Chile Up Close – Atacama Round Trip on the Altiplano and the Lake Region in 3 Weeks

Overview

Discover the Atacama Desert on the Altiplano of the Andes and Chile's Lake Region on a round trip in 3 weeks. You visit the vibrant capital Santiago with its many faces, historical places and great city panoramas. Encircled by the breathtaking Andean Plateau, the Pacific Ocean and the Peruvian Tacna, Arica, the northernmost city of Chile, is full of glory. A guided multi-day tour takes you to the Altiplano embraced by authoritarian volcanoes, mountain lagoons and hot springs. You encounter vicuñas, llamas and alpacas and get to know the unvarnished everyday life of the residents of the Andean Altiplano. The pleasant desert city of Iquique has excellent beaches and interesting colonial architecture. At San Pedro de Atacama, sandy moonscapes and salt lakes, bubbling geysers and starry skies surround you. In the Lake Region around Puerto Varas, the view of cone-shaped volcanic peaks and picturesque waters overwhelms you. Admire stilt houses, wooden churches and mystical island culture on Chiloé. And in the port city of Valparaíso, colorful hills, jolting elevators and outstanding street art are waiting for you.

Highlights

Kilometers of sandy beaches

Volcanoes and Vicuñas on the Altiplano

Insight into the everyday life of the Andean residents

Conical volcanoes in front of Puerto Varas

Historic elevators and street art of Valparaíso

Itinerary

Day 1-4: Santiago de Chile

Welcome to Chile! Here in Santiago beats the heart of Chile. And at the same time, at the foot of the snow-covered mountains and not far from the mighty ocean, you feel what gave this country its name according to a legend: Chilli - where the world ends. Glorious buildings and busy commerce on the streets, flourishing parks and modern high-rise complexes come together in Santiago. And the secrets of the Andean habitat of central Chile get revealed on an excursion to the Cajón del Maipo.

Day 4-5: Arica

You reach Chile's northernmost city. Take a stroll along the enticing beach of Arica or marvel at the first-class panorama of the desert town from the city hill Morro, while the warm sunlight tingles on your skin. The steady crash of the Pacific Ocean sets the pace for slowing down, and the vast sea invites you to take a refreshing swim or ride the waves.

Day 5-8: Altiplano in the Atacama Desert

Volcanoes, salt lakes and lagoons, desert landscapes and traditional cattle farming – this and much more awaits you in the following days during your guided Altiplano excursion from Arica to Iquique. In the Lauca National Park, authoritarian volcanic cones at over 6,000 meters and Lago Chungará, one of the highest lakes in the world, create a stunning portrait. You bathe in the hot springs of Polloquere and meet grazing llamas, vicuñas and alpacas.

Day 8-10: Iquique

It is going back to the coast. You leave the Altiplano and roll down the mountains until arriving in Iquique on the Pacific Ocean. This is where your guided tour ends. The desert town combines scenic elegance, Chilean history and modernity like few other places in the country. Examine the interesting architecture of the city center or switch off at the beach promenade flanked by palm trees.

Day 10-14: San Pedro de Atacama

Pink-feathered flamingos gather on the shores of Andean lagoons. Between small desert settlements with traditional adobe architecture stretches the crusted salt field of the immeasurable Salar de Atacama. The fascinating desert scenery of Valle de la Luna looks like the ground of an alien planet. And smoke rises from the bubbling geysers of El Tatio while vicuñas and rheas roam the mountains. This and more is presented by the Atacama Desert around the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama.

Day 14-18: Puerto Varas

You fly to the Lake Region. Puerto Varas carries its own magic with its panorama of the sparkling Lago Llanquihue and the snowy volcanoes on the horizon, with German architecture and inviting cafes. The inexhaustible rapids of Río Petrohué break over the volcanic rocks and roar impetuously. On the island of Chiloé, you discover colorful stilt houses, wooden churches and indigenous mythology. And on a boat trip to Villa Peulla you cross the iridescent Lake Todos los Santos.

Day 18-21: Valparaíso

You return to central Chile. Valparaíso is known for its colorful tin-clad houses, historic elevators and street art full of politics and irony. Meander attentively through the winding sidewalks on the hills of the port city. An entertaining cooking class gives you a taste of Chilean food culture. In the Casablanca Valley, you gain interesting glimpses into local viticulture. And encircled by pine forests and the shimmering Pacific Ocean, you listen to the harmonious sound of the sea in Quintay.

What our Travel Packages Include

Travel service:

Basic package Full package

Individual and professional advice about your journey
Tailor-made travel planning and organization

Accommodation:

Basic package Full package

17 nights in standard, comfort or premium accommodation
Double room usually with private bathroom and breakfast
Accommodation during multi-day tour see below

Local transport:

Basic package Full package

3 national flights
8 transfer connections
1 bus connection

Multi-day tour:

Basic package Full package

4-day tour with private guidance to the Altiplano in the Atacama desert with short hikes
Starting point: Arica
Endpoint: Iquique
Personal, English-speaking guide
Private transport in SUV
3 nights in mountain huts
Meals with exceptions

Half and full day tours:

Basic package Full package

City tour Santiago (private)
Cajón del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso (shared)
Valle del Arcoíris (shared)
Valle de la Luna (shared)
Lagunas Altiplánicas, Salar de Atacama and Piedras Rojas (shared)
Geyser del Tatio (shared)
Osorno Volcano (shared)
Tour Chiloé (shared)
Waterfalls of Petrohué and Lago Todos Los Santos (shared)
Cooking class in Valparaíso (shared)
City tour Valparaíso (private)
Quintay and winery at Casablanca (private)

Our Prices for your Journey through Chile

Included:

Travel service
Accommodation
Local transport
Multi-day tour

Excluded:

Arrival and departure, half and full day tours, entrance fees, travel insurance, short rides, meals not mentioned

Total price per person

(with 2 travelers):

From €3,240.00

Included:

Travel service
Accommodation
Local transport
Multi-day tour
Half and full day tours

Excluded:

Arrival and departure, entrance fees, travel insurance, short rides, meals not mentioned

Total price per person

(with 2 travelers):

From €4,210.00

Add individual travel services to your journey. For example:

Intercontinental flights
Car hire
Family motorhome
Free adjustment of destinations and order of your journey through Chile

Chile Central promotes sustainable and solidarity tourism. By booking your trip, you support CO₂ offset as well as a social project for disadvantaged children in Santiago.

Decided in advance? We offer attractive special rates for early bookers.