A top to toe adventure from north to south encompassing desert landscapes, colourful colonial cities, and exciting explorations by sailboat. Total immersion in the natural and cultural diversity of this long thin country and neighbouring Argentina, staying in small, family friendly lodges chosen for their perfect location and extensive on site excursions.
AFFORDABLE CHILE & ARGENTINA
HIGHLIGHTS
- Fun desert adventures and stargazing in the Atacama Desert.
- Riding the colourful funicular cliff railways in Valparaiso.
- Sailing from the tip of the South American continent.
- Canoeing the tributaries of the Rio Plata in Buenos Aires.
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Arrive
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Day 1 The Atacama Desert
Arrive in Chile's capital, Santiago and take a domestic flight to Calama, the gateway to the Atacama Desert. Just over an hour's drive through the spectacular Catarpe Valley, with its iconic rusty-red landscape, and you'll arrive at your hotel in time for a late lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing and revitalizing with a swim and spa treatment.
Overnight: Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa
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Day 2 - 4 Exploring and adventures in the desert
Enjoy three full days in the heart of northern Chile's most spectacular scenery. There are numerous sporting activities on offer in the desert; from sandboarding down the vast sand dunes to biking through canyons and riding through rocky outcrops. Unwind in one of the six outdoor pools of varying temperatures and chill out with the resident llamas. And by night the star gazing is really something very special.
Overnight: Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa
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Day 5 Valparaiso
Fly back to Santiago and transfer to the vibrant and colourful colonial city of ‘Valpo’, just under 1½ hour’s drive away. Valparaiso is on the Pacific coast and known as Chile’s most unusual city for its tumbledown buildings, lively atmosphere and unexpected charms. Spend the afternoon exploring Valpo and stop for a drink in Café Vinilo, with its retro-chic atmosphere.
Overnight: Hotel Zero
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Day 6 Funicular and street art adventure
Ride the famous and fun funicular railways accompanied by your private guide, before stopping for lunch. During the afternoon explore Valparaiso's artistic talent. The city of Valpo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches from the port and shoreline up into the coastal hills, with cobbled streets and disorderly houses adorned with murals demonstrating city's lively street-art scene.
Overnight: Hotel Zero
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Day 7 Patagonia - the End of the Continent
Fly south from Santiago to Punta Arenas and the wilds of Patagonia. A short flight will then whisk you to Isla Navarino, the last landfall before Antarctica. Arrive at your warm and comfortable lodge at the 'end of the world' in time for a restorative supper and an early night. There will be an oportunity to fly over Cape Horn during the afternoon (if weather conditions permit).
Overnight: Lakutaia Lodge
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Day 8 - 9 Exploring the remotest regions
Spend two full days following the path of Darwin by sailing to Wulaia Bay with spectacular views of the Beagle Channel. You may be accompanied by seals and penguins. Spend your second day riding, hiking (some of which is quite challenging) to stunning viewpoints where you can clearly see where the end of the Americas meets the Southern Ocean and Antarctica.
Overnight: Lakutaia Lodge
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Day 10 Ushuaia, Argentina
Depart Chile by RIB powerboat and head north through the Beagle Channel to the southernmost Argentine city, Ushuaia. Your hotel is on the water's edge. Spend the afternoon relaxing and take a walk along the hotel's private beach.
Overnight: Hotel Los Cauquenes
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Day 11 Ride the railway at the end of the world
Enjoy a day exploring Ushuaia. Visit the fascinating former city penitentiary to learn about the city's penal history and after lunch ride the southernmost railway to Lapataia National Park, 240 square miles of forests, lakes, waterfalls and mountains.
Overnight: Hotel Los Cauquenes
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Day 12 Buenos Aires
Fly north over the length of Patagonia and the Argentine Pampas to the city known as the 'Paris of the South'; Buenos Aires is an astonishing metropolis in a European disguise. Birthplace of the Tango and arguably up there as one of the best creators of a knock-out steak, Parrillas (steakhouses) sit on practically every corner. Transfer to your hotel in the trendy redeveloped dock area of the city.
Overnight: Faena Hotel
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Day 13 - 14 Adventures in Buenos Aires
Spend two days exploring the city, either independently or accompanied by a guide. Cycling is the perfect way to get around the leafy parks of Palermo. Buenos Aires's boutiques are particularly good, as is the city's energetic restaurant scene. 35km north of Buenos Aires is The Tigre Delta, frequented by weekenders to enjoy the channels of the Rio Plata. One of the best ways to experience the delta is by canoe with an expert expedition guide. Unquestionably a lovely way to finish an epic family journey.
Overnight: Faena Hotel
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Day 15 Depart
Transfer to Buenos Aires airport ready for your onward flight.
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Depart
GUIDELINE PRICES - Per Person
| High | $ 13,674 |
| Low | $ 11,444 |
| Mid | $ 13,058 |
BOOKING NOTES
- Per person based on two people sharing room
- Excluding international flights
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary.
- Daily breakfast.
- All sightseeing, entrance fees and guide services as detailed in the itinerary.
- Internal flights where detailed in the itinerary.
EXTRAS
- International flights.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Travel insurance or visa fees.
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REASONS TO BOOK
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