Desert Dreams: Santiago & Atacama

It's time to explore the diverse landscapes, cultures and breathtaking natural beauty of South America. Arrive at your Canadian departure airport ready to check-in for an overnight flight to Santiago, Chile. Night on board.

If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Arrival at the airport in Santiago de Chile. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Perhaps you can use this time to familiarize yourself with this vibrant and cosmopolitan city; why not sample the local cuisine or enjoy cocktails in the trendy neighborhood of Bellavista? Overnight stay in Santiago de Chile. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Start your adventure by taking part in a guided city tour where you will acquaint yourself with Santiago’s main attractions—everything from the ‘Sanhattan’ skyscrapers to the old-world colonial architecture in a captivating fusion of old meets new. 

Begin the tour walking down the city’s main avenue and learn about its history and surroundings. 

Visit the cobblestoned streets of Lastarria, a neighborhood characterized by its open green spaces and 19th century style mansions, now used as cafes, restaurants, bookstores and museums. Next, get lost in the beauty of Santa Lucia Hill as your guide recounts the Mapuche/Spanish conflict before stopping by a panoramic viewpoint to gaze at Santigo in all its splendor, including relics and constructions of the colonial era, such as the Hidalgo Castle. 

From here, stop by emblematic locations of the city such as Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral of Santiago as well as the former national congress, the imposing government house called La Moneda and the Plaza de la Constitución where you will learn about its historical significance.

The tour will continue with a visit to the Central Market, one of the most well-known gastronomic points of Santiago, and then continue to the upper sector of the capital. On the way, you will stop by a Lapis Lazuli store where you can purchase one-of-a-kind jewelry and unique handicrafts to take back home with you. Transfer to your hotel and overnight stay in Santiago de Chile.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, transfer to Valparaiso, passing through the lush agricultural valley of Curacavi and the Casablanca Valley, famous for its innovative wineries that are producing Chile's best white wines and cool-climate reds. Arrive in Valparaiso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique architecture and cultural significance and embark on a guided city tour starting by its downtown area and learn about the history of "Valpo" and its importance in the trade and commerce of South America. 

To get to the top of the city’s steep hills, hop on a funicular and enjoy a maze of streets revealing brightly colored buildings, bohemian cafes, elegant restaurants, and spectacular views of the port. From here, make your way to Cerro Concepción and Cerro Alegre, two of Valparaiso 's most eclectic neighborhoods. 

Next, stop by La Sebastiana, one of the three houses converted into museums dedicated to Pablo Neruda (entrance and lunch not included). Finally, continue the tour to the city of Viña del Mar where you will visit its main attractions, including the Flower Clock, the Fonck Museum, the Quinta Vergara, and Los Cañones Beach. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you see fit. Overnight stay in Santiago de Chile.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport in Santiago de Chile for a flight to Calama. Upon arrival, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama for check-in. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Take this time to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. Why not quickly browse the remarkable natural landscapes of this truly magical location? Overnight stay in San Pedro de Atacama

Breakfast at the hotel. Leisurely time for you to enjoy yourself at your own pace until the early afternoon. Later, visit the Valley of the Moon which contains a variety of stones and sand formations that resemble the moon’s landscape, part of the National Reserve Los Flamencos (entrance fees not included*).

You will make your way to the Cordillera de la Sal and Valles de Marte y Luna, which are salt flats with a stunning view into the distance that will truly leave you speechless. Later, enter the Death Valley to enjoy one of the best views of the Andean Mountains and its volcanoes.

Finally, at sunset, you will get to experience the unforgettable moment golden and red tones cover everything in sight, making this magical moment one you will take with you forever. Return to your hotel and overnight stay in San Pedro de Atacama.

* To visit the Valley of the Moon, you must pay a fee to access the National Reserve Los Flamencos.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the entire day at your leisure. Take this time to relax and move at your own pace. Alternatively, we recommend taking part in one of two of the following optional activities: either a full day excursion to Tatio Geysers and the village of Machuca* or a full day excursion to Altiplanic Lagoons**.  Overnight stay in San Pedro de Atacama. 

*Optional Excursion to Tatio Geysers and Machuca village: Embark on an exciting journey to beautiful Altiplano early in the morning to get a glimpse of the immaculate sunrise over the geothermal field of the Tatio Geysers where 70 fumaroles emerge from the ground in jets of steam and water. Later, take a stroll through the village of Machuca, home to traditional straw houses and artisans selling Andean crafts and delicacies. 

**Optional Excursion to Altiplanic Lagoons: Get to know the stunning lagoons of Altiplanic including Miscanti and Miniques which are surrounded by volcanoes as well as the magnificent Salar de Aguas calientes, most famously known for its red stones. Later, head to  Chaxa Lagoon and the Andean town of Toconao where you can feast your eyes on a variety of exotic wildlife including flamingos. Lunch included.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, you will be picked up from your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama and taken to Calama airport to board a flight to Santiago de Chile. You will be met at the airport by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to relax and spend it as you see fit. Overnight stay in Santiago de Chile.

Breakfast at the hotel*. It’s time to bid farewell to magical Chile. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to board a flight back home to Canada. 

*Depending on the time of your departure flight you might not be able to enjoy breakfast this morning.