Summary
Short description
A tailor-made desert adventure bookended by stays in the Colchagua and Casablanca wine valleys
Highlights
- Enjoy tours and tastings in two of Chile’s most famous wine making regions – the Colchagua and Casablanca valleys
- Explore the Atacama Desert, where excursions take in the Valley of the Moon, flocking flamingoes at the Atacama Salt Lake and the spurting fumaroles of El Tatio geysers
- Take in the bustling barrios and colonial grandeur of Santiago, Chile’s mountain-framed capital
In Brief
- 2 Nights Santiago
- 2 Nights Colchagua Valley
- 3 Nights Atacama Desert
- 2 Nights Casablanca Valley
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Activity adventure | City | Food & wine | History & culture | Independent tour | Natural world | November holidays
Explore the highlights of Northern Chile, beginning amid the bustling barrios and colonial grandeur of Santiago, Chile’s mountain-framed capital. Then, head to the famous Colchagua Valley to
enjoy wine tours and tastings before flying north to the austere beauty of the Atacama Desert. Here, a progamme of excursions takes in the mystifying dunes of the Valley of the Moon, flocking flamingoes at the Atacama Salt Lake and the spurting fumaroles of the El Tatio Geyers. After so much adventure, there's no better way to end your holiday than with two more days of outstanding food, fine wine and relaxation, this time in the Casablanca Valley.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK/Santiago
Fly overnight from the UK to Santiago.
Days
2-3
Santiago
Chile's vibrant capital, set against a backdrop of high Andean peaks, is one of Latin America’s most engaging cities. While your first full day is free to relax and recover from your flight, on day three you’ll embark on a guided tour, taking in famous sights such as Santa Lucía Hill, seeking out fine examples of colonial-era architecture in Barrio París-Londres, sipping coffee at Café con Piernas and exploring the bustling central market where you’ll sample the traditional drink known as Cola de Mono. Your tour ends in the cultural district of Lastarria, known for its vibrant galleries, theatres, museums and street performers.
Stay: Cumbres Lastarria (Superior)
Meals: B
Days
4-5
Colchagua Valley
Leave the city behind as you head to Colchagua Valley, around three hours south of Santiago along a scenic stretch of the Pan-American Highway. Known for its exceptional grape-growing soil, Colchagua is home to some of Chile's best wineries and as you make your way through the valley you'll pass several small villages surrounded by acres of vineyards; it’s a fascinating insight into life in Chile’s agricultural heartland. Day four’s tour visits two of the region's best vineyards, learn about the wine making process and, of course, taste some of the produce. In the afternoon you'll head to the Colchagua Museum, home to Chile's largest private collection of pre-Columbian and Spanish colonial artefacts. The next day is free to relax and explore the valley further at your own pace. Lunch is included on day four.
Stay: Noi Blend Colchagua Hotel (Superior)
Meals: B L
Days
6-8
Atacama Desert
Return to Santiago this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight north to Calama. Then, it’s just a short transfer to your luxury hotel in the town of San Pedro de Atacama located some 2,440 metres above sea level in the world’s driest non-polar desert. Over two memorable days, and on a series of guided hikes, bike rides and van tours, you’ll visit some of the Atacama’s most spectacular sights including El Tatio Geysers and Valley of the Moon. There’s also the chance to get acquainted with the wonder of the night sky as you marvel at constellations and distant planets on an astronomy tour.
Recommended excursion:
Take to the skies above the Atacama Desert in a hot air balloon to see the sun rise over snow-dusted volcanoes, mineral lakes and multi-hued rock formations. The views are simply magnificent. The tour ends with breakfast at your landing spot. Enquire today to find out more.
Stay: Nayara Alto Atacama (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Days
9-10
San Antonio & Casablanca Valley
Return south to Santiago and transfer to Viña Matetic in the beautiful Casablanca Valley. As you spend a further two days in Chile’s central valleys you’ll have the opportunity to try premium local wines paired with an indulgent four course lunch and embark on any number of included excursions that range from horseback riding and cycling to scenic countryside hikes. Dinner and a half bottle of red or white wine are included on both nights.
Stay: La Casona Hotel at Matetic Vineyards, Rosario Valley (Superior)
Meals: B D
Days
11-12
Santiago/UK
Enjoy one final excursion on the morning of day 11, followed by lunch, wine and a transfer back to Santiago to board your flight home, arriving in the UK the next day.
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
12-day tailor-made holiday
from £5,670 pp incl. flights
Superior
Low Season
from £5,670 pp. incl. flights
High Season
from £7,195 pp. incl. flights
Includes:
- Complimentary UK airport lounge access
- Return flights between London and Santiago de Chile
- Domestic return flights between Santiago and Calama
- Private airport transfers in Santiago
- 6 nights accommodation in 4* (Superior) hotels on a B&B basis, plus 1 lunch and 1 dinner
- 3 nights accommodation a in 5* (Deluxe) lodge on a full-board basis
- Shared excursions in the Atacama Desert
- Private half day Santiago City tour
- Private full day Colchagua Valley Wine excursion
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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