Deserts and Glaciers - Atacama and Patagonia (Highlights Tour)

Day 1: Arrival in Santiago airport, transfer to the hotel. Day 2: Santiago is the perfect blend of old and modern, that is why we invite you to visit this city. Starting at the San Cristobal hill, our guide will you show the immensity of the city; its geography and urban setting. We will walk to the Plaza de Armas (Main Square), where we will visit the Cathedral, the Post Office and Santiago City Hall. Next, we head to the Government Palace and also visit a few older neighborhoods of Santiago. One of them is Plaza Concha y Toro, known for its cobblestone streets and old mansions that reflect the elegance and wealth of its early 20th century inhabitants. We then head east; where we will see modern buildings and the changes they have brought to the neighborhoods, ending our tour at a handicraft store, where we enjoy a Pisco Sour while we admire the lapis lazuli jewelry, a stone that is only found in Chile and Afghanistan. Breakfast included Day 3: From Santiago, we’ll travel through the valleys of Curacaví and Casablanca to get to Valparaiso also called the "Pearl of the Pacific". Enjoy this wonderful city, full of tradition and history. At the foot of the hills, we´ll check on the Plaza Sotomayor, the main square, right in front of the port. We will also wander through the city´s plazas, passages and lifts. Once on the higher level, you´ll enjoy walking across the Alegre and Concepcion hills and strolling along the Yugoslav and Gervasoni Promenades where the famous Cafe Turri and the home of renowned cartoonist Lukas are located. You´ll pass by a large number of traditional alleys to get across the Cerro Alegre. We then go on a panoramic visit of the neighboring city of Viña del Mar, that once sheltered the cream of Chile´s society and is characterized by its beautiful parks and beaches.  The coastal area of Isla Negra shelters another house of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, who won the Nobel Prize in literature in 1971 and is considered one of the best and more influential poets of the 20th century. His home was made of stone and wood, and resembles a large ship.  Today is has been turned into a museum and Neruda and his third wife, Matilde Urrutia, are buried there. ​Breakfast included Day 4: Enjoy a nice flight to San Pedro de Atacama. Installation to the hotel. Breakfast and dinner included Day 5: Heading towards the high plateau, you will see the flora and fauna gradually change as you ascend. Along the way, you’ll pass the Tropic of Capricorn, which intersects with the Inca Trail. After a stop in Socaire, Paso Sico, marking the border with Argentina, will come into view. For a scenic break, you’ll arrive at the Aguas Calientes Salt Flat and the Tuyajto Lagoon to admire the high plateau landscape and have lunch. On the way back, discover the Los Flamencos National Reserve. It’s a memorable opportunity to explore its lovely Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons. You can also go and see the scenic geysers del Tario: This amazing tour leaves at dawn, heading northeast along a dirt road. Upon arriving at the Tatio Geysers, one of the highest geothermal fields in the world, you can watch the cauldrons of boiling water shoot blasts of vapor high into the air. After briefly exploring the area on foot, a scrumptious breakfast will be served. On the way back, you will enjoy gorgeous views of the high plateau. Along this breathtaking route, you can see large bogs featuring plenty of wildlife and appreciate how the flora and fauna change as you travel down. The town of Machuca is another lovely stop that will delight your senses. It’s situated 4,000 meters above sea level. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included Day 6: The hike begins from the Kari Lookout, which offers a spectacular view of the Valley of the Moon. Then you’ll descend from the cornice to a sandy area and cross a dry lake before entering the Kari Gorge, following the old course of the river. This path includes two rocky stretches, which were formerly waterfalls and are now dry. Be warned: you’ll need to support yourself with your hands and feet in these challenging areas. Lets now try riding! This tour leaves Noi Casa Atacama by bike, cycling southward along Tocopilla Street. Then you’ll veer off the main route to follow a detour that passes through the Cúcuter Ayllu, continuing into the salt flat along a path that gradually turns into a sandy dirt trail. It will lead you to the cold waters of the Cejar Lagoon. Three cold-water lagoons come together to form this beautiful body of water and provide an exhilarating swim. Biking is one of the best ways to discover the exclusive area of Cejar lagoon. You’ll have access to its salty water and, if you wish, you can float along the Dead Sea!​Breakfast, lunch and dinner included Day 7: Transfer at the airport for a nice flight back to the capital city. ​Breakfast included Day 8: Hotel Las Torres is an exceptional destination within Torres del Paine National Park. Located in the heart of the park, our hotel shows a unique character because of its past as a cattle farm, which is still possible to see through our organic garden, our stables and horses, our gauchos as well the layout of the hotel. We currently offer a close-to-nature travel experience getting to know the Patagonian roots, allowing our guests to interact with our past and our history. Our programs are flexible and include everything necessary to deliver unforgettable moments. ​​Breakfast included Day 9: Whether you crave a short walk to a lakeshore or a long ride across the pampas, Hotel Las Torres offers a full or half-day excursion to satisfy your quest for adventure inside Torres del Paine National Park. Excursions are designed to enjoy the national park around a range of topics, from the park’s flora, fauna and geology, to the heritage and culture of the region’s gauchos and indigenous people. They also include various transportation modes — hiking, horseback riding, vehicle safaris and boat excursions. Last but not least, they vary from easy to difficult depending on your fitness and expertise. Throughout the day our Guest Service, will be available to provide all information needed for scheduling your excursions and make your journey and unforgettable experience. ​​Breakfast, lunch and dinner included Day 10: Our incredible tour is touching to its end. Transfer to the airport. Goodbye!Breakfast included