Chile Lake District, Atacama Desert & Easter Island

Itinerary Highlights

Admire the unusual rock formations of the Atacama's Moon Valley
See the mesmerizing landscape of the Salar de Atacama salt flats
Explore the historic centre of Valparaiso in Chile
Visit Easter Island, the most remote inhabited island in the world

What's Included

Accommodation Throughout
International Flights

15 nights from £3,940 per person

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A Chile holiday offers a dizzying variety of scenery and guarantees some truly spectacular visuals. Visit the diverse landscapes of the Atacama Desert in the north, the lush forests and active volcanoes of the Lake District in Chilean Patagonia and the mystical atmosphere of the remote Easter Island in the Pacific Ocean.

The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on earth full of ethereal landscapes; sparkling white saltpans, cobalt blue lagoons and martian-like scenery in the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley). High in the altiplano visit the towering El Tatio Geysers at sunrise and relax with a warming dip in the geothermal pools. Endless horizons and clear air make San Pedro de Atacama one of the premier stargazing locations in the world.

Northern Patagonia is home to Chile’s Lake District. This area of active volcanoes and bright blue lakes is the perfect location for hiking, horse riding or simply discovering the area’s distinct Germanic influences.

Easter Island is an atmospheric addition to any Chile holiday. The remote island is guarded by the famous Moai statues, and on this tour you will wander the beautiful landscapes and discover the island’s secrets.

Itinerary

Day 1 UK - Santiago

Board your overnight flight from the UK to Santiago.

Day 2 Santiago

Transfer to your Santiago accommodation, a fashionable boutique hotel. Lastarria is named after the district it’s located in – Santiago’s trendy, bohemian neighbourhood. Close by you’ll find a great selection of cafés, museums, galleries and shops. Weekends are a particularly good time to visit the area, as you’ll be greeted by outdoor markets where you can browse for fantastic souvenirs.

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Day 3 Santiago - Calama - San Pedro de Atacama

Moving on from Santiago, you will discover the charming town of San Pedro de Atacama. Here you will stay in the Terrantai. The landscapes in this area are breath-taking – you will glimpse vast deserts, sparkling lagoons and imposing volcanic structures. One of the most memorable views can be found at the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley). Sand has transformed the landscape into a moon-like vista.

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Day 4 Salar de Atacama

Today you will experience the biggest salt plain in Chile, the beautiful Salar de Atacama. On the way, stop in Toconao and visit its lovely church and plaza. Continuing on, you’ll notice the fascinating landscape that characterises the Atacama – it’s rough and uneven, creating a unique view. Keep your camera to hand, as groups of bright pink flamingos can often be spotted here. As the sun sets you’ll see the landscape’s colours change before your eyes.

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Day 5 El Tatio Geysers

This morning you have an early start to see the El Tatio Geysers at their most impressive. Towering columns of steam shoot up from the ground creating a spectacle unlike anything else. After the sunrise, unwind and relax in pools that are heated by geothermal energy. In the afternoon return to San Pedro de Atacama for more exploring. Browse the bustling local markets featuring local handicrafts and clothing.

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Day 6 San Pedro de Atacama - Calama – Puerto Montt

The Chilean Lake District is home to some of the most outstanding views in the country - towering, snow-capped volcanoes form an imposing backdrop for the azure-blue lakes. Check into Hotel Enjoy, which offers stylish rooms and an on-site spa. Rooms here have stunning views either over Puerto Varas town, the hotel’s gardens or Llanquihue Lake and the surrounding volcanoes.

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Day 7 Lake District

Today you will be exploring the Vincente Perez Rosales National Park, home to the amazing Petrohue Falls. Listen to the immense sound as the water crashes onto the rocks below, and watch as the light glints on the waves. Osorno volcano dominates the landscape of the park and it’s possible to scale the slopes to 1,240m with a short trek or a more relaxing chair-lift option. However you choose to get to the summit, you are rewarded at the top with scenic views in every direction.

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Day 8 Lake District

Learn about the local history of Puerto Varas, which dates back to 1852 when German colonists arrived here and the town grew as the area’s main port. Germanic influences can be found throughout the town’s architecture and nowhere more so than at the Sagrado Corazon church, which was based on the Marienkirche church in Germany’s Black Forest.

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Day 9 Puerto Montt – Santiago

Today, enjoy a day at leisure back in Santiago. The city is full of vibrant neighbourhoods, each with a unique atmosphere. Lastarria is home to lots of cafés and restaurants perfect for a relaxing afternoon, while Santiago’s bohemian area of Barrio Bellavista is full of street art and fascinating shops. Chile is famous for its wine production, so why not visit some of Santiago’s wine bars to taste the local blends?

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Day 10 Santiago

Continue your Chile adventure towards the Pacific coast. Visit Valparaiso, a town full of colour and charm, and whose historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearby you will find Vina del Mar, where you can spend the afternoon soaking in the sun on the sandy beach. We also recommend making time for a trip to the Casablanca Valley to sample the region’s famous wines. Another option during the winter is to take a day trip to the ski slopes at Valle Nevado.

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Day 11 Santiago - Easter Island

Today you will arrive at Easter Island, or Isla de Pascua, the most remote inhabited island in the world, synonymous with its giant statues. The statues, known as Moai, were carved on the island and remain dotted around its shores. Visitors can tour the island, from its beaches to the quarry where the statues were made, and get up close to these famous structures. Accommodation: Altiplanico Easter Island

Day 12 Easter Island

Anakena is the island’s premier beach, complete with soft white sand and clear waves. The beach is home to several Moai statues and makes for a perfect photo opportunity. To discover more about the Moai and see where they were originally made, visit the Rano Raraku quarry. Accommodation: Altiplanico Easter Island

Day 13 Easter Island

The island isn’t just about the silent statues though – step into Hanga Roa to experience traditional town life and get to know the friendly locals. Accommodation: Altiplanico Easter Island

Day 14 Easter Island – Santiago

Journey back to Santiago, where you can spend the evening dining at your favourite restaurant, or perhaps try somewhere new. ITC recommends visiting the Mercado Central, a popular food market with excellent seafood dining options.

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