Itinerary

Day 1

Santiago
Ritz Carlton Hotel

Upon arrival to Chile's capital city, you will be met by a representative who will be waiting inside the arrivals hall to assist you through International Police, Luggage Collection, and Customs. You will then be escorted to your waiting vehicle for the transfer to the hotel.

Introductory tour of Santiago

Chile's capital city is a sophisticated, sprawling metropolis wedged between the Andes and Coastal Ranges. It is home to 6 million Santiaguinos, one third of Chile's population. This excursion has been designed to showcase the many contrasts of the city, with the juxtaposition of the Colonial heart of the city and the glass towers of uptown Santiago.

Your first stop will be at the Palacio de La Moneda Presidential Palace. Originally a colonial mint, it was designed by Italian architect Joaquín Toesca, opening in 1805 while still under construction. While the Palace served as presidential residence between 1845 and 1930, today it houses the offices of the President and three Cabinet ministers: Interior, General Secretariat of the Presidency and General Secretariat of the Government. Continue to the Plaza de Armas, the city's most famous square surrounded by some beautiful buildings including the impressive Cathedral and Central Post Office.

Just off the bustling Alameda - the city's main thoroughfare - lies the delightful Barrio Concha y Toro neighborhood, with its charming plaza and Colonial architecture. Continue to San Cristobal Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the omnipresent Andes, before heading uptown to the modern uptown areas of the city with their dazzling, glass high-rise buildings, embassies and mansions, deluxe hotels, and immaculate tree-lined boulevard, providing a contrast to the more traditional constructions seen earlier in the day.

Ritz Carlton

While the exterior of the Ritz-Carlton Santiago may appear remarkably understated when compared to other hotels in the city, once inside it becomes clear that this is undoubtedly Santiago's finest hotel. This, Ritz-Carlton's first property in South America, combines the intimate, luxurious interiors one would expect, with gracious, attentive service, creating a pleasant 'boutique' atmosphere. The hotel also boasts a privileged location in the heart of the uptown El Golf neighbourhood, with its numerous restaurants, cafés, elegant boutiques and design stores, and tidy plazas.

In each one of the 205 guest rooms, the beds are heavenly comfortable. Under a magnificent glass dome on the top floor guests can swim or work out while pondering the panorama of the Andes and the Santiago skyline. The hotel offers several dining options including the excellent 'Adra' restaurant, and the less formal 'Wine 365', which boasts a staggering list of 365 different Chilean wines. Santiago's best Afternoon Tea is served right here in the Lobby Lounge. Additional services at this fine hotel include a 'bath butler' menu, from which one can select a nightly package of aromatic soaps and oils, rose petals, and even indulge in a 'wine bath'.

 

Day 2 Santiago / Puerto Montt
The Cliffs Preserve

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of the hotel and escort you to your waiting vehicle for the direct transfer to Santiago's Arturo Merino Benitez airport. Upon arrival to the airport, your guide will be on-hand to assist with check-in formalities.

The Cliffs Preserve

The Cliffs Preserve is an eco-luxury resort and private preserve located in the Chilean Patagonia. Located in the heart of Chile's Lakes Region, the resort has more than 8,000 acres of temperate rainforest and 6 miles of Pacific coast. Facilities include 18 Suites distributed in 6 Residences of 4.800 sq. ft. each and a 17.500 sq. ft. Lodge, where you can enjoy the Spa, Pool, Restaurant, Bars, Boutique, fitness room and conference room.

 

Days 3, 4, 5 Lakes District
The Cliffs Preserve

The Cliffs Preserve has a perfect mix of nature and Chilean cultural based activities. Experienced guides will keep you informed each evening of the adventures to come the next day, helping you to decide which one perfectly fits your wishes. Boat rides, horseback riding and hiking are some of the activities that will become part of a unique experiences and unforgettable memories.

Day 6 Puerto Montt / Punta Arenas / Torres del Paine
Explora Lodge

Early morning departure from The Cliffs Preserve towards the Airport in Puerto Montt to board your flight towards Punta Arenas.

Upon arrival to Punta Arenas' airport, you will be met by your guide who will assist with luggage collection before escorting you to the Explora Van, to be transferred across windswept plains to the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park--a drive of about five-and-a half hours.

One of South America's newest nature reserves, the Paine was created in 1959, with the last addition to its acreage in the early 1970s.  Famous for its glaciers, lakes and forests, this rugged region is also home to a wide variety of animal species, including guanaco (a relative of the llama), condors and flamingos. You will stay at the beautiful Explora Lodge, located in the park itself and with exquisite views.  Settle in and prepare to explore this spectacular landscape on foot, by boat, on horseback or in vans: the choice is yours. Experienced Explora guides accompany all excursions.

 

Days 7, 8, 9 Torres del Paine
Explora Lodge

Explore as you wish during your stay in the Paine.  Perhaps you'll start one morning with a drive to Lago Grey, where a short walk along Lagoon Beach offers an opportunity to photograph icebergs from shore-followed by a boat excursion for a closer examination at these "cathedrals of ice" and the glaciers that share their landscape.  After lunch on the beach, a brisk hike or horseback ride through the park provides an in-depth look at local flora and fauna.

Return to the hotel by car or, if you are still feeling energetic, by foot or mountain bike, as you wish. Or perhaps you would prefer a day on the hiking trails, one of the best ways to become acquainted with the snowy peaks, turquoise lakes and flowery slopes of this rich landscape.  Head for the hills and a panoramic view of waterfalls and forests.  Cross the river by rowboat to hike the French Valley framed by snow-capped glaciers.

Or hop on a mountain bike for a trip along the Blue Lagoon.  Consult with your guides to decide how best to spend your days in this remote and exhilarating wilderness; whatever your choice, the experience will be unforgettable.

 

Day 10 Torres del Paine / Punta Arenas / Santiago
Ritz Carlton Hotel

Upon arrival to Chile's capital city, you will be met by a representative, who will be waiting inside the arrivals hall to assist you through Luggage Collection, and Customs. You will then be escorted to your waiting vehicle for the transfer to the hotel.

 

Day 11 Santiago

Morning departure for a visit the sensational Altaïr Winery, in Chile's Cachapoal Valley. This is a marriage between Château Dassault of France and Chile's San Pedro wineries. Once convinced that Chile could produce wines of Grand Cru stature, the reputed house of Laurent Dassault spent years seeking terroir worthy of this great purpose. They found it high in the Cachapoal Valley on a property belonging to San Pedro. It is here that Altaïr was born. In order to create a true Grand Cru cellar Château Dassault lends their expertise from Saint Emilion and San Pedro lends the terroir and experience in the new world. 70 hectares is planted, mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery is close to the mountains with a cool climate and a long growing season. This gives elegance to the wines, but they also have fabulous concentration and structure.

Wine tasting and lunch, returning to Santiago late afternoon.

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of the hotel and escort you to your waiting vehicle for the direct transfer to Santiago's Arturo Merino Benitez airport. Upon arrival to the airport, your guide will be on-hand to assist with check-in formalities.
 
Late Check out Hotel

More information from Elevate Destinations:

• Company profile, experience, and history
• View all of their trips