Central Chile–Atacama

	Central Chile & Atacama
			Prescheduled Trips		Mountains		Round-trips
	Chile is an incredibly narrow country, extending 4,500km but with an average width of only 180km. It is situated between the Pacific Ocean and 6000m high mountains. Its location is unique and provides an amazing cross-section of all kinds of environment: from the driest desert in the world in the North, the Atacama Desert, over the snow-covered Andes in Central Chile and down to the evergreen rainforests in Southern Chile. On this trip we discover these marvelous contrasts, while getting as close as we can to Nature. Adventurous hikes take us past unique araucaria forests, wild rivers, splendid waterfalls and beautiful lakes, all in picturesque settings between snow-covered mountains and volcanoes. From the Mapuche-capital, Temuco, we go by plane to the historical Atacama desert. With its white houses and little colonial churches it offers an unique contrast to Chiles lakes. From the oasis village of San Pedro we experience the fascinating spectacle of the El Tatio Geysers at over 4000m above sea-level. Before returning to the metropolis of Santiago, other excursions include a visit to Chile’s largest salt-lake where we watch graceful flamingos flying in to feed.

Day 01)
Flight to Santiago, Chile

Day 02)
Arrival in Santiago, transfer to our hotel.
In the afternoon we do a city tour, where we´ll see the Presidential Palace and the main square.

Day 05)
We drive further south down the Panamericana Highway stopping at the Chillan Market, famous for the wide range of handicrafts on offer. Close to Los Angeles we visit an amazing waterfall called Salto del Laja. Accommodation.

Guanaco

Day 06)
On day 4 we continue our tour into the region of the Mapuche Indians.
Close to the small village of Curacautin we stay overnight in a cosy hostal.
In the afternoon we go to a “Monkey Puzzle Forest” near the Lonquimay volcano.

Day 07)
The Conguillio National Park is one of the most beautiful Parks in Chile. A hike among thousand year old “Monkey Puzzle Trees” in the Southern Beech forests will be an unforgettable adventure.
Passing giant trees and bamboo forests we get to a marvelous lake. Accommodation close to Curacautin.

Day 08)
On day 8 we make a day hike in the Tolhuaca National Park and visit Lagoon Verde. This spot offers magnificent views over different volcanoes. On days with very good weather conditions we can even see the Villarrica Volcano close to Pucon, and with luck we will have condors flying above us.
Accommodation again close to Curacautin.

Day 09)
We pass the town Temuco, and drive along the Villarrica Lake until we reach Pucon. The almost 3000 m-high, active Villarrica Volcano looks down gloriously over this little tourist town, and at night you can see the crater glowing. Hotel.

monkey puzzle trees

Day 10)
On day 10 there is an option to climb the active Villarrica Volcano. The climb takes approximately 6 hours and doesn’t need any technical experience, but you have to be in a good physical condition. There is a great reward – a look right down into the bubbling crater. Alternatively there are other optional trips you can do in the surrounding area.
Hotel

Day 11)
Pucon is located in the Lake District, also known as the “Chilean Switzerland”. The landscape is beautiful: transparent lakes nestled among meadows and fields against the background of a range of snow-covered volcanoes. On day 11 optional trips and tours are possible: horseback riding, rafting, mountain-biking, swimming in the lake or a visit to the hot springs .Hotel.

Day 12)
In the afternoon we drive back to Temuco and visit the Mapuche Indian handicraft market. An adventurous overnight train trip takes us back to Santiago (or alternatively, the trip can be made on a comfortable bus.)

Day 13)
Departure from Santiago and flight to the desert town of Calama, the biggest oasis in the Andes region. Calama became part of Chile in 1879 during the “Guerra del Pacífico” (War of the Pacific). Today Calama is the sleepy supply town for the huge Chuquicamata copper mine, which is close by.
Hotel.

Day 14)
We visit the impressive Chuquicamata mine, the largest open-pit mine in the world. Afterwards we visit the San Pedro de Atacama. Pepper trees, white adobe houses and narrow lanes give the oasis town a very special atmosphere.
Hotel.

Day 15)
We hike to the ruins of the “Pukara de Quitor” from the 12th century. There is also an optional visit to the Museum created by the Jesuit Missionary, Le Paige. This museum is famous for its very well preserved mummies. Hotel.

Day 16)
Day 16 starts very early with a trip to the El Tatio Geysers, a geothermal field, which is most impressive at sunrise.
In the late afternoon we drive into the Valle de la Luna (“Moon Valley”) and enjoy a dramatic sunset from the top of an enormous sand-dune.
Hotel.

Descabezado Grande

Day 17)
We do a day-trip to the gorgeous Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons, which are 4000m above sea-level. In the background we are able to see the volcanoes of the same names. Hotel.

Day 18)
We drive back to Calama and then fly back to Santiago.
Hotel.

Torres del Paine

Day 19)
Transfer to the airport and departure.

Day 20) Arrival.

We always make every effort to keep as close as possible to the program as previously promoted. However, we reserve the right to make changes that may become necessary due to unforeseen circumstances.

El Caminante Ltda Services:
All excursions, transport, visits and hikes mentioned in the program except the internal flight Santiago – Calama – Santiago; 16 nights in clean and pleasant hotels and lodges (7 nights in a double-room with private bathroom, 3 nights in double or triple-rooms with private bathroom, 6 nights in lodges in 4-6 bed rooms, 1 night in a sleeping-carriage of an overnight train from Temuco to Santiago (or optional bus-ride), entrance fees, toll fee, El Caminante tour guide

Not included:
All meals, internal flights, optional excursions, tips

Price on reques

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