best of chile itinerary atacama desert, …...journey overview embark on an unforgettable 13-day...

16
BEST OF CHILE ITINERARY Atacama Desert, Santiago, Patagonia and Lake District

Upload: others

Post on 26-Mar-2020

12 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: BEST OF CHILE ITINERARY Atacama Desert, …...Journey overview Embark on an unforgettable 13-day journey through four of Chile’s most contrasting landscapes. Your adventure kicks

BEST OF CHILE ITINERARY

Atacama Desert, Santiago, Patagonia and Lake District

Page 2: BEST OF CHILE ITINERARY Atacama Desert, …...Journey overview Embark on an unforgettable 13-day journey through four of Chile’s most contrasting landscapes. Your adventure kicks

Journey overview

Embark on an unforgettable 13-day journey through four of Chile’s most

contrasting landscapes. Your adventure kicks off in the Atacama Desert,

in the north of Chile, the driest, most desolate and arid in the world.

The Andean Altiplano will surprise you with its dramatic and exotic

beauty. San Pedro de Atacama, a small town surrounded by impressive

natural scenery, was the cradle of ancestral cultures. Considered today

to be the archaeological capital of Chile, San Pedro continues to be a

silent witness of the passage of time. The geological transformations of

the desert give birth to ranges, volcanoes, salt flats and lagoons, bodies

of water that emerge in the middle of the desert, thermal pools, geysers

and marshes. A varied array of flora and fauna has managed to adapt to

the extreme conditions of the desert such as llamas, guanacos, vicuñas,

foxes, viscachas, rheas and lizards.

The next leg of your adventure will take you to spellbinding Santiago.

The Chilean capital is today a modern, sprawling and vibrant metropolis

that is flanked on one side by the Andes mountain range, and the Coastal

range on the other. It is here that you can enjoy a series of tours that

range from historical and cultural explorations to specific excursions

centered on food, architecture and art.

After exploring the vibrancy of Santiago, you will head to the awe-

inspiring beauty of Patagonia. Over 500 years after the arrival of the first

European seafarers in Patagonia, the words to describe it are the same:

exotic, faraway, vast, infinitely beautiful, wild, and indomitable.

Situated in the heart of the National Park, the Torres del Paine

Mountains are one of the main attractions of that region and an icon of

Chilean Patagonia. The immensity of the ice floes, the majesty of the

mountains and the expanse of the lakes are a constant source of

wonderment. The Torres del Paine National Park’s habitat blends

together a wide array of ecosystems, making it a treasure for Chilean

wildlife.

Your journey culminates in the Chilean Lake District at &Beyond Vira

Vira, situated just outside Pucón. Coined the “Adventure Capital” of

Chile, this area offers a plethora of outdoor activities such as rafting,

trekking, skiing, kayaking, fly-fishing, mountain biking, and horseback

riding. Adventure activities aside, Vira Vira also offers the opportunity

to embark on captivating cultural excursions, gaining insight into the

Mapuche people, and relishing delicious varieties of cheese at the

lodge’s cheese factory. You can also unwind with soothing wellness

treatments, yoga sessions or an indulgent dip in a bubbling hot tub under

the night sky.

Page 3: BEST OF CHILE ITINERARY Atacama Desert, …...Journey overview Embark on an unforgettable 13-day journey through four of Chile’s most contrasting landscapes. Your adventure kicks

Highlights of the itinerary

• Strap on your boots for various scenic hikes in the Atacama Desert. Discover the Moon Valley, walk along a river

through a beautiful canyon, and venture to the hot springs of Puritama to relax weary muscles.

Explore the Los Flamencos National Reserve, home to flamboyant flamingos.

Gaze up to the skies and spend an evening stargazing with an astronomer.

Visit the famous El Taito Geysers, bypassing the Alto Plano lakes which provide an excellent birdwatching

opportunity.

Hop onto the saddle for a bicycle excursion in the desert.

Enjoy a full-day, themed exploration of vibrant Santiago. Choose from a culinary, art, sculpture or architecture

tour.

Discover Patagonia’s renowned French Valley on an awe-inspiring hiking adventure that unveils the region’s iconic

landscapes or, for the more adventurous, trek to the base of the towers in Torres del Paine National Park.

Ride through Patagonia on an extraordinary horseback adventure.

Set out on a guided walk in search of the elusive puma.

Embark on an excursion to the Grey Glacier, a massive natural ice construction.

Be spoilt for choice with myriad adventures at &Beyond Vira Vira including horseback riding, trekking, fly fishing,

whitewater rafting, kayaking, skiing, and scenic helicopter flights.

Dine on sublime cuisine with the ‘farm-to-table’ concept of producing everything required for the award-

winning restaurant at &Beyond Vira Vira

Gain insight into the fascinating local Mapuche people

Make the most of your adventure and extend your stay by adding Easter Island or Argentina.

Specially created for:

• First-time travellers to Chile

• Families and small groups

• Travellers looking for adventure

• Nature lovers

Page 4: BEST OF CHILE ITINERARY Atacama Desert, …...Journey overview Embark on an unforgettable 13-day journey through four of Chile’s most contrasting landscapes. Your adventure kicks

12 nights / 13 days

2 Guests

DAY PROGRAMME

1 Scheduled flight Santiago International Airport to Calama International Airport

Shared transfer from Calama International Airport to Hotel Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa

Dinner included

Overnight: Hotel Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa

2 – 3 Enjoy 2 excursions days provided by Alto Atacama

You can choose between 1 full day or 2 half day excursions each full day (shared with other lodge guests)

All meals included

Overnight: Hotel Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa

4 Shared transfer from Hotel Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa to Calama International Airport

Scheduled flight from Calama International Airport to Santiago International Airport

Private transfer from Santiago International Airport to The Singular Santiago

Lunch and dinner at leisure

Overnight: The Singular Santiago (BB)

5 Half day Activity: Urban adventure ‘Barrios’

Lunch and dinner at leisure

Overnight: The Singular Santiago

6 Private transfer from The Singular Santiago to Santiago International Airport

Scheduled flight from Santiago International Airport to Punta Arenas International Airport

Shared transfer from Punta Arenas International Airport to Explora Patagonia

Dinner included

Page 5: BEST OF CHILE ITINERARY Atacama Desert, …...Journey overview Embark on an unforgettable 13-day journey through four of Chile’s most contrasting landscapes. Your adventure kicks

Overnight: Explora Patagonia

7 to 9 Enjoy 3 full excursion days provided by Explora Patagonia

You can choose between 1 full day or 2 half day excursions each full day (shared with other lodge guests)

All meals included

Overnight: Explora Patagonia

10 Shared transfer from Explora Patagonia to Punta Arenas International Airport

Scheduled flight from Punta Arenas International Airport to Puerto Montt Airport

Private Transfer from Puerto Montt Airport to &Beyond Vira Vira

Dinner included

Overnight: &Beyond Vira Vira

11 & 12

Enjoy 2 full excursion days provided by &Beyond Vira Vira

You can choose between 1 full day or 2 half day excursions each full day (shared with other Lodge guests)

All meals included

Overnight: &Beyond Vira Vira

13 Shared transfer from &Beyond Vira Vira to Temuco Airport

Scheduled flight from Temuco Airport to Santiago International Airport

Departure

Page 6: BEST OF CHILE ITINERARY Atacama Desert, …...Journey overview Embark on an unforgettable 13-day journey through four of Chile’s most contrasting landscapes. Your adventure kicks

Hotel Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa

Day 1

Upon your arrival at Santiago International Airport, you will be

welcomed and assisted by an &Beyond representative, who will

assist you in connecting to your domestic flight to Atacama.

Upon arrival in Calama, you will be transferred to your hotel,

Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa.

Dinner this evening at the lodge.

Day 2 & 3

You will have two full days to enjoy the myriad excursions

available at Alto Atacama Desert Lodge, all tailor-made.

Excursions are in provided on shared basis (small groups of 8

guests per vehicle) and are organized according to your

preferences and pace. The Hotel guides will help you to plan

your daily explorations and will accompany you during your

stay. You can choose full or half-day trips, below an example of

some of the many available options.

Tocanao/Atacama saltflats: On the way to the famous saltflats

of San Pedro de Atacama, we visit the lovely town of Tocanao

and the Valle Escondido de Kunza (the hidden valley) where we

visit the church and artisan market stalls in the central plaza.

From here, we continue our journey to the saltflats. On arrival,

there is a gentle 20 minute walk to the Laguna de Chaxa where

we can see wild flamingos and other birds native to the area.

Later, when the setting sun catches on the mountains and the

lagoons, you will see one of the most incredible sunsets the

world has to offer.

Sunset at Moon Valley: A 20 minute drive brings us to the

spectacular Moon Valley. This is one of the most famous

national parks in Chile and for good reason. The enormous sand

dunes and dramatic rock formations create a stunning lunar

landscape born of land lifts and centuries of erosion. The

sunsets here are extraordinary and no visit to San Pedro is

complete without an trip to the Moon Valley to watch the sun

go down

Full-Day Tatio Geysers: We leave the hotel before dawn to

arrive at the famous geysers at daybreak: the steam and

vapours are all the more impressive with the cold and the light

of the early morning. At the geyser field, we will also see

geysers thermal pools, mud fountains, colourful rock

formations, hot streams and flora and fauna. The return

journey is quite stunning with an abundance of wildlife and

beautifully contrasting landscapes.

Dinner at the Hotel

Overnight at Alto Atacama Hotel

Page 7: BEST OF CHILE ITINERARY Atacama Desert, …...Journey overview Embark on an unforgettable 13-day journey through four of Chile’s most contrasting landscapes. Your adventure kicks

Hotel Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa

The luxurious Alto Atacama is blessed with a most spectacular

and private location, tucked away in a valley of serene beauty,

in the shadow of the Pukará de Quitor ruins and with the San

Pedro River winding its way discreetly alongside. The perfect

base for exploring the desert, cultural encounters, or simply

absorbing the breathtaking landscape.

Rooms are spacious and comfortable, all of them well equipped

to soothe your body after an action packed day. The decoration

is simple yet elegant, incorporating local crafts, and all rooms

have a private terrace were to enjoy the colors of the valley,

take a nap, read a book or simply relax at the sight of the hotel

gardens. The definition of peacefulness aquires a new meaning

after a couple of nights here, Catarpe embraces Alto Atacama

with silence, let silence embrace you.

Page 8: BEST OF CHILE ITINERARY Atacama Desert, …...Journey overview Embark on an unforgettable 13-day journey through four of Chile’s most contrasting landscapes. Your adventure kicks

The Singular Santiago

Day 4

After your breakfast you will be transferred to Calama Airport

for your domestic flight to Santiago. Upon your arrival in

Santiago, you will be met by your &Beyond representative who

will transfer you to your hotel, located in the cosy Lastarria

neighbourhood.

Day 5

After breakfast you embark on an urban adventure in Santiago

called ‘barrios’ (=neighbourhoods), whereby you will explore the

different sights of the capital, getting a glimpse in its history and

multi-faceted identity.

This fascinating tour is an exploration of Santiago’s thriving barrios.

In Chile, the term ‘barrio’ simply refers to a neighbourhood with a

character and identity of its own, and Santiago has plenty to choose

from. The downtown barrios of Brasil, Yungay, and Paris-Londres

are of huge historical, political, and cultural importance. The

revitalized Barrio Lastarria – perhaps the most fashionable area in

the city at present – is packed with cafés, boutique hotels, small

stores, and a lively restaurant scene. It is also home to the iconic

creations of architect Luciano Kulczewski. Across the river, Barrio

Bellavista is bohemian, sophisticated, tidy, and chaotic all at once,

and is regarded as a seat of political and cultural revolution.

Elsewhere, Barrio Italia is one of the true gems of Santiago. Known

for its design stores and antiques restorers, it is also home to trendy

cafés and a wide variety of restaurants, from full-on vegan, Spanish

and Italian, to gourmet soup. Santiago’s barrios are not exclusive

to the downtown areas however. For example, the elegant Barrio

El Golf is home to embassies, multi-national companies, expats,

and the country’s most expensive real estate. This tour offers

contrasts galore and a unique insight into Santiago’s barrio life.

Page 9: BEST OF CHILE ITINERARY Atacama Desert, …...Journey overview Embark on an unforgettable 13-day journey through four of Chile’s most contrasting landscapes. Your adventure kicks

The Singular Santiago

The hotel’s design embraces the artistic heritage of the

neighborhood. The interior of the hotel is a tribute to the

palaces of past centuries, setting the tone for the environment.

Hotel facilities include a spa, dining at the Singular Restaurant,

dazzling views and refreshing cocktails in the ninth floor

Singular Rooftop Bar, an elevated terrace with spectacular

views, an arboreal escape right alongside the hotel and a

rooftop swimming pool.

Situated just a few minutes away from the hotel is some of the

finest visual and performance art Chile has to offer at The

Museum of Fine Arts, The Museum of Visual Arts and the

Gabriela Mistral Center. Guest accommodations at The Singular

Santiago are an alluring blend of classic and contemporary,

offering modern comforts while exuding the charm of a bygone

era. The guest rooms and suites are equipped with safe deposit

boxes, refrigerator with soft drinks and WI-FI internet access.

Page 10: BEST OF CHILE ITINERARY Atacama Desert, …...Journey overview Embark on an unforgettable 13-day journey through four of Chile’s most contrasting landscapes. Your adventure kicks

Explora Patagonia

Day 6

After breakfast you will be transferred to Santiago Airport for

your flight to Punta Arenas. Upon your arrival you will have an

overland journey to your hotel in Torres del Paine. This transfer

takes several hours and will allow you to admire the landscape

of the region.

Dinner at the lodge this evening.

Day 7 to 9

Enjoy three full days enjoying adventurous excursions available

at explora Patagonia, in the Torres del Paine National Park. This

dynamic paradise, boasts hiking and horseback riding, and you

can pick and choose your activities according to your own

specific interests and level of physical fitness. All excursions

are in groups of up to 8 guests.

Below a mere sample of the activities on offer at explora

Patagonia, this is not an exhaustive list:

Mirador Pehoé Trekking: You will leave the hotel by foot,

walking along the Pehoé Lake, observing the various orchids and

ñirre trees that comprise the local flora. You will ascend to a

triangular rock from where you will be able to see the intense

blue of Lake Pehoé and the Paine ridge. If the day is clear you

will be able to enjoy a unique view from above, quite different

from that of the hotel. Finally, you will descend, observing the

turquoise tones of the Paine River from afar. Recommended for

families.

Trekking to Glaciar Grey Campamento Guardas: On this

exploration, we will follow the path to the Grey Glacier. From

the Grey Glacier shelter, we will ascend towards the Park

Ranger camp lookout, from where we will be able to truly grasp

the glacier’s size. Later we will return along the same path to

the shelter, from where we will board a boat that will take us

up close to the glacier walls. As in the previous expedition, we

will cross a lenga forest and the Pingo River hanging bridge to

take a van back to the hotel. (This excursion is subject to

climate conditions, as the boat rides may be cancelled due to

strong winds.)

Horseback riding is also offered at explora Patagonia, for

beginners and advanced riders, along different paths, allowing

you a different perspective on the breath-taking views of Torres

del Paine.

Overnights at explora Patagonia.

Page 11: BEST OF CHILE ITINERARY Atacama Desert, …...Journey overview Embark on an unforgettable 13-day journey through four of Chile’s most contrasting landscapes. Your adventure kicks

Explora Patagonia

Anchored like a white ship on the shores of turquoise Lake

Pehoé, explora Patagonia’s unique location sets travelers

literally in the middle of Torres del Paine National Park, while

greeting them with award winning architecture.

Our over 40 different guided hikes and horseback rides offer our

travelers breathtaking views of glaciers, lakes and mountains in

Torres del Paine National Park.

Located at the center of the Torres del Paine National Park,

explora Patagonia’s unique location and explorations are the

ultimate Patagonian experience.

The 49 rooms of explora Patagonia are designed to take full

advantage of the silence, privacy, and spaciousness of the

surrounding landscape, ensuring deep rest after a long day of

exploration in Torres del Paine National Park.

Page 12: BEST OF CHILE ITINERARY Atacama Desert, …...Journey overview Embark on an unforgettable 13-day journey through four of Chile’s most contrasting landscapes. Your adventure kicks

&Beyond Vira Vira

Day 10

After breakfast, you will be driven to Punta Arenas Airport for

your domestic flight to the Puerto Montt Airport. Upon arrival

you will be met by a representative from &Beyond Vira Vira

and transferred to the lodge in Pucón.

Day 11 & 12

You will have a full two days of activities arranged by the lodge

The area is a traveller’s dream when it comes to adventures

and choice of activities. The many surrounding natural parks,

the majestic volcano Villarrica with its unbelievable views,

water sports, horseback riding, and trekking in the foothills of

the Andes, are a vital part of the experience at Vira Vira. You

are encouraged you to explore a new adventure or experience

every day, with the aim of understanding the mystic ambiance

of these ancient Mapuche territories. The guides at Vira Vira

are passionate about their work, and about the excursions on

offer. With some thirty options available, choosing what to do

may seem daunting. That is where the role of your hosts and

guides become of paramount importance. Each day they will

make a series of options available, allowing you to pick and

choose according to your personal preferences, their level of

difficulty, or simply a natural or cultural focus.

Activities are centred on nature and adventure, with treks and

horseback rides of various durations. There are also

explorations of the nearby Villarrica volcano, visiting its

labyrinth of tunnels, or even reaching the summit. There are

also several cultural activities, aimed at revealing the secrets

of the region. Vira Vira also offers some wonderful experiences

at the hotel itself such as cooking, cheese-making, and even

spending a day on their organic garden. There are also more

relaxing activities. What better than seating in a hot pool of

thermal spring water, glass of red wine in hand, and looking out

across a backdrop of mountains, forests, and volcanoes?

Of course cuisine plays an important role in the Vira Vira

experience. Their menu veers away from the typical

international offerings by blending Chilean and ancient

indigenous recipes, all created with the freshest seasonal

ingredients. Each day the chef prepares a selection of two full

menus, carefully composed and lovingly arranged and paired

with the perfect wine for each dish.

Page 13: BEST OF CHILE ITINERARY Atacama Desert, …...Journey overview Embark on an unforgettable 13-day journey through four of Chile’s most contrasting landscapes. Your adventure kicks

&Beyond Vira Vira

Inspired by the startling beauty of the environment, and the

colourful Mapuche people, &Beyond Vira Vira blends

harmoniously into its spectacular surrounds. Elegant, yet

exuding warmth, the eclectic mix of interiors combines

traditional and contemporary elements.

Explore the delicious organic vegetable garden, and relish

sublime farm-to-table dining with fresh produce and

ingredients. Gaze up at the magnificent blanket of stars whilst

relaxing in one of the two lodge hot tubs, enjoy wellness

retreats, therapies and massages in the spa, and balance your

chakras with daily yoga classes. Curl up with a good book in the

library, and for a spot of retail therapy, peruse beautiful items

in the &Beyond Shop.

Set in a marvellous native park and surrounded by stunning

Volcano’s (some active and some asleep) and right along the

shores of the peaceful Liucura river. Every day guest will meet

around the cozy fireplace or at the fruit bar with the excursion

manager – who has a passion for the wildlife and fauna around

Pucón – to discuss and arrange the activities or excursions for

the next day. Pucón simply offers the best in adventure – be it

to explore the many untouched natural parks by horse, to climb

with an experienced guide on top of the Volcano, to fight the

lively water on a kayak or enjoy a fun day river rafting in the

Trancura river – it will always be a fun and unforgettable

experience at &Beyond Vira Vira.

Page 14: BEST OF CHILE ITINERARY Atacama Desert, …...Journey overview Embark on an unforgettable 13-day journey through four of Chile’s most contrasting landscapes. Your adventure kicks

Departure

Today, our wonderful journey comes to an end and, after your

breakfast, you will be driven to Temuco Airport for your flight

to Santiago. In Santiago, we wave a fond farewell as you board

your flight onward.

Page 15: BEST OF CHILE ITINERARY Atacama Desert, …...Journey overview Embark on an unforgettable 13-day journey through four of Chile’s most contrasting landscapes. Your adventure kicks

Validity: until December 20th 2019 (except May 12th to – June 30th) Don’t include pick season (special festivities)

Luxury rate per person in double base: USD 14,585 / Total Program: USD 29,170

Classic rate per person in double base: USD 12,520 / Total Program: USD 25,040

Flights

DAY DETAILS

1 Santiago International Airport to Calama International Airport

4 Calama International Airport to Santiago International Airport

6 Santiago International Airport to Punta Arenas International Airport

10 Punta Arenas International Airport to Puerto Montt Airport

13 Temuco Airport to Santiago International Airport

Transfers

DAY DETAILS

1 Calama International Airport to Hotel Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa (1.30 hours)

1 Hotel Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa to Calama International Airport (1.30 hours)

4 Santiago International Airport to The Singular Santiago (30 mins)

6 The Singular Santiago to Santiago International Airport (30 mins)

6 Punta Arenas International Airport to Explora Patagonia (4.30 hours)

10 Explora Patagonia to Punta Arenas International Airport (4.30 hours)

10 Puerto Montt International Airport to &Beyond Vira Vira (4.00 hours)

13 &Beyond Vira Vira to Temuco Airport (2.00 hours)

Accommodation

DATE DESTINATION ACCOMMODATION DETAILS

1 to 4 San Pedro de Atacama Hotel Alto Atacama Desert

Lodge & Spa

1x Catarpe Room (Luxury Program)/

Quitor Room (Classic Program)

All meals

4 to 6 Santiago The Singular Santiago 1x Singular Rooms (Luxury Program)/

Lastarria Room (Classic Program)

Breakfast

6 to 10 Torres del Paine

National Park

Explora Patagonia 1x Cordillera Paine Room (Luxury Program)/

Salto Chico Room (Classic Program)

All meals

10 to 13 Pucon &Beyond Vira Vira 1x Villa (Luxury Program)/ Suite (Classic Program)

All meals and local brands of drinks

Page 16: BEST OF CHILE ITINERARY Atacama Desert, …...Journey overview Embark on an unforgettable 13-day journey through four of Chile’s most contrasting landscapes. Your adventure kicks

What’s included:

All nights of accommodation mentioned in the program

Private transportation (when it is available) in the best available vehicles

Tours as mentioned in the program with private English speaking local guides

Meals as indicated in the program

Domestic Air Tickets and local airport tax

Taxes included, where applicable

What’s not included:

Early check in or late check-out charges

Items of personal nature like laundry, phone calls, etc.

Any video/still camera fee during the trip

Tipping

Drinks

Excess of baggage

Insurance

Visa or reciprocity fee expenses