Offbeat Chile trip: Atacama & Lake District

Santiago

Day 1: Welcome to Santiago!

¡Bienvenidos! Welcome to the beautiful and busy capital city of Santiago.

After stepping off the plane and passing through customs, you will be greeted by the smiling faces of one of our guides in the Arrivals Hall who will take you, by personal transfer, to your comfortable and centrally-located hotel.

After you’ve had a moment to refresh and relax, you’ll be able to explore the urban heart of Chile on a bike tour. Atop your metal steed, you’ll whiz through the parks and historic center of Santiago de Chile. Along the way, a local guide will share insights into “santiaguino” culture. It is sure to make for a memorable afternoon.

Santiago - Iquique

Day 2: Lap Up the Chilean Coast in Iquique

Departing from our urban home in the heart of Chile, we will travel north to reach the little-known but never-ignored Iquique.

You will enjoy the afternoon at leisure to walk about and explore your new surroundings. This city was originally part of Peru, but became part of Chile in the Pacific War, now featuring a unique blend of the two cultures of some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region.

Stroll by the coast and admire the 19th-century architecture found in Plaza Prat. For dinner, why not try one of the regional dishes like Calapurca, a soup that originated with the indigenous people of the area made with carrots, beef, chicken, and potatoes all heated over stones. Pair it with a Chilean red wine or a Pisco sour.

Iquique - Bosque Del Tamarugal National Reserve Of Geoglyphs

Day 3: Explore the Ghost Towns of Santa Laura

Wake up to the waves lapping onto the desert shores and enjoy the delightful breakfast at your hotel.

Today, we'll begin the expedition across the Coastal Mountain range, driving towards the ghost towns of the old Salitre mines, called Santa Laura and Humberstone, both declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites because of their unique and eerie architecture that make them a must-see attraction of the area.

We invite you to imagine how these towns used to be, in the heyday of “White Gold”. As you walk the streets of this once-busy center, marvel at the incredible transformation into the ghostly and abandoned towns.

We'll then head to the Bosque del Tamarugal National Reserve of Geoglyphs where more than 300 geometric, zoomorphic, and anthropomorphic figures lie on the slopes of mountains.

As we admire at immense Pintados Dry Salar, we will stop at the Pica Oasis for a flavourful local lunch.

Iquique - Huasco Salt Flat National Park

Day 4: Discover the Expanse of the Desert

We will start our journey towards the Altiplanico this morning, taking the route towards the Collahuasi Mine to become witness to the beautiful geography, flora, and fauna that await us on this unique and remote salt flat.

This morning, we will find some of the unique wildlife the populate this region like vizcachas, alpacas, llamas, and pink flamingos, bofedales, and yaretas (a local plant).

Afterward, we will have lunch picnic-style in the wild expanses of the desert. Then you will have some free time to hike, take photos, and listen to a complete explanation of the ecosystem and natural sanctuary by your accompanying guide.

In the evening, return to Iquique with dreams of this magical natural landscape.

Iquique - San Pedro De Atacama

Day 5: Journey to the Atacama Desert

Wave goodbye to this coastal desert city as we climb in altitude on a desert road trip.

Watch the mountains rise up around you and keep your eyes peeled for the many native animals that are thriving in this hostile environment.

After about 6 hours, you will arrive in San Pedro de Atacama, the mecca of adventure in the desert. You will be a first-hand witness to the beauty and power of this small corner of the Atacama Desert in the coming days.

For now, enjoy the bustle and chatter of other visitors who have come from far and wide to experience this beautiful region.

San Pedro De Atacama - Rainbow Valley - Moon Valley

Day 6: Adventure through Otherworldly Landscapes

Rise and shine and greet the desert sun as it hovers over the sandy horizon.

Today your journey will lead you through a rainbow and lunar landscapes, starting our day with breathtaking views of the shades of the desert.

We will travel to the west of San Pedro de Atacama to meet the Domeyko Mountain Range, before crossing Matancilla, a rich area of flora and fauna, to find the Rainbow Valley. 

Named for the variety of tonalities that can be seen in the surrounding hills: earthy reds, browns, green, white, and yellow, these combine with the white salts and the blue sky, to make a picturesque sight.

After a bite to eat in San Pedro, you will travel to the geological spectacle of the Moon Valley, which will make you feel like walking on the lunar surface. During this afternoon in outer space, you will enjoy unbeatable views of the Andes and its volcanoes.

San Pedro De Atacama - Geysers Del Tatio

Day 7: Get Lost in the Stars of the Atacama Desert

We’re off to an early start today to get a glimpse of an incredible event that happens every day but somehow never ceases to stun and amaze the visitors who make the trip.

Today we will go to 4,000m above sea level to marvel at the incredible Geysers del Tatio, which boast smoke columns that can reach up to 30 meters in height! We will watch the sun glisten over the horizon on one of the most important geothermal fields in the world. Then, we will visit the rustic pool, where you can enjoy a bath in Cordilleran hot springs.

We will get to know the locals as we stop off in the Atacameñan town of Machuca. Its adobe style of houses built of clay and cactus wood with straw roofs will immerse you in the culture of the Chilean North.

In the evening, you will explore more of the Atacama otherworldly beauty as you join a small group for an astronomical tour, looking at space in one of the clearest skies of the world.

San Pedro De Atacama - Pucón

Day 8: Journey to Pucon

We hope after a comfortable night's sleep and delectable breakfast, you're ready for your next adventure in Chile.

Say goodbye to the dry bones of the Atacama Desert and wave hello to the lush rainforests of the South. With just a short flight, you will arrive in Temuco airport to be greeted by your private transfer who will take you directly to your hotel in the adventure magnet of Pucon.

There, you’ll be able to rest and recuperate while enjoying their vast variety of gastronomical flavors and unique local cuisine.

Pucón

Day 9: Marvel at the Natural Beauty of Pucon

This morning, you'll have time to sleep in, relax, and recuperate!

In the afternoon, we will journey together to see some of the iconic sites and natural wonders of the area. Our first stop is the Turbio River, which descends from the Pichillancahue glacier of the Villarrica volcano.

Then, we will admire the Ojos del Caburgua (Caburgua Eyes) and its crystalline waters. Afterward, we will find solace in the falls of Mariman, an imposing geological fault on the Trancura River.

If we’re lucky, we may even see the adventure diehards as they practice white-water rafting on one of the best rivers in the world for it. We will then enjoy a restful thermal bath at Quimeico hot springs.

Pucón - Huerquehue National Park

Day 10: Find Adventure in Huerquehue

Prepare your heart for a deep dive into the beauty of the South as we travel to one of the most-visited parks, National Park Huerquehue.

Huerquehue, meaning place of the messengers, was used throughout the pre-Columbian era, and still sometimes today, as a route between the different Mapuche communities that live and thrive in this area. The park boasts some of the most spectacular Andean lagoons of glacial origin, mañío forests, coihues, and majestic araucarias to feast your eyes on.

In winter we can enjoy its frozen lagoons and in summer we can enjoy a swim in its crystal-clear waters. All-year-round, we will thoroughly enjoy the wonderful trails that will lead us deep into the magic of this park.

In the evening, we will return to Pucon to rest and relax.

Pucón - Huilo Huilo

Day 11: Immerse Yourself in the Forests of Huilo Huilo

Today you will go deeper into the Chilean rainforest than you’ve been before as we travel from Pucon to Huilo Huilo.

Along our ride, you will watch as the trees grow in stature and the greenery becomes thicker and denser. Without warning, you will arrive at a clearing, the trees parting to reveal the peculiar structure of Hotel Nothofagus.

Seemingly standing on its head, it looms precariously in the dense forest becoming one of the massive trees that surround the area. This will be your home for the next 2 nights.

Here, you will be able to get in touch with nature all around you and explore the wonder of the forest. Rest up in the lodge at the pool and spa or take the afternoon to go on one of the beautiful trails.

Huilo Huilo

Day 12: Hike through the Majesty of the Rainforest

Get up when you please and enjoy a wonderful breakfast in this unique hotel. Included in your stay are all of the self-guided tours throughout the park.

Try the La Leona Path to get to know this marvelous crystal-clear waterfall of the Fuy River, following a path where you will be able to appreciate the diversity of species of flora and fauna in the temperate rainforest.

Later on, you can try the Condor Andino cable cars. From its viewpoint, you can look out in wonder at a great part of the reserve and live a unique experience in the middle of the native forest.

Climb the hill, taking height among millenary trees to reach a viewpoint where you can see the lake, the town of Neltume, and the volcano Mocho Choshuenco - an experience for eyes and heart.

Huilo Huilo - Santiago

Day 13: Journey Back to Santiago

After enjoying your final breakfast in this magical rainforest, you will head out while waving good bye to the woodlands that will wait for you until next time.

After a transfer to the airport, you will arrive in sunny Santiago, our bustling capital city. Once again, a private transfer will meet you and take you directly to your centrally-located hotel.

You will have the evening to explore the bubbly city hidden in the Andes mountains. Foodies and historians alike will love the downtown area. There’s never a dull moment in Chile’s capital.

Santiago

Day 14: Say Farewell to Chile!

All good things must come to an end but we hope you have enjoyed your time exploring the very best that this region of South America has to offer. The rich history, magnificent natural beauty, and people make Chile the country that it is.

At an arranged time, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport in Santiago for your international flight back home. 

We hope you have had a memorable trip and wish you pleasant travels!