Chile – Up Close and Personal

11 Days

Special Boutique Program

Chile is a country of contrasts and striking beauty that offers an enviable combination of tourist security, natural wonders, and excellent services, making for the splendid journey or great adventure you clients are looking for. The longest and narrowest country in the continent, with a length of 2,700 miles and an average width of only 120 miles, Chile has a strong economy, a solid infrastructure, and a long tradition of democratic government. Chile retains an air of uniqueness as it is the most southerly nation in the world, and is separated from its neighbours by natural barriers. In the north one of the most arid deserts in the world; to the east one of the greatest mountain ranges of the planet, the Andes, with heights close to 7,000 m; to the west the Pacific Ocean opens out, and to the south, the Drake sea and Antarctic Ice. Due to these natural barriers, and extremes of nature, Chile enjoys a diversity not found elsewhere on the planet. It is also this diversity – with the heat of the deserts in the north, and the cold of the glaciers in the south – that makes Chile known as the Land of Fire and Ice!

Day 1

SANTIAGO

Arrive into Santiago, Chile’s capital, where you will be met and transferred to the Aubrey Hotel. This is an exclusive 15-room boutique hotel located at the base of San Cristobal Hill and only few metres from the restaurants of Bellavista neighborhood. Designer-furnished salons and public seating areas, and much much more. The 15 rooms which make up the unique atmosphere of the hotel are a fusion of art, comfort, spaciousness with special details adding personal character to each one. Once at the hotel your guide will assist with check-in, and you have time to relax before your afternoon exploration by bicycle, of the exclusive areas of Santiago – Las Condes, Vitacura & Providencia, well known for its restaurants, art galleries and exclusive stores. Dinner for tonight will be served at the famous ‘Pasta e Vino’ Restaurant (at your hotel), the Valparaiso’s internationally acclaimed restaurant run by executive chef Veronica Alfageme. Blending a style of Italian fusion cuisine with unique touches of creativity, Pasta E Vino has conquered the most demanding palates and is one of the most talked about restaurants in Chile.

Day 2

SANTIAGO

Expore Chile’s capital city – a sophisticated, sprawling metropolis wedged between the Andes and Coastal Ranges. This excursion has been designed to showcase the many contrasts of the city, with the juxtaposition of the Colonial heart of the city and the glass towers of uptown Santiago. Explore short sections of the new and old areas on foot. The first stop is Palacio de La Moneda Presidential Palace. Originally a colonial mint, it was designed by Italian architect Joaquà n Toesca, opening in 1805 while still under construction. While the Palace served as presidential residence between 1845 and 1930, today it houses the offices of the President and three Cabinet ministers. Continue to the Plaza de Armas, the city’s most famous square surrounded by some beautiful buildings including the impressive Cathedral and Central Post Office. A short walk away is the Museum of pre-Hispanic Art. With over 700 exhibits, this is the country’s most important collection of pre-Hispanic artwork. Just off the bustling Alameda, the city’s main thoroughfare,  lies the delightful Barrio Concha y Toro neighbourhood, with its charming plaza and Colonial architecture. Lunch for today will be served at the picturesque Central Market. Continue to San Cristobal Hill for a panoramic view of the city by using the typical funicular for going up and to get the best view of the omnipresent Andes, before heading uptown to continue to the Pueblo de Los Dominicos Handicrafts Market. Return to the hotel. Evening at leisure. B. L.

Day 3

SANTIAGO – PUERTO MONTT – PUERTO VARAS

After breakfast fly to Puerto Montt. Settled by German colonists in the mid-19th century, it features middle-European architecture, with high-pitched, redwood-shingled roofs and ornate balconies. The redwood cathedral on the city’s plaza is the city’s oldest building, dating from 1856. You will be met at the airport and taken to Puerto Montt city to take in the sights. Stop at Angelmó a typical fish market where you will be able to appreciate a mixi of colours, smells, tastes and traditions, a diversity of products for lunch time such as croaker, conger, hake, salmon, oysters, cockles, sea urchin, seaweed, edible seaweed, clam, chilli in capi, among others, in direct contact with the fishermen. Related to traditional craft, you will have the opportunity to see the skills of the women weavers, most of the textiles made from sheepswool, and also crafts made of wood, sea shells, leathers, and basketmaking, among others. Leaving Angelmómarket, you will be transferred to Puerto Varas, named as ‘City of Roses’ for a sightseing tour and lunch at a local restautrant. Afterwards, transfer to Casa Molino Deluxe Guest House, nestled on the edge of the Lake Llanquihue in a very enchanting area of Puerto Varas, on 15 acres of beautiful gardens, whith a breathtaking view of the Osorno, Cabuco and Puntiagudo volcano. This deluxe guest house offer a different concept of accommodation, which is exclusive and entended to make each one of their guests feel at home. B. L.

Day 4 - SUNDAY

Puerto Varas – Frutillar – Puerto Varas

Visit the small and charming town of Frutillar, a village first established by German settlers. Today, it is still possible to notice their influence in the daily life, which is shown in the gardens, architecture and cuisine. This place is famous for its traditional German pastry, its kuchen made with wild berries is an internationally known delicacy. It is also a summer destination popular for a classical music festival known as’Semanas Musicales de Frutillar’ an annual event which congregates the most outstanding musicians on national and international levels. Visit the open air Colonial German Museum, wander along its short streets, enjoying the handicraft shops, architecture, the Opera house, and breathtaking views of Osorno Volcano. Continue to Lavender Tea House, located on the property of Fundo Santa Marta, one of the first German Colonization settlements of Lake Llanquihue. Later on, continue to ‘Se Cocina Restaurant’ a unique experience under the buffet concept and incorporated into the dining room, with a direct participation of the guests where we for a delicious lunch.’Se Cocina’ contemplates tasting as an educative experience that enriches our conscience with a refreshing and innovative focus, based on the awakening and training of our senses. This afternoon return to Puerto Varas to relax at the hotel. B. L.

Day 5

PUERTO VARAS – PUERTO MONTT – SANTIAGO – VALPARAISO

Transfer to Puerto Montt Airport, to board your flight to Santiago. You will be met and transferred to Valparaiso. Stay at Hotel Casa Higueras is located in Valparaíso on Cerro Alegre, a few blocks from the famous El Peral funicular and the Yugoslavo Promenade. The property, built in 1930, once belonged to the Corssen family. The hotel’s intimate and cozy ambiance is in line with the kind of establishment known worldwide as a boutique hotel. These hotels are in demand because they offer a departure from standardized chain hotels by emphasizing a unique identity that is influenced by the style of the surrounding area. B. D.

Day 6

VALPARAISO

Today explore (parts walking and parts in vehicle) Valparaíso, one of the first Chilean cities founded by the Spanish. The city is a historic port and university town, famous for its labyrinth hills, which are covered in quaint, colourful old houses and accessible only by a steep climb or by the city’s unique system of funicular railways. A thriving port for centuries, modern Valparaiso remains Chile’s primary outlet to the sea. In 1906, a vicious earthquake struck the city, toppling hundreds of the city’s priceless monuments. One of the highlights of the tour will surely be Chilean Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda’s Valparaiso residence, La Sebastiana. The house is full to the brim with the eccentric genius’s keepsakes from his many trips abroad, as well as an extensive library. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Valparaíso. Further north along the coast the towns of Reñaca and Con-Con are particularly popular with locals during the summer months. Included in the tour is a visit to the Fonck Museum, with its interesting displays on Chilean and Rapa Nui pre-history and anthropology, and collection of maps from Chile’s Polynesian territory. Time at leisure this evening, to enjoy the bohemian city port. B. L.

Day 7

VALPARAíSO – SANTIAGO – CALAMA – ATACAMA

Today, drive through the Casablanca and San Antonio Valleys. The privileged location,  between the Andes and Coastal Mountain Ranges, creates the perfect terroir for some of South America’s finest white wines. Visit Viña Casa Marín, a family owned estate vineyard and winery located in the town of Lo Abarca. Explore by mountain bike or on foot before enjoying a wine tasting with the excellent produced wines. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant before the drive to Santiago airport along the ‘Ruta del Sol’ highway. Board your flight to Calama, gateway to the geological and archeological wonders of the central desert. Transfer to CASA ATACAMA Desert Lodge. This is the world’s driest landscape, cut off from storm systems by high-pressure air currents and by Chile’s twin mountain ranges. No precipitation has been recorded here since the days of Spanish colonization, four hundred years ago. B. D.

Day 8

ATACAMA

Enjoy three complete days at Casa Atacama, and the wide variety of excursions in the area. All of the excursions are headed by well-informed guides, offering tours in Spanish, English and Portuguese. The hotel offer diverse options of ways to explore San Pedro de Atacama, such as horseback riding through the desert’s immensity or through the villages and ayllus. For those who feel like discovering the deserts more rugged terrains, comfortable and safe vans can be taken. At Casa Atacama there is also possible to take a free bicycle and all the equipment needed to go trekking. For those who prefer independent outings Casa Atacama offers guidance and/or information in order to explore San Pedro’s beautiful landscapes safely and freely. B. L. D.

Day 9

ATACAMA

Choose from the excursions offered at the lodge. B. L. D.

Day 10

ATACAMA

Choose from the excursions offered at the lodge. B. L. D.

Day 11

ATACAMA – SANTIAGO

Transfer to the airport in Calama to board flight to Santiago. Upon arrival to Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benitez airport, you will be met inside the Arrivals Hall by your guide who will assist with Immigration and Customs formalities, and luggage collection, before escorting you to the check-in area for your International flight connection. Perhaps extend your stay. B.