- Atacama & Altiplano
- Easter Island
- Santiago and Central Valley
- Lakes and Volcanoes District
- Patagonia
Fixed Departure Dates Programs > 19 Days
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CHILE LANDS OF CONTRASTS 19 DAYS TOUR 1. - ITINERARY B = Breakfast BL = Box Lunch L = Lunch VC = VIP Coctail D = Dinner |
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DAY 01: SANTIAGO + CITY TOUR / L / or / D / |
Arrival at Arturo Merino Benítez airport in Santiago, reception and transfer to Hotel Torremayor or similar 4* www.hoteltorremayor.cl PM we will pick up from your hotel and start your adventure in the oldest area in Santiago called Barrio Concha y Toro. Its architecture reminds our guests of the European neighborhoods. Its buildings were raised at the end of the XIXth. Century and beginning of the XXth. century. Then we will drive on through cobble stone streets toward a beautiful private club called “Club Hípico de Santiago” inaugurated in 1870. The building, projected and raised in 1918 by he architect Joshua Smith, is inspired on the French racetrack of Long Champs. French Baroque-style boulevards and gardens are integrated into the construction through terraces and perrons. The magnificent tribunes are covered by canopy. Besides its architectural beauty, the show of the horse races is increased by the imposing view of the mountain range. After that, we will get into the neighborhood “República” dating from 1872. Along with the neighborhood of Dieciocho Street, it was one of the areas populated by the richest families of that time. República was the most elegant street; both because of the great quality of the houses build in it as well as for its urbanization that included Santiago’s first asphalt, beacons and a row of oriental banana trees. Leaving behind the old area, we will arrive to the civic area, Presidential Palace La Moneda and Plaza de La Constitución. It is the Government of Chile’s presidential headquarters. Of a neoclassical style its construction began in 1784 by the Italian architect Joaquin Toesca. It was inaugurated in 1805 and it harbored the Real Casa de Moneda, or mint, from which it receives its current name. In 1846, a portion of the building was enabled for the president’s residence until 1922 when it begun entirely to be used as the headquarters of the Government of Chile. We will visit the interior gardens. We drive to Plaza de Armas. It is the basis of Santiago’s urban conformation, since it constitutes the quadrilateral starting point from which the original design of the city was traced when the Spanish conqueror don Pedro de Valdivia founded Santiago in 1541. From then on it has been the political, economic and religious center of the city. It harbors the main buildings such as the Cathedral, the Palacio de La Real Audiencia (Royal Court of Justice) and the Post Office Headquarters among others. Its name, literally translated as the Weaponry Square, is due to the military exercises carried out there during the period of the Spanish Conquest. The Cathedral is the fifth one built in the same place. The first one built between 1566 and 1600, but then continuous earthquakes destroyed it several times. The current building construction began 1748 and the architect Joaquin Toesca was designated in 1780 to finish the work. Toesca gave the current building its neoclassical style. Our last visit is the Cerro San Cristóbal (San Cristóbal hill). On the summit of Cerro San Cristóbal, there is the Virgin Mary monument whose image was copied from the Virgin that is in the Spanish Square in Rome. The Chilean statue was installed 884 m.a.s.l. and can be seen from different points of the capital. You will have a magnificent sight all over Santiago. Return to the Hotel. Optionals: Lunch at Mercado Municipal with fish and seafood. Parrillada dinner with Chilean folk music and dances. |
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DAY 02: INDOMITA WINERY - VALPARAISO AND VIÑA DEL MAR / B / L / |
We created this program to familiarize people with the life of this great Port City. This “walking tour” visits the hills, elevators and pedestrian streets of Valparaiso. We’ll enjoy a boat trip around the bay and then have lunch in a typical restaurant (fish and shellfish). Later we’ll go to visit the “Garden City” of Viña del Mar.We start our day trip to Valparaiso early in the morning from your hotel and take the highway number 68 to our main port in Chile. After crossing Lo Prado tunnel, we reach Curacaví Valley. We will see small farms dedicated to agriculture. After the second tunnel, Zapata, we reach the wineries of Casablanca Valley. The fresh early morning dew and the influence of the Pacific Ocean have transformed this valley in one of the most outstanding white wine winery zones in Chile. We will visit Indómita winery located on a hill with a fantastic view on Casablanca Valley. A guide will explain the wine production at Indómita. After the tour, we will taste some of the Indómita white and red wines. We arrive in Valparaiso with its 48 picturesque hills. We will ascend Cerro Concepción with the oldest elevator of city, Turri elevator build in 1883. We will walk along Atkinson and Brighton Promenade with a fantastic view on Valparaiso harbor. The housing area in Cerro Concepción was the typical neighborhood of English and German traders and merchants. We will also see the Lutheran and Anglican Church of the suburb. At Cerro Artillería we will have a magnificent view on Valparaiso harbor and Viña del Mar. After a short drive, we reach Plaza Sotomayor (Sotomayor Square) with the monument to Chilean Navy Heroes. At Muelle Prat we will take a boat ride in the harbor. After the boat ride, fish and seafood lunch with panoramic view on the harbor, or along the Pacific coast line near to Viña del Mar. We end the tour at approximately 5.30 pm. and drive back to Santiago to your hotel. Arrival between 7 and 7.30 pm. End of services. |
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DAY 03: FD CITY TOUR ARICA, AZAPA VALLEY AND SAN MIGUEL MUSEUM / B / BL / |
Transfer from the hotel in Santiago to the airport in time to catch your flight to Arica. Meet and assist by our bilingual tour guide and transfer to Hotel Azapa Inn or similar. Departure from your hotel towards Columbus Square, visiting San Marcos Cathedral designed by Gustave Eiffel et Cie. in the gothic style and inaugurated in 1876, House of the culture a former Customs House. Stamped on each brick of this building is the mark of Gustave Eiffel workshops where it was prefabricated. I was brought from France and raised in brick and metal between 1872 and 1874. We continue to the Morro de Arica with an altitude of 130 m. This bluff is the emblematic landmark of the city. On an esplanade at the top you will see broken cannons, the bust of Colonel Pedro Lagos, the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Cristo de La Concordia, a sculpture by the artist Raúl Valdivieso that was cast in Spain .There is also a museum here, built on the ruins of the old fortifications and a lookout point with a spectacular view of the city. We continue to Azapa Valley. During the trip, tall yellow colored columns with drawings mark the archeological sites. The Geoglyphs are cultural testimonies of the people of the past. These are enormous drawings on the slopes of some hills, executed collectively by ancestral people using the technique of stacked stones or scratching the earth. It is thought that there were created to make the passing of the cattle routes between the hills and coast. Hundreds of small farms will start appearing the low, dry hills; most of them are dedicated to the production of the famous and tasty Azapa olives. They are watered by the San José River, but its importance is not in agriculture, different stages of historical development were stamped on these lands that were a human homesteading very early in history. Its archeological vestiges are mainly of the period of Regional Development, such as the village of Cerro Sombrero and most of the Geoglyphs. But there are also sited of the Tiwanaka period such as the San Lorenzo housing complex, and of Inca influence, such as the housing complex of Alto Ramírez. Then we’ll continue to the Archeological Museum of San Miguel de Azapa. This museum, one of the best in Chile, belongs to the University of Tarapacá. Its rooms recreate 10.000 years of history, from the period of the Chinchorros to the present-day Aymara shepherds. The visit is made with a catalogue in order to identify the objects in the display cabinets and their functions. One room shows the history of the olive tree in the valley. The tour includes museum tickets, mineral water and bilingual tour guide. Return to your hotel in Arica. (Box Lunch on route) |
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DAY 04: FD ARICA – SOCOROMA – PUTRE / B / BL / D / |
Departing from the hotel in Arica trough the valley of Lluta, we will observe the Geoglyphs in the hillsides, along with Colcas Incas or siloes of storage of agricultural products. We arrive in Poconchile in the Lluta Valley. It was a resting place on the Inca way toward the altiplano, although its origin is prior to this empire. Later it became a place of support to the work on the railroad to Bolivia. In the center, you will find the Church of San Geronimo that was the first raised in the mayoralty of Arica in 1605. Nevertheless the one you will visit was build in the XIX century, when it was reconstructed in adobe with two wood bell towers added later. We continue and stop in the Gorge of Cardones to see the giant Cactus Candelabrus. We will see superb examples of this species up to 14 m. height. They only grow at an altitude of 2500 to 2800 m.a.s.l. We will have a soft walk in Pukara de Copaquilla (old Inca fortress). The Pukara and the rocky gorge on which it is located can be seen from a lookout point. Originally built in the XII century, it was restored by the University of Tarapacá in 1979. A double wall defends it and inside it has 400 enclosures with circular walls, probably houses, corrals or storerooms. We will visit Socoroma (white yucca) an Aymara town with barely 130 inhabitants. The streets of this town have drains down the center for the rainwater and some of them have stone paving. Its origin is pre-columbian, but it was occupied later by the Spaniards in the traffic between Arica and Potosí. Since then its layout has been preserved intact. You will easily recognize where the cattle route from Arica entered the town; the widest road that has a large stone water trough for the droves of llamas. Facing the plaza, you may see the Church of San Francisco, built in 1560. The body of the Church is made of adobe and it has a carved stone doorway and aside door also of stone with signs and names of the evangelists on the frame and upper arch. The inside is 32 m. long, has a stone and adobe altar, four images with silver crowns, paintings from the Cuzco school of art and a curious eagle carved in polychrome wood that is used as a candelabra. Arrive to Putre at 3.500 m.a.s.l. This is an excellent place to sleep and become acclimatized to the altitude before going up to the Altiplano. Created by highlanders, the town was occupied by the Spaniards, who first lived from the trade with Potosí and after from the gold mine at Choquelimpie, discovered in 1643. Today it is the capital of the province of Parinacota and its 1200 inhabitants work mainly at agriculture and shepherding cattle. If you walk along O’Higgins Street, the oldest in the village, with buildings of the XIX century, many of which have incorporated the XVIII carved stone doorways and window sills. Surrounding the tree filled plaza, there is the building of the Municipality, the Government offices and the Parroquial Church, built in 1670, to replace its predecessor that fell in an earthquake; according to the chronicles, the church was covered in gold an silver. You will be surprised at the abundant and very valuable colonial statuary that is housed in it. Its altar, with an altarpiece of stone panted pale blue is dated 1895. Next door is the parish house, where the padre Carlos Schneider museum is located, with an exhibition of religious art of the villages of the province. Lodging in hotel Qantati. |
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DAY 05: FD PUTRE – PARINACOTA - CHUNGARA LAKE – ARICA / B / BL / D / |
Alter breakfast we will depart towards the Lauca National Park (damp grass). Protects natural landscapes and archeological wealth of outstanding beauty such as Lake Chungará or the town of Parinacota, a protected area of 137.883 ha. The number of Camelidae that graze in the marshes will surprise you; majestic vicuñas, flames and alpacas. In small lagoons we will find taguas, gallatas, flamingos and a rich variety of Andean birds, occasionally rheas and condors are seen.We arrive at Parinacota, (lake of parinas) old and dusty and at an altitude of 4.392 m.a.s.l., the whiteness of its buildings contrasts softly with the highland landscape. Its origin is pre Hispanic, but the Spaniards occupied it because it is on the road to Potosí; its large corrals date from that time. Declared a typical zone it remains uninhabited for most of the year with only about 25 inhabitants. This is a town, whose Aymara population lives wherever it is shepherding its animals and only omens home for religious festivals. The houses, that form rows around the church, are of stone stuck together with mud and most of them have a roof made of rough straw. At the four corners that surround the church there are wells – sort of like altars – where the religious processions stop during the fiestas. The church is surrounded by a stone wall, covered with mud and painted white, which has three roofed doors with arches and crowned with pink volcanic stone, the thick bell-tower is apart and stands out in one corner .The church, was reconstructed in 1789 and whitened with lime. Its interior walls have XVII century colored frescoes, while in the baptistery the Padre José Vial Subercaseaux Museum has some valuable colonial paintings and objects of religious art, such as a missal printed in Paris in 1699. We continue now to the Lake Chungará (moss, on rock) at an altitude of 4.570 m.a.s.l. This unique lake occupies 2.150 ha. With waters that are completely turquoise colored and reflect the imposing snow-covered peaks of the volcanoes Parinacota, Pomerape and Sajama, all rising above 6.000m.; further south we see the Quimsachatas , with the Guallatire volcano ( the most active in the region) .Enjoying this scenery we will have a Box Lunch on the banks of the lake. As a perfect complement, a large number of birds are enjoying the sun and walking along the edge of its cold waters, it is a scene of great beauty with an active animal live. Return to Arica to your hotel. Dinner and overnight |
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DAY 06: CALAMA - SANPEDRO ATACAMA - VALLE DE MARTE – VALLE DE LA LUNA / B / L / |
Note: The itinerary of this day depends on connection flights Arica – Calama. Early in the morning transfer to the airport and flight to Calama via Antofagasta. Reception in Calama airport and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. On the route to San Pedro we will stop at the Cordillera de La Sal (Salt Mountain) at a lookout point. Salt Mountain is a spectacular geological phenomenon composed of big salt deposits, gypsum and red clay earth that offers rugged scenery rich in natural sculptures. Arriving in San Pedro, check in at the hotel Casa de Don Tomas or similar www.dontomas.cl After lunch we’ll pick you up from the hotel and start our tour taking the route to Calama to Valle de La Muerte or Valle de Marte (Valley of Mars). Surrounded by red-brown hills of peculiar morphology, it is also a part of the Cordillera de La Sal. We will have a short hike walking between attractive geological forms as beautiful dunes appear interrupted by sharpened hills rich in crystallized gypsum. This scenery recreates a planetary image, and during dawn and twilight hours, everything ignites in an orange tone. Drive to Valle de La Luna situated in the middle of the Cordillera de La Sal, a valley of statuesque, rocky formations. Salt emerges to the surface, covering the surface with a dry, whitish layer that gives the place a lunar aspect. In the Valle de La Luna, we visit the statues of salt called “Las Tres Marias“ , the salt mine, the salt caves and we will walk up by the sand dunes of the area until we reach the summit of the Big Dune. There you will see the whole valley at the sunset, while a spectacular change of colors happens in front of your eyes. After sundown, you will enjoy a VIP cocktail under the stars. Our guide will explain and show you the star constellations of the southern hemisphere. Transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama. |
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DAY 07: ARCHEOLOGIC TOUR – ATACAMA SALT LAKE / B / D / |
We depart from our hotel at 09.00 Hs to visit the Pukará of Quitor 3 km north of San Pedro. This fortified village was constructed during the last stage of San Pedro cultural development, between 1000 and 1500 A.D. It was constructed in order to protect the inhabitants and goods of the area against the constant attacks of neighboring groups. With Pedro de Valdivia’s arrival in 1540, the first battle between the Spanish conquistadors and Atacameños occurred. This battle was famous for the brutality of the conquistadors, who, after knocking down the defenses of Pukará and defeating the Atacameño resistance, took the leaders captive and decapitated them.The walls of the central part of Pukará have been reconstructed, so that you can imagine what the settlement was originally like. Following the course of the San Pedro River we continue to Catarpe Valley, where the moisture creates green grassland and fields that surround the river. “Colas de Zorro” (fox tails) and other varieties of flora and wild fauna of the desert are abundant in the area. The hillsides form a canon, and we will walk to the “Quebrada Del Diablo” Devil´s Gorge. We continue and visit the ancient Chapel of San Isidro and the Ruins of Catarpe, an ancient Inca wayside inn. We continue our archeological tour to the Ruins of Tulor. It was constructed at the beginning of the Christian age .This settlement is a clear example of how the sedentary live arose in this area, with a highly developed level of ceramics, textiles, metallic tools, agriculture and livestock. Return to San Pedro. After lunch we’ll start visiting the town of Toconao, a 600 inhabitants town who make their living through agriculture and handcrafts. We will look at typical handcrafts made of llama wool, cactus wood, volcanic rock and alpaca wool. We will visit the Tower of San Lucas, which is a National Monument and symbol of the town. The houses of Toconao are constructed mostly from liparita, a very white stone extracted from the nearby quarry. We continue the trip to see the Salar de Atacama (salt lake) and enter the National Flamingo Reserve at Chaxa Lagoon sector. This National Reserve is formed by a gigantic depression of more than 3.500 km2, located 2.300 m.a.s.l. The Salar is the biggest salt field in Chile and its large quantities of salt make the surface white and rough. The dryness and altitude of the salt field allow an excellent panoramic view of the area. The bottom of the salt field is composed of an enormous lake, which receives water from mountain rivers and melting snow. As it has no runoff, several small lagoons have formed, where we can observe the three types of flamingos living in the area, the English, the Andean and the Chilean. Return to San Pedro, dinner at typical restaurant. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama. |
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DAY 08: FD EL TATIO GEYSERS AND ALTIPLANO VILLAGES – SANTIAGO / B / L / |
We leave the hotel at 04.00 am to arrive at 07.00 am. at the Tatio Geysers at 4.320m.a.s.l.The geysers are located 90 Km. to the northwest of San Pedro. They are shaped by a series of fumaroles that erupts water and steam of volcanic origin. We will see this spectacle at dawn in its entire splendor. We have breakfast with boiled eggs at the geysers. You may also take a bath at one of the many hot springs around the area.After Tatio, we visit the old village of Caspana and its church. Caspana lies in a fertile valley in a deep gorge. Caspana has a large cultivated area of approximate 46ha. in terraced style (Inca style) and extensive fields of flowers and vegetables in the riverbeds. All this makes Caspana a mystical Andean village. Here we will have lunch. We continue to Pukara de Lasana. Managing to shelter about 1.000 persons, this fortress dates from the 12th. Century. It as constructed entirely from irregular stones, high up on the edge of a cliff on the Loa River. This fortress is a very narrow conglomerate of alleys that join together approximately 110 buildings with rectangular and circular rooms through small rectangular or square doors and some small windows. On our way to Chiu-Chiu, we will visit the petroglyphs, sculpted in liparita stone panels. In these petroglyphs there are images of camelid herds and shepherds who guide them. There are also geometric drawings in the shape of the sun, animals such as ostriches, lizards, toads, and snakes, and human figures dressed in ritual and/or daily costumes. Our last visit is the town of Chiu-Chiu and its church. It has invaluable historical wealth, evident in its many archaeological artifacts. This trip ends in Calama Airport in time to take your flight to Santiago. Arrival in Santiago and transfer to Hotel Torremayor or similar. |
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DAY 09: TEMUCO CITY TOUR – MAPUCHE CITY MARKET- EXCURSION ÑIELOL HILL / B / L / |
Transfer out to airport in Santiago to take your flight to Temuco, the capital city of the Mapuche Land. Reception in Temuco airport and transfer to Hotel La Frontera 4* or Don Eduardo. The city tour starts with a visit to the main square of the city, Plaza Aníbal Pinto. Here we find a monument in honor to the Mapuche people and the Spanish conquerors. Then we head off to visit the Pablo Neruda Railroad Museum that houses 14 steam locomotives, followed by visiting the Regional Museum of La Araucanía where we’ll learn about the local history and ethnic groups that populated this area. We continue exploring the main streets of Temuco’s downtown until we arrive to the entry of Cerro Ñielol. This natural monument is the only wild protected area in Chile that is located within a city. We'll visit the Ñielol Hill walking through its trails, discovering the native vegetation, flowers and birds. After 30 minutes we’ll arrive at the top of the hill to enjoy a splendid view of the city of Temuco from a look-out-point. Carrying on our stroll, we pass by the place where both Spanish and Mapuche once signed a peace treaty and today we find four big wooden totems facing the point of sunset. We continue on with the tour, visiting the Environmental Interpretation Center where we'll take a look at a model illustrating the entire 9th Region of ¨La Araucanía¨ with its national parks, volcanoes, and lakes. Likewise, there is an interesting display of various native animals (desiccated) as well as some didactic information about the volcanic activity of the area. The best place to find products and handcrafts of the Mapuche is the Municipal Market, so we’ll visit its shops and have lunch enjoying the specialties of the region. In the afternoon we’ll conclude the tour visiting a Mapuche farm located only 30 minutes drive from the city, where we’ll learn a bit more about their culture, beliefs and traditions. Return to hotel or to meeting point. |
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DAY 10: FD CONGUILLIO NATIONAL PARK / B / BL / |
Departing from Temuco, we’ll drive about 2 ½ hours passing through old-fashioned little towns like Cunco and Melipeuco until we’ll get to the Conguillío National Park, one of the most attractive and outstanding parks of the Lakes & Volcanoes District. This well-conserved territory lies from 900 to 3.125 meters high (2.953 to 10.253 feet) covering an area of 60.832 hectares (150.320 acres). While we visit the park you will witness how the Llaima volcano has permanently shaped the landscape of the area with its eruptions and you’ll have the fantastic opportunity to walk on the lava flows that once came from the heart of the earth. We'll also visit the Truful-Truful Falls and the pristine Arco Iris (Rainbow) Lagoon with its clear waters that reflect stunning colors. Then we’ll have a box-lunch at Playa Linda located at the shores of Conguillío Lake (nice beach); followed by hiking along the Sierra Nevada trail (2 ½ hours round trip) surrounded by native trees, including ancient monkey-puzzle tree or araucarias (Araucaria araucana), raulí (Nothofagus alpina) and coigüe (Nothofagus dombeyi). Normally, it takes about 1 ½ hours to get to the second look-out point which is overlooking the majestic lake Conguillío and the Sierra Nevada Range. We'll also be able to spot endemic birds such as the Magellan woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus), which we will see searching the tree trunks for insects, as well as we hear and possibly watch the Chucao tapaculo (Selorchilis rubecula) and the noisy Slender-billed parakeet (Enicognatus leptorhynchus). After spending some time taking pictures and enjoying the amazing view, we'll hike back to the bottom of the trail and then get in the minibuses to drive to the Park Information Center, where we'll learn about the different fauna, trees, and other interesting aspects of the sector. After that visit we’ll commence our return to Pucón, driving 2 ½ hours approximately. Check in Hotel Apart Del Volcán or Araucarias. |
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DAY 11: FD EXCURSION VILLARRICA NATIONAL PARK WALK + HUIFE HOT SPRINGS / B / BL / |
We start after breakfast from Pucón to the Villarrica National Park.On this excursion we’ll take a relaxing walk, visiting four waterfalls, el Palguín, el Leon, el Puma and La China. Traveling towards the east, we have a great view (if the weather conditions are favorable) of the Villarrica Volcano, which has an altitude of 2.847 mts / 9.340 feet. Then, we'll travel southeast on a beautiful country road dominated by green country landscape and some snow-capped peaks. After 1 hour we’ll spot the first of the waterfalls, El Palguín, followed by driving to the entrance of el Leon and el Puma falls. We start walking through a trail surrounded by many kinds of Nothofagus, the predominant tree genre, until we hear the strong sound of the waterfall. After 15 minutes of walking, we will encounter el Leon waterfall and new vegetation formed by ferns, shrubs and plants that need high levels of humidity, i.e. chilcos (Fucsia magellanica) and nalcas (Gunnera chilensis). Then, we walk back to the entrance and take another trail that leads to el Puma waterfall, which can be reached after a 25-minute walk though an uneven terrain. Finally, we continue on foot on a very easy trail to get to La China waterfall, which is only 7 minutes from the entrance. At La China, we’ll have a box lunch in the picnic area and then drive to visit the Huife Hot Springs, a thermal center located by the Liucura River and surrounded by stunning native forests. The place offers three outdoor thermal pools at different temperatures, a good restaurant and a cafeteria. In addition, the center also includes massage and beauty therapy services for an additional cost. In this place you can enjoy the scenery while relaxing in the therapeutic thermal waters. It is highly recommendable to change pools because when varying the body temperature that stimulates blood circulation, i.e. from hot to cold water; but if you feel brave enough, we encourage you to go into the cold waters of the river Liucura and then jump back to a hot pool. Return to hotel in Pucón. |
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DAY 12: FD EXCURSION VALDIVIA + HIKING IN PUNTA CURIÑANCO / B / BL / |
Departing from Pucón, we’ll take about 2¾ hours to get to Valdivia, arriving to the “river city” before noon. During the morning we visit the multicolor Feria Fluvial (river market), a produce & seafood street market where you can get familiar with the daily life of the city. Great South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens) co-exist with the local vendors along with pelicans, seagulls and cormorants on the shores of the river. Then we’ll drive toward the village of Niebla on the Pacific coast, visiting the fishermen’s cove of Los Molinos. Here we’ll enjoy fresh fish and seafood for lunch, the chef’s specialty. In the afternoon we will travel across a beautiful country-side road by the Pacific Ocean, until arriving at Punta Curiñanco, a protected reserve by CODEFF (a Chilean organization for native flora and fauna protection). The protected area covers 80.92 hectares (200 acres) of land and maintains a unique evergreen forest of 250 year-old Olivillo costero trees (Aetoxicum punctatum). The area has been recognized by the World Wildlife Fund and the World Bank as one of the 200 ecosystems with such rich biodiversity in the world. The hike takes a total of about 3 hours and ranges between easy and medium trails passing through rainforest and beautiful coastal cliffs; the flora is mostly native trees, huge ferns, vines and shrubs with fruits that are ripe and ready to eat during summertime. In the reserve, the presence of birds like the black vulture (Coragyps atratus), thorn-tailed rayadito (Aphrastura spinicauda), magellan woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus), and chucao tapaculo (Selorchilis rubecula) are commonly present. By the coast we can see the brown-hooded gull (Larus maculipennis) and some cormorants like the red-legged (Phalacrocorax gaimardi) and the neotropic (Phalacrocorax brasilianus). If we are lucky, we can spot the chungungo (Lontra felina), a marine feline that swims next to rocks covered by cochayuyos (seaweed) in search of its food. Finally, on the way back to Valdivia, we will visit the Kunstmann brewery to enjoy a cold beer and reflect on our experiences of the day. Check in Hotel Isla Teja, near by the universities botanic park. www.hotelislateja.cl |
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DAY 13: V. PEREZ R. NATIONAL PARK, PETROHUE FALLS AND LAKE TODOS LOS SANTOS / B / L / |
We depart Valdivia early in the morning to visit the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, the very first wild protected area in Chile. The park covers a territory of nearly 627 thousand acres with extraordinary landscapes that include native forests, mountains and volcanoes with snow-capped peaks. On the way out from Puerto Varas, we’ll travel alongside the Llanquihue Lake toward the village of Ensenada,(lunch) where we head southeast after lunch and arrive at the entrance of the park (1½-hour drive). Here we head off by foot on a trail that after only 10 minutes will take us to the powerful Petrohue Falls with their turquoise waters; there are three beautiful waterfalls that make their way through solid basaltic rocks that once came from the depths of the earth. If the weather permits, we will have a magnificent view of the Osorno Volcano (2652 m / 8,700 ft) with its rounded top; the volcano seems to be so close that it becomes the perfect backdrop for such an idyllic landscape. After a few minutes of wandering around the picture-perfect surroundings and taking photos, we’ll walk for 20 minutes through an easy and even trail called Los Enamorados (the lovers), passing by the shores of the river Petrohué and the pristine native forest. If we are lucky, we can spot the ringed kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata stellata) that can be seen perched on a branch looking for fish in the clear-water ponds. Then we go back to the vehicles and head to the amazingly gorgeous Todos Los Santos Lake (all the saints) where we spend some more time enjoying the scenery. Drive to Puerto Varas. Check in at Hotel Bellavista 4*. www.hotelbellavista.cl |
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DAY 14: P.VARAS - ALERCE ANDINO NATIONAL PARK - PUERTO MONTT (SMALL CITY TOUR) / B / L / |
The Alerce Andino National Park is a mountainous zone that covers 39.225 hectares (96.927 acres), situated east of Puerto Montt City, between the Gulf and the Estuary of Reloncaví and south of Chapo Lake. It boasts of over 20.000 hectares of Larch trees forest (Fitzroya cupressoides) and around 50 small lakes scattered throughout this uneven geography. It is an ideal place for trekking, mountain climbing, hiking and nature watching. Traveling from Puerto Montt, the park is 40 km away (25 miles), taking around 1½ hours by van. The road is considered the starting point of the world famous Austral Road (Carretera Austral), passing by beautiful evergreen forests, farm fields and amazing mountain peaks. We’ll walk through the native forest on an even trail that is covered by a dozen of different kinds of ferns and moss. The trail leads to a nice-looking cascade and takes only 20 minutes to complete. Then we continue walking on the main road of the park, catching views of larch trees in the distance as we pass a stream and get ready to start our next 2½ -hour hike (round trip). This trail is more uneven but not excessively steep and leads to the tranquil Sargazo Lake. Return to the vehicles and transfer to the city of Puerto Montt. Small city tour visiting Angelmó district with Mapuche handcrafts. Check in Hotel La Peninsula 5* or similar. |
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DAY 15: PUERTO MONTT - PUNTA ARENAS - PUERTO NATALES / B / D / |
Transfer from hotel to airport in Puerto Montt in time to take your flight to Punta Arenas.The passengers are greeted at President Ibañez Airport, Punta Arenas. Depart to Puerto Natales driving on the North route on the typical Magellan steppe where the visitor will be able to observe ovine and bovine cattle pasturing. If lucky you might be able to see the duty of driving cattle performed by the shepherd and especially by his dogs. Ostriches, bandurrias and other small birds will delight the passenger on his journey. Approximately 65 Kms. Northwest of Punta Arenas the visitor can fin this picturesque spot where every year hundred of penguins come to nest. After driving a few kilometers on Route 9, the vehicle go West on the road to Kon Aiken cattle settlement. From there take the route to Pecket Mine until reaching the shores of Otway Cove where penguins colonies are found. Being a protected area to maintain species from mankind destruction, thousands of penguins can be seen out of their nests and at the sea shore. Young penguins can also be observed in their nests in holes made in sand. The rich fauna of the Region can be enjoyed during the journey, like wild gooses, American Ostriches and a great variety of sea birds. On the afternoon we’ll arrive at Puerto Natales, picturesque town by the shores of Ultima Esperanza Cove. Transfer to the Hotel Cisne de Cuello Negro. |
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DAY 16: FD PUERTO NATALES - TORRES DEL PAINE PARK – MILODON CAVE – LAKES / B / D / |
Depart towards Torres Del Paine Park. Visit the Milodon Cave where remains where found of an herbivorous animal that lived in it over 12.000 years ago.Departure to Pehoe Inn, located on an island in Pehoe Lake facing the famous Paine Horns. On the way, the visitors will be able to admire the beauty of the scenery reflected on the colourful water of Figueroa and Sarmiento Lakes. The visit Laguna Amarga area, from where the passengers will be able to admire the imposing majesty of the Paine Towers, famous rocky formation that gives the name to the National Park. Dinner and lodging at Pehoe Inn. |
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DAY 17: FD TORRES DEL PAINE PARK – GREY LAKE AREA – LAGUNA AMARGA / B / D / |
Excursion to the Grey Lake area, where huge icebergs that detach from a glacier of the same name can be admired. The colours of the floating ice blocks will provide the masterly touch to the beautiful scenery created by nature. On the way to Grey Lake we will visit Small Waterfall, Paine River, Toro Lake, Sarmiento and Grey River, all of which are places of abundant sport fishery.In the afternoon the passengers will visit Laguna Amarga area from where the passengers will be able to admire the imposing majesty of the Paine Towers, famous rocky formation that gives the name to the National Park. During the journey and after other walks, the visitor will be able to see the Big Waterfall and Paine River, together with its abundant fauna as American ostriches, foxes, skunks, black necked swans, flamingos, condors and eagles. Also groups of guanacos will be able to be photographed by the visitor. Return to Pehoe Inn to enjoy dinner and lodging. |
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DAY 18: TORRES DEL PAINE - PUNTA ARENAS – SANTIAGO / B / |
Early in the morning drive from NP Torres del Paine to Punta Arenas and start the city tour (depending on departure time of your flight to Santiago).The first place to visit is the Cross Hill where you get a panoramic view of the City of Punta Arenas and the Strait of Magellan, and in the back Tierra del Fuego (Fire Land) Island. Afterwards the visitor will drive on its avenues and through downtown Punta Arenas, where they will be able to appreciate its characteristics European construction style of the 19th century. Squares will be visited where over 30 monuments have been placed to symbolize the rich history of this southern city. In contrast with the style of construction, the Free Zone district located 2 kms. North of downtown Punta Arenas will be visited. Here the visitor will be able to buy souvenirs from the Region in one if its hundred stores. The City – Tour will be completed after visiting the Maggiorino Borgatello Salesian Museum, place where a rich variety of fauna and flora samples of the Chilean Patagonia have been preserved. Also the visitor will be able to see vestige of the first inhabitants that populated this Region like the Yagan, Ona and Alacalufe Indians. All of the above will give the visitor a very good knowledge of the city and its inhabitants. End of city Tour. Drive to the airport in time to take your flight to Santiago. Once in Santiago, transfer to Hotel Torremayor or similar. |
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This tour can be started any date between September 20th and April 15th. |
Ecotours - CHILE
Ecotourism Tour Operator.
Hernando de Aguirre 128 OF 904, Providencia, Santiago,
Phone (56 - 2) 8236219
Phone (56 - 9) 84590631
E - mail: info@ecotours.cl
Diseño de páginas y hospedaje por Simpleweb.cl
Ecotourism Tour Operator.
Hernando de Aguirre 128 OF 904, Providencia, Santiago,
Phone (56 - 2) 8236219
Phone (56 - 9) 84590631
E - mail: info@ecotours.cl
Diseño de páginas y hospedaje por Simpleweb.cl