Chile - The Atacama to Patagonia with Easter Island extension
Chile - The Atacama to Patagonia with Easter Island extension
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Chile - The Atacama to Patagonia with Easter Island extension
20 Days Starting and ending in Santiago, Chile
Visiting: Santiago, Santa Lucia Hill, Moneda Palace, Plaza de Armas, Calama, San Pedro de Atacama, Salt Mountains, Death Valley, Valley of the Moon, Toconao, Chaxa Lagoon, Socaire, Miscanti Lagoon, Meñiques Lagoon, Geysers del Tatio, Machuca, Puerto Varas, Calvario Hill, Osorno Volcano, Puerto Montt, Pelluco, Chinquihue, Peulla, Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, Petrohué Falls, Todos los Santos Lake, Chiloé Island, Aucar Islet, Tenaún, Punta Arenas, Magdalena Island, Strait of Magellan, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park, Salto Grande, Pehoé Lake, Grey Lake, Milodón Cave, Balmaceda Glacier, Serrano Glacier, Valparaiso, Vina del Mar, Flower Clock, Vina del Mar, Municipal Casino, Vina del Mar, Wulff Castle, Vina del Mar, Easter Island, Ana Kai Tangata, Rano Kau, Orongo, Ahu Huri, Ahu Akivi, Puna Pau, Anakena Beach, Ahu Te Pito Kura, Rano Raraku, Ahu Tongariki, Ahu Akahanga, Central Market, Santiago, United Kingdom
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SLCCA
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
15 - 27
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Chile, from the arid Atacama Desert to the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia, with an optional extension to the enigmatic Easter Island. This tour offers a rich tapestry of experiences, including a culinary tour and cookery class in Santiago, visits to the stunning Salt Mountains and Valley of the Moon, and a sunrise spectacle at the Geysers del Tatio. Discover the vibrant culture of Chiloé Island, marvel at the penguins on Magdalena Island, and explore the awe-inspiring Torres del Paine National Park. The adventure continues with a cruise to the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers and a visit to the historic city of Valparaiso. On Easter Island, delve into the mysteries of the moai statues and ancient ceremonial sites. With a dedicated holiday director and guaranteed single rooms, this tour promises a seamless and enriching experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 UK to Santiago
Location: Santiago
Accommodation: Flight to Santiago
Today, make your own way to the airport for your flight to Santiago, Chile's capital city.
Day 2 Santiago
Location: Santiago, Santa Lucia Hill, Moneda Palace, Plaza de Armas
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Director Vitacura
Meals Included: Dinner
On arrival in Santiago, which boasts a stunning setting beneath the majestic Andes, we'll transfer to our hotel. This afternoon we'll walk through Santiago's historic centre, ticking off sightseeing highlights such as Santa Lucia Hill, the Moneda Palace (Government Palace) and the Plaza de Armas, where the cathedral and National History Museum are located, as we go. Get to know your travelling companions this evening over a welcome drink and dinner.
Day 3 San Pedro de Atacama
Location: Calama, San Pedro de Atacama, Salt Mountains, Death Valley, Valley of the Moon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama
Meals Included: Breakfast
We'll fly to Calama today, transferring on arrival to the village of San Pedro de Atacama, set amidst the other-worldly landscape of the arid Atacama Desert. During an afternoon of sightseeing we'll visit the Salt Mountains, Death Valley and the Valley of the Moon to see exceptional rock sculptures formed by the elements. As the sun sets we'll experience a wonderful natural light show as the rays are reflected on the mineral-rich rocks.
Day 4 San Pedro de Atacama
Location: San Pedro de Atacama, Toconao, Chaxa Lagoon, Socaire, Miscanti Lagoon, Meñiques Lagoon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We'll explore this incredible destination further today, starting at the picturesque village of Toconao and the salt-crusted Chaxa Lagoon – part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve – where three varieties of this pink-hued wading bird breed. Next, we'll visit the village of Socaire, which overlooks the Atacama Salt Flats. This is our gateway to the intensely blue lagoons of Miscanti and Meñiques, surrounded by impressive volcanoes formed when the Andes rose from the sea. After a simple lunch in Socaire, we'll return to our hotel.
Day 5 Santiago
Location: Geysers del Tatio, San Pedro de Atacama, Machuca, Santiago
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Director Vitacura
Meals Included: Breakfast
There's a very early start today but it's sure to be worth it when you see the Geysers del Tatio – a field of more than 80 active geysers. As we eat our boxed breakfast we'll enjoy the breathtaking sight of steam rising from the ground as the sun comes up over the Andes. En route back to San Pedro de Atacama we'll stop at the picturesque village of Machuca, and in the afternoon we'll fly back to Santiago for an overnight stay.
Day 6 Puerto Varas
Location: Puerto Varas, Calvario Hill, Osorno Volcano, Puerto Montt, Pelluco, Chinquihue
Accommodation: Hotel, Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Cabana del Lago
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we're heading to Puerto Varas, a charming town on the shores of Lake Llanquihue founded by Swiss and German settlers in the 19th century. Known as the 'city of roses' thanks to its flower-lined streets, you'll also see unmistakable German-style architecture during an included tour. We'll ascend Calvario Hill for marvellous views of the lake and the Osorno Volcano. We'll also visit Puerto Montt, the capital of the region, and the beach resorts of Pelluco and Chinquihue, before enjoying an included dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 7 Puerto Varas
Location: Puerto Varas, Peulla, Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, Petrohué Falls, Todos los Santos Lake
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Cabana del Lago
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Take in more exceptional views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes today, but this time it will be from the water on a boat trip to Peulla. This ecological village is located within Vincente Pérez National Park, where we'll have lunch after viewing the emerald-green waters of the Petrohué Falls and sailing on the Todos los Santos Lake (subject to weather conditions).
Day 8 Chiloé Island
Location: Chiloé Island, Aucar Islet, Tenaún
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Cabana del Lago
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today's destination is Chiloé Island, just off the coast of Chile. After a ferry crossing we'll step ashore to admire evergreen forests, more than 150 wooden churches, timber houses perched on stilts over the water and the 560-metre-long hanging bridge which connects the island to the Aucar islet. In the fishing village of Tenaún we'll visit the farmers' fair and meet local people, who'll invite us into their homes and share lunch with us.
Day 9 Punta Arenas
Location: Punta Arenas
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Diego de Almagro Punta Arenas
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our tour continues as we fly to Punta Arenas. Chile's southernmost city is where your exploration of Patagonia begins.
Day 10 Puerto Natales
Location: Magdalena Island, Strait of Magellan, Puerto Natales
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Costaustralis
Meals Included: Breakfast
We'll start the day early with a visit to Magdalena Island. Our journey by boat takes us along the Strait of Magellan, following the same route as famous explorers including Sir Francis Drake, Charles Darwin and Hernando de Magallanes. On arrival at this designated national nature reserve, we'll be greeted by a large and curious colony of Magellanic penguins – the population here is estimated at 60,000 pairs. This afternoon, we'll travel by road to Puerto Natales.
Day 11 Torres del Paine
Location: Torres del Paine National Park, Salto Grande, Pehoé Lake, Grey Lake, Milodón Cave
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Costaustralis
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Torres del Paine National Park is an area of spectacular natural beauty, home to granite peaks, sparkling lakes and glistening icebergs. On our full-day visit we'll travel through Patagonia's rugged steppe, home to many species of mammal including foxes, llama and even the rarely seen puma, with the Salto Grande waterfall and Pehoé and Grey Lakes among the scenic highlights. Our day ends with a visit to the Milodón Cave, where pre-historic animal remains were discovered in the 19th century.
Day 12 Balmaceda & Serrano glaciers
Location: Balmaceda Glacier, Serrano Glacier
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Costaustralis
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
An included excursion today takes us on a thrilling cruise on the Última Esperanza Sound. We'll sail through exceptional scenery to view the 1,000-year-old Balmaceda glacier, where we might spot cormorants and sea lions. We'll disembark for a short walk to the foot of the Serrano glacier, which is a remarkable sight, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and thick walls of ice. Lunch at a cattle ranch rounds off our trip.
Day 13 Santiago
Location: Santiago
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Director Vitacura
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we'll transfer to the airport and fly back to Santiago.
Day 14 Valparaiso
Location: Valparaiso, Vina del Mar, Flower Clock, Vina del Mar, Municipal Casino, Vina del Mar, Wulff Castle, Vina del Mar
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Director Vitacura
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
A full day of exploration begins with a visit to a former home of the Chilean Nobel Prize – winning poet Pablo Neruda and now a museum. Next we head to Vina del Mar – the 'Garden City' where we will enjoy lunch. After lunch our tour includes sights such as the unique Flower Clock, the Municipal Casino and pretty Wulff Castle, which juts out to the sea from a rocky outcrop. Finally we head to the coastal city of Valparaiso to explore .
Day 15 Santiago to Easter Island
Location: Santiago, Easter Island
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Iorana Rapa Nui Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you'll take a flight to Easter Island where you will meet your guide and transfer to your hotel for a 3 night stay. Easter Island is an intriguing destination covering roughly 64 square miles in the South Pacific Ocean.
Day 16 Easter Island
Location: Ana Kai Tangata, Rano Kau, Orongo, Ahu Huri, Ahu Akivi, Puna Pau
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Iorana Rapa Nui Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we will visit Ana Kai Tangata, a cave that has many paintings made from mineral pigments found on the island depicting the Manutara bird. The arrival of the bird in spring would initiate the 'Tangata Manu' competition. Next, continue to Rano Kau, the second of the three main volcanoes to erupt about 2.5 million years ago, next to the volcano is the ancient ceremonial city of Orongo where the greatest concentration of prehistoric rock carvings exist. This afternoon we visit Ahu Huri, one of the last altars to be restored by Dr. William Mulloy, the American anthropologist known for his work and studies into Polynesian prehistory. Next we will visit Ahu Akivi, an archaeological site that was the first scientifically restored site during the 60's. It is a ceremonial place, particularly interesting not only for its location (centre of the island) but also by the legends that are known as the seven moai. A particular feature of the seven identical moai statues is that they exactly face sunset during the Spring Equinox and their backs to the sunrise during the Autumn Equinox. Such an astronomically precise feature is seen only at this location on the island. Finally we will visit Puna Pau, a small crater or cinder cone on the outskirts of Hanga Roa in the south west of Easter Island. Puna Pau was the sole source of the red scoria that the Rapa Nui people used to carve the Pukao (topknots) that they put on the heads of some of their iconic moai statues.
Day 17 Easter Island
Location: Anakena Beach, Ahu Te Pito Kura, Rano Raraku, Ahu Tongariki, Ahu Akahanga
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Iorana Rapa Nui Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we head towards Anakena beach through the centre of the island. Anakena has 4 ahu sites, 2 of which have been reconstructed and 2 others which attest to the weathering of time. The first ahu is called Ature Huki which was restored in 1955 and the other is called Ahu NauNau which was restored by the same archaeologist Sergio Rapu. The trip continues towards Ahu Te Pito Kura: this site has only a moai, however it measures 10m and weighs up to 90 tons making it the largest moai to be raised on a platform. Next we arrive at Rano Raraku, one of the most interesting archaeological sites with 396 moai in the quarry. Some of the statues are still encrusted in the rock of the quarry never to be moved, others are in the process of getting finalized and some are in the staging area waiting for the moving crew to bring the moai to its destined ahu. We continue to Ahu Tongariki, one of the most visually stunning sites on the island which shows how the ancient people were part of a true megalithic culture. This site has 15 moai that were restored in the 80's after a huge tsunami came ashore in 1960. Finally we head to Ahu Akahanga where it is believed the grave of the first king of the island, Hotu Matu'a can be found.
Day 18 Easter Island to Santiago
Location: Easter Island, Santiago
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Director Vitacura
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning is free before you transfer to the airport for your flight back to Santiago where you will spend the night.
Day 19 Santiago to UK
Location: Santiago, Central Market, Santiago
Accommodation: Flight to the UK
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Late morning departure for a culinary tour of the city's Central Market in the company of a chef. Here we'll purchase all the ingredients we need to rustle up some traditional dishes, which we'll learn how to prepare during a cookery class. We'll then eat what we've prepared for lunch before transferring to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Day 20 UK
Location: United Kingdom
Accommodation: Hotel
Arrive back in the UK.
What's Included
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Just You Holiday Director & Specialist Local Guides
A dedicated Just You holiday director and specialist local guides will accompany you throughout the trip.
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Return flights from London
Return flights from London are included in the tour package.
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Use of an airport lounge in the UK
Access to an airport lounge in the UK is included.
What's Not Included
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.
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Optional activities
Any optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently with return flights from London, domestic flights within Chile, and overseas transfers. Enjoy scenic boat trips and road journeys, including a ferry crossing to Chiloé Island and a cruise on the Última Esperanza Sound.Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in 3 and 4-star hotels throughout the tour, including Hotel Director Vitacura in Santiago, Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama, Hotel Cabana del Lago in Puerto Varas, and Iorana Rapa Nui Hotel on Easter Island.Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on this tour?
During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including Magellanic penguins on Magdalena Island, foxes, llamas, and possibly pumas in Torres del Paine National Park. You might also spot cormorants and sea lions near the Balmaceda glacier.
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What unique experiences are included in the Easter Island extension?
The Easter Island extension includes visits to significant archaeological sites such as Ana Kai Tangata cave, Rano Kau volcano, the ceremonial city of Orongo, Ahu Akivi, and Puna Pau. You'll also explore Anakena beach, Rano Raraku quarry, and Ahu Tongariki, where you can see the iconic moai statues.
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
Cultural experiences on the tour include a culinary tour and cookery class at Santiago's Central Market, a visit to the former home of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, and interactions with local people on Chiloé Island where you'll share lunch with them.
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What kind of landscapes will I see during the tour?
The tour offers a variety of stunning landscapes including the arid Atacama Desert, the picturesque Chaxa Lagoon, the dramatic Geysers del Tatio, the scenic Lake Llanquihue with views of Osorno Volcano, the lush forests and wooden churches of Chiloé Island, and the breathtaking scenery of Torres del Paine National Park with its granite peaks and glistening icebergs.
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What is the significance of the Ahu Akivi site on Easter Island?
Ahu Akivi is an archaeological site on Easter Island known for its seven identical moai statues that face the sunset during the Spring Equinox and have their backs to the sunrise during the Autumn Equinox. This astronomically precise alignment is unique to this location on the island.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
All the people in your group will be solo travellers and will share your sense of adventure and passion for travel. There’s usually a good mix of ages too, so you’ll meet a variety of solo travellers who have more, or in some cases less, life experience. We find the overall mix of people really adds to the whole experience and there are certainly plenty of l
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
A few years ago we set up Just You Cares, a programme that gives back to some of the places we love. We have always believed in taking care of the communities we visit, and have taken the time to really get to know the local people and understand the challenges they face. Some of our holidays give our Customers the chance to see how the money from their trips has been spent.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Just You, we are committed to operating our business operations responsibly, with integrity and always act ethically in all our business dealings and relationships. We are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking does not take place in our own business or in any of our supply chains
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If we can accommodate a change in date - we will always do our best to help you. Just pick up the phone and ask one of our friendly advisors - just make sure you have your booking number to hand.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes, and all of our accommodation providers will be working to the very highest standards of hygiene – you already always enjoy a private room of your own on all of our trips, all of our partners will be guided by local government operational standards of hygiene and the new protocols we have issued to them.
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Will I eat alone?
We find there’s always a social element to dining, so you’ll never eat alone, unless you want to! Every holiday includes a welcome get-together, all breakfasts and many other meals. When a meal is not included we find travellers meet and dine together.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, given the nature of our holidays, it is not possible to join the tour once it has departed.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Just You has been operating solo holidays for more than 15 years.
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Am I guaranteed a room of my own?
Of course, you’ll always have a twin or double room all to yourself. It’s great to have that space to relax and reflect at the end of the day. In some hotels you can also pay a little extra to upgrade for more space or a lovely sea view.
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What is the typical age range on a Just You holiday?
Typically, our customers are solo travellers in their 40s, 50s and 60s, but it’s quite possible you could meet 20-year-olds or 70-year-olds (or anyone in between)... After all, age is just a number!
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have received the World Travel and Tourism Councils (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp, which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world. The 'Safe Travels' stamp provides you, with assurance and peace of mind that we have implemented enhanced health and hygiene prprotocols on all holidays.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Once you book, you will receive a confirmation invoice within 7 days, prior to departure, we will send you further information to help prepare for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Just You is exclusively for solo travellers, every tour includes a twin or double room of your own, with no single supplement.
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Just You requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 84 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of just you charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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