Be treated to a Mars-like experience travelling to the Atacama Desert. Toast the otherworldly contours of Valle de la Luna with sundowners, before watching the lunar landscape come alight with stars. Sail between the mighty glaciers of Patagonia and hike to the Base Las Torres viewpoint. Marvel at the spectacular Perito Moreno glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. Experience the mighty Iguazu Falls. Soak up the cuisine, arts and beauty of dramatic Santiago. Explore hipster neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires and feast upon Provoleta-dripping chorizo, empanadas and homemade chimichurri. Spend time in iconic Rio, dancing with locals in a unique colonial townhouse and muddling up caipirinhas over the sunset skyline. Live life to the fullest.

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Chile!

Arrive to Santiago de Chile International Airport, then board a two-hour flight to Calama.

On arrival, transfer to your hotel in the desert oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama.

Good night and sweet dreams.

Tomorrow, you'll embrace the rich colours of the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world recently made famous in "James Bond: Quantum of Solace."

Meals Included:

• There are no meals included on this day.

Hotel:

• Hotel Altiplanico ( 3.5-star hotel)  or similiar

Day 2: Explore Valle de la Luna

Visit the otherworldly landscape of Valle de la Luna, aka Moon Valley. This surreal region was once the training ground for NASA’s Lunar Rover.

At night, prepare to get starry-eyed.

Thanks to its vast, unpolluted skies, the Atacama is one of the best places on earth to stargaze

Meals Included:

• Breakfast

Hotel:

• Hotel Altiplanico or similiar

Day 3: Atacama Salt Lake tour

Travel approximately 2 hours to the otherworldly Salar de Atacama, the largest salt flat in Chile.

Visit Chaxa lagoon, part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve en route to to reach Miscanti and Miniques lagoons, which sit on the high plains at the base of two colossal volcanoes of the same names.

Travel to the village of Socaire. Here you will see ancient agricultural terraces with irrigation channels.

Explore the village before returning to your hotel.

Meals Included:

• Breakfast

Hotel:

• Hotel Altiplanico or similiar

Day 4: Hot springs and sunrise geysers

Make a pre-dawn start to witness the legendary Tatio Geysers erupt as the sun creeps over the horizon. The rays reflect a prism of colours as they mingle with the 40m-high jets of boiling water and steam.

After a morning of marvels, unwind in a local hot springs amid desert shrubbery and rust-coloured cliffs.

Meals Included:

• Breakfast

Hotel:

• Hotel Altiplanico or similiar

Day 5: Fly to Santiago

Fly back to Santiago and have a good rest. Patagonia is next.

Optional Activities:

• Urban Adventures: Santiago Nightlife Adventure - - USD 90

Meals Included:

• Breakfast

Hotel:

• Hotel W Santiago (5-star hotel) or similar.

Day 6: Fly to Punta Arenas and arrive in Puerto Natales

Fly to Punta Arenas then take the bus to Puerto Natales.

Meals Included:

• Breakfast

Hotel:

• Hotel The Singular Patagonia (5-star hotel)

Day 7: Arrive to Torres del Paine National Park

From Puerto Natales enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in Torres del Paine.

The national park fee is included.

Meals Incluided:

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel:

• Hotel Las Torre (4-star hotel)
• The hotel's strategic location on the foot of the majestic Torres del Paine mountain range and astride the park's legendary hiking trails makes it a perfect base camp for exploring the area's many natural wonders.

Day 7: Trek to base Las Torres

Trek through spectacular Patagonian scenery.

This is one of the most epic hikes, so rev up for a hearty burst of stamina. Trust us, the views are worth it.

We’ll spend the first few hours ascending into the beautiful Asencio Valley, stopping to admire breathtaking snapshots of Lake Nordenskjöld and Almirante Nieto mountain. After a pit stop at Refugio el Chieno, we’ll carry on through ancient forests and across plunging streams. There’s a steep climb once you cross the glacial moraine of Campamento Torres, but after an hour, you’ll reach the panorama at Base Las Torres.

Gaze up at three immense Andean rock towers rising jaggedly into the sky, with a bright turquoise lake shimmering beneath.

Note:

There are no set itineraries for your stay at Hotel Las Torres. Each day you can choose from five to ten different activities selected according to the weather and your interests. These include hiking, horseback riding, van or motorboat excursions; in groups no larger than ten guests accompanied by a bilingual guide, explorations allow an in-depth contact with the wonders of Torres del Paine National Park, year round. The cost of any of those trips is included, except the cost for the glacier cruise.

Meals Included:

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel:

• Hotel Las Torres

Day 8: Saddle up in Torres del Paine

In the rugged beauty of Patagonia, we’ll saddle up and horse ride into the wild landscape.

Trotting across the terrain in a convoy of horses with the epic mountains rising around you, this is an awesome way to reconnect with nature and embrace the simple lifestyle of a gaucho.

Note:

There are no set itineraries for your stay at Hotel Las Torres. Each day you can choose from five to ten different activities selected according to the weather and your interests. These include hiking, horseback riding, van or motorboat excursions; in groups no larger than ten guests accompanied by a bilingual guide, explorations allow an in-depth contact with the wonders of Torres del Paine National Park, year round. The cost of any of those trips is included, except the cost for the glacier cruise.

Meals Included:

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel:

• Hotel Las Torres

Day 9: Full Paine + Sail the Patagonian  Glacier Grey

This trip truly lives up to its name by giving guests the fullest introduction to Torres del Paine National Park.

The road trip features stops at scenic overlooks, short hikes to natural landmarks, and a wonderful lake cruise to Grey Glacier.

Stops along the way include Puente Negro, Nordenskjold Lookout, Sarmiento Lookout, Lake Pehoe, Salto Grande waterfall.

The Lago Grey cruise takes about 3 hours. You will admire Grey Glacier which tumbles down from the massive Southern Patagonia Ice Field.

Note:

There are no set itineraries for your stay at Hotel Las Torres. Each day you can choose from five to ten different activities selected according to the weather and your interests. These include hiking, horseback riding, van or motorboat excursions; in groups no larger than ten guests accompanied by a bilingual guide, explorations allow an in-depth contact with the wonders of Torres del Paine National Park, year round. The cost of any of those trips is included, except the cost for the glacier cruise.

Meals Included:

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel:

• Hotel Las Torres

Day 10: Arrive in El Calafate

Enjoy a private transfer to El Calafate. Welcome to Argentina!

El Calafate flanks the southern shore of Lago Argentino in the southwest part of Argentina’s Santa Cruz Province.

The town is near the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and one of the gateways to World Heritage Listed Parque Nacional Los Glaciers.

The name El Calafate is derived from the calafate plant common in Patagonia.

The town’s main street, Avenida del Libertador General San Martín, is lined with restaurants, cafes, chocolate shops and souvenir shops.

Meals Included:

• Breakfast

Hotel:

• Hotel Patagonia Rebelde (3-star hotel) or similar. Built in the style of an old railway station, and resembling a museum more than a hotel, Patagonia Rebelde is a unique property in Calafate.

Day 11: The Perito Moreno Glacier

Today we’re exploring the mighty Los Glaciares National Park. Home to the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier, this huge 200-foot hunk of ice is one of the last remaining glaciers that is still growing.

The glacier is more than two miles wide and averages 74m in height above the surface of the water of Lake Argentino.

If you are lucky you may see the glacier calving as large masses of ice break away from the glacier and collapse into the water.

The national park fees are not included.

Meals Included:

• Breakfast

Hotel:

• Hotel Patagonia Rebelde or similar.

Day 12: Fly to Buenos Aires

Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s big, cosmopolitan capital city.

Buenos Aires is waiting with its amazing steaks, red wine, and plenty of sites to occupy you for days on end.

The city rarely sleeps and you’ll have a chance to explore many weekend ferias or markets, great dining establishments, historic sites, plazas, and museums during your visit.

Meals Included:

• Breakfast

Hotel:

• Hotel Clasico (3-star hotel) or similar

Day 13: Buenos Aires

Today explore Buenos Aires on a full-day tour with a local guide.

Wander the cobbled streets of San Telmo and browse its antiques markets, then continue to Plaza de Mayo to see the presidential palace of Casa Rosada.

Walk among the tombs of the Recoleta Cemetery, the final resting place of Eva Peron.

From here take a private van to La Boca and its well-known ‘Caminito’ district, before moving on to the lesser-known side of the neighbourhood.

Here you’ll visit an artist's gallery and eat an included lunch in support of a local social project.

Explore hipster neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires and feast upon Provoleta-dripping chorizo, empanadas.

Walk around the trendy Palermo, where the tree-lined streets are home to some of the best bars and restaurants in town.

The tour is included in the price of the trip.

Meals Included:

• Breakfast

Hotel:

• Hotel Clasico or similar

Day 14: Gourmet Buenos Aires Food Adventures

Malbec! Empanadas! Dulce de Leche!

If you don't know what these are you soon will on this Buenos Aires tour that will have food freaks and gourmet gluttons primed for piggery.

Discover the local restaurants you’ll be sure to return to.

The tour is included in the price of the trip.

Meals Included:

• Breakfast

Hotel:

• Hotel Clasico or similar

Day 15: Malbec Trail of Palermo

Think you know your Malbec? Become a bona fide expert in Argentine wine with a customized lesson and tasting session, led by a local connoisseur who truly knows the ways of the grape.

Sneak away to a hidden wine cellar where you’ll get your wine 101 training underway — paired, of course, with some samples of that delicious drink (purely for research, of course!).

Finish it all off with a bitter fernet, one of the most popular liqueurs in Argentina.

The tour is included in the price of the trip.

In the evening, enjoy sizzling steaks and city life in Buenos Aires.

Feast on alfajores for dessert in the form of crumbly cookies held together by gooey dulce de leche. Then sit back and enjoy some mate tea, drinking in the stories surrounding this national pastime.

Meals Included:

• Breakfast

Hotel:

• Hotel Clasico or similar

Day 16: Exploring "The Paris of South America"

Today is a free day to do whatever you please.

Optional Activities:

• Buenos Aires - Tango show (ticket price depends on the location and inclusions) - USD 60

Meals Included:

• Breakfast

Hotel:

• Hotel Clasico or similar

Day 17: Buenos Aires

Today is a free day to do whatever you please.

Meals Included:

• Breakfast

Hotel:

• Hotel Clasico or similar

Day 18: Fly to Iguazu

The spectacular Iguazu Falls that straddle the Argentine-Brazil border, are made up of 275 individual waterfalls lining a 2.7km wide horseshoe-shaped gorge.

The Falls are located where the Iguazu River cascades over the edge of the Paraná Plateau.
The Falls can be viewed from both the Argentinian and the Brazilian sides, the Brazilian side offering a broader, panoramic view, with the Argentinian side offering a series of catwalks that allow you to experience the Falls from close range.

According to Guarani legend, Iguazu Falls was created when the serpent god M’Boy, enraged by the betrayal of a chieftain’s daughter who was promised to him, split the river in half.

Meals Included:

• Breakfast

Hotel:

• Yacutinga Lodge or similar. The Lodge is located on the Iguazú River in the northeast of Argentina, a region of large rivers, humid tropics, red soil and bright green jungle, full of giant and ancient trees, peculiar endemic flora and if you're lucky some wild fauna. The Lodge buildings blend in well with the surroundings, yet provide a adequate level of comfort. All the accommodation is in rustic rooms with nice décor, wood stoves, jungle views and bathrooms with hot water. A main building houses the reception, restaurant and bar, there is also a small swimming pool.

Day 19: Iguazu Falls

Early morning pick up from your hotel for your full day of exploring the Argentine side of the falls. This tour always starts early in order to beat the crowds and get the first train to the Devil’s Throat.

There are walkways over the islands which take you to a balcony over the falls and the most spectacular view of the entire Devil’s Gorge. You will then have plenty of time to walk the 800 metres of paths on the upper circuit. These new suspended walkways are detached from the jungle surface so as to protect the fauna by preventing disruption of the natural trails. From this circuit you have a higher sight of the falls, providing you with a magnificent panoramic view.

It takes around one hour to cover the upper circuit.

The lower circuit contains 600 metres of walkways, also detached from the jungle floor, and has great views from below and around the falls.

Once you have finished all the circuits, return to the visitor centre where your vehicles will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel.

The tour is included in the price of the trip.

The national park fees are not included.

Optional Activities:

• Great Adventure - Boat ride Iguazu - around USD 70

Meals Included:

• Breakfast

Hotel:

• Yacutinga Lodge or similar

Day 20: Iguazu Falls

See the falls from the Brazilian side of the border. After arriving at the visitor centre, we board buses for a tour of the park. Equipped with panoramic windows, the buses are designed to maximize your views of the falls, while the walkways and steps allow you to get up close to the spray. Views of the Floriana Falls, the Devil’s Gorge Canyon and the Iguazu River are spectacular and are guaranteed to impress.

The tour is included in the price of the trip.

The national park fees are not included.

Optional Activities:

• Urban Adventures: Santiago Nightlife Adventure - USD 90

Meals Included:

• There are no meals included on this day.

Hotel:

• Yacutinga Lodge or similar

Day 21: Fly to Rio de Janeiro

Transfer to the airport.

Known as the ''Cidade Maravilhosa'', or Marvellous City, Rio never fails to amaze with its sandy beaches, carefree lifestyle and unparalleled natural beauty.

As the capital of Brazil until 1960, Rio is today one of the most culturally and economically prominent cities in the country, receiving more tourists than any other part of Brazil.

Meals Included:

• Breakfast

Hotel:

• Hotel Arena Ipanema Hotel (4-star hotel) or similar

Day 22: Corcovado, Christ Statue and Copacabana Beach

Tap into local culture in Rio de Janeiro!

Visit three of Brazil's most heavy hitting icons in one day on this Rio de Janeiro tour.

1. Christ the Redeemer. 2. Copacabana Beach 3. Corcovado. This could just be the ultimate, big city travel hack!

• Check out the view from Christ the Redeemer, one of the new seven wonders of the modern world
• Taste unique flavors as you eat and drink your way through the famous Copacabana beach area
• Admire the panoramas of Copacabana from our favorite non-touristy spot
• Kick back with new friends at a funky spot in a great local neighborhood
• Get the lowdown on the city from a local and get all the latest up to date information you won’t find in most guidebooks

Includes: Local English speaking guide, transportation, Christ Statue entrance fee, one draft beer and two local snacks.

The tour is included in the price of the trip.

Meals Included:

• Breakfast

Hotel:

• Hotel Arena Ipanema Hotel or similar

Day 23: Sugarloaf Mountain & Urca Discovery Tour

Head to one of Rio’s most famous landmarks; Sugarloaf Mountain. An iconic motif on the city skyline, you’ve already admired it from afar but today we’re heading to the top.

To beat the queues, we’ll take a short but steep hike up Urca Hill before catching the cable car to Sugarloaf’s panoramic summit. In true Rio style, there’s a bar waiting at the top for farewell drinks at sunset.

Grab an ice-cool apertif and drink in the spectacular view stretching from tropical peaks to skyscrapers, hillside favelas and the shimmering Atlantic coast.

Here is Rio de Janiero, in all its magnetic diversity.

• Get to know the lovely neighbourhood of Urca, where the city of Rio de Janeiro was founded
• Discover why Cariocas love having a beer by the “mureta da Urca”
• Savour some delicious empadinhas (stuffed pastries) from a local vendor
• Ride the famous cable car from Praia Vermelha up to Urca Hill and the Sugarloaf summit
• Treat yourself to amazing views of Guanabara Bay, Copacabana, and downtown Rio from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain

Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, transportation during the tour, cable car fee up Sugarloaf Mountain.

The tour is included in the price of the trip.

Meals Included:

• Breakfast

Hotel:

• Hotel Arena Ipanema Hotel or similar

Day 24: Made in Rio Shopping Tour

Meals Included:

• Breakfast

Hotel:

• Hotel Arena Ipanema Hotel or similar

Day 25: Santa Teresa Discovery

When you've had enough of the sizzling bods and football heroics of the beach scene, join this very special, private Rio de Janeiro tour which will take you on a retreat up to the classic locale of Santa Teresa for some arts, culture, history, and architecture.

• Explore the lovely Bohemian district of Santa Teresa, considered to be Rio's version of Montmartre, with a local guide that you'll have all to yourself
• Pay a visit to the iconic and picturesque Selaron's Staircase to see the late artist's masterpiece
• Jump on the last tram line in Rio de Janeiro
• Ride the Rio subway and see how locals get around the city

Inclusions: Local English speaking guide, round trip subway ticket, tram ride fare (bus fare while tram is not running), transportation.

The tour is included in the price of the trip.

Meals Included:

• Breakfast

Hotel:

• Hotel Arena Ipanema Hotel or similar

Day 26: Fly to Santiago

And back to Santiago...

Optional Activities:

• Urban Adventures: Santiago Nightlife Adventure - USD 90

Meals Included:

• Breakfast

Hotel:

• Hotel Casa Bueras (4.5-stars hotel) or similar.
• This boutique hotel in the heart of Santiago's up and coming district of Lastarria offers just 14 rooms and the perfect amount of amenities for your stay in the capital.

Day 27: Colours of Valparaiso

Prepare your senses to discover Valparaiso through its traditions, artistic expression, and cultural idiosyncrasies. We’ll take you to the shores of the Pacific to admire the colourful houses, graffiti and murals, and historic hillside elevators of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Discover Chilean culture and traditions outside Santiago in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Valparaiso
• Experience the city’s bohemian lifestyle aboard public transportation, in its mural-lined streets
• Admire the immense Pacific Ocean from a beautiful lookout point, taking in the colourful houses of the surrounding hills
• Take a ride on the famous Ascensores de Valparaiso, unique hillside elevators that date back to the 19^th century

The tour is included in the price of the trip.

Meals Included:

• Breakfast and Lunch

Hotel:

• Hotel Casa Bueras or similar. This boutique hotel in the heart of Santiago's up and coming district of Lastarria offers just 14 rooms and the perfect amount of amenities for your stay in the capital.

Day 28: Fly to Australia

You will arrive home two days later due to crossing the international date line.

Meals Included:

• Breakfast

Note:

You can choose our suggested itinerary or pick and choose elements to build a unique experience.

Unravel the secrets of the areas you want to explore at a pace that suit you.

 

Trip Includes

Accommodation (twin sharing basis). REST easy.

Our hand-picked hotels offer excellent service and are set in beautiful locations. We test the beds to assure you have the best holiday.

Breakfast. FEAST on local specialties.

Trips with a local English speaking guide where specified. 

Peace of Mind

• We have an office in Melbourne, Australia, staffed by a professional and passionate team. With us your money and your holiday is safe.
• All our itineraries are designed by us, not bought 'off the shelf' from local companies.
• Our founder, Carol Vorvain is a travel writer and publishing speaker.

 

Trip Excludes

International and Internal Flights

• We can arrange these for you for an additional $50 fee per flight per person.

Optional Tours and Activities

Personal Expenses 

• Laundry, gifts, telephone calls, etc

Drinks

Travel Insurance

• Mandatory

Single accommodation supplement

• Available on request at extra cost

National Park fees and entrance fees

• Only the Torres Del Paine national park entrance fee is included

Visa fees

• Please note that depending on your nationality you might need to apply for visa for Chile, Argentina, Brazil and pay a reciprocity fee on arrival.
• We can advise you.