Wonders of Chile II:

Places Covered:

Santiago de Chile, Puerto Montt, Frutillar, Los Alerces Mountain Lodge, Torres del Paine National Park and Easter Island.

Duration:

14 Nights / 15 Days

Detailed Itinerary:    

Day 01: Arrival In Santiago

Upon arrival at the airport a host will meet and assist you in transferring to the hotel. Afternoon City Tour of Santiago de Chile - This tour includes visits to the posh residential areas of Providencia and Las Condes; passing through one of South America's most beautiful racetracks, Club Hípico, as well as Santiago's historic Santa Lucía Hill and the Cousiño Palace. Optional: Typical Show and Dinner at Bali-Hai - Adventure, entertainment and Chilean cuisine await you in tonight's tour to Bali-Hai, a charming restaurant with a tropical island decor. Experience Chile's diverse cultural heritage as you enjoy a folkloric show with dances and colorful costumes from the Northern, Central and Southern regions as well as the exotic rhythms of Easter Island.

Day 02:

Full day excursion to Vineyard Concha y Toro with lunch In the In the morning we drive to Concha y Toro, the biggest and perhaps the most important wine exporter in Chile. We shall visit the oldest of their bodegas located south of Santiago in the Maipo Valley. Founded in 1883 it sits amidst a beautiful park next to the old family mansion La Chascona, which dates back to before the turn of the century. The best-known brands made by Concha y Toro are Don Melchor, Marquéz de Casa Concha and Casillero del Diablo. Afterwards we continue on to the nearby village of Pirque, where we lunch in Andean foothills scenery. In the afternoon we shall proceed up the beautiful Maipo river Valley into the Andes on to the town of San José de Maipo. San Jose is a country village laid out in the traditional chessboard grid pattern with the plaza de Armas in the center. Lots of adobe architecture lends it a colonial air. After enjoying the beauty of this typical Chilean countryside and the pure mountain air of the Andes we shall return to Santiago. Lunch is included. (AB,L).

Day 03: Puerto Montt

American breakfast at your hotel. Flight - Santiago / Puerto Montt, upon arrival at the airport a host will meet and assist you in transferring to the hotel and in registering. Tour to Frutillar - Located by the Llanquihue Lake and with a spectacular view of the Osorno volcano, Frutillar is a charming German style village, housing the most complete museum in the area, which exhibits samples and relics from the German pioneers who colonized the region. (AB).

Day 04: Full Day Tour to Petrohue Falls and Peulla

American breakfast at your hotel. This tour offers a taste of the breathtaking beauty of Chile's famous lake district. Visit charming Puerto Varas on the banks of Lake LLanquihue, then board a comfortable catamaran at the Petrohué River Falls. Sail for two hours to Emerald Lake, named for the deep green color of its water. From the boat admire the Osorno volcano, El Tronador and Puntiagudo Andean Peaks. We disembark at Peulla near the Argentine border. Enjoy a leisurely walk among lush vegetation and visit La Novia Falls. In the afternoon return to Petrohue to board the bus to Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas. (AB).

Day 05: Puerto Montt / Alerce Mountain Lodge

Transfer to Alerce Mountain Lodge. Follow the Carretera Austral (Southern Highway) south alongside the Reloncaví Estuary for 23 miles, and then begin the ascent to the lodge on a road constructed of alerce logs. You'll make a small detour to see "El Tata," one of the oldest alerce trees in this area, around 4000 years old. A short while later, you'll reach Laguna Reflejos (Reflections Lake) and board a small hand drawn ferry for the last leg of the journey to Alerce Mountain Lodge. You'll be welcomed to the lodge and get an introduction to the history of the lodge and the alerce tree. Afternoon Hike to Oro Verde Mayor (Moderate 3 hour trek) Oro Verde or "green gold" is the majestic colors of the Valdivian forest. After a relatively easy walk you'll reach El Condor Lookout, where you can see down into the glacial valley formed millions of years ago. Continuing your walk, you'll observe alerce trees up to 3000 years old. A highlight will be the Fountain of Hope, where crystal clear water running from the mountains forms an enchanting waterfall and pool. Return to the lodge along a path known as Igor. Dinner and overnight.(AB,L,D)

Day 06: Alerce Mountain Lodge

Trail through the Patagonian Andes (Strenuous 6 hour trek) After an early buffet breakfast, start your ascent to the Gran Nevado (1500 meters/4900 feet above sea level). From the top you'll have magnificent views of volcanoes such as Puntiagudo, Osorno, Calbuco, Yates, Apagado and Corcovado as well as mighty Tronador. You can also see Lake Llanquihue and the Reloncaví Sound. After a short break to appreciate these spectacular views and to have a bite to eat, continue walking following the mountain path up to El Condor Lookout, before returning to the lodge. Enjoy lunch in Lodge. In the afternoon you'll have free time to relax and enjoy the lodge facilities, such as the spa and sauna. Dinner and overnight. (AB,L,D)

Day 07: Puerto Montt / Puerto Natales

American breakfast at your hotel. Transfer from hotel to the airport for departure. Flight - Puerto Montt / Punta Arenas upon your arrival in Punta Arenas travel across the Patagonian Steppes, home to rheas and pink flamingoes, to Puerto Natales for overnight. (AB).

Day 08: Puerto Natales

American breakfast at your hotel. Morning visit to Milodon Cave where the remains of the giant milodon sloth that roamed the Patagonia plains some 11,000 years ago were discovered in 1896 by the German settler, Herman Eberhard. Continue to Torres del Paine National Park, where herds of guanaco graze amidst vibrant blue and vivid green lakes towered over by jagged, snow-capped peaks soaring up to 3,000 meters. View the beauty of the Salto Grande and a short walk to the panoramic overlook at Lago Nordenskjold. Motorcoach - Puerto Natales / Torres Del Paine National Park. (AB)

Day 09: Torres del Paine

American breakfast at your hotel. Today's activities include Lago Grey, Grey Glacier (little navigation) and a photo safari to Laguna Amarga in search of Guanacos, foxes, rheas, pink flamingoes, condors and other species of birds. (AB)

Day 10:

American breakfast at your hotel. Morning excursion to Laguna Azul ("Blue Lagoon") in search of more wildlife. Late afternoon return to Puerto Natales. (AB)

Day 11:

American breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to Punta Arenas. Flight to Santiago for overnight. (AB).

Day 12: Easter Island

Transfer to airport, flight to Easter Island. Upon arrival at the airport a host will meet and assist you in transferring to the hotel and in registering. Afternoon free to explore the colorful village of Hangaroa or to relax and contemplate the enigma of Easter Island's landmarks, the giant stone-carved statues - the "Moai", and the once flourishing civilization which created them. (AB)

Day 13:

Today you embark on a full day journey beginning the exploration of this mysterious island in earnest. Visit the burial temples of Vaihu and Akahanga, the last of which is believed to house the remains of Hotu Matua, the first king on the island. Continue to the Rano Raraku Quarry where the magnificent "Moai" were carved prior to being transported to the various temples and ceremonial sites scattered throughout the island. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Anakena Beach area and visit the restored temple of Ngao-Ngao before returning to the hotel. (AB)

Day 14:

This morning's tour visits the Rano Kau Volcano and the nearby ceremonial center of Orongo before continuing to the Vinapu ruins whose architectural style is remarkably similar to that of the Incas. In the afternoon visit the site of Ahu Akivi also called the Seven Moais which according to legend represent the first emissaries to the island sent by King Hotu Matua. Continue to the Puna Pau Quarry where the red stoned hats were fashioned and to the impressive ceremonial center of Tahai. (AB)

Day 15:

Morning transfer from hotel to the airport for departure. Connecting flight home. (AB)