welcome to Chile this vast territory full of promises and adventures. It is a territory that stretches 4,300 km long, stretching from the Atacama Desert to Cape Horn. The landscapes are incredible and very varied! We offer you a 15 day tour to help you discover the essentials of this sensational country!
1st step
You disembark in Santiago, the capital of Chile. Nestled at the foot of the Andes, it was created in 1541 by Pedro Valdivia. It is to him that we owe the appearance of the Plaza de Armas, the main square. A whole day’s visit is enough to soak up the atmosphere of the city. Santiago is one of the most dynamic cities in the Chile. It has both economic and cultural and nightlife wealth. Walk around its parade ground and contemplate all these magnificent monuments such as the cathedral, then stroll through the streets of the historic center in search of its architectural wonders. For budding artists, we suggest going to the Museum of Fine Arts or the Museum of Contemporary Art. Then head to the trendy Bellavista district and enjoy its many cafes, bars, restaurants and designer boutiques. The Lastarria District is also worth a look, it is a district of artists and intellectuals with numerous bookstores and flea markets.
2nd Step
The next day you fly to Patagonia towards Punta Arenas. It is a colorful city, capital of the region, located on the Strait of Magellan. Fishing, sheep farming and the mining industry are the main economies of the city. You can admire the city’s few historical monuments before going to observe a colony of Magellanic penguins on Otway Bay. Then you take your car back to Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park.
3rd Step
From the third day you set off to explore one of the most beautiful parks in the world. Dare to take the detour and leave route 9 to go to the Cueva del Milodón, a gigantic cave. Then you reach Gray Lake. You can take a nautical excursion on the lake that takes you under the glacier. You witness a unique landscape, the colors of crystal blue on the ice are sensational! If you have time you can combine this excursion with El Calafate in Argentina to go see the Perito Moreno. It is by waking up satisfied and in perfect symbiosis with nature that you begin your new day in the park. Today you take a fun stroll that takes you to the Salto Grande waterfall, a link between Pehoe and Nordenskjöld lakes. When you arrive at the Las Torres estancia, you are offered the opportunity to do several circuits. You can do the short walk Tours du Paine, you will benefit from a privileged view of the towers. From Salto Grande you can also go to the Mirador de los Cuernos and obviously you can do the Pehoe Lake walk.
Your third day in the park is devoted to the northern part and that of Lake Azul. You meet many animals, camelids, rheas, who keep you company throughout the walk. We recommend that you take the Laguna Verde circuit which offers you a breathtaking view.
4th Step
The next stop on your trip is the island of Chiloé, the largest island in South America. You discover Chacao, the small traditional fishing village with its multicolored houses on stilts and its churches listed as UNESCO heritage sites. You can also savor the incredible gastronomy of this small village. Be sure to go to Chonchi and visit its magnificent churches before heading to Chiloé National Park. The park is home to a very rich fauna and flora. There we meet marsupials or the pudú, the smallest deer in the world. The park offers several routes to explore every nook and cranny. Silence is the key word of this magical place, only the song of birds and the sound of the ocean disturb this silence. One of the most famous paths, El Tepual, takes you to a wooden deck. Going back to the North, don’t hesitate to stop at Frutillar and go to the Osorno Volcano to take a photo worthy of a postcard. Then return to Santiago, direction San Pedro de Atacama.
5th Step
It’s from the 9th until the 14thth day that you find yourself in the heart of the Altiplano region and its geological wonders. San Pedro de Atacama is a traditional town, located at the foot of the Andes Mountains. First of all, enjoy this charming colonial town, and stroll through the alleys lined with houses built of adobe. A stone’s throw from San Pedro de Atacama you discover an incredible spectacle, that of the Cordillera de Sal which borders the Salar. Over time and through the erosion of sun and wind, strange shapes reminiscent of animals, prehistoric monsters and even more feminine forms emerged. Among them are the Valley of the Moon and the Valley of Death. The little extra: you witness sunsets like you’ve never seen before! The Arco Iris Valley not far from San Pedro de Atacama is also worth a look, you have before you a true palette of colors worthy of the greatest painters. Between the Caichinque volcano and Cerro Médano come and discover the Salar de Talar. The dark volcanic colors bring out the purity of the salt. You must be accompanied by a guide to visit it.
6th Step
Now admire the Miscantis and Miñiques lagoons, you will witness a real explosion of colors. The yellow grass, the ocher color of the earth, the red and black volcanic rocks, the snow-capped summits of the volcanoes, the azure blue of the sky and the water and the flight of the pink flamingos create a heavenly setting that we refuse to leave. Next stop, the highlight of the show: The Tatio geysers. Accompanied by a guide, go to the site to observe the awakening of these 80 columns of steam which can be up to 6 m high. It’s just impressive! The water is very hot and the terrain is moving and muddy, so be careful! You can swim in the natural pools of the Puritama thermal baths. Their temperature oscillates between 33 and 34°C. Today these waters have the virtue of treating rheumatism, arthritis, stress, muscle pain, blood circulation, digestive system disorders and skin rejuvenation. South of San Pedro de Atacama you discover the Salar of the same name. It is an immense expanse of salt of 300,000 hectares. The Salar is mainly devoted to mining, particularly lithium, the second largest deposit in the world.
7th Step
The journey ends with your last stopover in Valparaiso or “the pearl of the Pacific”, it is here that you will take your international flight. You have a full day in Valparaiso. During these 24 hours, we recommend that you stroll through the historic center of the city which was once a transit port. Visit the famous hills with colorful houses, you benefit from a breathtaking view of the coast and the city. Stroll through the alleys, there is always something to discover between the mazes of the funiculars and staircases. Then wander around the port and let your mind wander while observing the boats and imagining the life of sailors of yesteryear.
It is with a head full of memories that you leave this country of intriguing beauty.
For more info: http://www.chile-excepcion.com/sejours-chili/voyage-de-2-viens-au-chili