DAY
1: Arrive Santiago, CHILE
Welcome to Santiago. You are met on arrival, and taken to your hotel in
the center of this scenic city. The majestic Andean Mountain Range
anchors the city and can be seen from almost anywhere in town. ► Some suggested Santiago hotels (in alphabetical order): Grand Hyatt Santiago (V)
Ritz Carlton, Santiago (V) San Cristobal Tower, a Luxury Collection Hotel (V) ►Together, we will find the best choice for you!
DAY 2: Santiago & San Pedro de Atacama, CHILE
This morning discover Santiago, the capital of Chile, and alive with
fascinating architecture, a rich history, natural beauty and a dynamic
economy. Santiago contains evocative remains of its colonial past set
alongside ultramodern, high-rise buildings. It has a bustling business
district that exists alongside boulevards of street vendors and local
artisans selling their wares. Visit San Cristobal Hill, a beautiful park
noted for its monumental sculpture of the Virgin Mary. This afternoon,
fly to Calama in northern Chile. You are met upon arrival, and then
driven through moonscape surroundings. Arrive at your accommodations in
the village of San Pedro de Atacama, an oasis in the barren desert. San
Pedro de Atacama at 8,000 feet is called ‘The Valley of the Moon.’ Your
luxurious lodge is tucked away in a valley of serene beauty, nestled in
the shadow of the Pukará de Quitor ruins, with the San Pedro River
winding alongside. This is the perfect base for exploring the desert,
cultural encounters, or simply absorbing the breathtaking landscape. ►Some suggested San Pedro de Atacama hotels (in alphabetical order): Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa, San Pedro de Atacama Awasi (V) Explora Atacama (V) ►Together, we will find the best choice for you!
DAYS 3 & 4: San Pedro de Atacama, CHILE
Enjoy two full days of exploration. Please remember when choosing an
excursion that the elevation at your hotel is 8,000 feet and might
effect your endurance. The lodge offers a wide repertoire of activities:
each day, based on climate conditions and guest abilities, eight options
are available. All excursions are limited to small groups and led by
resident experts; and range from easy to challenging in their
difficulty. All excursions are done by vehicle, bicycle or on foot. ►For San Pedro de Atacama hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 5: San Pedro de Atacama to Santiago, CHILE
Enjoy your last morning in Atacama before you are transferred to Calama
for your flight to Santiago. Upon arrival, you are met, and are taken
back to your Santiago hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to
relax or explore the city. ►For San Pedro de Atacama hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 6: Santiago, CHILE
This morning tour the Los Dominicos Craft Center, a renovated convent
that is a unique Chilean shopping experience. It is a cozy labyrinth of
more than 150 artisan and antique shops, cafés and a restored church.
The center offers the most complete selection of crafts, arts and local
products in Chile. You have your hotel room until 6:00 pm, when you will
be transferred to the airport for your late evening flight home or to
your next destination.
NOTE: Due to the late evening departure times, flights to the USA arrive
the next day.
DAY
1: Arrive Santiago, CHILE