Chile - The Atacama to Patagonia
Chile - The Atacama to Patagonia
Chile - The Atacama to Patagonia
16 Days Starting and ending in Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile
Visiting: Santiago, Calama, San Pedro de Atacama, Puerto Varas, Chiloé Island, Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, Cordillera del Paine, Valparaíso, United Kingdom
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SLCC
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
15 - 30
Physical rating:
Low, Classic Touring
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Please make us aware of any specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Journey into the Atacama Desert, cruise on sparkling lakes and lagoons, marvel at the towering Andes and dramatic volcanoes and see exceptional wildlife. Chile has it all!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Uk To Santiago
Location: Santiago
Accommodation: Flight to the Santiago
Meals Included: No Meals
Today, you will fly to Santiago, Chile's capital city.
Day 2 : Santiago
Location: Santiago
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Director Vitacura
Meals Included: Dinner
On arrival in Santiago, which boasts a stunning setting beneath the majestic Andes, we'll transfer to our hotel. After time to freshen up we'll walk through Santiago's historic centre, ticking off sightseeing highlights such as Santa Lucia Hill, the Moneda Palace (Government Palace) and the Plaza de Armas, where the cathedral and National History Museum are located, as we go. Get to know your travelling companions this evening over a welcome drink and dinner.
Day 3 : San Pedro De Atacama
Location: Calama, San Pedro de Atacama
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama
Meals Included: Breakfast
We'll fly to Calama today, transferring on arrival to the village of San Pedro de Atacama, set amidst the other-worldly landscape of the arid Atacama Desert. During an afternoon of sightseeing we'll visit the Salt Mountains, Death Valley and the Valley of the Moon to see exceptional rock sculptures formed by the elements. As the sun sets we'll experience a wonderful natural light show as the rays are reflected on the mineral-rich rocks.
Day 4 : San Pedro De Atacama
Location: San Pedro de Atacama
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We'll explore this incredible destination further today, starting at the picturesque village of Toconao and the salt-crusted Chaxa Lagoon – part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve – where three varieties of this pink-hued wading bird breed. Next, we'll visit the village of Socaire, which overlooks the Atacama Salt Flats. This is our gateway to the intensely blue lagoons of Miscanti and Meñiques, surrounded by impressive volcanoes formed when the Andes rose from the sea. After a simple lunch in Socaire, we'll return to our hotel.
Day 5 : Santiago
Location: Santiago
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Director Vitacura
Meals Included: Breakfast
There's a very early start today but it's sure to be worth it when you see the Geysers del Tatio – a field of more than 80 active geysers. As we eat our boxed breakfast we'll enjoy the breathtaking sight of steam rising from the ground as the sun comes up over the Andes.
En route back to San Pedro de Atacama we'll stop at the picturesque village of Machuca, and in the afternoon we'll fly back to Santiago for an overnight stay.
Day 6 : Puerto Varas
Location: Puerto Varas
Accommodation: Hotel, Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Cabana del Lago
Meals Included: Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner
Today we're heading to Puerto Varas, a charming town on the shores of Lake Llanquihue founded by Swiss and German settlers in the 19th century. Known as the 'city of roses' thanks to its flower-lined streets, you'll also see unmistakable German-style architecture during an included tour. We'll ascend Calvario Hill for marvellous views of the lake and the Osorno Volcano. We'll also visit Puerto Montt, the capital of the region, and the beach resorts of Pelluco and Chinquihue, before enjoying an included dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 7 : Puerto Varas
Location: Puerto Varas
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Cabana del Lago
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Take in more exceptional views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes today, but this time it will be from the water on a boat trip to Peulla. This ecological village is located within Vincente Pérez National Park, where we'll have lunch after viewing the emerald-green waters of the Petrohué Falls and sailing on the Todos los Santos Lake (subject to weather conditions).
Day 8 : Chiloé Island
Location: Puerto Varas, Chiloé Island, Puerto Varas
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Cabana del Lago
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today's destination is Chiloé Island, just off the coast of Chile. After a ferry crossing we'll step ashore to admire evergreen forests, more than 150 wooden churches, timber houses perched on stilts over the water and the 560-metre-long hanging bridge which connects the island to the Aucar islet. In the fishing village of Tenaún we'll visit the farmers' fair and meet local people, who'll invite us into their homes and share lunch with us.
Day 9 : Punta Arenas
Location: Punta Arenas
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Diego de Almagro Punta Arenas
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our tour continues as we fly to Punta Arenas. Chile's southernmost city is where your exploration of Patagonia begins.
Day 10 : Puerto Natales
Location: Puerto Natales
Accommodation: Hotel, Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Costaustralis
Meals Included: Breakfast, Breakfast
We'll start the day early with a visit to Magdalena Island. Our journey by boat takes us along the Strait of Magellan, following the same route as famous explorers including Sir Francis Drake, Charles Darwin and Hernando de Magallanes. On arrival at this designated national nature reserve, we'll be greeted by a large and curious colony of Magellanic penguins – the population here is estimated at 60,000 pairs. This afternoon, we'll travel by road to Puerto Natales.
Day 11 : Torres Del Paine
Location: Puerto Natales, Cordillera del Paine
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Costaustralis
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Torres del Paine National Park is an area of spectacular natural beauty, home to granite peaks, sparkling lakes and glistening icebergs. On our full-day visit we'll travel through Patagonia's rugged steppe, home to many species of mammal including foxes, llama and even the rarely seen puma, with the Salto Grande waterfall and Pehoé and Grey Lakes among the scenic highlights. Our day ends with a visit to the Milodón Cave, where pre-historic animal remains were discovered in the 19th century.
Day 12 : Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers
Location: Puerto Natales
Accommodation: Hotel, Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Costaustralis
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch
An included excursion today takes us on a thrilling cruise on the Última Esperanza Sound. We'll sail through exceptional scenery to view the 1,000-year-old Balmaceda glacier, where we might spot cormorants and sea lions. We'll disembark for a short walk to the foot of the Serrano glacier, which is a remarkable sight, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and thick walls of ice. Lunch at a cattle ranch rounds off our trip.
Day 13 : Santiago
Location: Santiago
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Director Vitacura
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we'll transfer to the airport and fly back to Santiago.
Day 14 : Valparaiso
Location: Santiago, Valparaíso, Santiago
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Director Vitacura
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
A full day of exploration begins with a visit to a former home of the Chilean Nobel Prize – winning poet Pablo Neruda and now a museum. Next we head to Vina del Mar – the "Garden City" where we will enjoy lunch. After lunch our tour includes sights such as the unique Flower Clock, the Municipal Casino and pretty Wulff Castle, which juts out to the sea from a rocky outcrop. Finally we head to the coastal city of Valparaiso to explore.
Day 15 - 16 : Santiago To Uk
Location: Santiago, United Kingdom
Accommodation: Flight back to the UK
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning we will have a culinary tour of the city's Central Market in the company of a chef. Here, we'll purchase all the ingredients we need to rustle up some traditional dishes, which we'll learn how to prepare during a cookery class. We'll then eat what we've prepared for lunch.
We'll then transfer to the airport for our flight back to the UK, arriving on day 16.
What's Included
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Use of an airport lounge in the UK
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A guaranteed twin or double room of your own
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All highlights included
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Accommodation
13 nights in 3, 4 & 5-star hotels plus 2 nights in flight
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Meals
22 meals: 13 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 2 dinners
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Overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage
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Return flights from London
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Just You Holiday Director as your host & specialist Local Guides
What's Not Included
Accommodation
- ICON Hotel
- ICON Hotel is located in Las Condes, one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Santiago. Rooms have en-suite facilities equipped with a bidet, shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Every room is air conditioned and has a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
Other hotel facilities include seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a la carte restaurant.
- Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama
- Cumbres Hotel, located just outside of the village of San Pedro de Atacama, has a lot to offer to its guests. All rooms have heating, air-conditioning and also balconies with a view. Free WiFi s available throughout the hotel. A buffet breakfast can be enjoyed in the restaurant in the morning, while at the other time of the day wide variety of international dishes can be tasted. Guests can enjoy drinks not only in the bar, but also on the terrace overlooking the garden or on the sun loungers by the pool. Not last thing to mention, this hotel has 3 swimming pools, fitness centre and a wide selection of spa treatments.
- ICON Hotel
- ICON Hotel is located in Las Condes, one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Santiago. Rooms have en-suite facilities equipped with a bidet, shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Every room is air conditioned and has a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
Other hotel facilities include seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a la carte restaurant.
- Hotel Cabana del Lago
- Hotel Cabañas del Lago is situated on the shore of Lake Llanquihue and offers panoramic views of Puerto Varas and nearby volcanoes. Spacious rooms are coming with en-suite facilities, cable TV, minibar and safety deposit box.
Guests can relax in the heated swimming pool and sauna or try various spa procedures. On-site restaurant offers local and international dishes, while drinks and refreshments are offered at the hotel's bar.
- Hotel Diego de Almagro Punta Arenas
- All rooms in Hotel Diego de Almagro are coming with en-suite facilities and a minibar. They also further benefit from air conditioning, cable TV and telephone. Guests can relax and enjoy themselves in indoor swimming pool, sauna and fitness centre. Traditional Chilean and international cuisines are offered in on-site restaurant.
- Hotel Costaustralis
- Hotel Costaustralis is a chateau-style designer hotel, situated in the real heart of Puerto Natales. All rooms feature either sea or city views, come en-suite and have separate work desks and LCD and cable TV. The Paine restaurant, located in the hotel, offers delicious Patagonian gastronomy, while pisco sour cocktails and wide wine selection can be tasted at the Dickson bar.
- ICON Hotel
- ICON Hotel is located in Las Condes, one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Santiago. Rooms have en-suite facilities equipped with a bidet, shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Every room is air conditioned and has a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
Other hotel facilities include seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a la carte restaurant.
Excursions Included
Santiago Central Market culinary tour & cookery class
Santiago walking tour
Salt Mountains, Death Valley & Valley of the Moon
Chaxa Lagoon in the Los Flamencos National Reserve
Miscanti & Meniques lagoons
Sunrise visit to the Geysers del Tatio
Puerto Varas tour
Boat trip to Peulla & visit Petrohue Falls
Chiloe Island, where local people will invite us into their homes
Travel by boat to Magdalena Island, home to a large colony of penguins
Torres del Paine National Park
Balmaceda & Serrano glaciers
Casa Isla Negra visit
Vina del Mar tour
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes, overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
No and your own room is guaranteed!
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Are flights included in this tour?
Yes, Return flights from London
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
All the people in your group will be solo travellers and will share your sense of adventure and passion for travel. There’s usually a good mix of ages too, so you’ll meet a variety of solo travellers who have more, or in some cases less, life experience. We find the overall mix of people really adds to the whole experience and there are certainly plenty of l
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
A few years ago we set up Just You Cares, a programme that gives back to some of the places we love. We have always believed in taking care of the communities we visit, and have taken the time to really get to know the local people and understand the challenges they face. Some of our holidays give our Customers the chance to see how the money from their trips has been spent.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Just You, we are committed to operating our business operations responsibly, with integrity and always act ethically in all our business dealings and relationships. We are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking does not take place in our own business or in any of our supply chains
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If we can accommodate a change in date - we will always do our best to help you. Just pick up the phone and ask one of our friendly advisors - just make sure you have your booking number to hand.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes, and all of our accommodation providers will be working to the very highest standards of hygiene – you already always enjoy a private room of your own on all of our trips, all of our partners will be guided by local government operational standards of hygiene and the new protocols we have issued to them.
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Will I eat alone?
We find there’s always a social element to dining, so you’ll never eat alone, unless you want to! Every holiday includes a welcome get-together, all breakfasts and many other meals. When a meal is not included we find travellers meet and dine together.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, given the nature of our holidays, it is not possible to join the tour once it has departed.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Just You has been operating solo holidays for more than 15 years.
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Am I guaranteed a room of my own?
Of course, you’ll always have a twin or double room all to yourself. It’s great to have that space to relax and reflect at the end of the day. In some hotels you can also pay a little extra to upgrade for more space or a lovely sea view.
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What is the typical age range on a Just You holiday?
Typically, our customers are solo travellers in their 40s, 50s and 60s, but it’s quite possible you could meet 20-year-olds or 70-year-olds (or anyone in between)... After all, age is just a number!
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have received the World Travel and Tourism Councils (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp, which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world. The 'Safe Travels' stamp provides you, with assurance and peace of mind that we have implemented enhanced health and hygiene prprotocols on all holidays.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Once you book, you will receive a confirmation invoice within 7 days, prior to departure, we will send you further information to help prepare for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Just You is exclusively for solo travellers, every tour includes a twin or double room of your own, with no single supplement.
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Just You requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 84 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of just you charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Book with Confidence
When you book your holiday with Just You, you can have complete peace of mind. Your money is 100% protected through our Independent Trust Fund, any money you pay to us is held by them & governed by 3rd?party trustees. It is also a condition of our ATOL license and is regularly monitored by the Civil Aviation Authority. We don’t receive any money until after you’ve come back from your holiday – so your money is 100% protected no matter what. If you have any questions you can speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable holiday advisors.