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Clients on the group flight will usually arrive in the morning. A walking tour of the city tour is organised today (approx. 4 hours), visiting the squares and streets of the colonial centre and the Presidential Palace. We also visit San Cristobal Hill, on which a statue of the Virgin Mary stands. The summit of Cerro San Cristobal offers a birds-eye view of Santiago, the Andean Mountains and the Maipo-Valley. Without a doubt the best viewpoint in the city! If there is time we will also see the wealthy suburbs of the ‘Barrio Alto’, an area of elegant shops and first class restaurants. Please note that due to the arrival times of the group flights, the city tour will usually start around 2pm or 2:30pm. Land Only clients wishing to join the city tour would be advised to be at the hotel around 2pm in order to be collected.Accommodation: Hotel Providencia (or similar)
The historic World Heritage city of Valparaíso, or Valpo for short, is Chile’s oldest port and home to the country’s National Congress since democracy was re-established in 1989. The Pacific coast is just a short 1.5 hour drive from Santiago and today’s excursion will give us an interesting insight into Chilean culture. The city’s many hills are covered in a glorious sprawl of multi-coloured houses covering every nook and cranny, creating a spectacular panorama which can be enjoyed from a number of vantage points. Strolling through the streets of Valparaíso is a fascinating experience which enables us to soak up the quirky and bohemian atmosphere, something different to anywhere else in Chile. We’ll visit the UNESCO recognised historic city centre, in addition to the parliamentary building, and the War of the Pacific memorial. Due to the steep terrain in some parts of the city, it is home to numerous funicular lifts which transport residents straight up and down the hillsides rather than them having to zigzag through the maze of buildings. Many of these lifts have fallen into disrepair and sit suspended in time and hidden amid the labyrinth. However, there is a drive to restore as many as possible and we’ll be able to use one of the most iconic functioning lifts on our way to a viewpoint. In the afternoon we will return to our hotel in Santiago.Accommodation: Hotel Providencia (or similar)
In the morning we fly to Calama near the Atacama Desert where we transfer to our hotel in the town of San Pedro de Atacama. Once we have checked in. the leader will offer a short orientation tour of the town for anyone who wants to join. At dusk we set out to the Valley of the Moon. This bizarre lunar landscape is set ablaze with colour at sunset, the strange rock formations framed by the Lincancabur Volcano. We'll stay until the sun goes down to enjoy the array of colours before returning to San Pedro.Accommodation: Hotel Diego de Almagro (or similar)
Departing our hotel in San Pedro, we will set off towards the Altiplano Lagoons (Lagunas Altiplanicas) and stop en route at the village of Socaire, set at 3218m/10,558ft. The village is noteworthy for its peculiar architecture using rough stonework and the inhabitants here still live by the age-old methods of planting terraced fields with corn, wheat and potatoes.Afterwards, we continue for about another 30km/19miles, climbing an additional 1000m/3,281ft in altitude to reach the highland lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques. The two volcanoes of the same name are visible in the background (almost 6000m/19,686ft high). The twin lagoons are a deep blue, each framed by a white salt crust, which creates a memorable contrast to the yellow highland grass all around. It is completely silent here. Even the duck species that breed here, the foxes, and the grazing vicuñas (a type of camelid), respect the majestic silence.We continue on and visit the Salar de Atacama. A salt lake of huge proportions (3000 sq km/1,158 sq miles), its surface is covered by a thick layer of snow-white salt crystals as far as the eye can see, caused by the evaporation of the lake’s water. The world’s largest lithium deposits are found here, but the salt pan is also home to several flamingo species, including the Andean, Chilean and James flamingo, who feed on the micro-organisms found in the saline lagoons. These beautiful birds and other species can be observed in their natural habitat at the Salar de Atacama’s Chaxa Lagoon, which is part of the Reserva Nacional de los Flamencos. After the excursion we will return to San Pedro.Accommodation: Hotel Diego de Almagro (or similar)
To experience the El Tatio Geysers we’ll have to get up very early in order to arrive at the geyser field (located over 4300m/14,108ft above sea level) in time for sunrise! The fountains that shoot up to 10m/33ft high occur when the morning sun melts the nightly ice caps that form over the hot springs. The sun’s first rays reflect an array of colours as they mix with boiling jets coming from the geysers to create strong contrasts of steam and light.At around midday we’ll head back to San Pedro for some free time. There is an optional astronomy tour tonight that can be paid for locally but should be booked in advance of departure as availability is limited (Please note that this tour doesn't operate on full moon days and is not recommended 3 days before or after the full moon).Accommodation: Hotel Diego de Almagro (or similar)
Today we transfer to Calama airport and fly to Santiago and then Puerto Montt, the capital of the Lake District. This is a long travelling day that will likely require an early start depending on the flight schedules. On arrival in the Lake District region we drive for 30 minutes to Puerto Varas on the shores of Lago Llanquihue. Depending on flight arrival time, we can enjoy a brief tour of the 'City of the Roses' as it has come to be called because of the tremendous variety of roses all over town. If we arrive on a later flight unfortunately this will not be possible. If scheduled to arrive on a later flight, we also recommend buying some food at the airport as you may not have any options on arrival at your hotel. Accommodation: Hotel Park Inn by Radisson (or similar)
We set out this morning for a full day inside the Lake District. We drive along the shore of Lago Llanquihue and enjoy breathtaking views of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. Our first real stop will be at the Saltos de Petrohue where cooling lava from the Osorno Volcano formed a series of rapids and waterfalls. Together they form an impressive sculpture of extruded volcanic rock shaped by thousands of years of river flow. At Petrohue we board a boat for a short cruise of Lago Todos los Santos (All Saints Lake). The lake is surrounded by high mountains and the lower slopes are thickly forested. As we pull away from the landing and the source of the river Petrohue the view is quickly stolen away by the tremendous size and proximity of snow-capped Osorno Volcano behind us. After our boat tour, we return to Petrohue and take a hike in the lower lava fields of the volcano. We also visit the Green Lagoon (Laguna Verde) before we return towards Puerto Varas in the afternoon. Please note that the order of the itinerary today may change depending on the weather conditions. Accommodation: Hotel Park Inn by Radisson (or similar)
After breakfast we transfer to the capital of the Lake District, Puerto Montt, and take a sightseeing tour of the city. Puerto Montt was founded in 1853 by German colonists on the site of an indigenous Mapuche community. Downtown we take time to walk about the main squares and historical monuments. Afterwards we visit the port, where there is a large handicraft market full of artisan goods. Please note that depending on the flight times, this tour might be moved to the previous day instead. We then transfer to the airport to board a flight to Punta Arenas, Patagonia - the southernmost city in Chile. From here we transfer to Puerto Natales where we spend the night.Accommodation: Hostal Francis Drake (or similar)
This morning we drive into Torres del Paine National Park for a day of excursions within a spectacular environment. This is a busy day of travelling and walking including unforgettable views of the Towers and the Torres Massif from the 'Cuernos' viewpoint and 'Salto Grande' waterfall. In addition to being introduced to the flora and fauna of the region, today we will also visit 'Laguna Azul' for more breath-taking views.Accommodation: Hotel del Paine (or similar)
Another day in Torres del Paine National Park, this time to explore the Western highlights including Lake Grey. This deep lake, fed by the glacier of the same name, is filled with icebergs which have splashed down from the massive ice flow. From the hotel, we'll drive to a spot to the south of the lake, then start a short hike by crossing a suspension bridge over the Pingo River. From here the path leads through a Legna forest typical to the area, and continues onward to the tip of the narrow peninsula at the lake’s southern end. This viewpoint offers a spectacular view of the lake with its icebergs, the tongue of Grey Glacier at the far northern end, and the snow-covered mountain peaks soaring above. On the way back a stop is made at the Park Visitors Centre to see an exposition of the origin and history of the park. This afternoon is free to relax at the hotel or enjoy some optional excursions in the area.Accommodation: Hotel del Paine (or similar)
This morning we have some free time or take part in an optional boat excursion which takes you to the Grey Glacier. For anyone not wanting to take the optional excursion, the leader will accompany you on visits to other areas of Torres del Paine. Afterwards we will regroup and visit the Milodon Cave (entrance fee not included and payee locally approx. US$ 8 per person). Today we will end in Puerto Natales and transfer together to the hotel, arriving around 5.30pm.Accommodation: Hostal Francis Drake (or similar)
Transfer through the barren Pampa of Patagonia, an impressive road trip as we journey to Punta Arenas airport. We fly back to Santiago (flight times can vary) and enjoy our final evening in Chile.Accommodation: Hotel Providencia (or similar)
There is a transfer back to the airport for those on group flights. Those on land only arrangements will leave us in Santiago this morning.
12 nights hotels, all en suite.Travel by internal flights, bus/minibus and
boatSome long distances coveredEaster Island extension available
All breakfasts are included.All areas offer good quality local and
international meals. Beef is very popular in Chile, especially steak, and the
majority of dishes tend to be quite meaty. In Patagonia, lamb takes over as
the most popular meat. There is also delicious, freshly-caught fish and
seafood in the areas closer to the coast. Service can be slow in restaurants
so do not expect European standards.Vegetarian food is available in many of
the restaurants but options may be limited, especially in Patagonia. Please
inform us before departure of any special dietary requests.
12 nights hotels, all en suite.Travel by internal flights, bus/minibus and
boatSome long distances coveredEaster Island extension available
This is a busy itinerary that visits the main highlights of Chile. We travel
by private minibus and take five internal flights to allow you to experience
as much as possible of this beautiful and diverse county in a short space of
time. You should be aware that there are some long travelling days on this
trip.
Hotels and B&BsYou will spend 12 nights in hotels or locally owned B&B’s. All rooms are en
suite and average a 3-star rating. Please note that due to the limited amount
of accommodation within Torres del Paine National Park, it may be necessary
to sleep outside the park on some or all of the nights that we are
there.Single accommodation (available on request).
All breakfasts are included.All areas offer good quality local and
international meals. Beef is very popular in Chile, especially steak, and the
majority of dishes tend to be quite meaty. In Patagonia, lamb takes over as
the most popular meat. There is also delicious, freshly-caught fish and
seafood in the areas closer to the coast. Service can be slow in restaurants
so do not expect European standards.Vegetarian food is available in many of
the restaurants but options may be limited, especially in Patagonia. Please
inform us before departure of any special dietary requests.
We use comfortable buses or minibuses throughout the trip. Most of the roads
in the area are well maintained. There are 5 internal flights included in the
itinerary, normally using the services of LAN Chile or SKY Airline. Please
be aware that the timings of these internal flights can be quite erratic
and there can often be unforeseen delays. Depending on the schedules and
availability of these flights, changes to the itinerary are possible.
Travelling flight inclusive from London: 15 daysThe group flight from London
is an overnight flight departing the day before Day 1 of the itinerary.We
normally use the scheduled services of Iberia (depending on availability). As
flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of
our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings.
Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until
approximately two weeks before departure.Internal flights during the trip are
normally with LATAM Chile or SKY Airline.Internal flights are included for
Land Only clients. Please be aware that the timings of these internal flights
can be quite erratic and there can often be unforeseen delays. Travelling
land only: 13 days starting and ending in SantiagoYour trip normally starts
at our accommodation in Santiago in the morning of Day 1 of the itinerary.
Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining
Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before departure.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it.If you require airport transfers, you may (by
prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are
arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight - please check
the group flight details 2 weeks before departure.Due to the renovation
works, the current exit area may cause some confusion. To ensure that our
guests find our drivers and tour guides safely, once you pass the customs
check, you should turn to the right and go to exit No. 4. You will see the
number 4 on a yellow background, which is clearly visible above the
exit. The Café Le Fournil is also a reference, which you will find on the
left just before the sliding doors at Exit No. 4. There is also a guidance
system with green markings and most passengers will leave the airport
building on this route.Please be aware our drivers and tour guides always
wait for the guests with a corresponding name badge.If you do not take this
transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your
own expense. The cost of a taxi is likely to be about 20,000-30,000 Chilean
Pesos (US$30-45) should you decide to make your way independently. You
should not pay more than this for a taxi to your hotel!Please be aware there
is a taxi scam operating at Santiago Airport!This is the
information provided by our ground partners in Santiago:In case that the
tour guide and guest do not meet at the airport, the guest will personally
call our 24-hour emergency phone: +56 9 98 83 78 34. Guests should save this
phone number on their mobile phone before they travel. The number is also
accessible via WhatsApp on the free Wi-Fi at the airport!Please note that
guests under no circumstances should accept phone calls from the pirate taxi
driver's mobile phone. Also, the taxi ride should not be paid in cash to the
driver. Our services are already paid! If our driver is really not at the
airport, guests should only book a taxi in the office of an authorized taxi
company inside the airport building. This cost should not exceed more than
20,000 to 30,000 Chilean pesos (US$30-45).
Since Chile is in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are the reverse of
those in Europe; trips are therefore organized between October and March, to
take advantage of the longer, warmer days in the rather brief summer period.
During these months the summer temperatures in Santiago reach a maximum of
35degC, while in Puerto Montt they are more likely to be around 20degC.
Although this is the dry period of the year, rain cannot be ruled out.
Warm jacketComfortable shoes, preferably waterproofWaterproof jacketWarm
glovesRefillable water bottleHatSunhatSun creamSwimming costumeIn Chile, the
import of crop and animal products is strictly regulated in order to avoid
vermin, plagues, and the diffusion of non-native plants and animals. Fresh
fruits and vegetables cannot be imported. If you happen to be carrying such
products they must be thrown away before getting to customs or declared and
then handed over to be destroyed. You will be required to complete a
declaration on arrival into Chile and luggage will be checked. Failure to
comply with this legislation will result in large fines and time-consuming
difficulties with the border authorities. Please ensure you are not carrying
these goods on arrival to avoid this problem.At time of writing the standard
weight limit for hold baggage on the recommended international carrier for
this trip is 20kg. We recommend packing only one piece of checked
baggage.Internal flights in the destination country are subject to a weight
limit of 23kg.As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold
luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check the airline's website for
the latest information prior to your departure.
Although the trips take place at the best time of year, the weather is always
rather unpredictable, and it is as well to be prepared for some wet days.
Chilean Pesos are the national currency of Chile and therefore what you will
require for spending money. If bringing a foreign currency to exchange then
we recommended that you take US dollars. British pounds in cash can be
changed easily upon arrival in the airport or in exchange bureaus on the day
of arrival, but once you have left the Santiago, British pounds can be
difficult to exchange into Chilean Pesos and the rates are not as good.Please
ensure that you do not have any torn or damaged bank notes, as these are
often not accepted in Chile. The exchange facilities should be used on
arrival at the airport in Santiago. Exchange facilities are available in the
centre of Santiago and some of the main towns throughout Chile, but these
services are not guaranteed and opening/closing times can be erratic and not
fit into the itinerary.Chile is an increasingly popular country and is
steadily getting more expensive. We recommend that you allow US $25 ‐ $35
per meal for lunches and dinners, with prices in Patagonia being higher.
International and domestic departure tax is usually included in the price of
the ticket.Optional Excursions (approximate costs, depending on
group sizes)The following optional excursions are usually available
during your trip (weather and timing dependent). Please note that all prices
are approximate at the time of writing, and are therefore subject to
change.Grey Glacier Navigation in Torres del Paine N.P - US $110Star
observation tour from San Pedro de Atacama ‐ US $41 (please note that this
trip is best booked in advance due to limited availability)
To show your appreciation for local staff that accompany the trip, you may
want to tip when good service has been delivered. Tipping is entirely at your
discretion, but it has become customary in this part of the world. We suggest
around US$ 5 per day for the guide and US$ 2-3 per day for the drivers (or
Chilean Pesos equivalent).
Travel insuranceSingle accommodation (available on request)Visas or
vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.