| Itinerary
Day 1 Santiago
Upon arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel. This
afternoon we tour the city of Santiago. The excursion
includes, La Moneda Palace, which was completed in
1805 (after more than 20 years of off-and-on construction).
The neoclassical building was the home of Chilean presidents
until 1958, and today is the seat of the government. We continue
exploring narrow streets arriving at the Plaza de Armas,
a picturesque square surrounded by the 18th-century Cathedral
Metropolitana, the National Historical Museum,
and the central post office. Crossing the Mapocho River,
we go through fine residential areas, ending with a visit
of Santa Lucia Hill, site of permanent display of Chilean
wines and from where we will enjoy a magnificent view of the
city. Overnight at Selected Hotel
Day
2 Vina del Mar / Valparaiso
Today we travel out of the city of Santiago through vineyards,
farms, and olive plantations of Curacavi and Casablanca valleys,
heading to enjoy a full-day excursion at the Pacific seaside
resort of Viña del Mar, known for its gardens,
casinos, beaches, and varied seafood. Our next stop will be
Valparaiso, the country’s most important seaport
filled with history and tradition. After visiting all the
main points of interest and important buildings, we enjoy
a relaxing seafood lunch at a local restaurant. Late afternoon
return to Santiago. Overnight at selected hotel (B,L)
Day
3 Puerto Mont/Puerto Varas
Morning transfer to the airport for flight to Pto. Montt.
On arrival, reception and transfer to our hotel in Puerto
Varas. En route, we enjoy a city tour of Puerto Montt
starting with the main plaza and its important buildings.
Following, we enjoy a splendid panoramic view of Puerto Montt
on top of the hill Melipulli. Also our tour includes a visit
to the picturesque Angelmó cove with its market
and craft center. Then, we will continue to Puerto Varas,
a charming city founded by German settlers located
at Lake Llanquihue’ shores, known also as “City
of Roses”. Overnight at selected hotel. (B)
Day
4 Peulla
Today, we drive along the edge of Lake Llanquihue,
near the Calbuco Volcano, and through the Vicente
Perez Rosales National Park from where we have a magnificent
view of Osorno Volcano. We stop at Saltos de Petrohue,
where a series of rapids and waterfalls were formed by the
cooling lava from the volcanoes. In Petrohue, we board the
catamaran and start the Crossing of the Lakes. We sail
the beautiful emerald-colored waters of Lake Todos los
Santos. To the south, above the forested shore bordered
by native flora, mountains, and waterfalls we will see the
defined shape of Puntiagudo Volcano. Arrival to Peulla,
located at the eastern shore of Lake Todos los Santos. Overnight
at Peulla Hotel (B, L,D)
Day
5 Puerto Varas
Morning free to enjoy the serenity of Peulla or optional activities.
Afternoon, return by altering Catamaran and bus to Puerto
Varas, we will enjoy the extraordinary scenery once again.
On arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight at selected hotel.
(B)
Day
6 Punta Arenas/Puerto Natales
This morning, we are transferred to the airport for flight
to Punta Arenas. On arrival, we are met and assisted
to board the bus to Puerto Natales and transferred to our
hotel. Overnight at selected hotel (B).
Day 7 Puerto Natales
We depart early from Puerto Natales to sail through the Ultima
Esperanza Inlet. On the way, we will be immersed on an
environment of hills, forests, sea lions romping on the rocks,
and a "Colony of Cormorants" on the cliffs.
The boat sails close by the Balmaceda Glacier and stops
at the Serrano Glacier where we disembark for an amazing
trek through the forest towards the border of the lagoon with
floating ice. It is common to see huge pieces of ice breaking
off and falling into the fjord. Afternoon return to Puerto
Natales and transfer to hotel. Overnight at selected hotel
(B,L)
Day
8 Torres del Paine
Today, we enjoy a full day excursion to Torres del Paine
National Park, internationally known as one of the most
beautiful and unique place on the planet. Departure at 08:00am,
visiting first the legendary Cueva del Milodón
(The Milodon Cave) where the extinct mammal Milodon lived
about 5.000 years ago. We continue the trip to the Torres
del Paine National Park through plains and shrubs of the Patagonia,
inhabited by abundant sheep cattle, herds of guanacos, and
varied fauna. At the Park, we visit the Lakes Sarmiento,
Nordenskjold, and Pehoé, also the Salto
Grande y Chico (the Large and small waterfalls), Main
Headquarters and Macizos del Paine. This park is
an ideal destination for nature lovers. We reach Lago Grey,
where we Overnight at selected hotel (B)
Day
9 Punta Arenas/Santiago
After an early breakfast, we board the bus for Punta Arenas.
On arrival in Santiago, reception and transfer to hotel. Overnight
at selected hotel (B)
Day
10 Departure
Day at leisure. Evening transfer to the airport for flight
back to USA. (B)
B:
Breakfast L:
Lunch D: Dinner
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