Chile: Signature Landscapes

Discover the highlights of Santiago during this tour. Accompanied by your guide, head to the city’s Old Town. Here you will see the Plaza de Armas, the main square, that is surrounded by historic buildings such as the 18th-century Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral and The National History Museum of Chile among others. Soak in the architecture and take in the bustling square, before continuing on to the city’s iconic neighborhoods. You will hear interesting facts about Santiago from your guide as you pass important ministerial buildings including La Moneda, the presidential palace. Afterward, take a traditional funicular ride to the top of San Cristóbal Hill. Vantage points offer panoramic views of the mountains and the city. Then, drive east to see the newer parts of town with its modern architecture and busy streets before the tour wraps up.

(Duration: half day; Time: morning or afternoon; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees for funicular ride included; Meals included: no; Fitness level: easy; Please note that San Cristóbal Hill is open from 1000 – 2000 hrs, Tue to Sun)

Explore the Atacama Desert and its alien-looking landscape. In the afternoon, take a short drive to the Valley of the Moon, the world’s driest non-polar desert. In front of you lies an expanse of millennia-old rock formations and white patches of salt, which mark the remains of ancient lakes. Head to the canyon’s ridge and take in panoramic views of the Cordillera de la Sal. Then, proceed to Vallecito, best known for its lunar terrain. Crunch your way through crystalline pathways and enter the Canon de Sal. Snake through the salt caves in a single file, to emerge in an area that resembles Mars. You’ll learn that NASA uses this area as a training ground for explorations on the red planet. Continue onward and visit some salt flats and an abandoned bus, Le Micro, once used to transport salt miners. Finally, walk up a hillock and watch the sunset while sipping on a cocktail, before heading back.

(Duration: half day; Time: 1500 hrs (summer) / 1430 hrs (winter); Private activity & transfers; All entry fees are included; Meals included: cocktail; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; Please wear comfortable clothing; Please bring a parka & sunscreen; Operates subject to weather conditions; Not available on Dec 25 & Jan 1)

A wonderful half-day excursion brings you to the quaint village of Toconao where all houses are made of volcanic stones. Next, the largest salt flat awaits you, along with incredible views of flamingos on the shores of what was a prehistoric ocean. This activity is recommended in the late afternoon to enjoy the amazing colors of the sunset or during the early morning to see most of the flamingos.

(Duration: 4 hours. Entrance Fee included, Private Activity)

The Rainbow Valley and Hierbas Buenas are very much part of the scenic highlights of the region and are an insider’s tip. Marvel at the fabulous petroglyphs of Hierbas Buenas. Carved in the rocks thousands of years ago these petroglyphs dipict local animals, such as the llama, and other symbols important to the Atacameño people. Rich with many different minerals, the Rainbow Valley decorated with many different hues spanning the full range of the rainbow. (Approximately 4 hours. If you have a preference for timing, please tell your travel consultant at the time of booking, otherwise our team will schedule the tour at the best available time. Private Activity)

Experience the gastronomy and culture of the UNESCO-listed city of Valparaiso on a walking tour. Mid-morning, meet your local guide and head out to explore the city. Walk around Plaza Sotomayor, the main square, while your guide shares insight into the region’s history and cultural heritage. Next, enjoy a ride on one of the historic funiculars that traverse the winding and colorful hilltop streets of Cerro Alegre and Concepcion. As you walk on the cobbled streets, through narrow passages and climb staircases, stop at curated eateries to taste their specialties. Sample delicacies such as cookies, craft beer, and a special flavor of ice cream, as well as typical Chilean dishes. Before the tour winds up, relish a traditional pisco sour and picoteo, or snack, while you take in beautiful views of the port and the city from a vantage spot.

(Duration: half day; Time: 1100 hrs; Private activity; Transfers not required; Starting point: Plaza Sotomayor/ your Valparaiso hotel (by arrangement); Meals included: tastings; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy – moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Bottled water included; Walking tour lasts approx. 4 hours and distance involved is about 10 city blocks and several staircases; Please wear comfortable walking shoes and avoid wearing or bringing high-value items like expensive cameras, watches or jewelry; Not available on Jan 1, Sep 18-19, & Dec 25)

Explore the stunning Torres del Paine National Park with its diverse landscapes bestowed with incredible beauty. Once in the national park take a few short hikes to see its attractions such as the Nordenskjöld, Salto Grande Waterfalls, Pehoe Lake, and Lake Grey. With luck you will also be able to wildlife such as guanacos, Darwin Rheas and condors who call the park their home. During your tour admire the mighty Towers of Paine and Horns of Paine mountains which dominate horizon. Experience the grandeur and beauty for yourself and see why this national park is considered the crowning jewel of Patagonia. (Approximately from 08:00 to 17:00. Private Activity. Lunch Included.)

Embark in Puerto Bories to navigate along the beautiful Ultima Esperanza Fjord. Observe beautiful mountains, waterfalls, ranches and Patagonian birds. Disembark at the Balmaceda Glacier and take a walk through native forests until reaching a viewpoint with incredible views of the glacier. Continue to the majestic Serrano Glacier, which can be admired from the boat. Before returning to Puerto Natales, visit a typical Patagonian ranch, to enjoy a delicious Magellan-style lunch. (08:30 to 17:00. Group Activity with shared boat tour. Includes coffee/tea on board, lunch and entrance fee).