Your journey begins in Santiago, where you will tour some of the hidden gems of the metropolis, with the majestic Andean Mountain Range in the background. From there you will continue on to the Atacama region for  a four or five day stay. During that time, you’ll be able to hike and  explore some of the dramatic beauty of this arid region.  The magic of the Atacama region includes both volcanos and saltlakes; You’ll be awed by the natural beauty of the changing landscapes.

The next stop is one of the most magnificent natural gems of our planet, Patagonia. On the flight down, we will stop in the colorful town of Valaparaíso. Here you will be able to safely wander the labyrinth of cobblestone streets, visit the famous poet’s Pablo Neruda’s home, and take a ride up the steep hillsides on the funiculars to enjoy the views. End your day by enjoying a pisco sour on your terrace while watching one of the region’s incomparable sunsets.

Torres del Paine National Park will be another highlight of the trip.  Words can’t describe the beauty of waterfalls and rivers, granite peaks and immense glaciers. Suggested day excursions provide you with the opportunity for hiking (for the serious trekker) or horseback riding through the park to get up-close and personal with the guanacos — wild Chilean llamas — that roam the park.

Depending on your personal preference, accommodations can range from romantic camping to staying in a luxury lodge where you can be pampered in the spa.  Feeling adventurous?  Stay at a working Estancia to get the real gaucho cultural experience!

Your travel excursion will then bring you to the shores of Last Hope Sound, where you will stay in the charming town of Puerto Natales. Here you’ll unwind after exhilarating and fun-filled days of exploration.  Take a little time to relax before heading back to Santiago.

Whether you are looking to explore the outdoors or just unwind in serene natural beauty of Chile, this is a unique travel experience, custom-tailored to provide just the right combinations for everyone.

For futher information,  please contact one of our travel specialists at: Latin Excursions

Because it’s winter, the number of visitors to the park drops exponentially from June-September, making for nearly empty hiking trails and a perfect peace to enjoy the spectacular vistas. Another bonus is that many quality lodges lower their rates for these low season dates.

Temperatures, although chilly, are still fairly mild and make for a cozy atmosphere relaxing by the fire after a full day of hiking. And, there’s nothing more beautiful than a snow-covered landscape with the imposing Towers in the background. The average highs are in the 40s and average lows in 30s.

Torres del Paine is excellent to combine with a stay in the Atacama Desert at a top lodge, and the Atacama is truly a year round destination, with warm temperatures throughout the year. And, Santiago in the winter is also lovely – the Andes are dusted with snow, and skiiers can spend a few days at one of the resorts outside the city to test out some Andean powder.

Contact us for more details on planning a unique outdoor adventure to Chile this Southern Hemipshere winter!

The main damage occurred near Concepcion in the Bio Bio Region (515 km south of Santiago), and in coastal regions where buildings are often wooden and more vulnerable.

Santiago sustained some damage, particularly to older buildings, but strict building codes, solid infrastructure and history of major seismic activity made Chile generally quite prepared to deal with the earthquake.

Santiago services and hotels are functioning normally. Southward from Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas and including Torres del Paine National Park, everything is as normal. In the north, the Atacama Desert and tourist destinations like San Pedro de Atacama are undamaged. Other destinations like Easter Island, the lake crossing between Argentina and Chile, and the land route from Chile to Mendoza, Argentina are undamaged.

Vineyards and wineries outside Santiago have been temporarily closed.

The international airport was closed to outbound flights for several days. Today a contingency plan will allow for departing international travelers to use a temporary facility for check-in and immigration procedures; inbound domestic and international flights before March 5 will be directed to a domestic airport for immigration and customs. Flights arriving after March 5 will arrive to the regular Santiago Airport, and arrival procedures will take place in a temporary facility.

During the meeting, a contingency plan was submitted, which should be implemented in coordination with various agencies involved and agreed with the airlines for the purpose of generating the associated flight schedules.

The plan set out in two phases. The first from March 3rd to 5th, includes the use of a tent for the attention of passengers – not using the terminal building. With this facility and gradually, domestic flights will depart from 8:00 to 20:00 (8:00 AM to 8:00 PM) and international flights will depart from 20:00 to 8:00 (8:00 PM to 8:00 AM). This is only for departing flights, arrivals for both domestic and international flights will be via another sector.

All international flights arriving to Chile prior to March 5, will be scheduled to call at another domestic airport, designated to carry out immigration, SAG and Customs. Arriving flights after March 5 will arrive to the Santiago Airport and the arrival procedures will be performed at a tent located in the western part of the air terminal.

Begin your Chilean adventure in Santiago, the capital city, with a city tour to highlights of this major South American capital. Then, continue north to the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world, and home to stark desert landscapes and interesting wildlife and history. Your home base for explorations into the desert and Altiplano will be the village oasis of San Pedro de Atacama, which has been inhabited for centuries. Stay at a luxurious lodge, with daily excursions to El Tatio Geysers, the Valley of the Moon, pre-Columbian ruins, high altitude lagoons, salt flats and more!

After spending four or five days in the Atacama, you’ll fly back to Santiago for an overnight, before continuing your adventures in Patagonia.

Torres del Paine National Park is home to ancient forests, imposing glaciers, fjords, and the torres (towers) that overlook the park. You’ll stay in Patagonia Camp, a unique way to experience Patagonia. Your luxury yurt tent overlooks Lake Toro, and the camp is just outside the National Park. Excursions are planned each evening with expert guides, depending on guests’ preferences, and take you around the region.

End the trip with a flight back to Santiago, and overnight before your international flight home. Ask us for details on planning this trip, and other accommodation options.