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Blog - Jim's Thoughts

Chile Tours and Travel

Multiple Destinations / Santiago area / Patagonia / Lake District
Easter Island / Atacama Desert / Expedition Cruises / Fiord Cruises
Biking / Treks / Multisport / Sea Kayaking / Wine Tours

Multiple Destination Itineraries

The Chilean Extremes - 10 Days/ 9 nights Year-round

DAY 01 SANTIAGO DE CHILE
Reception at the airport and transfer to your hotel. At the agreed time, you will be picked up from your hotel for a sightseeing tour of Santiago. Santiago, is a mixture of the old and the new, something we invite you to experience. Our guides will show and tell you history of Santa Lucía Hill (place where Santiago was founded in 1541), the Main Square, the Cathedral, the Post Office and the City Hall, the National Library, the Presidential Palace and old neighbourhoods of Santiago. Before returning to the hotel, we will visit residential district and a lapislazuli handicraft store.

DAY 02 SANTIAGO / CALAMA / SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA / VALLE DE LA LUNA (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. At the agreed time transfer to the airport and assistance to board flight to Calama. Reception at the airport in Calama and transfer to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama (1:15 hours). The oasis of San Pedro de Atacama is located almost 2,500 m above sea level on the northern border of Atacama Salt Flat, in an area of great archaeological and tourist interest in the middle of the arid Atacama Desert. The zone was the center of development of the Atacameñan culture, and later it was a point of advancement for the Incas. The history of San Pedro de Atacama is found in the Archaeological Museum of Padre Le Paige, in Pukara de Quitor and in the Village of Tulor, near the settlement.

But not everything in the area is archaeological. It is flanked by the mountain range of the Andes and Domeyko, the desert climate, the active volcano, and the presence of big and small salt deposits. San Pedro de Atacama's location is ideal for visiting a variety of other surrounding areas and nearby attractions.. In the afternoon we will visit the Valley of the Moon, a fantastic moon landscape that is part of the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountain Range) belonging to the Los Flamencos National Reserve. It is a small depression of salt ground, 1,650 feet (500 m) in diameter, which exhibits unusual sculptural shapes. These are the result of a sequence of transformations on the earth's crust caused by the folding of the watery ground underneath the salt lake. Because of its lack of humidity, there is no life here, which has turned it into one of the most inhospitable places on the planet. From this site we will enjoy a beautiful sunset, we will be witnesses of the different colors the desert takes when the sun is hidden its sunshine. Return to the hotel. Overnight.

DAY 03 SALAR DE ATACAMA (B,L)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we will visit the Atacama Salt Lake. During the route is possible to photograph and appreciate the view of Licancabur and Lascar volcanoes among other attractiveness with singular beauty, following by the same route is the town of Toconao, a colonial town completely build with liparitas stone of volcanic origin and known for its interesting craft objects of the same material. The word "Toconao" comes from the cunzo language "toco" that means "stone". Located near the Andes, at 2.500 meters above sea level, the Toconao oasis, is known by its imposing bell in the tower and its streets with small factories crafts.

The Atacama Salt Lake, finishes in the Chaxa lagoon which is inhabited by three kinds of flamingos and a great number of migratory birds. It occupies an extension of 100 kilometers length by 80 of wide. The air is extraordinarily dry here, which gives it a perfect transparency. That at first is easy to see the other extreme of the salt, about 70 kilometers. This same clarity, nevertheless, makes difficult to judge the distances. The Chaxa Lagoon is an spectacular site to enjoy a colorful and marvelous sunset. Return to San Pedro de Atacama. Overnight.

DAY 04 TATIO GEYSERS / HIGHPLAIN VILLAGES / CALAMA / SANTIAGO (B,BL)
Departure at 4:00 am to the Tatio Geysers. It is a geothermal field located in the Andes mountain range. The fumaroles of these geysers, the highest of the world (4,300 mts), are produced by the high temperatures of their watery craters and offer a unique spectacle of the Chilean desert. We will participate in one of the greater and more spectacular phenomenon than the nature offers us; a full scene of colors with special beauty that is produced by the great amount of steam which the geysers have. Breakfast provided at the geysers. Afterwards we will proceed to the the villages of Caspana, Chiu Chiu (Chile's oldest church), and the Pucará de Lasana, a strategically placed fortress in the middle of the valley. Towards the end of the day, continue to the airport in Calama on time to take a flight back to Santiago. Reception at the airport and transfer to your hotel.

DAY 05 SANTIAGO / PUNTA ARENAS / PUERTO NATALES (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. At the agreed time transfer to the airport and assistance to board flight to Punta Arenas. Reception at the airport in Punta Arenas and transfer North through the pampas to the city of Puerto Natales. Accommodation at your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight.

DAY 06 TORRES DEL PAINE (B,BL)
Breakfast at the hotel. Patagonia Chile is a complex combination of vast plains intersected by glistening lakes whose waters are multicolored because of their mineral contents; of ice fields extending like vast trampolines toward the sea; and gigantic floating icebergs gliding quietly through the cold lakes. Combed by the winds, forests of endemic lenga, ñirre and coigüe trees are beautiful throughout the year, and especially during autumn with their leaves of intense yellows and reds. On this hike we visit Sarmiento, Nordenskjold and Grey lakes. The National Park Torres del Paine is, without doubt, one of the most spectacular national parks in the country. A world biosphere reserve, it has a huge variety of plant and animal species which, with its incredibly beautiful setting has made it an almost unequalled destination for hikers and backpackers, ecology-lovers and adventure sportsmen alike. Snow-capped mountain peaks, cascading rivers and waterfalls, glaciers and mirrored lakes: in all respects Torres del Paine national park deserves its reputation. Declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1978, the Torres del Paine national park is internationally recognized as one of the most beautiful, unique and uncontaminated places on the planet. It is a place of lakes, rivers, waterfalls, glaciers, forests and incredible wildlife, all of which make it an exciting destination for wildlife observers and adventure sportsmen alike. Box lunch during the excursion. Accommodation at the hotel in Torres del Paine.

DAY 07 TORRES DEL PAINE / PUERTO NATALES (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Free morning. We suggest to navigate the Lake Grey or another excursion suggested by your local guide. In the afternoon, transfer to Puerto Natales. Accommodations at the hotel.

DAY 08 PUERTO NATALES / PUNTA ARENAS / SANTIAGO (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. At the agreed time transfer to the airport in Punta Arenas and assistance to board flight to Santiago. Upon arrival, reception at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Overnight.

DAY 09 VALPARAÍSO / VIÑA DEL MAR (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today our day starts with a journey through the valleys of Curacaví and Casablanca, their vineyards and fruit plantations en route to the coast. Arrival to Viña del Mar that is one of Chile's most fashionable beach resorts. The town was founded in 1874 as a weekend retreat and garden residence for the wealthy elite from Valparaíso and Santiago, and it has remained a top beach destination for the people of Santiago ever since. Viña del Mar is also one of the most famous and popular resort cities in South America. There are luxurious hotels, villas, clubs, gardens and fine beaches. The city has several industries-textile mills, paint factories, and food processing plants. It is also a market for the agricultural products of the region; and the most important Chilean naval base is here.

The tour proceeds to Valparaiso. This city, founded in the XVI century, climbs the hill through alleys and staircases. The ride includes a tour through the narrow avenues of the port, Sotomayor Square, flanked by buildings declared Historical Heritage and the Monument to the Iquique Heroes, in front of the Prat pier. We will also include a stop at "La Sebastiana", one of the House-Museum of the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, Nobel Prize Winner (entrance ticket not included). In the afternoon, return to Santiago. Overnight.

DAY 10 SANTIAGO DE CHILE (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. At the agreed time transfer to the airport and assistance to board flight to your next destination.

Price per person in US$:

Includes:
" 04 nights in Santiago with breakfast
" 02 nights in San Pedro with breakfast
" 02 nights in Puerto Natales with breakfast
" 01 night in Torres del Paine with breakfast
" Transfers and excursions in regular services with bilingual guide
" Lunch day 3
" Box lunch day 4 and 6

THE INCA TRAIL - 15 Days/14 nights
Year-round

DAY 1: CALAMA- SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA & VALLE DE LA LUNA
Reception at the Calama airport for transfer to the hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. In the afternoon, visit to the Valle de la Luna. Accommodations.

DAY 2: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA & SALAR DE ATACAMA
In the morning, an archeological tour. In the afternoon, visit the Salar de Atacama and Toconao. (B)

DAY 3: TATIO GEYSERS
Transfer to the geyser fields at daybreak, visit the thermal fields and Machuca village.

DAY 4: SAN PEDRO - HITO CAJÓN - LAGUNAS VERDE Y COLORADA – VILLAMAR (BOLIVIA)
Depart from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile, ascending the Andes in Hito Cajón, the Bolivian border, where you will visit Laguna Verde at the foot of the Licancabur Mountain, the high desert in Pampas de Dalí, the thermal waters at Laguna Chalviri, Sol de Montaña geysers. Continue to Laguna Colorada, which is exceptional for its abundance of pink flamingoes, until Villamar is reached. Basic lodging for the night. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: VILLAMAR - ALOTA - TAHUA
Travel through Alota and to the north to the San Agustín village, continue by crossing the Uyuni great salt flat arriving at its north beach at Tahua village at the foot of the Tunupa volcano. Basic lodging for the night. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: TAHUA - COQUESA – INCAHUASI ISLAND- UYUNI
In the morning hours travel to the Coquesa village and its tombs with mummified remains, you will cross the salt flat until the Incahuasi island is reached taking in the special habitat and giant cacti. Continue to Colchani, to see the locals extract salt by traditional means until Uyuni is reached. Night at the Hotel. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: UYUNI – ORURO – LA PAZ
Early hours train to Oruro, continuing by bus to La Paz. Night at the Hotel. (B)

DAY 8: LA PAZ
Free day. Optional tours are available (B)

DAY 9: LA PAZ – COPACABANA – ISLA DEL SOL
Take a bus from La Paz to Copacabana, a lovely town on the shores of Lake Titicaca; you will take a boat to Isla del Sol, arriving close to the Pilkokaina ruins where you will enjoy a typical Andean meal of “aptapi.” A one hour hike to the ecological lodge “La Estancia.” (B, L, D)

DAY 10: ISLA DEL SOL – COPACABANA – PUNO (PERÚ)
Travel north by boat to see the best conserved ruins, or hike to the Chincana, crossing the island with beautiful lake vistas. Return by boat to Yumani in the Jardin del Inca, and visit the “Fountain of Youth” (Eterna Juventud) where the Incas were baptized. Continue by boat to Copacabana, lunch, visit to the famous Virgen Morena church and take a stroll through the village. Travel by bus to Puno. Accommodations. (B, L)

DAY 11: PUNO – CUSCO
Breakfast. Trip by tourist bus to the city of Cuzco. On the way, you will visit the Inca Temple to Dios Wiracocha ruins in the village of Raccho. Arrival in Cuzco, and transfer to your hotel. Accommodations. (B, L)

DAY 12: CUSCO – VALLE SAGRADO DE LOS INCAS
Breakfast. Excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit the handicraft market at Pisac, appreciating the colorful clothing bringing us closer to the ancient imperial traditions. Free afternoon. Accommodations. (B, L)

DAY 13: VALLE SAGRADO DE LOS INCAS – MACHU PICHU - CUSCO
Breakfast. In the early morning hours, we will head to the Ollantaytambo train station to take the Vistadome train towards the town of Machu Picchu. The train ride is approximately one hour and a half. Continuing en route to Rio Urubamba and the penetration of the
magnificent Sacred Valley of the Incas. Buffet lunch. Return to Cuzco by rail. Arrival and transfer to your hotel. (B, L)

DAY 14: CUSCO – LIMA
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport. Departure to Lima. Reception and transfer to your hotel. Free Afternoon. May we recommend a city tour. Accommodations. (B, L)

DAY 15: LIMA – SANTIAGO
Breakfast. Departure at daybreak for flight to Santiago. (B)

Price per person in US$:

Includes:
" 03 nights lodging in San Pedro de Atacama, breakfast included
" 01 night lodging in Villamar (Bolivia), breakfast included
" 01 night lodging in Tahua (Bolivia), breakfast included
" 01 night lodging in Uyuni (Bolivia), breakfast included
" 02 nights lodging in La Paz (Bolivia) breakfast included.
" 01 night lodging in Copacabana, (Bolivia), breakfast included.
" 01 night lodging in Puno, breakfast included.
" 02 nights lodging in Cusco, breakfast included.
" 01 night lodging in Yucay (Sacred Valley), breakfast included.
" 01 night lodging in Lima, breakfast included.
" Transfers and excursions in regular service with bilingual guide.
" Lunch included on days 2, 4, 5 & 6

FROM THE ATACAMA DESERT TO THE NORTH OF ARGENTINA
- 7 days/6 nights Year round

Note: Regular bus service to Salta does not operate on a daily basis, please inquire about scheduling. When regular service is not available, the trip from San Pedro to Salta must be contracted through a private service.

DAY 01 CALAMA / SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA / VALLE DE LA LUNA
Reception at the airport in Calama and transfer to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama (1:15 hours). The oasis of San Pedro de Atacama is located almost 2,500 m above sea level on the northern border of Atacama Salt Flat, in an area of great archaeological and tourist interest in the middle of the arid Atacama Desert. The zone was the center of development of the Atacameñan culture, and later it was a point of advancement for the Incas. The history of San Pedro de Atacama is found in the Archaeological Museum of Padre Le Paige, in Pukara de Quitor and in the Village of Tulor, near the settlement.

But not everything in the area is archaeological. It is flanked by the mountain range of the Andes and Domeyko, the desert climate, the active volcano, and the presence of big and small salt deposits. San Pedro de Atacama's location is ideal for visiting a variety of other surrounding areas and nearby attractions.. In the afternoon we will visit the Valley of the Moon, a fantastic moon landscape that is part of the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountain Range) belonging to the Los Flamencos National Reserve. It is a small depression of salt ground, 1,650 feet (500 m) in diameter, which exhibits unusual sculptural shapes. These are the result of a sequence of transformations on the earth's crust caused by the folding of the watery ground underneath the salt lake. Because of its lack of humidity, there is no life here, which has turned it into one of the most inhospitable places on the planet. From this site we will enjoy a beautiful sunset, we will be witnesses of the different colors the desert takes when the sun is hidden its sunshine. Return to the hotel. Overnight.

DAY 02 HIGHPLATEU LAGOONS / ATACAMA SALT LAKE / TOCONAO (B, L)
Breakfast at the hotel. Our trip begins with the ascent to 2,400 meters of height, with which we will reach a peak altitude of 4200 meters in the Andes Mountain; due to the enormous summits that the mountain offers in this place we will feel inserted in an enormous valley surrounded by gigantic hills. During the route we will descry a great amount of animals like vicunas, alpacas, foxes, ñandues (Chilean ostrich), flamingos, vizcachas and a great variety of ducks. Once reached our goal we will be in front of altiplanics lagoons Miscanti that in its blue waters reflects the white snow that covers the top of the mountains and Miñiques, located at the foot of beautiful volcanos. This landscape is unique of San Pedro and it is not in other places of the world.

These lagoons are one of the 7 sectors that are part of Los Flamencos National Reserve. They are located 18 kilometers to the south of Socaire, a little town in where we will have lunch. Also we will visit its church. On our return, will proceed to the Atacama Salt Lake. During the route is possible to photograph and appreciate the view of Licancabur and Lascar volcanoes among other attractiveness with singular beauty, following by the same route is the town of Toconao, a colonial town completely build with liparitas stone of volcanic origin and known for its interesting craft objects of the same material. The word "Toconao" comes from the cunzo language "toco" that means "stone". Located near the Andes, at 2.500 meters above sea level, the Toconao oasis, is known by its imposing bell in the tower and its streets with small factories crafts. The Atacama Salt Lake, finishes in the Chaxa lagoon which is inhabited by three kinds of flamingos and a great number of migratory birds. It occupies an extension of 100 kilometers length by 80 of wide. The air is extraordinarily dry here, which gives it a perfect transparency. That at first is easy to see the other extreme of the salt, about 70 kilometers. This same clarity, nevertheless, makes difficult to judge the distances. The Chaxa Lagoon is an spectacular site to enjoy a colorful and marvelous sunset. Return to San Pedro de Atacama. Overnight.

DAY 03 GEISERS DEL TATIO / SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA (B)
Departure at 4:00 am to the Tatio Geysers. It is a geothermal field located in the Andes mountain range. The fumaroles of these geysers, the highest of the world (4,300 mts), are produced by the high temperatures of their watery craters and offer a unique spectacle of the Chilean desert. We will participate in one of the greater and more spectacular phenomenon than the nature offers us; a full scene of colors with special beauty that is produced by the great amount of steam which the geysers have. Breakfast provided at the geysers. Return to San Pedro, rest of the day at leisure, We suggest to visit the Museum, the handicraft market and the church. Overnight.

DAY 04 SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA / SALTA IN ARGENTINA (B)
Departure by regular bus line to Salta in Argentina (12 Hours). Accommodation at the hotel.

DAY 05 SALTA B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Half day City Tour in Salta. Ascent of Cerro San Bernardo. We will visit the Cathedral, the Church of San Francisco, the Town Hall and the Historic Museum of the North, the craft market and the San Bernardo Hill. The Church of San Francisco is a magnificent Franciscan temple with fine architecture ornaments. The Town Hall was built in different periods, but has a predominant Baroque style. Looms and silver objects can be bought at the handicraft market. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight.

DAY 06 CAFAYATE (B, BL)
Breakfast at the hotel. Full day excursion to Cafayate. Flanked by rivers and within a vineyard belt with wineries that can be discovered. There are continuous handicraft expositions, folk dancing and bars, bicycle and horse rentals, and visits to the Bravo Archeological Museum, as well as handicraft workshops. Along a 5 kilometer stretch of paths above San Isidro, you will see many caves with ancient cave paintings. The visit to the wineries is very interesting as it entails various export quality wines such as the autochthonous "Torrontes" varietal, unique only to this region. Return to the Salta hotel and accommodation.

DAY 07 SALTA (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. At the agreed time transfer to the airport in Salta and assistance to board flight to your next destination

Price per person in US$:

Includes:
" 03 nights in San Pedro de Atacama with breakfast
" 03 nights in Salta (Argentina), with breakfast
" Transfers and excursions in regular service and bilingual guide
" Lunch day 2
" Box lunch day 6

ATACAMA DESERT & CRUCE DE LAGOS - 13 days/12 nights
Year-round

DAY 1: SANTIAGO DE CHILE
Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Santiago City tour. Return to hotel. Accommodation.

DAY 2: FREE DAY
You may choose from a variety of optional excursions: Viña del Mar & Valparaíso, wineries tour, head to the Andes mountain range or explore Chile’s capital city on your own. Hotel accommodation. (B)

DAY 03: SANTIAGO DE CHILE – CALAMA – SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
Reception at the Calama airport and transfer to the hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Visit the Valle de la Luna in the afternoon, returning to San Pedro de Atacama where you will stay the night. (B)

DAY 4: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA & SALAR DE ATACAMA
Depart on an archeological tour. In the afternoon, you will travel towards Toconao to the Atacama salt flats. Accommodations in San Pedro de Atacama. (B,L)

DAY 5: GÉISERES DE EL TATÍO & HIGHPLAINS VILLAGES – CALAMA - SANTIAGO:
Excursion to the geyser fields, continuing on through the high plains towards Caspana, Chiu Chiu (Chile’s oldest church) and the Pucará de Lasana. Towards the end of the day, return to the Calama airport to take your flight back to Santiago. Reception at the Santiago airport and transfer to your hotel. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: SANTIAGO – PUERTO MONTT – PUERTO VARAS
Hotel check out and transfer to the airport. Welcome reception at the Puerto Montt airport and transfer to Puerto Varas. En route, visit the 10th Region’s capital, Puerto Montt. Accommodation at your hotel in Puerto Varas. (B)

DAY 7: PUERTO VARAS – PETROHUÉ
Visit the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. Free time for an optional snack. Afterwards, you will visit another sector of the Petrohué Park, where you will find the famous salt flats known by the same name. A short, 20 minute hike to the Hotel for accommodations and dinner. (B,D)

DAY 8: PETROHUÉ – PEULLA
Part One of the lake crossing from Chile to Argentina. A catamaran allows the visitor to cross the beautiful Lake Todos los Santos towards the small town of Peulla in the middle of the Andean Mountain range, close to the Chilean border. Free afternoon for optional excursions. Dinner and accommodations. (B,D)
Note: If it is not possible to make the Lake Crossing by boat due to climate and/or road conditions, the trip to the city of Bariloche will be carried out by land.

DAY 9: PEULLA - BARILOCHE:
Part Two of the lake crossings. After checking in at the Chilean Customs office, the bus will tour breathtaking Andean landscapes. After registering with the Argentine Police, a short boat trip will take you Puerto Blest by way of the Lago Frías. After a short bus ride, you will board another catamaran to cross the Nahuel Huapi Lake towards Puerto Pañuelo where the busses will be waiting to take you to the Cruce de Lagos terminal; transfer to your hotel in Bariloche. (B, L)

DAY 10: BARILOCHE:
Half-day excursion to tour the city of Bariloche and the Nahuel Huapi Lake. Free afternoon. Accommodations. (B)

DAY 11: BARILOCHE - BUENOS AIRES:
Transfer to the Bariloche airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Arrival and transfer to your hotel. (B)

DAY 12: BUENOS AIRES:
A panoramic city tour will cover the city’s greatest attractions. Return to the hotel, accommodations. (B)

DAY 13: BUENOS AIRES:
Hotel Check out and transfer to the airport. (B)
Note: If weather conditions do not permit the lake crossings by catamaran, the trip to Bariloche will take place by land. For reservations and ticket issue, it is absolutely necessary to provide the passengers full names and personal data.

Price per person in US$:

Includes:
" 03 nights in Santiago with breakfast
" 02 nights in San Pedro de Atacama, with breakfast
" 01 night in Puerto Varas with breakfast
" 01 night in Petrohue with breakfast
" 01 night in Peulla with breakfast
" 02 nights in Bariloche, (Argentina) with breakfast
" 02 nights in Buenos Aires with breakfast
" Transfers and excursions in regular service and bilingual guide
" Lunch day 9
" Dinner days 7 and 8

SOUTHERN TRACK - 8 days/7 nights
Middle of September to middle of April

DAY 1 – SATURDAY / WEDNESDAY: SANTIAGO DE CHILE
Reception at the airport and transfer to your hotel. City tour. Return to the hotel.

DAY 2 – SUNDAY / THURSADY: FREE DAY
You may choose from a variety of optional excursions: Viña del Mar & Valparaíso, wineries tour, head towards the Andean Mountain Range or explore Chile’s Capital on your own. Hotel accommodations. (B)

DAY 3 – MONDAY / FRIDAY: SANTIAGO - PUERTO MONTT – PUERTO VARAS
Transfer to the airport to board your flight to Puerto Montt and transfer to Puerto Varas, the Ciudad de las Rosas. Free afternoon for optional tours to the Osorno Volcano or to the town of Frutillar. Hotel accommodations in Puerto Varas. (B)

DAY 4 – TUESDAY / SATURDAY: PEULLA
Early morning departure for a full day excursion to the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. Return to the hotel in Puerto Varas. Accommodations. (B)

DAY 5 – WEDNESDAY / SUNDAY: PUERTO VARAS – PUNTA AERENAS- PUERTO NATALES
Transfer to the airport to board your flight to Punta Arenas. Reception and transfer to the city of Puerto Natales. Accommodations in Puerto Natales. (B)

DAY 6 – THURSDAY / MONDAY: PUERTO NATALES - TORRES DEL PAINE
Early morning departure from the hotel for a full day excursion to the Torres del Paine National Park. (B, L, D)

DAY 7 – FRIDAY / TUESDAY: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK – PUERTO NATALES
Free morning for optional excursions offered by your hotel. At the end of the day, transfer to Puerto Natales. Accommodations. (B)

DAY 8 – SATURDAY / WEDNESDAY: PUERTO NATALES - PUNTA ARENAS
Transfer to the Punta Arenas airport. (B)

2010 Price per person in US$:

Skorpios III Cruise extension (Puerto Natales - Puerto Natales) - 6 days/ 5 nights

This program begins on DAY 8 of the above program. Transfer to Punta Arenas not included.

DAY 1 – SATURDAY: PUERTO NATALES
Transfer to the Skorpios terminal in Puerto Natales, at approximately 7:00pm. Embark at 8:00pm. Welcome cocktail and dinner on board. (D)

DAY 2 SUNDAY: PUERTO NATALES - BAHIA INLET
4:00 AM: Set Sail from Puerto Natales, sailing the patagonic canals towards the straight of Kirke. Sailing along the Morla Vicuña, Union Inlet, and Collingwood canals. Around midmorning, continue sailing toward the Sarmiento Canal. IN the afternoon, sail along the Pitt and Concepción canals. Arrival at the Eyre Inlet. (FB)

DAY 3 MONDAY: PÍO XI GLACIER – PUERTO EDEN
8:30 AM: Sail along the Ensenada Eyre Inlet towards Pio XI Glacier. Sail the Ensenada Eyre Inlet towards the Pio XI Glacier. At noontime, sail towards the Eyre Inlet, the Grappler Canal and the Indio Pass. Arrival at Puerto Eden at approximately 5:00 PM. Disembark on motor boats to visit the village of Wellington Isla. The Skorpios III motor yacht sets anchor. (FB)

DAY 4 TUESDAY: AMALIA GLACIER
7:00 AM: Depart from Puerto Eden. Sail the Abismo pass and the Wide Canal. In the afternoon, arrival at the Amalia Glacier. (FB)

DAY 5 WEDNESDAY: CALVO GLACIER
07.00 hrs. Sail towards the Calvo Fjord, entering, at around midmorning, the Calvo Inlet, visiting the glaciers of the Calvo Inlet. In the afternoon, you will set sail again towards Puerto Natales. 8:00 PM: Farewell party, and gala dinner. (FB)

DAY 6 THURSDAY: PUERTO NATALES – PUNTA ARENAS
Cross the Kirke Straight in the morning hours for arrival at the Skorpios terminal in Puerto Natales at around 10:30 AM. Passengers will disembark at 11:00 AM. Transfer to the Punta Arenas airport. (B)

Australis Cruise Extension (Punta Arenas - Ushuaia) - 5 days/ 4 nights

Note: This program also begins on DAY 8 of the previous program.

DAY 8 SATURDAY/ TUESDAY: PUNTA ARENAS - MARE AUSTRALIS / VIA AUSTRALIS
Transfer to Punta Arenas in the morning, check in at the Mare Australis offices. To take advantage of the free time, you may choose an optional city tour or explore Punta Arenas on your own. Boarding will take place between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Welcome aboard and departure. (D)

DAY 9 – SUNDAY / WEDNESDAY: MARE AUSTRALIS / VIA AUSTRALIS
At daybreak, the ship will sail along the Seno Almirantazgo towards the Parry glacier. Disembark in the afternoon in Ainsworth Bay to appreciate the beauty of the Marinelli Glacier. Later, stop at Tucker Isle to observe a colony of Magellan Penguins. (FB)

DAY 10 – MONDAY / THURSDAY: MARE AUSTRALIS / VIA AUSTRALIS
Sail the main branch of the Beagle Canal to enter the fjord and disembark at the Beagle Glacier. There, you will begin an excursion towards the lookout point which offers majestic views of the mountain range where the glacier begins to its limit with the ocean. After this unforgettable experience, you will sail back through the northeastern branch of the Beagle Canal to appreciate the majestic “Avenida de los Glaciares” (Avenue of the Glaciers): España, Romanche, Alemania, Italia, Francia and Holanda. (FB)

DAY 11 – TUESADY / FRIDAY: MARE AUSTRALIS / VIA AUSTRALIS
Sail the Beagle and Murray Canals to disembark at the Cabo de Hornos National Park. Cabo de Hornos (Cape Horn) is an almost vertical promontory with a 425 meter drop and is where the Atlantic and Pacific oceans meet. It was discovered in the year 1616 by a Dutch commercial expedition led by Isaac Le Maire. The Cape owes its name to the Puerto Horn which is where the expedition began. In the afternoon, we will disembark at Wulaia bay, an indigenous village. (FB)

DAY 12 – WEDNESDAY / SATURDAY: MARE AUSTRALIS / VIA AUSTRALIS - USHUAIA
Arrival at Ushuaia in the morning, transfer to your hotel or the airport. (B)

Ushuaia Extension – El Calafate – Buenos Aires 18 days/17 nights

Note: This program begins on DAY 12 of the above program.

DAY 12 – WEDNESDAY / SATURDAY: USHUAIA –TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK
Arrival at Ushuaia early in the morning and transfer to your hotel. A typical example of the sub-antarctic forest amongst rivers, lakes, and mountains. Stop at the “Estación Fin del Mundo” where you embark the “Tren del Fin del Mundo” for a 40 minute ride on the train that historically transported prisoners held at the city´s presidio which today is a museum. You will then visit the Lago Roca and you will later arrive at Bahia Lapataia one of the continent´s southernmost points. Return to your hotel. (B)

DAY 13 – THURSDAY / SUNDAY: USHUAIA – LAGOS ESCONDIDOS AND FAGNANO
Depart to Escondidos and Fagnano Lakes in the morning. On the way, you will stop at various observation points like the Garibaldi Pass to observe the majestic view. You will also have a short stop at the Valle de los Huskies in order to observe and enjoy these beautiful dogs and their sleds. Around midday, you will arrive at Lago Escondido where you will have time to enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, the expedition will head to Lago Fagnano, the largest bi-national lake in the region. Afterwards, you will return to the hotel, admiring the landscape and old sawmills along the way. (FB)

DAY 14 – FRIDAY / MONDAY: USHUAIA – EL CALAFATE
Transfer to the airport to board your flight to El Calafate. This city is located beside the Lago Argentino. Accommodations. (B)

DAY 15 – SATURDAY / TUESDAY: EL CALAFATE – GLACIAR PERITO MORENO
Full day excursion to the Perito Moreno Glacier located at the southernmost point of the Lago Argentino. Return to your hotel in the afternoon. Accommodations. (B)

DAY 16 – DOMINGO / WEDNESDAY : EL CALAFATE - BUENOS AIRES
Transfer to the El Calafate airport to board your flight to Buenos Aires. Arrival and transfer to your hotel. Accommodations. (B)

DAY 17 – MONDAY / FRIDAY: Buenos Aires
Panoramic city tour of Buenos Aires. Return to your hotel. Accommodations. (B)

DAY 18 – TUESDAY/ SATURDAY: BUENOS AIRES
Transfer to the airport. (B)

SANTIAGO, RIVERS AND LAKES 8 Days / 7 nights All the year.

DAY 01 SANTIAGO DE CHILE
Reception at the airport and transfer to your hotel.Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight.

DAY 02 SANTIAGO DE CHILE / VALDIVIA (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. At the agreed time transfer to the airport and assistance to board flight to the city of Valdivia. Arrival. Reception and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to explore on your own one of the most beautiful Chilean cities. Overnight.

DAY 03 CORRAL (B,L)
Breakfast at the hotel. Boat tour through Valdivia to Corral bay, where the river reaches the Pacific Ocean. During the crossing, you will be able to see old mansions throughout the brook and cross the bay towards the old Corral port. Lunch on board the boat. Return to your hotel. Free afternoon. Overnight.

DAY 04 VALDIVIA / PUERTO VARAS (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. At the agreed time transfer to the bus terminal and assistance to board regular bus to Puerto Varas. Upon arrival, reception at the bus terminal and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight.

DAY 05 FRUTILLAR (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning the tour sets out from Puerto Varas to Frutillar via the town of Llanquihue, which is noted for its agriculture, forestry and livestock industry. Arrival at the charming summer beach resort of Frutillar where the German style houses of the first settlers can still be seen. It visits the German Colonization Museum with an important exhibition portraying the life style of the settlers. Return to Puerto Varas. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight.

DAY 06 PETROHUE - VICENTE PERES ROSALES NATIONAL PARK (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Stunning due to its extraordinary landscape of trees, mountains and snowy volcanoes, its wealth of wildlife is also incredibly rich, amounting to more than one hundred species of birds and 30 species of mammals. Together with the marvelous natural beauty of the Osorno volcano, the Todos Los Santos lake, the Petrohué waterfalls, the Negro river and the Tronador volcano amongst many others, this park is not to be missed. The park covers an area of 253,780 hectares at an altitude ranging between 50 and 3,491 meters above sea level. It is the oldest park in Chile, having been created in 1926. In the park we will visit the Saltos del Petrohué, a waterfall on the river of the same name which runs between volcanic rock formations. A number of signed trails start from this point. Also we will have free time on the Lake Todos los Santos area. Return to Puerto Varas. Afternoon at leiure. Overnight.

DAY 07 PUERTO VARAS / SANTIAGO (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. At the agreed time transfer to the airport and assistance to board flight to Santiago. Arrival. Reception at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight.

DAY 08 SANTIAGO DE CHILE (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. At the agreed time transfer to the airport on time to board flight to your next destination

Price per person in US$:

Includes:
- Transfers airport / hotel / airport in regular services with bilingual guide.
- 02 Nights in Santiago with breakfast
- 02 Nights in Valdivia with breakfast
- 03 Nights in Puerto Varas with Breakfast
- Lunch at day 3
- All excursions in regular service with bilingual guide
- Transfer Valdivia hotel / bus station / hotel.
- Ticket bus Valdivia - Puerto Varas
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