2 Week Classic Chile Holiday

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Santiago

Day 1 - Arrival in Santiago

You’ll be met on arrival at Santiago International Airport by a Wayfairer representative, and escorted to your private vehicle. Your driver will take you through the heart of the city to Hotel Magnolia, your accommodation for the night.

Set in Santiago’s historic downtown, at the foot of the Cerro Santa Lucia hilltop park, Hotel Magnolia is a former 1929 mansion and heritage conservation building. Lovingly restored in 2016, the hotel now offers a fusion of history and luxury, with gorgeous rooms and a gourmet restaurant.

This afternoon, you’ll be met by your private English-speaking guide for your walking tour of Santiago. You’ll begin at Cerro Santa Lucia, the city’s birthplace, founded in February 1541 by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia. You’ll continue through the Lastarria neighbourhood, a trendy district with superb architecture, chic cafes, excellent restaurants, galleries, museums and boutique shops.

Next, you’ll wander through Parque Forestal to reach Barrio Bellavista, and from there you’ll ride the cable car up San Cristobal Hill, the highest point in the city. At the top, you’ll see the massive statue of the Virgin Mary, overlooking the city. Enjoy the panoramic view of the city before descending the mountain in the cable car, and returning to your hotel.

Days 2 - 4: San Pedro de Atacama

Day 2 - Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama

fter a buffet breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to San Pedro de Atacama. On arrival at the Calama airport, you’ll be met by your private driver and transferred to Noi Casa Atacama, your accommodation for the next three nights.

This afternoon, you’ll head out on a tour of some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Atacama region. Your private guide will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to your first stop at Salt Mountain Range (Cordillera de la Sal), where you’ll see the Valley of the Moon (Valle de la Luna), set in the Los Flamencos National Reserve. This enchanting moonscape is marked with mystical mineral sculptures, formed by wind erosion, and you’ll see the famous Las Tres Marias (The Three Marys).

Next, you’ll venture to Death Valley (Valle de la Muerte), where you’ll see incredible salt sculptures and formations. For an adrenaline rush, you can also try sandboarding down the towering dunes. You’ll end the day at Kari Viewpoint, where you’ll take in the beautiful sunset at one of the highest points in the Salt Mountain Range, before returning to your hotel for the evening.

Day 3 - Exploring San Pedro de Atacama

Today is yours to spend at your leisure. You’ll be well-placed at Noi Casa Atacama, a luxurious eco-retreat set on the edge of the Atacama Desert, surrounded by spectacular scenery. It’s the perfect base from which to explore the region, and they offer a range of adventurous experiences.

You can go trekking or bike riding through the dazzling salt flats, impressive volcanoes, bubbling geysers and ancient rock formations. Venture out on an archaeological tour of a Tulor village dating back to 800 B.C., hike the iconic Valley of the Moon, or take to the sky with a night of stargazing from their astronomy observation deck.

As the first sustainable hotel in northern Chile, you’ll be engaging in ecologically responsible activities that preserve the natural environment and respect the local culture. It's is also a wonderful place to relax after a day of adventure. You’ll melt into the warm, spacious rooms, with plush down bedding, native artwork and private terraces with views of the salt flats.

Day 4 - Day tour of Atacama Salt Flat and Altiplanic Lagoons

After breakfast, you’ll be met by your private English-speaking guide for your tour of the Atacama Salt Flat (Salar de Atacama) and the Altiplanic lagoons, beginning at the iconic salt flat. Spanning an area of 3,000 square kilometres, the salt flat is the third largest in the world, and you’ll visit the Soncor and Chaxa lagoons, famous for their native population of pink flamingos.

Next, you’ll visit the Piedras Rojas (Red Stones) viewpoint, where you’ll enjoy striking views of the famous red rocks, formed from the oxidation of the iron held within this ancient volcanic terrain.

You’ll continue on to the Miñique and Miscanti lagoons, a truly enchanting location which sits at more than 4,200 metres above sea level. The ethereal blue waters of the lagoons are surrounded by golden tufts of vegetation, flocks of birds, while the majestic Miñique and Miscanti volcanoes rise in the background.

You’ll then arrive in the pre-Inca village of Socaire, renowned for its rich history and traditional cuisine. You’ll enjoy a lunch featuring local flavours and fresh produce cultivated from the ancestral agricultural terraces.

After lunch, you’ll stop in the village of Toconao, famed for its historical National Monuments. Visit the Church of San Lucas, and the main square where the bell tower was built in 1750 from cactus wood, mud and straw. After a day of Atacama adventure, your guide will transfer you back to your hotel to relax for the evening.

Day 5: Santiago

Day 5 - Transfer to Santiago

Enjoy a buffet breakfast and your final morning exploring the beautiful Atacama desert. You may prefer to unwind in the outdoor swimming pool, or soothe sore muscles with a traditional altiplanico therapy at El Chañar Spa.

You’ll then be transferred to Calama airport for your domestic flight to Santiago. On arrival at the airport, you’ll be transferred to Holiday Inn Santiago, your airport hotel for the night.

Holiday Inn Santiago is a luxurious hotel with an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, two saunas a fitness centre, and a fantastic restaurant. Relax and unwind in the hot tub, or enjoy a delicious meal at Grill Restaurant, with fresh, local ingredients, international cuisine and a wide selection of Chilean wines.

Days 6 - 8: Puerto Natales

Day 6 - Transfer to Puerto Natales

Holiday Inn Santiago is located within walking distance of Santiago airport, so you can enjoy a buffet breakfast, before easily transferring to the airport for your domestic flight to Punta Arenas. On arrival at the airport, you’ll be met by your private driver and transferred to Puerto Natales, a port city in Chile’s southern Patagonia and a gateway to Torres del Paine National Park.

The drive takes around three hours and you’ll catch your first glimpse of the breathtaking Patagonia landscape along the way. On arrival in Puerto Natales, you’ll check in to Weskar Patagonian Lodge, your accommodation for the next three nights.

Weskar Patagonian Lodge is an exclusive retreat located by the seafront, with beautiful views of the fjord and Andes mountains. You’ll feel immersed in the wilderness, yet you’ll be only 1,200 metres from the city centre. You can reach the city through a walking trail that takes you along the waterfront, dotted with swans and wild ducks.

This afternoon, settle into your gorgeous room, built using native Lenga wood, and decorated with stunning photographs of the region and handmade wool looms, spun by the lodge family’s grandmother.

Day 7 - Day tour of Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers

Enjoy an early buffet breakfast before meeting your English-speaking guide at your hotel for your thrilling tour of the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers, located in the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. You’ll head towards the pier around 8:00 am, setting sail through Puerto Bories and the historic Last Hope Fjord (Fiordo de Última Esperanza).

You’ll marvel at the surrounding mountains, estancias (farms) and Patagonian birdlife, passing by the dazzling blue Balmaceda Glacier. After arriving in Puerto Toro, you’ll disembark and begin a one hour trek along the lake’s border. You’ll walk through a forest of native coigüe trees, emerging to the magical sight of the Serrano Glacier. This incredible feat of nature is over one million years old. 

Next, you’ll again set sail from Puero Toro, arriving at Ebherard Fjord where you can trek around the magnificent scenery. You’ll stop for lunch at Estancia Perales, sitting down to a delicious Asado al Palo, a traditional Patagonian barbecue. After lunch, you’ll sail to Puerto Natales, arriving around 5:00 pm and returning to your hotel for the evening.

Day 8 - Day tour of Torres del Paine National Park

Fuel up at the buffet breakfast - today you’ll be visiting the world renowned Torres del Paine National Park, the Patagonian jewel of Chile. You’ll pass by the Last Hope Fjord, crossing the vast pampas (farmlands) of the Magallanes region, before arriving at the town of Cerro Castillo.

Enjoy a coffee and browse the artisan markets, then venture to the Lake Sarmiento Lookout to see the Cuernos del Paine. Known for its distinctive horn-shaped peaks (the tallest is 2,600 metres), and the contrasting dark and light coloured rock, Paine Massif is an extraordinary sight at any angle. A great place to observe the mountains is from Laguna Amarga - on a clear day, the horns will reflect in the water, creating a magical scene.

Next, you’ll continue through the Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the most beautiful corners of the planet. As you arrive at the Nordenskjold Lake Viewpoint, you’ll have a magnificent view of the Cordillera Paine, the iconic Patagonia mountain range, including the Paine Grande, the highest mountain in the park, standing at 3,050 metres.

Continue on to the Salto Grande, a dazzling waterfall on the Paine River. You’ll make a short hike to enjoy spectacular views of the waterfall, before stopping for lunch inside the park. After lunch, you’ll head to the Grey Lake, where you’ll walk across the hanging bridge over the Pingo River and pass through the Forest of Lengas. You'll emerge at the beach, from where you can see the sparkling floes of the Grey Glacier, a colossal frozen mass standing over 30 metres high and six kilometres wide.

As you move back through the park, you’ll visit the Milodón Cave Natural Monument, where you’ll find the remains of a giant herbivorous mammal that became extinct after the Pleistocene period. The main cave is 200 metres deep, 80 metres wide and 30 metres high, and you can walk through it to see an exact replica of this extinct giant, known as El Milodón. After an incredible day of adventure witnessing one of the world’s greatest wonders, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Puerto Natales.

Days 9 - 10: Valparaíso

Day 9 - Transfer to Valparaíso

Enjoy a buffet breakfast, before getting picked up by your private driver and transferred to Punta Arenas for your domestic flight to Santiago. On arrival in Santiago, you’ll be met by your private driver and transferred to Valparaíso. You’ll arrive at Hotel Casa Higueras, your accommodation for the next two nights.

Hotel Casa Higueras is an elegant boutique hotel, occupying five floors of a former mansion. This afternoon, settle into your comfortable room, take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool, indulge in a massage at the spa, and enjoy a delectable meal at Restaurante Maralegre.

Day 10 - Exploring Valparaíso

Today is yours to spend at your leisure. Valparaíso is a gorgeous coastal city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dotted with colourful houses, parks and national monuments.

We recommend roaming the streets in search of the wall art and murals that light up the town. You can also stroll through Plaza Sotomayor, a historical square overlooking the sea port, or make your way down to the bay to see the lively port in action.

Visit the Mirador Gervasoni viewpoint for stunning views over the Valparaíso Bay, the Turri Clock and the surrounding hills, or follow the Atkinson Walk to see the historic Plaza Aníbal Pinto, the old Plaza del Orden and the Intendencia building.

Days 11 - 12: Casablanca

Day 11 - Transfer to Casablanca

After breakfast, you’ll be met by your private driver and transferred to Casablanca, famed for its sweeping valley of world-class wineries. You’ll arrive at La Casona of Matetic Vineyard, your accommodation for the night.

La Casona is an exclusive boutique hotel, set in traditional colonial buildings from the 1900s. Located on a private five-hectare park, you’ll be surrounded by stunning Chilean countryside and the Matetic Vineyard.

You’ll stay at La Casona on a full board basis, including meals, wine tastings and outdoor excursions. This afternoon, you can take a tour through Matetic Winery, tasting four wines from the Ultra line of Premium EQ wines. You can also take a guided tour of the Rosario Valley, choosing to walk, cycle, drive or go horseback riding through the gorgeous scenery.

This evening, relax in your room with views of the gardens and vineyards, take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool, and enjoy a delicious dinner, served with half a bottle of wine per person. You can choose from red or white wines from the superb Corralillo line, produced by the Matetic Vineyard.

Day 12 - Depart from Santiago

Enjoy a final breakfast among the tranquil gardens, before getting picked up by your private driver and transferred to Santiago International Airport for your return flight home. After two incredible weeks spent exploring Chile’s greatest wonders, you’ll be leaving with many special memories and stories to share back home.

It’s hard to top Chile’s impressive landscapes and captivating cities, however if you’d like to see more South American marvels, we recommend flying to Argentina. Here, you can further explore the breathtaking Patagonian landscapes, visit monstrous waterfalls, sample superb wines, or head to the end of the world in Ushuaia. From this southernmost city in the world, you can board a cruise ship for Antarctica, the world’s last great wilderness.

Interested in this trip?

Call us on +44 117 313 3300 to start planning your perfect trip

Enquire Online