The Patagonia portion of all three packages outlined below is the same. Please see the third itinerary below, the “Experience Patagonia” Five (5) Night Package, for the day by day Patagonia itinerary.
“Atacama to Patagonia” Ten (10) Night Package | September 30 - October 10, 2023
A favorite stay in 2022, treat yourself to the hospitality and beauty of Tierra Atacama! Our host hotel, provides an all-inclusive package (lodging, all meals daily, open bar and daily sightseeing options). Excursions to Chaxa Lagoon to see the resident flamingos, a tour to Toconao, a secluded village and desert oasis known for its fruit cultivation, and breakfast with among the Tatio Geysers are only a of the few possible sightseeing opportunities. A sample Itinerary is provided below though subject to change. Combined with the highly rated all-inclusive Patagonia package, our guests will be able to compare and contrast two iconic locations in a first class way!
Saturday, September 30 – Please be sure to plan your flight for arrival at the Santiago International Airport (SCL) this morning before 10 AM. We will leave from SCL on an early afternoon flight to Calama El Loa Airport (CJC). Enjoy relaxation time this afternoon after checking into our hotel, before joining us for a Welcome Reception and briefing. (Reception and dinner included)
Sunday, October 1 - Explore Vallecito in the morning with your guide. The landscape of this small valley will have you imagining that you are on the moon. During this trip, you will walk in the beautiful desert panorama, make a stop at the salt mountain viewpoint, and you will discover Uyllu Tulor, an ancient archaeological site of a former village complex.
After lunch at the hotel, we will make our way to Cahxa Lagoon. AT 4,500 meters above sea level, surrounded by volcanoes, mountains and ranges this salt flat is a bird lovers paradise and flamingos, with their vibrant plumage, abound. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Monday, October 2 - Today, we will depart on a full day tour to Peidras Rjoas. A picnic lunch will be provided. We will also visit the Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons located at 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) above sea level on the foothills of the volcanoes of the Andes Mountain Range under the same names. Hiking the trails, we will enjoy nature in a breathtaking landscape full of contrasts, such as the deep blue clear sky, colorful vegetation and wildlife. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Tuesday, October 3 - Today is an early day! This morning we will drive north and after approximately 90 minutes, we will reach one of the most important geothermal fields in the Southern Hemisphere and one the highest in the world located (4,300 M). This geothermal field is known as the “Geysers del Tatio”. Moreover, we will arrange for a dip in these hot springs if you are inclined! This forty-minute stop will allow you to rest and enjoy one of nature’s natural healing springs.
While returning to San Pedro de Atacama, you may be able to spot some friends like the camelids Vicuñas, foxes and birds. It will be our mission to get the best photos of them during a few stops with breathtaking views. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Wednesday, October 4 – This morning is our final time to enjoy this stunning natural wonder. In the afternoon, we will transfer from the hotel to the airport of Calama and back to Santiago. Tonight, we will stay at the Holiday Inn – Santiago Airport to make our early morning departure to Patagonia a little easier on the group. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Thursday, October 5 – Tuesday, October 10 - Please note: group round-trip airfare between Santiago and Patagonia; and airport transfers are included in this package. For the daily itinerary please see the “Experience Patagonia” Five (5) Night Package below.
“Experience Chile” Seven (7) Night Package | October 3 - 10, 2023
Tuesday, October 3 – Please be sure to plan your flight for arrival at the Santiago International Airport (SCL). Join us for a welcome brunch from 9:30 - 11:00 am. This afternoon venture out to explore the local neighborhoods in Santiago before joining us for an optional late afternoon 'light' training run. Your evening starts with a Welcome Reception from 6:00 - 7:30 pm, which includes hors d'oeuvres and drinks. (Brunch and Welcome Reception included)
Wednesday, October 4 – Choose between an optional full-day tour to Valparaiso (#1) or explore Santiago on your own (#2). Enjoy exploring Santiago tonight and having dinner on your own. (Breakfast included)
Tour Options:
#1 Before our Valparaiso tour, we will visit Casas del Bosque to explore the vineyard and its cellars, learn about production, storage and fermentation of wine. Tastings and lunch are included before you continue to Valparaiso. This coastal port city dates to 1536. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, Valparaiso is a magical place of unforgettable landscapes and colorful neighborhoods (Lunch included)
#2 Explore Santiago on your own.
Thursday, October 5 – Tuesday, October 10 - Please note: group round-trip airfare between Santiago and Patagonia and airport transfers are included in this package. For the daily itinerary please see the “Experience Patagonia” Five (5) Night Package below.
“Experience Patagonia” Five (5) Night Package | October 5 - 10, 2023
Thursday, October 5 – Arrive at the Hotel Rio Serrano. Depending on your arrival time, it’s possible we will have time for an afternoon activity. Once settled in at the Hotel Rio Serrano, we will regroup for a Welcome Reception and briefing at dinner. (Dinner included)
Friday, October 6 - After breakfast we will depart for a six (6) hour introductory tour of the Torres del Paine National Park. The bus and easy trekking tour will make a number of stops for you to explore the park on foot with your bilingual guides. We will return to Rio Serrano in time for you to relax in the pool and spa area before meeting for our pre-race pasta dinner and race briefing. (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
Saturday, October 7 – It’s RACE DAY. After breakfast we will board our buses for a ride into Torres del Paine National Park to the marathon, half-marathon, 10K or Ultra 50K starting lines for our late morning start. The finish line and post-race celebration is at our hotel Rio Serrano where you will be able to freshen up, enjoy the spa and join in for our post-race celebration followed by dinner. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Sunday, October 8 – Recovery day starts with breakfast and is followed by your choice of elective morning activities, lunch and then afternoon elective activities. Tonight join us on the deck for drinks, appetizers and a traditional Patagonia BBQ at sunset. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Monday, October 9 - After breakfast, we recommend you join our guides for a full-day trek to Base Las Torres, the most iconic activity throughout the park. We approach through Ascencio Valley; the ancient beech forests will lead us to the base of the front moraine (left by the old advance of Torres Glacier), where we will climb to reach the imposing Torres del Paine and its lagoon. Please note, this is a difficult trek that is worth the effort. As an alternative, you can choose from the other elective activities. (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
Tuesday, October 10 - Today is departure day. Return flights from SCL to your home airport should be booked to depart after 9:45 PM. Or, better yet continue on with us to the group extension on the classic W Circuit Trek in Torres del Paine. (Breakfast and lunch included)
Please note: Round-trip airfare between Santiago and Punta Arenas is NOT included when purchasing the five-night package.