Itinerary

Day 1    Arrive in Santiago

After meeting you at the airport we enjoy lunch before an optional walking tour of Santiago.

Day 2   Santa Cruz Vineyard  12km/7.5mi/5hr

From Santa Cruz vineyard, a steep trail leads from deep green ranks of vines up to an azure hill lake fringed with wild pansies. We return along a high ridge before descending for a delicious wine tasting!

Hotel Santa Cruz   AAAA
Santa Cruz, Days 2+3+4

The town of Santa Cruz lies in the heart of Chile’s wine making country to the south of Santiago, and the Hotel Santa Cruz lies at the heart of this lively little town. The hotel is overwhelmingly traditional Spanish in style with terracotta walls and tile floors, patios, overhead beams, classic antique furniture and stained glass windows. Carvings and religious artwork add to the atmosphere, and there is a lovely swimming pool and sun lounge area for taking it easy. Bedrooms are very spacious and beautifully presented with wrought iron beds. All rooms have direct dial phones, local cable television, minibar, climate control and hair dryers.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 3   Pichilemu Beach  6km/4mi/3hr

The tour begins in the town of Pichilemu where we visit the C19 Ross Park, now a National Monument. A quick beach stop, then off to Punta Punta de Lobos for a chance to spot sea lions.

Day 4    High Andes Walk  14km/9mi/6hr

Today we tackle the spectacular Andes foothills – a bracing ascent through pine and eucalyptus leads to a panoramic plateau, dwarfed by 180 degree views of 6000m high snow-capped peaks. After lunch we descend to a gorgeous rock pool and waterfall for a swim, before we return to the hotel.

Day 5  Santa Cruz to Atacama

After a visit to Santa Cruz’s amazing museum charting Chilean history we return to the airport for our 2 hour flight to the Atacama. We’re met and then taken on a short tour of San Pedro’s narrow streets - lively restaurants, pretty plazas and local Indian color is all on the doorstep - before dinner at our boutique hotel.

Alto Atacama Hotel*****
San Pedro de Atacama Days 5-8

The Hotel Alto Atacama is an excellent choice in San Pedro de Atacama. The hotel is beautifully designed, built of the local red adobe stone - the exact colour of the surrounding hills so it is all but invisible if you don't know it is there.

Bedrooms are spacious and well-appointed, stylish and comfortable. Each has a private terrace and offer an uninterrupted view out onto the Cordillera de la Sal range and the Catarpe Valley. The terrace has a double-sized 'bed/couch' for lounging as well as two cushioned chairs. The public areas are attractive and comfortable, the lounge/bar area ideal for relaxing.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 6   Salt Range Ridge and Canyon Walk  10km/6mi/5hr

Passing a ruined Inca fortress, we hike past shattered blood red rock formations sparkling with crystallized gypsum, before descending a 100m sand dune! After lunch at the hotel we explore a scarlet salt canyon, then relax at a viewpoint with a cold sundowner.

Day 7   Tatio Geysers and Rock Pools  5km/3mi/2.5hr

An early start for breakfast at 4300m - the highest geyser field in the world! Clouds of steam rise into the thin, cold air , before a safari spotting guanaco leads to an uphill red river canyon walk, vivid with lush bamboo and cardon cacti.

Day 8   Machuca Valley  14km/9mi/6hr

From 4000m with pink flamingo and curious llamas, we descend a gorge to picnic at an abandoned riverside Indian village. Our rugged descent finishes amid terraces of garlic and fava beans. Enjoy dinner tonight under the breathtaking diamond-studded night sky looking out for shooting stars.

Day 9  Atacama to Patagonia

Sit back and enjoy views of emerald lakes and royal blue fjords as we fly (4.5 hours) from the Atacama down to the wilds of Patagonia. We receive a warm welcome at our hotel in a converted sawmill run by Señor Angel Lara and his family, and take a tour of this charming country town before a welcome dinner with our guide in the hotel.

El Reloj Hotel   AAA
Coihaique, Days 9-12

The Hotel Reloj is run by Señor Lara and his wife Adriana, and is located quite close to the central plaza in Coihaique. The entire hotel is made of wood, givingit a warm and inviting atmosphere, enhanced by the cosy lounge area and the open fire in the lobby. The small and intimate dining room is where we will be eating each evening, and food here is beautifully presented and served – there is also a great selection of Chilean wines. Bedrooms are homely with direct dial telephones and satellite televisions. The real charm of the hotel is in its pleasant laid back atmosphere, and the handy central location that allows you to stroll out and explore this curious little town of an evening.

Day 10   Coihaique National Reserve  12km/7.5mi/5hr

We ascend a trail through natural Coigue forest on a steep trail past pine fringed lagoons – above the tree line we have views from Andes to Pacific for our picnic. We pass strawberry vines and Antarctic beech trees on the descent. Stroll with the locals by the fountains in the pretty plaza before dinner .

Day 11   Laguna San Rafael National Park

A full day luxury fjord cruise with porpoising dolphins and vivid blue icebergs leads to San Rafael glacier – a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Drift ice crackles around us on an optional excursion in small zodiac boats. On the way back, watch the sunset on mountains from the cocktail deck.

Day 12   Cerro Castillo National Reserve  16km/10mi/6hr

The National Reserve of Cerro Castillo is meltingly beautiful - glaciers sparkle below jagged peaks as we walk on patchwork farms through meadows of chestnut horses, and by deep blue lakes. We’ll spot gaucho cowboys from our hilltop picnic spot, before we descend to return to Coihaique.

Day 13   Depart Chile

WALKING DETAILS

Walkers should be comparatively fit and confident especially as some of the walks are at altitude.Walks are on ash, gravel and loose stone paths in the Atacama - there is one 4m ladder descent on day 7. Sturdy walking boots essential, poles recommended.

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