Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip

Northern Chile Essentials
Santiago, Valparaiso & the Atacama

Chile - Santiago - Atacama - Valparaiso

NORTHERN CHILE TRIP

Starting from between £3,990 to £6,365 per person for 11 days depending on the time of year, type of accomodation and activities

Itinerary Highlights

  • A journey in three stages and three different worlds to see the best of the northern part of the country


  • Santiago, Valparaiso & Vina del Mar with expert private guides, it's all part of the plan!


  • In Atacama, a car for cruising around in, a host of options for getting to grips with the desert and the region


  • Direct flights, Concierge services, all our usual additional services: Chile our way
As it's hard to know where to start a trip in Chile, we'll make it simple: begin in the capital, Santiago. Designed contrary to common sense, both in the years of political upheaval and when democracy was restored, the city seemingly insists in erecting tall buildings. However vertical and hectic it may be, there is the sense of an irrepressible vitality behind its scrambled architecture. From the still-intact city centre with its scent of old Europe to the Central Market selling empanadas under an intricately-designed roof, to the new Bosque district, the lovely Vitacura Gardens or the Bellavista Hill, the bohemian stroll leads gently on towards the city's nightlife and its decidedly modern feel.

Second stage: take a flight to Calama, the gateway to the Atacama Desert, and prepare for an extreme environment. The shadow of the region's mining heritage still hangs over the ghost towns under the blazing sun. Scientists say that parts of Atacama have not seen a drop of rain in more than 80 years... The desert on the Altiplano, guarded by sentinel volcanoes, hides incredible oases fed by melting Andean snow, saline lakes rimmed pink with flamingos, high plains where vicunas graze and the 'huasos', Chile's countrymen, work.

Last stage, back to the centre. Another stunning feature is Valparaiso, located 75 miles west of Santiago. When the sailors from the Iroise Sea cast off to face the wrath of the southern seas, they stiffened their resolve by imagining the inland port that awaited them after Cape Horn. They aren't the only ones to have sung the praises of this bay and its 42 amphitheatre-style cerros (hills) looking over the Pacific and dotted with colourful houses. A world of quiet little neighbourhoods, sea skippers' houses and funiculars scaling the slopes. The memory of Pablo Neruda remains etched in every cobblestone of the alleyways running down towards the harbour and its bars..



AS THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

, smart planning helps make the trip: direct international flights, domestic flights to tackle the long distances, guaranteed private transfers, Concierge on call - tour of Santiago, accompanied by an expert private guide, to cover all the essentials - discover the excellent New World wines in the wine-growing valleys surrounding Santiago - encounter the mythical expanses of the Atacama Desert, a traveller's dream - day after day, explore the desert with experienced guides, experts in their region, for a relaxing end to the day: watch the moon rising while sipping a pisco sour - look up at the stars and the incomparably bright Milky Way - (a stargazing session is already planned) - taste chorillana, the local food of Valparaiso consisting of beef, fried onion, egg and fries - the magic experience of meeting the locals: drink a mate (hot caffeine drink) in a local's house, go to a random barbecue at a hacienda, have a look round a local village...
Santiago - Chile © Maciej Bledowski/Fotolia
Santiago - Chile © Maciej Bledowski/Fotolia
Laguna Miscanti - Désert d'Atacama - Chili © Droits reservés
Laguna Miscanti - Désert d'Atacama - Chili © Droits reservés
Laguna Cejar - Antofagasta - Chili © Leolago/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Laguna Cejar - Antofagasta - Chili © Leolago/Getty Images/iStockphoto
 © Droits reservés
© Droits reservés
Maison de Pablo Neruda - Valparaiso - Chili © Alix Pardo
Maison de Pablo Neruda - Valparaiso - Chili © Alix Pardo
 © Alix Pardo
© Alix Pardo
 © Droits reservés
© Droits reservés
Valparaiso - Chili © Alix Pardo
Valparaiso - Chili © Alix Pardo

Itinerary

100% customisable for you

DAY 1 Flight to Santiago

Overnight flight, arriving the next day.

Private transfer and accommodation for two nights in the bohemian district of Lastarria, home to many artists and designers. The building combines the Chilean style of the early 20th century with French neoclassical influences. Inside, the rooms blend modern comfort with classic style, with a touch of character that exudes the charm of the past. On the ninth floor, the roof-top bar, with a large terrace and swimming pool, offers stunning views of the city.
Take a private tour of Santiago with a guide. The city has quite modern tones with its classical and Gothic architecture and hints of Art Nouveau; past earthquakes have spared few colonial buildings. Take a stroll on the delightful Santa Lucia Hill or in the Parque Quinta Normal, visit the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art and La Moneda, the presidential palace, Plaza de la Ciudadania... Do a tour of the pisco bars.

Transfer to the airport and flight to Calama, pick up the hire car and then drive to San Pedro de Atacama. Four-night stay at the Hotel Terrantai. Nestling in the heart of San Pedro de Atacama, next to the old church. The pebble and adobe walls evoke a contemporary feel that is perfectly suited to the natural environment. The predominantly wood decor is simple and warm. With its terrace and swimming pool, living the good life comes easily. Especially as the restaurant offers up healthy and delicious Andean cuisine.

The Atacama Desert is one of the driest deserts in the world, and because of the dry air, the skies are exceptionally clear. San Pedro is an oasis. The church, made of adobe brick, is one of the oldest in the country (17th century). During these three days, be sure to visit the Museo Arqueologico R.P. Gustavo Le Paige, which documents in detail the ingenious civilisation of the Atacama Indians. Then visit the pre-Columbian sites of Quitor and Tulor too. It would also be a great idea to explore the salt flat lagoons, which harbour large colonies of flamingos. The salt concentration of the Laguna Cejar has the same effect on the body as the Dead Sea. Early in the morning, the geothermal site of El Tatio, with its steam columns, is an impressive site.
b]Private tour of the town and stargazing session in the Atacama Desert, with a guide.

Transfer to Calama airport and flight to Santiago. New transfer to Valparaiso, where we stop for two nights in an old Hispanic mansion now converted into a charming hotel, with views out over the ocean. Like the mansion, the area is dotted with the fine houses of wealthy merchants, from the time when the Strait of Magellan was a necessary passage for sailing from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Here, among the cascading gardens and the pool overlooking the sea, there is a certain feel of the Mediterranean. And when it comes to other delights, the restaurant offers sumptuous dishes fresh from the ocean.

Private tour of Vina del Mar and Valparaiso, with a guide. This famous seaside resort with a very contemporary feel offers the chance to visit Avenue de la Libertad, take the coastal road up to Renaca, Avenue San Martin, the Casino and Flower Clock. Continue with a visit to Valparaiso. The great Chilean port has been a legendary destination since the great days of sailing ships. Valpo is one of those places people tend not to know the exact location of (about a hundred miles from Santiago) because it is so universal. The flat part (El Plan) has a regular urban layout and a rich administrative and commercial architecture (19th-early 20th century); on the slopes of the hills (Cerros) which form a beautiful natural amphitheatre, the small colorful dwellings covered in corrugated iron seem to be stacked on top of each other. There is a certain picturesque chaos to their erratic layout along steep alleyways... Go up into the hills taking the historic lifts, the funiculars, the first of which was built in 1883 in Cerro Concepcion.

Transfer back to Santiago and return flight home. Overnight flight, arriving the next day.

Suggestions

Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included

Private tour of Quitor and Tulor



The ruins of Tulor, located a few miles south of San Pedro de Atacama, are the remains of a village that dates back to 800 BC. Until 1982, the ruins that you see today were buried under the sand, which allowed them to survive for nearly 3,000 years. Two houses have been reconstructed to show how this village would have originally looked. With a private expert guide.

Optional



Private trip to the Valley of the Moon

Six miles west of San Pedro de Atacama, the Valley of the Moon is a beautiful valley with a lunar appearance, nestling in the hollow of the magnificent Sal Cordillera, with geological formations carved by the wind. With private guide.

Optional



Private tour of El Tatio Geysers and Machuca Village



El Tatio, 60 miles from San Pedro de Atacama, is one of the world's largest geothermal zones. More than a hundred hot springs and a few mud volcanoes put on a magnificent show, especially at sunrise, when the differences in temperature are at their greatest. Stop at the thermal baths and visit Machuca, a picturesque and sparsely populated village of shepherds and a natural landscape of rare beauty. With private guide.

Optional



A few extra days is time enough to take in Chiloe Island & the Chilean Lake District

This part of southern Chile provides stunning beauty. Its rivers are simply made for fishing or rafting. Puerto Varas, nicknamed the 'City of Roses', is located on the shores of Chile's largest lake, Lake Llanquihue, dominated by the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. We sail on Lake Llanquihue, as far as 'The Emerald Lake', its name coming from the magnificent blue-green of the water. And then there is Chiloe Island and its architectural gem of wooden houses and 200 Jesuit churches (and at least as many bars). Ancud, the port town of Chiloe Island and gateway to the southern archipelagos, reveals an extreme isolation that has enabled it to hold on to its traditions.

Optional



Why visit Chile with Original Travel

Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.

ENQUIRE NOW

A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Chile

  • Our local Concierges
  • The Original Travel app
  • Airport lounge access
  • Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
  • Destination Dossier
  • 24-hour helpline
  • Expert guides
  • 100% carbon absorption

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A rough idea of the price

Depending on the time of year, type of accommodation and activities

The estimated cost for this trip starts from £3,990 to £6,365 per person. Speaking of fixed prices when one is looking for a customised trip would not make any sense. The final cost varies according to several factors, which include the level of service, length of trip and advance booking time. The exact price will be shown on your personalised quote. The average starting price for this trip is £5,095 per person.
Included in this suggestion

  • Direct international flights and domestic flights with a scheduled airline


  • Airline taxes and fuel surcharge


  • Access to the Air France business lounge at Roissy 2E (for departures from Paris)


  • Two-night stay in Santiago at The Singular Lastarria in a double room with breakfast included


  • Four-night stay in San Pedro de Atacama at the Hotel Terrantai in a double room with breakfast included


  • Two-night stay in Valparaiso at Casa Higueras in a double room with breakfast included


  • Four-day car hire in San Pedro



  • Half-day private tour of Santiago with an expert guide


  • Stargazing session in the Atacama Desert, with a guide


  • Half-day private tour of Vina del Mar and Valparaiso, with expert guide




  • Local mobile phone available


  • Our local Concierge service

100% tailor-made holidays

Understanding Your Needs

Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday

Personalisation

We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities

Our Services

All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges