8-day Journey Across the Northern Chilean Treasures culturenature
OVERVIEW
Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
Accommodation: 7 hotel nights
Availability: All year round
Who is this tour for:
Recommended age: 6-80
Designed for all ages, offering a mix of culture, nature, and local cuisine.
Nature
Active
Foodie
Culture
Relax
Embark on an unforgettable 7-night journey through Chile, where diverse landscapes and rich culture await. Begin in Santiago, exploring its historic and architectural treasures before venturing to the UNESCO-listed city of Valparaíso, famed for its colorful hills and lively street art. Then, journey into the heart of the Andes and the mesmerizing Atacama Desert, where awe-inspiring glacial lakes, shimmering Altiplano Lagoons, and the steaming Tatio Geysers reveal nature’s raw beauty at its finest.
Magic Chile: Santiago & Atacama Desert Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Chile
Lunch, Dinner
This magnificent travel experience begins as we arrive in Santiago, where the city’s vibrant energy welcomes us. As we are driven through the bustling streets, we catch glimpses of historic landmarks like Central Station and the Old Quarters, where colonial history and modern life intertwine. At La Moneda Palace, Chile’s presidential seat, we pause to admire its neoclassical grandeur before heading to Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city.
We delve into Santiago’s rich past, exploring the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National History Museum, and the Central Post Office, each revealing stories of Spanish conquest and cultural evolution. Our journey continues to Santa Lucía Hill, where Santiago was founded, offering a panoramic introduction to the city. After checking in at our hotel, we enjoy some leisure time to prepare for the adventures ahead.
Day 2
Valparaíso: Pacific Coast Charm
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, we set out towards the Pacific coast, where the colorful port city of Valparaíso awaits. This UNESCO World Heritage site enchants us with its steep hills, historic funiculars, and vibrant murals. At Plaza San Luis, we wander through picturesque streets adorned with striking street art, each mural reflecting the city’s bohemian soul.
A visit to Yugoslavo Viewpoint rewards us with breathtaking panoramic views, while the cobbled streets of Cerro Alegre invite us to soak in its artistic charm. As we stroll along Paseo Atkinson, past colonial mansions and the quaint Anglican Church, we are transported to another era.
After a lunch pause, we take time to explore at our own pace, browsing through local art and crafts shops. Our day concludes at Sotomayor Square, where the grandeur of the Navy building and the War of the Pacific monument stand as proud testaments to Chile’s maritime legacy. In the evening, we return to Santiago for a restful night.
Day 3
Adventures in Portillo
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s adventure takes us into the heart of the Andes, following the scenic Inter-American Highway before joining the international route that connects Chile with Argentina. Along the way, breathtaking mountain landscapes unfold, leading us to Portillo, a legendary winter sports destination perched at 2,680 meters (8,793 ft) above sea level. With a history spanning over 75 years, this renowned resort has hosted elite Olympic teams and welcomed millions of visitors drawn to its pristine slopes and spectacular scenery. Depending on the season, we will have time to enjoy winter sports or take in the beauty of the Andean trails and the serene glacial lakes and lagoons that have inspired local legends.
As the day winds down, we return to Santiago, where a delightful evening and a restful night await.
Day 4
Santiago to Atacama Desert
Breakfast
Our day starts with a transfer to the Santiago Airport to board our flight to Calama, gateway to the Atacama Desert and one of the driest places on Earth. A scenic drive to San Pedro de Atacama immerses us in surreal landscapes, where vast salt flats and impressive colours stretch into the horizon.
In the afternoon, we explore the Cordillera de la Sal, a dramatic expanse of jagged rock formations sculpted by time. At the Valley of Mars, also known as the Valley of Death, the silence and barren terrain create a unique experience. As the sun sets, we arrive at the Valley of the Moon, where shifting hues of pink, orange, and violet transform the landscape into a breathtaking spectacle. Standing atop the towering sand dune, we take in the mesmerizing scene—one of the most unforgettable sunsets in the world.
Day 5
Atacama Salt Flat & Andean Wildlife
Breakfast, Lunch
Today’s journey takes us deep into Los Flamencos National Reserve, home to the immense Atacama Salt Flat, a dazzling white expanse where the rugged beauty of the terrain is interrupted only by the graceful presence of Chilean flamingos, Andean geese, and puna ibis and their vibrant colors reflecting in the salt-crusted lagoons.
The crisp mountain air and untouched beauty of this remote paradise are invigorating, a reminder of nature’s quiet majesty. As we stand in this vast Andean landscape, we feel a deep connection to the earth, the past, and the breathtaking immensity of Chile’s highlands.
As we return to our San Pedro de Atacama hotel, we unwind and reflect on a day filled with rare wildlife encounters and stunning scenery.
Day 6
Floating Quest at Cejar Lagoon
Breakfast
A leisurely morning allows us to soak in the laid-back charm of San Pedro de Atacama before heading to a truly unique destination—the Cejar Lagoon. Nestled within the Atacama Salt Flat, its turquoise waters contrast beautifully with the stark white salt formations that surround it.
Here, we experience a sensation like no other—floating effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters, buoyed by their extraordinary salinity. The stillness of the lagoon, framed by the distant peaks of theAndes, creates an atmosphere of pure serenity. As we relax in this natural wonder, we may spot pink flamingos wading in the shallows, their delicate movements adding to the magic of the scene.
Refreshed and rejuvenated, we return to our hotel, carrying with us the unforgettable sensation of floating in the heart of the desert.
Day 7
El Tatio Geysers - Santiago
Breakfast
Before dawn, we set out for one of the highest geyser fields in the world—the El Tatio Geysers, located over 4,000 meters above sea level. As the sun rises, we witness a breathtaking spectacle: towering columns of steam burst from the earth, illuminated by the morning light. The geothermal activity is mesmerizing, a reminder of the raw power hidden beneath the Earth’s crust.
On our way back, we stop at Machuca, a tiny Andean village with a charming church. The peaceful isolation of this remote settlement is a stark contrast to the steaming geysers we left behind.
In the afternoon, we transfer to Calama Airport for our flight to Santiago, where upon arrival, we will be taken to our hotel.
Day 8
Goodbye Chile
Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for our international flight, bidding farewell to the breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality of Chile.
If time permits, those wishing to extend their adventure can trust our travel specialists to craft another unforgettable experience in a different destination of South America.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Chile
Day 2: Valparaíso: Pacific Coast Charm
Day 3: Adventures in Portillo
Day 4: Santiago to Atacama Desert
Day 5: Atacama Salt Flat & Andean Wildlife
Day 6: Floating Quest at Cejar Lagoon
Day 7: El Tatio Geysers - Santiago
Itinerary Map
1
Welcome to Chile
2
Valparaíso: Pacific Coast Charm
3
Adventures in Portillo
4
Santiago to Atacama Desert
5
Atacama Salt Flat & Andean Wildlife
6
Floating Quest at Cejar Lagoon
7
El Tatio Geysers - Santiago
8
Goodbye Chile
Availability: All year round
Price per person starting from:
Not available
Rates in US Dollars based on double accommodation (2 guests). Valid throughout 2025.
What's included and not:
Rates Include
7 nights of accommodation
Transfers, guided tours, and entrance fees as specified
Meals as described in the itinerary
English-speaking professional guides
Not Included
International and domestic flights
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses, tips, and additional services
Video/camera fees where applicable
Optional/Extra Tours
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Additional Information
The itinerary and order of visits are subject to change due to guests’ interests, time constraints, physical endurance, weather, municipal regulations, safety, and/or unforeseen circumstances.
Hotel-to-airport transfers in Santiago are provided with a driver only (no guide).
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