The Land of Extremes

Day 1 to 3. Depart London [B (Days 2 & 3 only)]

Depart on the overnight flight to Santiago. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the Hotel Fundador where you spend two nights.

Days 4 to 7. San Pedro de Atacama [B, L, D]

Today you fly to the north of Chile and the Atacama Desert, the driest desert on the planet. The terrain is a wonderful mix of moon-like valleys, dormant volcanoes and colourful lakes. Based in the small oasis town of San Pedro at the Hotel Terrantai, you will have the opportunity to explore this wilderness taking in such sights as the El Tatio geysers and Lake Verde. Surrounded by volcanoes, the lake is a beautiful emerald colour and is home to flocks of Andean Flamingoes. Other wildlife you may see includes Nandus, Llamas and Vicunas as well as Andean Lapwing, Andean Goose, Mountain Caracara, White-winged Cinclodes and Redbacked Sierra Finch.

Day 8. Puerto Montt [B]

Fly south to Puerto Montt, for a 1-night stay at Hotel Bellavista in Puerto Varas.

Days 9 to 11. Alerce Andino [B, L, D]

Travel by car along mountain roads to Alerce Andino National Park high above Puerto Montt. There are wellmarked trails throughout the park taking you past volcanoes, lakes and wooded glades. The park is most famous for the Alerce trees, which grow to the ripe old age of 4,000 years. You should look out for Pumas, Grey Foxes and Patagonian Hares. Birdlife is also plentiful with several species of hummingbird, Chilean Flicker, Rough-legged Hawk, Black Woodpecker, Royal Dove, Black-breasted Lapwing and Magellanic Woodpecker also present. You spend three nights at the Alerce Lodge, just outside the park.

Days 12 to 14. Torres del Paine National Park [B]

Continue towards the glacial lakes and granite peaks that make up the Magallenic region of southern Chile. Flying first to Punta Arenas, you continue by road to the lakeside town of Puerto Natales, where you spend the night at the Saltos Del Paine Hotel. Today you head into the stunning Torres del Paine National Park with its wonderful mix of peaks, lakes, ice fields and green valleys. The landscape is very dramatic and you will have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and wildlife, which may include Andean Deer, Guanaco, Pumas, skunks and hares as well as a host of birds such as Andean Condors, Chilean Flamingo, Black-faced Ibis, Blacknecked Swans and Kelp Geese. Your accommodation here is at the comfortable Hosteria Las Torres. (Should you wish to upgrade your accommodation here to the luxurious Explora Torres del Paine, just let us know.)

Day 14. Homeward [B]

A full days journey takes you back to Punta Arenas to connect with your homeward flight, via Santiago.

Day 15. Arrive home