Transport

We use comfortable buses or minibuses throughout the trip. Most of the roads are well maintained. There are five internal flights included in the itinerary, normally using the services of LAN Chile or SKY Airline. Please note, 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. 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. Once you pass the customs check head to the exit. Due to the large number of people in arrivals area, you may not see your guide or driver at first sight holding an Exodus sign (you may have to check twice). Stay close to La Picá Restaurant (between Gates 3 & 4) if you do not find your guide (they will find you). Please be aware our drivers and tour guides always wait for the guests with a corresponding Exodus sign. 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 9883 7834. 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).

Guide

To ur leader throughout

Others

L isted activities Four internal flights New included excursions to Atacama salt flats, altiplano lagoons, El Tatio geysers

Accommodation

The regionally inspired three-star hotels selected for our Discover Chile trip ensure we are comfortable, as our wide-ranging adventure takes us from the Atacama Desert in the north, through cosmopolitan Santiago, into German styled Puerto Varas in the Lakes District, and to the wilds of Patagonia in the far south. Below are the hotels we typically use. Santiago: Panamericana Hotel Providencia (nights 1, 2 and 12) The Panamericana Hotel Providencia offers a blend of classical and contemporary décor in the upscale neighborhood of Providencia. It has spacious rooms, a swimming pool, fitness center, and variety of culinary options. It is also conveniently near the metro station, Mapocho River walk and the Metropolitan Park. San Pedro de Atacama: Hotel Diego de Almagro (nights 3-5) Hotel Diego de Almagro is in the center of San Pedro de Atacama, granting easy access to shops and restaurants. It has an outdoor pool and large garden with native plants and flowers where you can relax and enjoy views of the Licancabur volcano. Puerto Varas: Hotel Park Inn by Radisson (nights 6-7) Alongside an architectural style that reflects the German heritage of the city, the Hotel Park Inn by Radisson has an outdoor swimming pool and is only a few blocks from Lake Llanquihue. It also has spacious rooms, plus a restaurant serving regional and international cuisines. Puerto Natales: Hostal Francis Drake (nights 8 and 11) Locally owned and operated, Hostal Francis Drake has 19 warmly decorated rooms, a large dining room and two reading rooms where you can relax after a day exploring Torres del Paine National Park. The location affords easy access to Puerto Natales shopping and dining, plus it’s just two blocks from the windswept bay. Torres del Paine: Hotel del Paine (nights 9-10) Hotel Paine is a mountain hotel on the banks of the Serrano River with a privileged view of the spectacular Paine massif. The rooms are cosy, with wooden furniture and warm colors that reflect the culture and environment of Patagonia. The restaurant and bar serve delicious cuisine based on local products and include organic vegetables grown on site.

Meals

All breakfasts and two dinners are included. All areas offer good quality local and international meals. Beef is very popular in Chile, especially steak, and most dishes tend to be quite meaty. In Patagonia, lamb is the most popular meat. There is also delicious, freshly caught fish and seafood in areas closer to the coast. Service can be slow in restaurants. 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.

Not included:

Insurance

Optional

Optional extension to Easter Island

Others

— Travel Insurance — Single accommodation (available on request) — Visas or vaccinations

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Start Santiago; City Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start Santiago; City Tour

This afternoon we start with a tour of Santiago (approximately three hours), visiting the squares and streets of the colonial center and the Presidential Palace. We also visit San Cristobal Hill, on which a Virgin Mary statue stands. The summit offers a bird’s-eye view of the city, Andean Mountains and Maipo-Valley. It is, without a doubt, the best viewpoint in the city. The city tour will usually start around 3pm, which means you need to be at the hotel by 2.30pm. Accommodation: Panamericana Hotel Providencia (or similar)
Day 2 Day 2: Full-Day Excursion To The Enigmatic Port City Of Valparaiso (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Full-Day Excursion To The Enigmatic Port City Of Valparaiso (Breakfast)

The Unesco World Heritage city of Valparaíso, or Valpo for short, is the oldest port in Chile and home to the National Congress since democracy was re-established in 1989. The Pacific Coast is just a 90-minute drive from Santiago and today’s excursion will give us an interesting insight into Chilean culture. The many hills in the city are covered in a glorious sprawl of multi-coloured houses, creating a spectacular panorama, which can be enjoyed from several vantage points. We’ll visit the Unesco-listed historic city centre, plus the parliamentary building, and the War of the Pacific memorial. Due to steep terrain in some parts of the city, there are numerous funicular lifts to transport residents up and down the hillsides. Many of these have fallen into disrepair and sit suspended in time and hidden amid the labyrinth of buildings. However, there is a drive to restore as many as possible and we can use one of the most iconic functioning lifts on our way to a viewpoint. In the afternoon, we return to our Santiago hotel. Accommodation: Panamericana Hotel Providencia (or similar)
Day 3 Day 3: Fly To Calama; To San Pedro De Atacama (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Fly To Calama; To San Pedro De Atacama (Breakfast)

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. After check-in, our 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)
Day 4 Day 4: Visit Salar De Atacama And Altiplano Lagoons (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Visit Salar De Atacama And Altiplano Lagoons (Breakfast)

Departing our San Pedro hotel, we set off towards the Altiplano Lagoons (Lagunas Altiplanicas) and stop en route at the village of Socaire, set at 10,558ft (3,218m). The village is noteworthy for its peculiar rough-stonework architecture and the inhabitants still live by age-old methods of planting terraced fields with corn, wheat and potatoes. After, we continue for about another 19mi (30km), climbing an additional 3,281ft (1,000m) in altitude to reach the highland lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques. The two volcanoes of the same name are visible in the background (almost 19,686ft/6,000m 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 then visit the Salar de Atacama. A salt lake of huge proportions (1,158 sqmi/3,000sqkm), it is covered by a thick layer of snow-white salt crystals, caused by the evaporation of the lake water. The largest lithium deposits in the world are found here, but the salt pan is also home to several flamingo species, including the Andean, Chilean and James, which feed on the micro-organisms in the saline lagoons. Look out for these beautiful birds and other species in their natural habitat at Chaxa Lagoon, which is part of the Reserva Nacional de los Flamencos. After the excursion, we return to San Pedro. Accommodation: Hotel Diego de Almagro (or similar)
Day 5 Day 5: Excursion To El Tatio Geysers; Optional Night-Time Astronomy Tour (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Excursion To El Tatio Geysers; Optional Night-Time Astronomy Tour (Breakfast)

We’ll have to get up very early to arrive at the El Tatio Geysers, which are more than 14,108ft (4,300m) above sea level, in time for sunrise. The fountains, which can shoot up to 33ft (10m) high, occur when the morning sun melts the nightly ice caps that form over the hot springs. The first rays reflect an array of colours as they mix with boiling geyser jets to create strong contrasts of steam and light. Around midday, we return to San Pedro for some free time. Returning along the same route, accompanied by the Andes and their volcanoes, we will make a short stop on the way at the Putana wetland, where we can observe different species of birds in front of the Colorado volcano. There is an optional astronomy tour tonight that highlights the southern sky. This excursion should be booked in advance of departure as availability is limited and does not operate during full moon. Please speak to your sales representative if interested. Accommodation: Hotel Diego de Almagro (or similar)
Day 6 Day 6: Fly To Puerto Montt; To Puerto Varas On The Shore Of Lago Llanquihue (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Fly To Puerto Montt; To Puerto Varas On The Shore Of Lago Llanquihue (Breakfast)

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, 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, named for the tremendous variety of roses all over town. If we’re scheduled to arrive on a later flight, we recommend that you buy food at the airport as you may not have many options on arrival at the hotel. Accommodation: Hotel Park Inn by Radisson (or similar)
Day 7 Day 7: Lago Todos Los Santos Boat Trip; Walk Near Osorno Volcano (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Lago Todos Los Santos Boat Trip; Walk Near Osorno Volcano (Breakfast)

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 create 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. 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 by the tremendous size and proximity of snow-capped Osorno Volcano behind us. After our boat tour, we return to Petrohue and 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, the order of the itinerary today may change depending on the weather conditions. Accommodation: Hotel Park Inn by Radisson (or similar)
Day 8 Day 8: Fly To Punta Arenas; Transfer To Puerto Natales (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Fly To Punta Arenas; Transfer To Puerto Natales (Breakfast)

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 around the main squares and historical monuments. After, we visit the port, where there is a large handicraft market full of artisan goods. Please note, 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 three hours to Puerto Natales where we spend the night. Accommodation: Hostal Francis Drake (or similar)
Day 9 Day 9: Full Day Excursion To See Some Of The Highlights Of Torres Del Paine National Park (Breakfast,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Full Day Excursion To See Some Of The Highlights Of Torres Del Paine National Park (Breakfast,Dinner)

This morning we drive into Torres del Paine National Park for adventure in a spectacular environment. This is a busy day of travelling and walking taking in unforgettable views of the Towers and the Torres Massif from the Cuernos viewpoint and Salto Grande waterfall. We’ll also learn all about the regional flora and fauna and visit Laguna Azul for more breath-taking views. Accommodation: Hotel del Paine (or similar)
Day 10 Day 10: Walking At Lago Grey; Free Time In Torres Del Paine National Park (Breakfast,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Walking At Lago Grey; Free Time In Torres Del Paine National Park (Breakfast,Dinner)

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 the south of the lake, then start a short hike by crossing a bridge over the Pingo River. From here, the path leads through a Legna forest typical to the area, and continues to the tip of a narrow peninsula at the southern end of the lake. This viewpoint offers a spectacular view of the water with its icebergs, the tongue of Grey Glacier at the northern end, and the snow-covered mountain peaks soaring above. On the way back, we stop at the visitor centre to learn about the origin and history of the park. This afternoon is free to relax at the hotel or enjoy optional excursions in the area. Accommodation: Hotel del Paine (or similar)
Day 11 Day 11: Optional Grey Glacier Navigation; To Puerto Natales (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Optional Grey Glacier Navigation; To Puerto Natales (Breakfast)

This morning you have some free time or you can take part in an optional boat excursion to the Grey Glacier. If you don’t want to take the optional excursion, the leader will accompany you on visits to other areas of Torres del Paine. After, we regroup and visit the Milodon Cave on our way back to our hotel in Puerto Natales, arriving around 5.30pm. Accommodation: Hostal Francis Drake (or similar)
Day 12 Day 12: To Punta Arenas; Fly To Santiago (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: To Punta Arenas; Fly To Santiago (Breakfast)

Today we transfer back through the barren Pampa of Patagonia to Punta Arenas airport for our flight to Santiago (flight times can vary) to enjoy our final evening in Chile. Accommodation: Panamericana Hotel Providencia (or similar)
Day 13 Day 13: End Santiago (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: End Santiago (Breakfast)

Our trip ends this morning after breakfast. However, if you’d like the adventure to continue, speak to your sales representative about joining our Easter Island extension. Alternatively, you may want to extend your stay in Santiago, the cosmopolitan capital of Chile.

+10

13 days tour

Discover Chile

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Discover Chile

Day 1: Start Santiago; City Tour

Day 2: Full-Day Excursion To The Enigmatic Port City Of Valparaiso (Breakfast)

Day 3: Fly To Calama; To San Pedro De Atacama (Breakfast)

Day 4: Visit Salar De Atacama And Altiplano Lagoons (Breakfast)

Day 5: Excursion To El Tatio Geysers; Optional Night-Time Astronomy Tour (Breakfast)

Day 6: Fly To Puerto Montt; To Puerto Varas On The Shore Of Lago Llanquihue (Breakfast)

Day 7: Lago Todos Los Santos Boat Trip; Walk Near Osorno Volcano (Breakfast)

Day 8: Fly To Punta Arenas; Transfer To Puerto Natales (Breakfast)

Day 9: Full Day Excursion To See Some Of The Highlights Of Torres Del Paine National Park (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 10: Walking At Lago Grey; Free Time In Torres Del Paine National Park (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 11: Optional Grey Glacier Navigation; To Puerto Natales (Breakfast)

Day 12: To Punta Arenas; Fly To Santiago (Breakfast)

Day 13: End Santiago (Breakfast)

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