiago
- Spend time hiking through peaceful forests in the Andes
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Welcome to Santiago! | Santiago |
| Day 2 | Day Trip to Viña del Mar & Valparaíso | Santiago |
| Day 3 | Region del Maule Wineries | Talca |
| Day 4 | Travel to Pucón | Pucón |
| Day 5 | Lagunas Andinas Hiking | Pucón |
| Day 6 | Total Solar Eclipse 2020 | Pucón |
| Day 7 | Mapuche Culture - Geometric Hotspings | Pucón |
| Day 8 | Return to Santiago | Santiago |
| Day 9 | Depart Santiago |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Santiago!
On arrival at Santiago Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel in the Providencia neighborhood.
In the afternoon, get to know Santiago on a city tour. Visit some of the iconic symbols of the city, including La Plaza de Armas (the main square), La Moneda (the government palace), and the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral. Continue to the bohemian area of Bellavista and climb the San Cristobal Hill for a panoramic view of Santiago, with the Andes Mountains in the background. We’ll also visit the Orient Sector, the most modern area of the city, with its impressive high-rise buildings and classy boulevards.
Day 2-3 : Viña del Mar - Valparaiso - Winery Visits
Today, head west of Santiago to Viña del Mar and Valparaíso, through the Curacaví and Casablanca Valleys. In Viña del Mar, known as the Garden City, visit the beautiful Clock of Flowers. Once we reach Valparaiso, you'll visit the port and Victory Square, plus the traditional hills of this port city, adorned with colorful houses and picturesque hotels and restaurants. After lunch, return to Santiago, stopping at a winery on our way back to sample some delicious Chilean wine.
The next day, head towards the Region del Maule to check out more famous wineries in the Maule Valley. The valley has eight vineyards, so is an appealing destination for wine lovers. The vineyards spread from the foot of the Andes to the Pacific Ocean, offering varied and exquisite wines. The drive to the wineries takes around 3.5 hours. Tour the vineyards, sample these famous wines, and even visit the fascinating wine museum.
End your day in the city of Talca, where dinner will be waiting for you.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Travel to Pucón
Today you'll travel overland to Pucón, a journey of 330 miles (530 km) that will take around six hours. In the afternoon you'll have time to look around the city and grab some dinner on your own.
Day 5: Lagunas Andinas Hiking
In the midst of the Andes mountains and close to the border with Argentina, at Mamuil Malal there are two beautiful lakes. These are flanked by forests inhabited by Magellanic woodpeckers and other birds and animals. Take a hike along a flat and relatively easy trail in a beautiful but little-visited area. From the trail you'll be able to see the impressive Lanin volcano, straddling the Chile-Argentina border, reaching 12,293 feet (3747 m.) in altitude and with a huge glacier in its crater.
Day 6: Total Solar Eclipse 2020
After breakfast, transfer to our exclusive eclipse-viewing site, scouted by our eclipse experts. From here you'll be able to see 128 seconds of total solar eclipse (the entire eclipse process takes nearly three hours). The sun's elevation will be 72 degrees above the northern horizon.
Pucón generally experiences clearer skies in December, so is a good place from which to see the eclipse, but a bus will be at our disposal to travel along the eclipse path to seek out a clearer location if necessary.
This will be a leisurely day in which you can enjoy the different phases of the eclipse. The eclipse begins at 11.55 a.m., totality occurs at 1.18 p.m., and the partial phases end at 2.45 p.m. A buffet lunch, water, soft drinks, snacks, tables, and chairs are provided at the viewing site.
Return to the hotel after the eclipse and the rest of your day is free for independent activities. In the evening, join fellow tour members for a celebratory dinner.
Day 7: Mapuche Culture - Geometric Hotspings
Today, learn more about Mapuche culture. Visit a traditional Ruka (Mapuche house) and find out more about this ancient culture. The tour includes a traditional-style barbecue and the chance to taste Mapuche foods, a weaving demonstration, learning about traditional clothing and instruments, and you can even take part in traditional games, called Palin or Chueca.
Later, visit Geometric Hotsprings. Relax in one of the 17 pools, connected by wooden walkways over the water and through the ancient forests. This is the perfect way to relax and experience the natural beauty of the area.
Day 8: Return to Santiago
Today, return to Santiago by bus. It's a long drive of 490 miles (787 km), so you'll arrive back in Santiago at around 8 p.m.
Day 9: Depart Santiago
Enjoy your last breakfast in Chile, then prepare to transfer to the airport and depart. Bon voyage!
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