Wine Tours, Coastal Cities & Desert Adventures in Chile - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Santiago, Dinner at Ocean Pacific's Buque Insignia

Welcome to Santiago, Chile's vibrant capital and largest city! Meet your driver in the arrivals hall and transfer to your hotel. Check in, freshen up, and enjoy some free time to relax or explore the city at your own pace. If you want to go sightseeing, a good place to start is Plaza de Armas, the city's main square and home to some of its most prominent landmarks, like the 18th-century Catedral Metropolitana and 19th-century Correro Central. You'll also find the Museo Histórico Nacional, housed in a colonial-era building that once served as the royal court. 

Step inside to learn about Chile's history from pre-Columbian times to the modern era through the vast collection of artifacts, maps, and portraits. Then, grab a drink in the square before meeting your guide at Ocean Pacific's Buque Insignia, a maritime-themed restaurant designed to resemble a grand ship, complete with nautical decor and artifacts. The menu is a seafood lover's dream, offering an array of fresh, expertly prepared dishes such as ceviche, grilled fish, and Chilean specialties like chupe de mariscos (seafood stew). Pair your meal with local wines for the ultimate culinary experience.

Day 2: Full-Day Tour of the Cajón del Maipo Region

Spend the day exploring the Cajón del Maipo region, an Andean canyon dotted with charming towns, volcanic formations, and a vast reservoir. Start with a one-hour transfer to San José de Maipo, a small Andean settlement founded in 1792. From here, your driver will take you into the Andes, passing small towns like San Alfonso and San Gabriel, renowned for their mountain views and tranquil surroundings. Stop at El Yeso Dam, a turquoise reservoir surrounded by rugged peaks. Go on a short walk to reach the Mirador El Yeso for panoramic views of the glittering waters, lush valley, and untouched forests. 

Learn about how the reservoir works and supplies water to the population of Santiago while you enjoy a break and a much-deserved cocktail. Back in the car, continue to El Volcán to snap pictures of the inactive volcano and Gran Cascada for a refreshing dip in the crystal-cool pools below the waterfall. On the way back to Santiago, stop at Casa Chocolate, where you can learn about the art of chocolate making from bean-to-bar. The chocolate shop also features a café, so you can savor delicious hot chocolate or purchase some confections to take home.

Day 3: Guided Tour of Viu Manent & Santa Cruz Winery

Today, you'll explore the Colchagua Valley, one of Chile's most prominent wine-producing regions. Start with a two-hour transfer to Viu Manent, a historic winery established in 1935. Tour the vineyards and production facilities to gain insight into the winemaking process. Then, taste some of the renowned wines, like the popular malbec and carménère, which reflect the unique terroir of the region. After the tasting, continue to the small village of Santa Cruz to visit the Colchagua Museum and learn more about the region's winemaking heritage, Indigenous cultures, and significant historical events. 

Peruse the diverse collection of artifacts, ranging from pre-Columbian pottery and textiles to colonial-era furniture and winemaking tools. Next, you'll sit down for a delicious lunch before ending the tour at Santa Cruz Winery, which showcases the local Indigenous culture in its branding, storytelling, and educational efforts. Learn more about the region's original inhabitants while you tour the vineyard and sample the high-quality reds the winery is known for, then transfer back to your hotel in Santiago for the night.

Day 4: Visit Casa de Isla Negra, Shop for Pottery in Pomaire

Start your day with a visit to Casa de Isla Negra, the former home of Pablo Neruda, a beloved Chilean poet, diplomat, and politician. Located along the Chilean coast with sweeping views of the Pacific, the house, designed to resemble a ship, is now a museum showcasing Neruda's eclectic collections, from ship figureheads to seashells and nautical artifacts. Learn about the poet's life, his creative process, and his third wife, Maltide Urrutia, whom he lived here with, as you explore the different rooms.

Then, continue to Pomaire, a charming village known for its rich pottery heritage. As you wander the narrow streets, you'll encounter an array of artisan shops filled with beautifully crafted ceramics, from practical kitchenware to intricate decorative pieces. You'll also see plenty of chanchitos—small piggy banks believed to bring good luck. Purchase one for yourself before returning to Santiago. 

Day 5: Full-Day Tour of Valparaiso & Viña del Mar

Leave the capital behind yet again this morning as you transfer 1.5 hours to Valparaíso, passing through Casablanca, a fertile wine valley, on the way. When you arrive, head to a lookout atop one of the 43 hills surrounding the bay. After enjoying panoramic views of the colorful houses and bustling port, discover some of the city's historic and commercial areas, as well as the National Congress of Chile, housed in an imposing modernist building. Then, take a ride on Ascensor El Peral, a historic funicular that will take you to the top of Cerro Alegre. 

Day 6: Fly to La Serena, Visit the Mamalluca Observatory

Say goodbye to the capital this morning as you transfer to the airport for a one-hour flight to La Serena, one of Chile's oldest cities. Transfer to your hotel upon arrival, then set out to explore its elegant streets lined with vibrant bougainvillea and colonial churches. A great place to start is Catedral de La Serena, renowned for its neoclassical architecture, imposing bell tower, and intricate stained glass windows that depict biblical scenes.

Another iconic church is Iglesia San Francisco de Asís, one of the oldest in the region. It features a bell tower, a courtyard, and intricately crafted altars. In the evening, return to your hotel and meet your driver for a one-hour transfer to the Mamalluca Observatory in the city of Vicuña. When you arrive, listen to a lecture about constellations, planets, and celestial phenomena. Then, use the powerful telescopes to observe the night sky up close, revealing distant galaxies, star clusters, and planets. End the excursion with a snack before returning to your hotel in La Serena.

Day 7: Full-Day Pisco Distillery Tour

La Serena's climate and terroir make it the ideal region to produce pisco, a distilled spirit made from fermented grape juice, so you'll spend the day visiting three renowned distilleries. Start with a 30-minute transfer through the picturesque Elqui Valley to get to the Aba Distillery, known for its high-quality artisanal piscos. Learn about the history of this beloved spirit and its significance in Chilean culture as you sample various pisco expressions, each showcasing unique flavors and aromas. 

Continue to Fundo Los Nichos, passing by the charming towns of Paihua and Monte Grande en route. When you arrive at the artisanal distillery, tour the vineyard and taste their delicious creations. End the tour at the Capel Distillery to learn about one of the largest and most renowned pisco producers in the country. Tour the modern facilities that contrast with the distillery's rich history, then taste some of the acclaimed piscos, each bursting with the distinct flavors of the valley's terroir.

Day 8: Full-Day Tour of the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve

Hop on a boat and cruise for two hours to the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve, a protected area and sanctuary for the vulnerable species of penguins. Cruise past Isla Chañaral, also known as Isla Gaviota, and Isla Choros to see the penguins waddling along the rugged shores, preening their features, and nesting in the rocky crevices. You may also spot sea lions, dolphins, and sea birds like cormorants and pelicans.

Disembark at Isla Damas and spend one hour exploring the sandy shores for a closer look at the penguins and sea lions basking in the sun. Return to the mainland and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Los Choros before transferring back to your hotel in La Serena. The rest of the day is free, so you can relax by the pool or go for a leisurely walk through the historic center to admire the colonial architecture.

Day 9: Full-Day Elqui Valley Tour

Return to the Elqui Valley today, this time to explore its historic villages and natural landscapes. Start at the Puclaro Dam, an expansive reservoir surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes and lush greenery. Enjoy panoramic views of the water and copao de pica, native cacti known for their tall, columnar shape and distinctive spines. Then, return to Vicuña in the daylight to visit its main square and see the famous Torre Bauer built in 1905. Shop for handmade souvenirs at the Pueblo de Artesanos de Vicuña, an artisan village, before sipping more pisco at a nearby distillery. 

Visit the quaint village of Paihuano next, known for its traditional architecture and vibrant local culture, and Monte Grande to pass by its beautiful church and the childhood home of Gabriela Mistral, an important Chilean poet and diplomat. End the tour in the town of Pisco Elqui, known for its vibrant artisan community and world-class pisco production. As you stroll the picturesque streets, you'll find colorful buildings, local shops, and the 20th-century Iglesia de Pisco Elqui, a historic church that reflects the town's colonial history. After an action-packed day, return to your hotel in La Serena.

Day 10: Fly to San Pedro de Atacama via Calama, Dinner at Baltinache

Today, you head to your final destination: San Pedro de Atacama, a small town nestled in the Atacama Desert. Transfer to the airport for a one-hour flight back to Santiago, where you'll catch a two-hour flight to Calama. From there, a driver will transfer you for 1.5 hours to your hotel to check in. The rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish, so you could relax by the pool or stroll to one of the town's artisan markets to look for souvenirs.

In the evening, meet your guide at Baltinache Restaurant for a gourmet dinner. Choose from an array of traditional Chilean dishes prepared with a contemporary twist and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Try regional specialties, like llama or fresh fish from the nearby coast, paired with exquisite local wines. End the night with a sweet treat of alfajores (traditional Chilean cookies filled with dulce de leche and rolled in coconut). 

Day 11: Ancient Caravan Tour With Llamas

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience as you meet local resident Sandra Flores and her friendly llamas and join them on an exploration of the surrounding Atacama Desert, often referred to as "the driest place on Earth." Hold the llamas' leads and walk alongside them while you traverse the otherworldly valleys and rugged terrain.

Along the way, Sandra will teach you about ancient trade routes and the traditions and practices of the Likan Antai people who once traversed these paths, and point out ancient petroglyphs depicting animals, geometric patterns, and spiritual motifs. After six hours in the desert, say goodbye to Sandra and her llamas and transfer back to your hotel to relax.

Day 12: Half-Day Tour of the Atacama Desert, Sandboarding Experience

Rise early to discover more of the Atacama Desert this morning, starting with a pre-dawn journey to El Tatio, one of the highest and largest geyser fields in the world. The geothermal field features more than 80 active geysers, bubbling hot springs, and mud pools situated at over 14,100 feet (4,300 m) above sea level. After witnessing the geysers erupt, reaching heights of 3 to 20 feet (1 to 6 m), continue to Vado de Putana, a high-altitude oasis fed by the Río Putana. The valuable water source provides a habitat for diverse wildlife, including Andean flamingoes, vicuñas, foxes, and various bird species.

Snap some photographs of the wildlife, lush green marshes, and surrounding volcanic mountains, then head to the Machuca Wetland, home to a vibrant colony of flamingoes. Around 12:30, return to your hotel to relax before this evening's sandboarding experience in the Valle de la Muerte (Death Valley). Head to the tour office and complete a briefing before transferring to the valley, where you'll learn how to climb the area's sand dunes and descend them safely. When you're ready, slide down the steep golden slopes, then return to San Pedro de Atacama around sunset and enjoy a good shower.

Day 13: Hot-Air Balloon Ride Over the Atacama Desert

Your penultimate day in Chile is sure to be one to remember as you wake up before dawn for a hot-air balloon ride over the desert. Start with a transfer to the base, where you'll watch a flight presentation while you enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee. When it's time, jump into the basket and start the ascent, looking out at the vast desert terrain with its dramatic mountains, colorful valleys, and rugged rock formations stretching as far as the eye can see.

As the sun begins to rise, watch it paint the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple. After 45 minutes in the air, touch down and enjoy a celebratory glass of sparkling wine paired with gourmet local snacks. Then, transfer back to your hotel for a nap and spend your afternoon relaxing around the pool.

Day 14: Cycle the Death Valley, Fly to Santiago, Depart

This morning's adventure isn't for the faint of heart, but it ends your trip on an exhilarating note as you spend four hours cycling in the Valle de la Muerte (Death Valley), named for the area's arid environment and harsh, inhospitable landscapes. The route offers 10.5 miles (17 km) of different slopes and a pass through the dunes to get to the valley's ledges, which require careful maneuvering, balance, and control, so this tour is best suited to advanced bikers.

After riding across the ledges, descend toward Coca's Stone in the Catarpe Valley. This archaeological site features a large stone with ancient petroglyphs believed to have been carved into its surface by Indigenous peoples of the region, likely the Atacameño or Lickan Antay. Your driver will meet you here with an energy ration and box lunch to enjoy before taking you back to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Grab your bags and set off on the 1.5-hour transfer back to Calama for a two-hour flight to Santiago. From there, you can catch your onward flight home. Safe travels!