Amazon Adventures
Travel Insurance
Why Buy Insurance?
Suggested Reading
Passports
& Visas
About Us
Booking
Form
Mailing List
Valuable Links
Privacy
Policy
800-232-5658 or 1-512-443-5393
jmc12@amazonadventures.com


Peru Tours
Brazil Tours
Argentina Tours
Chile Tours
Ecuador/Galapagos Tours
Venezuela Tours
Bolivia Tours
Costa Rica Tours
Panama Tours
Guatemala Tours
Uruguay Tours
Africa Tours
Australia Tours
New Zealand Tours
Activities in Other Countries

Phone: 800-232-5658 or
1-512-443-5393

email


Blog - Jim's Thoughts

 
Solution Graphics


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

 

The Chilean Lake District Tours

 

Main Attractions:

Puerto Montt: A southern city full of charm, old streets and houses with European features brought by German colonists, avenues that reach the sea, markets that worship fishes and shellfish, impressive lakeside path which will give you the best landscapes of the city, the one that surrounds all the bay. On this trip, sculptures such as Mirador or Sentados Frente al Mar can be seen and it is possible to visit a pleasant Railroad museum, great stores and recreation areas..

Petrohué Waterfalls: Petrohué river is located in the province of Llanquihue and on its course it has an area of impressive waterfalls called Petrohué Waterfalls. The river rises in Todos los Santos Lake and flows into the sea in the Reloncaví Estuary. It is possible to make different sports activities such as fishing, rafting and kayak.

Osorno Volcano: It is the perfect icon of Los Lagos Region. Green hillsides with eternal snow on its top. Its great height makes it possible to sight it from the entire province of Osorno, even from some places of the Chiloé Island, which therefore constitutes an impressive postcard and typical of the region’s landscape.
Location: Tenth Region. Located at 60 kilometers from Puerto Varas in an easterly direction and 80 kilometers from Puerto Montt in an northeasterly direction.

Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park: The first one and the most visitted Chilean national park. We will discover inside this protected natural reserve, the always green Valdiviano Forest, Todos los Santos Lake (Esmeralda Lake) and Petrohué Waterfalls; through a short walk we will reach to this impressive scenario.

The Llanquihue Lake: It is the third biggest natural lake of South America, with a surface of 887 Kms2. Volcanoes Osorno, Puntiagudo, Calbuco and Tronador are reflected on its waters, offering a stage beauty of the cities situated on its shores. Its name means “submerged place”, and it also stands out for its good fishing.

Frutillar: This picturesque city of extraordinary landscapes presents an outstanding construction reminiscent of the German style, and wide gardens. There are hotels, accommodation, restaurants and tourist services. It is characterized by its intense cultural activity, with a typical museum, and the well-known musical weeks between January and February.

PuyehueNational Park: Puyehue National Park is characterized by its dense forests, by a relief caused by volcanic activity, and by the abundance of water basins. The damp forest is caused by the amount of rains, and it is made up of coigües and ulmo in the lowest areas of the park, and tepa, mañío and coigüe in the highest areas. Also, it presents thermal waters, and in winter it is possible to enjoy skiing in the Antillanca center, on the side of Casa Blanca volcano.

Casino in Puerto Varas: An important night recreational center, where visitors can enjoy all type of games of chance, from the modern slot machines, baccarat tables, black jack and craps to bingo. The public scatters following the luck.

Chiloé National Park

Villarrica National Park: The national park extends throughout Curarrehue, Panguipulli, Pucón and Villarrica. The view in winter is spectaular with snows that reach great height in a broken topography where the volcanoes Lanín, Quetrupillán and Villarrica stand out.

Villarrica Volcano: It is active and its crater of only 200 mts. in diameter, with permanent fumaroles and it is covered by a vast glacier of 40 km_ which is situated in the northwestern end of a notable volcanic chain next to the volcanoes Cordillera, El Mocho, Quetrupillán, Quinquilil and Lanín.

Volcanic Caves: Caves of around 700 mts. long, which are open with light and steps so that people can visit them. The second biggest caves of the world, after Canary Islands.

Huerquehue National Park: Also known as the "messengers’ place” in Mapuche language, the attraction generates an exuberant vegetation thanks to its abundant rains. Araucarias, mañíos, tepas and oaks, are some of the flower species, while the fox, cougar, pudú, chucao and guiña take part of the place's fauna.

Huife Hot Springs: They are immersed into a spectacular foothill landscape of the Ninth Region. And the impressive Villarrica volcano as a background. The temperature of its waters varies between 38º and 58º C and are rich in minerals.

Geometric Hot Springs
: They are characterized by the abundance of thermal springs, around 60, which come out in the stream of Aihué with a temperature of 80ºC. Another particular feature is its very original infrastructure, designed by the architect Germán del Sol, which gives an special attraction to these hot springs. The wood walkway which crosses all the center and which is used to visit the stream and choose your favorite place between the pools.

Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve: This private proyect located on the banks of Pirihueico lake, near Panguipulli, has 60,000 hectares and it is possible to find a coffee shop and paths authorized near Huilo-Huilo Waterfalls. Also, the volcano Mocho is being authorizing for the practice of skiing. This area, also makes it possible to follow pawprints of deers, foxes and cougars; rides; mountain biking; fly fishing next to waterfalls and underground caves of Blanco river; thermal water baths; canopy from a height of 70 m, or rafting, kayak and sailing in Fuy, Enco and Pirehueico rivers.

Conguillio National Park: The national park has 60,832 hectares which includes the towns of Curacautín, Lonquimay, Melipeuco and Vilcún. It is also called “The Umbrellas' Park” due to the strong concentration of Araucarias it presents. One of the most complete parks in terms of infrastructure, and most incredible due to its diversity of fauna and flora.

Communities and Mapuche Rucas: Araucanía Region is one of the latest places of settlement of the Mapuche ethnic group, which has kept their culture and traditions intact over the years. Today, just some live in communities which are characterized by typical houses called “rucas” (shacks). It is possible to organize excursions to visit these communities and the museum which collects a wide variety of typical objects and summarizes their history.

 

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


DAY 1: SANTIAGO DE CHILE:
Reception at the airport and trip to the hotel. Accommodation.

DAY 2: SANTIAGO DE CHILE – VALDIVIA
Trip from the hotel to the airport. Reception and trip to the hotel in Valdivia. Rest of the day, free. Accommodation at the hotel. (B)

DAY 3: VALDIVIA – CORRAL - VALDIVIA
Trip and visit through Valdivia to Corral bay, where the river reaches the Pacific Ocean. During the crossing, you will be able to see old mansions thorughout the brook and cross the bay towards the old Corral port. Return to your hotel. Free afternoon. Accommodation at the hotel. (B, L)

DAY 4: VALDIVIA – PUERTO VARAS
Trip from the hotel to Valdivia’s bus station, in order to take the bus to Puerto Varas. Reception and trip to the hotel. Accommodation. (B)

DAY 5: PUERTO VARAS – FRUTILLAR – PUERTO VARAS
Departure from your hotel for a half day tour to Frutillar. Return to the hotel. Accommodation. (B)

DAY 6: PUERTO VARAS – FRUTILLAR – PUERTO VARAS
Half day excursion to know Vicente Pérez National Park. Petrohué waterfalls will be visited and it will be possible to enjoy Todos los Santos Lake, situated in the Andes. Return to Puerto Varas. (B)

DAY 7: PUERTO VARAS - PUERTO MONTT- SANTIAGO
Check out and trip from the hotel to the Puerto Montt airport in order to take a flight for Santiago de Chile. Reception and trip to the hotel. Accommodation. (B)

DAY 8: SANTIAGO DE CHILE
Check out and trip to the airport. (B)

Price per person in US$:

From Jan. 1 till April 30 2009 and Sept. 1-30 2009
hotel
category
single
double
triple
Plaza San Francisco + Puerta del Sur + Melia
deluxe
1910
1177
1087
Torremayor/ Galerias + Diego de Almagro + Bellavista
first
1293
866
806
Principado de Asturias + Melillanca + Colonos del Sur
tourist
994
741
653
From May 1 till Aug. 31 2009
Plaza San Francisco + Puerta del Sur + Melia
deluxe
1647
1053
991
Torremayor/ Galerias + Diego de Almagro + Bellavista
deluxe
1083
752
709
Principado de Asturias + Melillanca + Colonos del Sur
deluxe
907
689
621

 

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

MAGIC OF THE LAKES (5 days / 4 nights)
.

Day 1: Puerto Montt - Puerto Varas
Upon arrival at Puerto Montt Airport you will be taken to Puerto Varas, known as the „City of Roses“, located on the shores of Lake Llanquihue - Chile‘s largest lake. Here you can stroll along the shore and enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the volcanoes Osorno and Calbuco and the lively
beach in the summer months. Overnight in Puerto Varas.

Day 2: Peulla
Driving along the shores of the Lago Llanquihue past various beaches and Ensenada to Petrohué, you will reach the National Park Vicente Pérez Rosales. You can make an optional stop at the famous Petrohué Falls with their emerald colored water. Then you will proceed to Petrohué where
the catamaran awaits you to sail across the beautiful lake Todos los Santos to Peulla. You will have time for lunch at Hotel Peulla and/or walk to nearby waterfalls. Return to Puerto Varas to stay the night. (B)

Day 3: Pto. Varas - Frutillar
After breakfast you will visit Frutillar, situated on the shoreline of Lake Llanquihue and founded by German settlers around 1850. The outdoor museum which you will visit is entirely dedicated to those pioneers. Afterwards you will be taken back to Puerto Varas to have an afternoon at leisure to discover other nearby sights or to relax. Overnight in Puerto Varas. (B)

Day 4: Chiloé Island
Departure to Pargua and crossing of the Chacao Channel by ferry to reach Chiloé Island.
SIB (SEAT-IN-BUS):
Schedules differ for winter and summer. From March to December you will take gravel roads after arriving to Chiloé and pass small farms and native woods close to the seaside. You will visit the fishermen and oyster farmers‘ village of Caulín, where you can have some delicious seafood, then carrying on to Ancud (famous for its traditional market featuring a wide range of seafood and crafts). You will visit the local museum and the San Antonio Fortress and return to Puerto Varas after this last stop. In January and February you will start your trip with a visit to Ancud and then travel most of the time on the principal route - the final miles of the Panamerican Highway. First you will stop in Castro, famous for its houses on stilts and the San Francisco Church, completely built from native wood. Then you continue to Dalcahue, which features a colorful market open only on Sundays and a typical Chiloé style wooden church built in 1858. Return to Puerto Varas and overnight stay. (B)
PRIVATE:
You will visit Ancud (famous for its traditional market featuring a wide range of seafood and crafts), the local museum, and the San Antonio Fortress. After an optional lunch you will continue your trip to the penguin islands (only from November to March) - „Islotes Puñihuil“ - located on
the north-western coast at about 30 minutes from Ancud. After a short introduction you will board a boat for a 30 minute tour to the penguin islands to see the only nesting grounds in the world where Humboldt and Magellan penguins breed side by side. Other species you may spot are sea lions, pelicans, and cormorants but you will not be permitted to leave the boat and walk among the animals - protecting the sensitive wildlife is a priority. Return to Puerto Varas and overnight stay. (B)

Day 5: Puerto Varas - Puerto Montt
After breakfast, you will depart to Puerto Montt for a brief city tour including the lively fish market of Angelmó, before you are taken to the airport of Puerto Montt. (B

Price per person in US$

May 1 - Oct. 31 2010
Nov. 1 2010 - March 31 2011
double
single
double
single
Group Cumbres Patagonicas
$580
$873
$660
$1041
Cabanas del Lago
$492
$758
$573
$918
Private Puelche
$817
$1443
$903
$1719
Casa Molina
$891
$1656
$960
$1892
  Cumbres Patagonicas
$834
$1484
$929
$1734

LAKES, VOLCANOES AND SOUTHERN ADVENTURE IN PUERTO VARAS AND CHILOE ISLAND 5 days / 4 nights All the year round.


DAY 01 PUERTO MONTT / PUERTO VARAS
Arrival to the airport in Puerto Montt. On the way to Puerto Varas, we will visit the city of Puerto Montt, including its picturesque fisherman wharf in Angelmó and the handicraft fair.
Continue to Puerto Varas. Accommodation in your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight.

DAY 02 CHILOE ISLAND (B,L)
Breakfast at the hotel. The Isla Grande of Chiloé is South America's largest island and among its most striking cultural anomalies. The Jesuit order made this corner of the earth their special responsibility, erecting schools and over two hundred elegant wooden churches, nine of which are protected as national monuments and were declared World Heritage by UNESCO. A rich mythology - populated by strange trolls, sea monsters, and eerie ghost ships - is yet another mark of Chiloé's singular history.

Today, Chiloé balances wild, unbridled nature with one of South America's most remarkable traditional cultures. Renowned for its seafood, its wool and wood handicrafts, and the warmth of its people, Chiloé is still a largely unknown destination for walking and biking, fishing, paddling and birding. We will visit the penguin colony in Punihuil area. Lunch to be provided on a local restaurant. Return to Puerto Varas in the afternoon. Overnight.

DAY 03 OSORNO VOLCANO / PETROHUE (B,D)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Its figure ideally synthesizes what a volcano is. Its unique colors, as well as its slopes and a summit that remains covered with white, unspoilt snow almost 365 days a year.
Standing almost 60 kilometers to the Northwest of Puerto Varas, it reaches a height of 2,661 meters above sea level. Its great height makes it visible from every point in the district of Osorno, even in some places on Chiloé Island. Therefore, it represents an impressive and typical postcard of the region. With its classical blackish dark green color and ornamented with arms of eternal snow, its presence attracts the thousands of tourists who visit it every year. Looking at its summit is mesmerizing and it is the destination for various climbing excursions.

After enjoying a magnificent view, we will continue to Vicente Perez Rosales National Park 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. Accommodation at Hotel Petrohue. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 04 VICENTE PEREZ ROSALES NATIONAL PARK (B,D)
Breakfast at the hotel. You can choose one of the excursions that the hotel offers to their guest (2 half days or 1 full day) Petrohué is an excellent base for fly fishing, hiking, zip line, rafting and many other activities that can bring you closer to this magical wilderness.
Dinner at the hotel. Overnight.

DAY 05 PETROHUE / PUERTO MONTT (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$:

April 1 - Oct. 31, 2010
hotel
single
double
triple
Solace Junior Suite-Petrohue
1085
866
-
Cabañas del Lago Std-Petrohue
1048
808
-
Jan. 1 - March 30 & Nov. 1 - Dec. 31, 2010
Solace Junior Suite-Petrohue
1152
900
-
Cabañas del Lago Std-Petrohue
1140
829
-

Includes:
- Transfer Puerto Montt airport / hotel / Puerto Montt airport.
- All excursions mention in this program are in regular service with bilingual guide.
- 02 nights in Puerto Varas with breakfast.
- 02 nights in Petrohue hotel with breakfast.
- Lunch on days : 2nd ; Dinner on days : 3rd and 4th .

1 day extension From September - April.

DAY 5: PETROHUE – PEULLA - BARILOCHE
This day we will cross Lagos Andinos up to Lake Crossing Terminal in Bariloche.

Includes:
- Transfer to pier Petrohue in regular service with bilingual guide.
- Ticket for Andean Lake Crossing

2 days / 1 night extension From May - August.

DAY 5: PETROHUE – PEULLA
This day we will cross the first stretch of Lake Crossing up to Peulla, where optional excursions will be organized. Dinner and accommodation in a Hotel in Peulla. (B, D)

DAY 6: PEULLA - BARILOCHE
This day we will continue the Lake Crossing up to Lake Crossing Terminal in Bariloche. (B)

Includes:
- Transfer to pier Petrohue in regular service with bilingual guide.
- Ticket for Andean Lake Crossing
- 01 night of lodging in Peulla with half board

.

NATURE CHALLENGE 4 days / 3 nights All the year.


DAY 1: PUERTO MONTT – PETROHUÉ
Reception at the airport of Puerto Montt and trip to Petrohué. On the way, you will visit Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas. Optional lunch in Puerto Varas. There is a possibility to rent a mountain bike to explore the area. Introductory talk, dinner and accommodation at Petrohué Hotel. (D)

DAY 2: PETROHUÉ - VICENTE PEREZ ROSALES NATIONAL PARK– PETROHUÉ
You may choose among several activities: 2 half-day excursions or 1 full day excursion, depending on your preference. Activities consist of several options of trekking, canyoning, ascents, rafting and others. Dinner and accommodation in Petrohué Hotel. (B, BL, D)

DAY 3: PETROHUÉ – OSORNO VOLCANO – PUERTO VARAS
Trip to Osorno Volcano, enjoying a short experience of ski or walks, or just contemplating the beauty of the place (optional activities). Return to Puerto Varas in the afternoon. Accommodation at a hotel in Puerto Varas. (B)

DAY 4: PUERTO VARAS – PUERTO MONTT
Trip to the airport of Puerto Montt. (B)

Price per person in US$:

From Jan. 1 till April 15 2009 + Oct. 16 till March 13, 2010
hotel
single
double
triple
Bellavista + Petrohue All Incl.
914
751
-
Cabanas del Lago Superior +Petrohue All Incl.
971
771
-
Cabanas del Lago standard + Petrohue All Incl.
926
755
-
Colonos del Sur Sup. + Petrohue All Incl.
944
777
-
Colonos del Sur stan. + Petrohue All Incl.
919
766
-
From April 16 till Oct. 15 2009
Bellavista + Petrohue All Incl.
872
727
-
Cabanas del Lago Superior +Petrohue All Incl.
897
734
-
Cabanas del Lago standard + Petrohue All Incl.
882
729
-
Colonos del Sur Sup. + Petrohue All Incl.
910
758
-
Colonos del Sur stan. + Petrohue All Incl.
890
749
-

Includes:
- Transfer Puerto Montt airport / hotel / airport in regular service with bilingual guide
- All excursions in regular service with bilingual guide.
- 02 nights of lodging in Petrohue with breakfast
- 01 night of lodging in Puerto Varas with breakfast
- Dinner on days 1 and 2 and box lunch on day 2

Patagonia Island Discovery

Day 1: Puerto Montt/Puerto Varas - Chiloé Island
Your guide will pick you up at the Puerto Montt airport or your hotel in Puerto Montt / Puerto Varas for an early ferry crossing to the island of Chiloé. The island is steeped in history, having been the southernmost European colony anywhere in the world for over 300 years as well as being the last Spanish stronghold in Chile. Our destination will be the Puñihuíl Natural Monument, the only place in the world where Humboldt and
Magellan penguins nest side by side. We will tour the islands by boat with local fishermen. After a tasty lunch we will then continue our journey southwards towards Castro, where your guide will show you the most interesting sites of Castro, including its majestic wooden cathedral (one of 16 UNESCO World Heritage sites), seaside palafito stilt homes, and its local market. Overnight in selected hotel on the island. (B,L, D)

Day 2: Chiloé Island Explorations
After breakfast we will drive to the village of Chonchi and cross over on a small ferry to the island of Lemuy and seemingly take a step back in time. Lemuy is a quiet, pastoral island set among the other emerald islands of the Archipelago and with a backdrop of the snow-capped Andes across the waters to the East. At the return we will continue our journey to Tepuhueico Park, upon arrival we will hike through a fantastic lush forest rich in diversity following a small trail that will lead us to the natural drainage of the Tepuhueico Lake which consists in an amazingly pretty waterfall. Later on we will head back to our hotel for a good night’s rest. Overnight in selected hotel.(B,L,D)

Day 3: Quellón - Melinka - Jéchica Island Lodge & Marina
After breakfast you will be transferred to the local airstrip of Quellón. A small modern aircraft will take you to Melinka Island in 30 minutes time; to deepen into one of Chile’s least explored regions. With endless islets and magical channels between them this area will impress you by its lush evergreen forests. Once in Melinka we will embark towards our final destination: Jéchica Island. The transfer is onboard the “Jéchica I” motorboat. On your way to Jéchica you will be able to discover the canals and fjords near the island. This motorboat has been specially built and designed to navigate in these latitudes and to protect passengers from austral rains. Additionally, there are windows allowing to fully appreciating the places; flora and fauna.

On our way in to Isla Jechica from Melinka, different species of dolphins are common to see and you might even be lucky enough to spot Hump Back and Blue whales! As the entire region is one of the largest habitats for Blue Whales in the southern hemisphere, one wonders if these huge mammals chose this area for its startling landscapes. In this hidden paradise of more than 7 thousand hectares / 17,297 acres nature has remained unchanged from the beginning of time. A marvellous setting combines the grandeur of the Pacific Ocean with the perfect harmony of one of the most beautiful flora located in Chile; the evergreen southern rainforest. The comfortable Jéchica Island Lodge was developed with awareness and conscience of the ecosystem in mind; integrating the natural composition of the area with the buildings and the marina. Jéchica Island has only three independent cabins; to ensure your privacy. The activity centre of the island is in the clubhouse. Excursions are organized there and is a great place to share experiences lived during the day. It has a comfortable living room with chimney and offers the service of a bar and restaurant, nautical cards room, movies and internet; all in a cosy environment which makes you feel at home. Overnight in Jéchica. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Jéchica Island Explorations
The best way to get to know a place is by living it. Therefore, several activities with different levels of difficulty are offered today; allowing you to reach the heart of this paradise. Excursions range from expert-guided hiking tours up to sea kayaking or wildlife observation. Once you are deep in these landscapes, you will be able to hear the language of nature and come in touch with the true Patagonia; which Jéchica Island has in store for its visitors. Undoubtedly, an experience that generates excitement and turns the experience unforgettable. Great food and premium wines will be served at the lovely restaurant. Overnight in Jechica. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Jéchica Island Explorations
Do not feel surprised if a beautiful giant wood pecker tells you it is time for breakfast by knocking on a nearby tree. After breakfast there will be more to unveil of this magical island’s mysteries by exploring it. Overnight in Jéchica. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Melinka - Puerto Montt/Puerto Varas
After an early breakfast, Jéchica´s own vessel will take you back in approximately 3 hours time to Melinka Island, where you will board a small aircraft that will take you to Puerto Montt´s small local “La Paloma Airport”. From here you will be taken either to the Puerto Montt’s main airport
“El Tepual” for your connecting flights or to your downtown hotel in Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas. (B)

Price per person in US$ till March 31, 2011: $1953 double occupancy, $2715 single occupancy.

Program includes: 5 overnights with full board, transfers and excursions with English speaking guide, entrance fees, flights Quellón - Melinka / Melinka - Puerto Montt
Special payment conditions: Prepayment 30% upon confirmation, balance due 30 days prior to arrival.

SANTIAGO AND LAGOS ANDINOS CROSSING
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 (B)
Breakfast at the 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. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight.

DAY 03 VALPARAISO & 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 04 SANTIAGO / PUERTO MONTT / PUERTO VARAS (B)
Brekafast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport and assistance to board flight to Puerto Montt. Arrival to the airport in Puerto Montt. On the way to Puerto Varas, we will visit the city of Puerto Montt, including its picturesque fisherman wharf in Angelmó and the handicraft fair.
Continue to Puerto Varas. Accommodation in 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 LAKE CROSSING PUERTO VARAS / PEULLA (B,L)
Breakfast at the hotel. The trip starts from Puerto Varas, following the road to Ensenada, at the other edge of Lake Llanquihue. We will visit the Petrohue river and falls. Arrival at Petrohué along Lake Todos los Santos, going along a vessel for the Lake Crossing. During the sailing, and if weather conditions are acceptable, we will have the wonderful opportunity to enjoy, in all its splendor, the majestic Osorno Volcano. Disembark at Peulla, a small village beside the lake. Lunch served at Hotel Peulla. Afternoon at leisure or to walk around the area to enjoy the nature of the heart of the Andes. Overnight.

DAY 07 PEULLA / BARILOCHE (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure to Puerto Frías (Argentina) to board a catamaran for a cruise across Lake Frías to Puerto Alegre. There a motor coach is taken to Puerto Blest, where you can have lunch (not included). After lunch a catamaran is boarded to sail to Puerto Pañuelo. Finally, after traveling a short stretch of the road to Bariloche along the Nahuel Huapi, the tour arrives at the city late in the evening. Accommodation at Hotel in Bariloche. Overnight.

DAY 08 BARILOCHE
Breakfast at the hotel.

Price per person in US$:

From Jan. 1 - March 30 2010 + Nov. 1 - Dec. 31, 2010
hotel
single
double
triple
Bonaparte-Solace Junior Suite-Peulla-Nevada
1348
955
-
Park Plaza-Cabañas del lago std-Natura-Edelweiss
1785
1188
-
From April 1 - Oct. 31, 2010
Bonaparte-Solace Junior Suite-Peulla-Nevada
1415
989
-
Park Plaza-Cabañas del lago std-Natura-Edelweiss
1877
1234
-


Includes:

- Transfers airport / hotel / airport in regular services with bilingual guide.
- 03 nights in Santiago with breakfast.
- 02 nights in Puerto Varas with breakfast
- 01 night in Peulla, with breakfast
- 01 Night in Bariloche with Breakfast
- Dinner day 6.
- All excursions in regular service with bilingual guide
- Ticket Andean Lake Crossing with assistance.