You will be met at the airport by a member of our staff in Santiago and transferred to your central hotel. On your city tour this afternoon (or on the last day of the trip, depending on arrival times), you can appreciate the history, culture, and architecture of this cosmopolitan city. The tour begins downtown with a visit at the MercadoCentral. This well-renowned market, popular with locals and tourists alike, supplies many Santiago homes and business with fresh fish all year round. Next to the market is Plaza de Armas, Santiago’s main square and kilometer zero, the point from which all distances in the country are measured. Famous architecture in the square includes the MetropolitanCathedral and the central post office, originally built as a house for Spanish conqueror Pedro de Valdivia. Close by stands the JusticeTribunal, in a neo-classical building housing the Supreme Court, ex-Congress and beautiful gardens.

From here you’ll walk towards the Alameda, the main street of the city center, via busy pedestrian walkway Paseo Ahumada. This walkway is famous for its crowds, shops, and diversity of people. Once you reach the Alameda walk a couple of blocks west to the Presidential palace, La Moneda. The palace, a model of 18th-century colonial architecture, is one of Santiago’s most recognizable landmarks and a symbol of Chile’s political past and its famously turbulent history.

Next, climb Cerro Santa Lucía, where Santiago was founded in 1541 by Pedro Valdivia. From the top of the hill, there is a great 360 panoramic view of Santiago. Our tour finishes by visiting the bohemian Lastarria neighborhood, lined with cafés, restaurants, small theaters, bookstores, and boutique shops. Afterward, you will be driven to our hotel where the rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

Start your journey to Casablanca Valley. The meandering, tree-lined country roads of the enchanting Casablanca valley are the stage for this easy and relaxing bike tour through one of Chile’s premier wine-growing regions, located a short drive from the capital city of Santiago. Bike leisurely along tree-lined roads through some of central Chile’s finest vineyards, stopping for to learn about the fascinating history of wine in Chile and why the soil and climate here is perfect for wine, sample some of the area’s superb wines, and enjoy a delicious picnic lunch in the shade of swaying eucalyptus trees. After lunch, keep on biking for around 2 hours along the Casablanca Valley before heading back to Santiago.

Head to the Santiago airport this morning for your flight north to Calama, in the Atacama region. Upon landing you will be met and driven straight to San Pedro de Atacama, past the impressive rock formations of the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountains). In San Pedro, enjoy lunch and a briefing about your plans for your time here. In the afternoon enjoy your first hike in the vast, amazing Valle de la Luna. Walk over sand dunes to an overlook where you can watch the sunset over the valley and see the rich colors of the landscape come to life.

Overnight in San Pedro.

Your day today takes you back 8,000 years in time. Start by visiting the nearby Quitor Fortress. The remains of this ancient stronghold overlook the valleys first cultivated by the indigenous Atacameño people in the 12th century, followed by the Incas, and finally the Spanish in the 16th century. Then drive to the ancient Tulor village, a sacred place whose peculiar rounded earth formations remain a mystery today.

After a tasty lunch, drive across the immense, sparkling, white Atacama Salt Flat to Laguna Cejar. This lake has so much salt that a person can float with no effort. Take a dip and enjoy the breathtaking landscape surrounding the lake. Then continue to the Ojos del Salar lagoon and visit Laguna Tebinquiche before driving back to your hotel in San Pedro.

The very early wake-up call will be well worth it when you arrive at the amazing Geysers of Tatio and see them in action. From almost 3,000 feet below the earth, boiling steam bursts up 120 feet over the surface of the earth. A scrumptious breakfast will be served upon arrival before you set out for a walk through the geothermal fields with the geysers erupting nearby. On the drive back, there is a magnificent view of the Tocopurri and Sairecabur volcanoes.

Arrive back in town in time to have lunch. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore San Pedro after the early start, high altitude, and low temperature you faced this morning.

After breakfast set out for Toconao beautiful Andean village. Toconao is situated on an oasis in the desert, with fertile land for growing fruits and vegetables. Wander its main streets and visit San Lucas Church. Then continue to Quebrada de Jerez, the large canyon that channels the waters entering Toconao.

The next stop will be Laguna Chaxa, a lagoon in the middle of the Atacama Salt Flat, home to beautiful Chilean and Andean flamingoes. Then continue driving towards Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons, full of turquoise water that shimmers in contrast with the autumnal colors of the Altiplanic terrain.

Relish your final morning in San Pedro to relax and wander around the village, visit its handicraft shops, church, and museum. In the afternoon drive back to Calama for your flight on to Santiago, where you will spend the night.

Fly south from Santiago to Punta Arenas, your entry point for Patagonia. From Punta Arenas drive to EcoCamp Patagonia, located in the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park. Along the way, you will stop in Puerto Natales, a small but lively town on the shores of Seno Ultima Esperanza – “Last Hope Sound.” You may leave any unnecessary luggage in our local office before you take the short walk to see the enormous Cueva del Milodon, a giant geological wonder that once sheltered the remains of a prehistoric sloth. In the southern hemisphere’s summer, the sun sets around 11 pm, so you will have plenty of light to admire the Patagonian steppe with its guanacos and snow-peaked mountain horizon as you drive into the park. You will be treated to a wonderful dinner upon arrival, then you’ll spend the night at this cozy and unique camp.

EcoCamp Patagonia is a type of luxury camp similar in concept to the famous African lodges. It is an environmentally friendly camp, especially important in a national park with the characteristics of Torres del Paine. It was designed with comfort in mind, yet stresses the importance of interfering as little as possible with the natural surroundings. You will sleep in big, comfortable two-meter-high domed tents that have wooden floors and are resistant to the strongest winds, rain, and even Patagonian snow. They are each equipped with 2-3 single beds, sheets, blankets, and down comforters. The EcoCamp has a large dome communal tent equipped with a living area, a dining room, and a fully equipped kitchen run by a chef. The EcoCamp also includes a bathroom module/cabin with composting toilets, showers, and solar-heated hot water.

Spend the next three days enjoying the many activities and scenic views of Torres del Paine National Park. Each day you will have a choice of easier or more difficult excursions around the park, joining with other EcoCamp guests. Some of your options will include hiking the French Valley, visiting Grey’s Glacier, hiking to Laguna los Torres at the base of the actual Torres del Paine rock formation, and cycling to Laguna Azul. Throughout the park, and on all of the excursion options, you will marvel at the fascinating rock formations, glacial terrain, big sky, and proliferation of crystal lakes. The EcoCamp is a marvelous base for experiencing the delights of Chilean Patagonia.

Early this morning, you’ll board the vehicle back to Punta Arenas and arrive at the airport with plenty of time to catch the evening flight back to Santiago. Extend to see more of Santiago or nearby Valparaiso, or connect this evening to your flight home.