DETAILS
Your next adventure begins in beguiling Chile, where each region of this slender country reveals fascinating contrasts. Relish the lively ambience and tantalizing cuisine of sophisticated Santiago. In the breathtaking Lake District, delight in watching penguins off Chiloé Island, cruise on stunning Lake Todos los Santos and savor a traditional Chilean barbecue. Further south, take in the jaw-dropping grandeur of Torres del Paine National Park, one of the world’s greatest national parks, and Patagonia’s fabled glaciers!
- Pricing from
- $5,295
Sized just right at 28 guests. Call 800-323-7373 or click here to reserve.
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Ocean & Sea Voyages
- Departure Dates
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Dec 9, 2024 - Dec 20, 2024
Puerto Varas, this lakeside retreat offers a spectacular view of the majestic Osorno volcano that sits beyond the pristine waters of Lake Llanquihue. Stroll through a two-acre garden landscaped with native vegetation. Relax with a massage in the tranquil spa and unwind in the sauna. The wellness facilities also include a heated pool and a gym. Delight your tastebuds with Chilean cuisine that showcases the excellent seafood from the region. Each guest room features a plasma television with cable channels, minibar, hair dryer and free Internet access.
Hotel Cumbres Lastarria offers access to restaurants, shops and cultural sights in the trendy quarters of Santiago as well as the cable car up to Cerro San Cristóbal. Savor Patagonian-inspired dishes at Punto Ocho with upper floor cityscape views either indoors or on the terrace. Tapas Bar serves drinks and small bites in a casual atmosphere. This first-class hotel boasts modern amenities including a rooftop swimming pool, fitness center and business services. Wi-Fi is complimentary.
Located in the midst of southern Patagonia, Hotel Costaustralis enjoys a waterfront location on Ultimo Esperanza Bay in Puerto Natales, outside of Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. At the on-site restaurant and bar, savor local specialties and Chilean wines with a panoramic seaside vista. Reminiscent of a coastal chateau, the hotel features a gift shop, business center, laundry services and a breathtaking location in the dynamic Patagonian landscape. Wi-Fi is complimentary.
Final Payment will be due 120 days prior to departure and the Cancellation Fee schedule will be updated to:
- CANCELLATION-All cancellations must be submitted in writing to AHI Travel.
- Cancellation received up to 121 days prior to trip departure will incur a $300 per person administrative fee.
- Cancellation received 120 to 91 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 25% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
- Cancellation received 90-61 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 50% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
- Cancellation received 60-31 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 75% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
- Cancellation received 30 days prior to departure to the time of departure (or no show) will result in 100% forfeiture of the entire cost of the trip.
ITINERARY
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day 1&2
Depart Home city/Santiago, Chile
Arrive at Santiago’s International Airport, where an AHI Travel representative will be waiting to take you to the Hotel Cumbres Lastarria. Once you’re settled, get familiar with the neighborhood on a walk with your Travel Director. Then set the stage for your travels by delving into Chile’s history, from indigenous groups and Spanish rule to independence and democracy. At tonight’s Welcome Reception and Dinner, meet and get acquainted with your fellow travelers.
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day 3
Santiago
This morning, tour a poignant museum which sheds light on human rights violations in Chile’s turbulent past. Then see Santiago’s colonial and contemporary architecture. Admire the Palacio de la Moneda, Plaza de Armas and other landmarks before visiting the colorful Bellavista barrio. After an afternoon on your own, gather for a talk about current issues affecting everyday Chileans.
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day 4
Santiago/Fly to Puerto Montt/transfer to Puerto Varas
Journey south today to the enchanting Lake District! Fly to Puerto Montt, and after you arrive, make your way to a small fishing village to enjoy an authentic curanto lunch. In this traditional method, a hole is lined with red-hot stones, then seafood, meat and vegetables are placed inside and covered with nalca leaves to cook. After lunch, travel to Puerto Varas. Your hotel sits on the shore of beautiful Lake Llanquihue.
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day 5
Chiloe Island
Ferry across the Chacao Channel to this picturesque island on the archipelago of Chiloé that boasts lush countryside and sweeping coastlines. After a stop in quaint Chacao, watch Humboldt and Magellanic penguins and other wildlife from a boat that takes you close to their natural habitats. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can witness both species of penguins nesting side-by-side. In Ancud, learn about the island’s unique, wooden 17th-century churches.
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day 6
Petrohué River Falls | Puerto Varas
Today, the Lake District’s stunning scenery is the star attraction as you admire the turquoise waters of Petrohué River Falls and navigate by boat across Lake Todos los Santos with snowcapped volcanoes in the distance. Afterward, relish a wonderful Patagonian barbecue. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Stroll along the lakeshore and admire Puerto Varas’ charming architecture influenced by 19th-century German and Austrian settlers. Tonight, trace the intriguing history of the immense Patagonia region during a presentation.
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day 7
Puerto Montt | Punta Arenas | Puerto Natales
This morning, fly from Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas. See the highlights of this historic port city on the Strait of Magellan between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Before the Panama Canal opened in 1914, Punta Arenas prospered as a coal refueling station for steamships. Today, it’s a launching point for international scientific expeditions to the Antarctic peninsula. After lunch on your own, continue to Puerto Natales and the Hotel Costaustralis along the waterfront.
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day 8
Puerto Natales
Take in vistas of emerald hillsides, rugged mountains and waterfalls as you cruise on the Ultima Esperanza Fjord to view the impressive hanging glacier, Balmaceda. Then trek into the unspoiled beauty of Bernardo O’Higgins National Park to see the spiky Serrano glacier nestled above a peaceful lake where tiny icebergs float. After lunch at a Patagonian ranch, cruise back to Puerto Natales.
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day 9
Torres del Paine National Park
Welcome to the astonishing, pristine landscapes of this world-famous park, framed by the snow-covered Cuernos del Paine mountain range. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it’s also rich with wildlife, including guanacos, Andean deer, condors and pumas. At the Salto Grande waterfall, hear the thunderous crash as water cascades from Lake Nordenskjöld into Lake Pehoé.
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day 10
Puerto Natales | Punta Arenas | Santiago
After breakfast, depart for the Punta Arenas airport and fly to Santiago. Check in to the Hotel Cumbres Lastarria. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers at a restaurant for a Farewell Dinner in honor of your memorable Chilean adventure.
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day 11
Santiago
During free time today, make your own plans in Santiago or join the Elective Activity. This optional tour takes you to oceanside Viña del Mar, a favorite vacation getaway of Chileans known for its broad beaches, and hilly Valparaíso, where you’ll see the UNESCO World Heritage historic quarter, brightly painted houses, quaint funiculars and vivid street art. Later, bid farewell to your fellow travelers and depart for Santiago’s airport for your flights home.
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day 12
In transit/Arrive home
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