Home » Group Trips » Chile and Carratera Austral
Chile and Carratera Austral
Price: From
Duration: 13 Days
Recommended months:
November – March
Added value:
- one
- two
- tree
- four
Recommended months
Recommended group size
tour type
Notes
Intro
Day 1 | Arrival in Santiago
We will depart from Tel Aviv, stopping at an intermediate destination before reaching Santiago, the capital city of Chile. Santiago is situated in the central valley, surrounded by the Andes mountains, and its colonial past is still evident in the historic city center. Upon arrival, we’ll take a short panoramic tour, ascend to the San Cristobal Hill for a viewpoint, and then proceed to our hotel for dinner and accommodation.
Day 2 | Valparaiso, Viña del Mar, and Wine Tasting
We’ll travel from Santiago along the coast, exploring the colorful houses of Valparaiso adorned with street art. Using a cable car, we’ll ascend to Viña del Mar, where sea lions play on the shores. The day will conclude with a wine-tasting tour in the Casablanca Valley before returning to Santiago.
Day 3 | Puerto Montt and the Lakes Region
We’ll take a flight to Puerto Montt in the Lakes Region. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Osorno Volcano viewpoint, Petrohué Falls in the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, and then head to our accommodation in Puerto Varas.
Day 4 | Chiloé Island
Starting the day early, we’ll embark on a full-day tour of Chiloé Island, known for its unique wildlife and distinctive architecture, characterized by colorful stilt houses. We’ll visit the picturesque towns of Ancud and Castro, and in the evening, return to Puerto Varas.
Day 5 | From the Lakes Region to Carretera Austral – Marble Caves
Our journey begins towards Carretera Austral. We’ll first visit the breathtaking Marble Caves, formed by the constant flow of Lake General Carrera. Passing through the Patagonian cypress forests of Lenga Cuoya and reaching the Sarco and Lagoon Verde reserves, we’ll explore the remnants of the 1991 Hudson Volcano eruption. The day ends with a relaxing evening in Puerto Bertrand or Puerto Guadal.
Day 6 | Carretera Austral – Archaeological Sites and Serrano and Castillo Hill National Park After
breakfast, we’ll visit the archaeological site of Paredón de las Manos, showcasing handprints dating back over 10,000 years, and the museum in Cerro Castillo. We’ll then explore Serrano and Castillo Hill National Park with its lagoons, mountains, and Patagonian forests. The day concludes with accommodation at Loberías del Sur for rest and dinner.
Day 7 | Sailing to Lagoona San Rafael
Early morning departure for a boat trip towards the Northern Ice Field of Patagonia. Breakfast, lunch, an open bar, and cocktails will be served on board. The journey includes navigating through the channels and fjords of Chilean Patagonia, observing the local forests and islands. We’ll reach the base of San Valentín Glacier, where Zodiac boats will take us closer to the impressive ice formations. Returning to Puerto Chacabuco, we’ll head to our hotel for dinner and accommodation.
Day 8 | Visit to Aikén del Sur Ecological Reserve
A short journey will take us to the Aikén del Sur Ecological Reserve, where we can enjoy the biological diversity of Chilean Patagonia. After a nature walk in one of the park’s trails, we’ll experience a traditional Patagonian barbecue with music and dancing. The day concludes with dinner and rest at the hotel.
Day 9 | Transfer to Balmaceda Airport and Flight to Atacama
After breakfast, we’ll return to Balmaceda Airport and fly back to Santiago. We’ll have a panoramic tour of Santa Lucía Hill and the historic center, exploring neighborhoods like Providencia and Vitacura. At night, we can enjoy the lively pubs of Santiago.
Day 10 | From Santiago to Calama and San Pedro de Atacama – Valley of the Moon
In the morning, we’ll take a flight to Calama and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. Upon arrival, we’ll embark on a beautiful journey along the Andes mountains, passing by the Great Salt Lake of Atacama, the desert oasis of San Pedro, and the salt ponds. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Valley of the Moon to witness the stunning sunset over the mountains. We’ll return to our hotel in San Pedro for dinner and accommodation.
Day 11 | Geysers of Tatio at Sunrise and Afternoon in Cejar Lagoon – Ojos del Salar
Before sunrise, we’ll depart to the Tatio Geysers, a field of more than 80 active geysers. After enjoying breakfast with a breathtaking view, we’ll have the opportunity to bathe in a natural thermal pool. Returning to San Pedro, we’ll continue to the Cejar Lagoon, a green lagoon with a white shore due to its high salt content. The day concludes with a visit to the Ojos del Salar springs and the amazing sunset at Tebinquiche. Drive back to San Pedro de Atacama for the overnight.
Day 12 | Highland Lagoons, Atacama Salt Lake, and Piedras Rojas Red Stones
We’ll start our day by visiting the southern border of Atacama to explore the Talar Salt Lake and the red stones of Piedras Rojas. We’ll also visit the Toconao village, known for its colonial church and ancient fruit orchards. Afterward, we’ll continue to the Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons, with their amazing backdrop that accentuates their blue waters. Return to San Pedro for a flight to Santiago de Chile, where we spend the night.
Day 13 | Santiago and flight back home
After breakfast, we will embark on a short tour of Santiago, including a visit to the market. Depending on the flight schedule, we’ll either depart for our home countries or continue activities on Easter Island.
The Price Include:
- Accommodation in hotels as specified in the program on a bed-and-breakfast basis
- All the sites that are written in the program, including entrance fees
- Travel in an air-conditioned car
- The trip is accompanied by English/French speaking local guides
The Price does not Include:
- International Flight
- Tips for service providers
- Meals that are not included in the itinerary
- Drinks during meals
- Personal expenses (shopping, etc.)
- personal insurance
- Everything that is not under the section “The Price Include”