Project Chile: PRE TOUR Patagonia Extension

Day 1 (18 September 2024) - Arrive into Santiago

Arrive in Santiago for an overnight stay. Santiago, Chile’s capital, and largest city, sits in a valley surrounded by the snow-capped Andes and the Chilean Coast Range. It is a wonderful place for strolling, and each neighbourhood has its unique flavour and tone.

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Day 2 - Fly south to Punta Arenas in deep Patagonia

Today fly to Punta Arenas for an overnight stay and join an afternoon city tour. Punta Arenas is a city near the tip of Chile's southernmost Patagonia region. Located on the Strait of Magellan, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, it's often used as base for excursions to the surrounding wilderness and Antarctica. The Plaza Muñoz Gamero has a memorial to explorer Ferdinand Magellan, and the Museo Nao Victoria features a replica of one of his galleons.

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Day 3 - Travel to Puerto Natales with condor viewing en route

Today we travel to Puerto Natales our base for the next two nights, with a chance to view condors en route. Puerto Natales is a port city on the Señoret Channel and is the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park to the northwest, and the port for boats touring the Patagonian fjords. The Municipal Historical Museum in the city centre exhibits artifacts from the region’s indigenous population. To the north is the vast Mylodon Cave, once inhabited by prehistoric, sloth-like mylodons.

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Day 4 - Full day Balmaceda and Serrano Glacier sightseeing (including lunch)

Today we take a boat trip to visit Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers. Almost untouched by man, the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers are part of the Patagonian ice fields, in the southern part of Torres del Paine National Park. Sail through the 'Ultima Esperanza Fjord' from Puerto Natales on this boat trip. Surrounded by pine trees, Serrano Glacier transcends deeply into a lagoon and changes colour depending on the light. The astonishing Balmaceda glacier is found in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. Overnight in Puerto Natales.

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Day 5 - Visit Torres del Paine and Milodon Cave (including lunch)

Today join a full day of sightseeing tour to Torres del Paine, including a visit to the Milodon Cave. This full day excursion through the National Park will provide wonderful views onto the Torres Massif and its jagged peaks. Some short hikes enable visitors to reach the most beautiful viewpoints in the park, and to become acquainted with the wealth of flora and fauna found in the area. Overnight just outside the park.

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Day 6 - Lake Grey boat trip and trekking to Los Cuernos and Salto Grande (including lunch)

Today we enjoy a full day of sightseeing. We start with a boat trip to Grey Glacier, which is the largest glacier in Torres del Paine National Park. Pieces of ice both large and small regularly break off from this glacier, falling into the water with a crack and a splash, and floating away across the lake like fluorescent blue icebergs. This afternoon join one of the classic hikes in the heart of the park. The terrain is fairly flat with only one steep part, and you will always see the 'Cuernos' (horns) of Paine in front of you. Visit 'Salto Grande' (Big Waterfall) and continue along the shores of Lake Nordenskjöld before returning to the start point. Overnight just outside the park.

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Day 7 - Transfer to Punta Arenas visiting Estancia Rio Penitente en route (including lunch)

Today return to Punta Arenas for a last overnight in Patagonia. Visit Estancia Rio Penitente en route for lunch and witness Patagonia’s history and traditions. For 120 years this estancia has been in the hands of the descendants of pioneer Alexander Morrison, who founded the manor in 1891. Few things have changed since then and the spirit of a typical Patagonian farm from the 19th century is still alive in Estancia Penitente. After a hearty welcome experience, the art of sheep shearing before being served with a delicious typical barbecue 'al palo' (on a stick).

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Day 8 - Return flight to Santiago

Today join your return flight to Santiago for a two-night stay.

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Day 9 - Day at leisure with optional excursions available

Spend time today exploring Santiago with a full day optional excursion available to the two Pacific towns of Vina del Mar and Valparaiso. Valparaiso is the regional capital, and it is recognised for its historic centre which is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Viña del Mar is known as the Garden City for its great quantity of parks and green areas.

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Day 10 (27 September 2024) - Join Day 1 of the Easter Island eclipse tour

Today is day 1 of the Easter Island eclipse tour. Spend the day at leisure in the city of perhaps join an optional excursion to visit some of the famous wineries in the area.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN MY TOUR?

Tour Price GB£5,275 / US$6,595 per person*

*Please note these costings are based on June 2021 prices and are subject to change. Tours are costed on a USD rate of 1.25.

 

• The price is for the tour from hotel check-in on Day 1 to your hotel check-out on Day 10.

• Bed and breakfast accommodation is provided in hotels throughout the tour and all transfers, transportation, flights, and local excursions as outlined in the itinerary (if applicable) are included. Other meals are not included unless stated within the day-by-day itinerary and some excursions are offered on an optional basis closer to the tour departure date (the word 'optional' is used to describe these).

• Accommodation is provided in twin or double bed hotel rooms with a private bathroom. We are usually able to arrange shared accommodation with a person of the same gender - this is known as 'twin share' accommodation.

• A limited number of rooms for sole occupancy are available at a single room supplement of GB£1,065 / US$1,325.

• Flight packages from London and the US will be offered by our flight partner approximately 11 months in advance of the tour departure (when all fares and schedules are available) or you can arrange your own International flights if you prefer.

• Current return air fares from London to Santiago (return) are between about GB£860 and GB£1,500 and from the US about US$750 to US$1,850 (depending on the departure point within the US).

• Airport transfers and assistance are included on arrival and departure days if you take advantage of the International flight package offered by our flight partner. If you choose to arrange your own International flights, then the meet point is the hotel on Day 1 and the tour ends at the hotel on the final day.

• You will find further details about what to expect on the Project Argentina/Chile FAQ page here.