Located in the far south of Chile along the western edge of the Straits of Magellan, Punta Arenas is an oasis of resources less than 1000 miles from the coast of Antarctica. Punta Arenas serves as a hub for travelers to Tierra del Fuego, spectacular cruises towards Antarctica, and Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Pine National Park, but this town is a destination unto itself with great nightlife, shopping, day trips to the Otway Sound penguin colony, and a colorful and friendly town populated by King crab fishermen, wind-burnt travelers, members of the Chilean air force, in addition to business men, and merchants of every kind.
The town itself overlooks the last land mass in South America and has been an important strategic location for Chile since it was established as a penal colony in 1848. Since then it has been pivotal for international trade, and served as a crossroads for the gold rush and the sheep farming booms around the turn of the 19th century.
Today it's the amazing natural environment, proximity to many of Chile's spectacular destinations, great outlets for hiking and climbing equipment, a huge duty-free shopping zone, a hot nightlife, and a steady influx of travelers that keeps this historic place buzzing.
Accommodations here are sophisticated facilities, with beautiful views of the area and a full range of services. Punta Arenas and the Straits of Megallan can be link with a full range of other Patagonian, Chilean, and Latin American.
Here in Chile's picturesque Lake region, where European culture and German traditions are reflected in the architecture and cuisine, while the perfect cone of the Osorno Volcano and the nearby snowcapped peaks cast vivid images on the picture perfect shores of Llanquihue Lake.
Just 12 miles from Puerto Montt, the point of departure for Lake Crossing excursions offering travelers an extraordinary way to experience the majesty of Chile's emerald lakes, imposing vistas and the exquisite natural environment of northern Patagonia.
This is also a hub for travelers heading in either direction on the Carretera Austral (Austral highway), making it a popular stop for visitors to nearby archipelago of Chiloe, the Tenglo Islands, and the region's incredible national parks including San Rafael Lagoon National Park, and Parque Nacional Alerce Andino. Beautiful textiles and crafts of indigenous tribes, are available here, particularly in the shops and market of Puerto Montt, and the area boasts the greatest variety of seafood in the country.
Accommodations here offer panoramic views and excellent service, modern facilities, and delicious cusine and makes a perfect stop en route to the Lake Crossing and beyond. This singular experience can be linked with other remarkable Chilean and Latin American destinations. Our flexible booking process can help you create an itinerary based on your personal budget, and vacation preferences.
One of Chile's most popular destinations, The Atacama Desert may be the world's oldest desert, and is considered the driest place on earth. Some locations in this area have actually had zero precipitation recorded since they began keeping records. The town of San Pedro de Atacama serves as the central hub for the area's surreal landscapes and awesome natural wonders, many of which are encompassed in the incredible Los Flamencos National Park, and fascinating archaeological relics.
Some of the most popular attractions here are the Geysers del Tatio at 4,200m above sea level, they are amongst the highest geysers in the world, The other worldly Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), and the amazing Laguna Cejar at the tip of the Atacama salt pan.
Popular archaeological sites include Pukara de Quitor, a thousand year old fortress, the 3000 year old village if Aldea de Tulor, the R.P. Gustavo Le Paige archaeological museum, and Chinchorro Mummies. Other popular activities here include sand boarding in the Valle de la Muerte (Death Valley). Star gazing in the desert and at the largest public observatory in South America where images of Saturn, distant galaxies and other celestial phenomena.
Despite its seemingly inhospitable climate, the Atacama Desert is a very attractive destination, and supports many species of animal and plant life in addition to the gorgeous colors of the endless rock, moonlike canyons, and sand dunes of the Atacama's Altiplano.
Accommodations here are 4 and 5 star hotels and spas that combine elegance and service with the spectacular scenery and natural brilliance of the area. As with all of our flexible itineraries, Atacama Desert can be combines with other fabulous destinations in Chile, and throughout Latin America.
Torres del Paine National Park, is the most important natural reserve in Chilean Patagonia. Its nearly 500,000 acres encompasses some of the world's most breathtaking and recognizable natural images including the iconic granite towers of Las Torres, the unforgettable Los Cuernos (horns). The park which was named a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1978 offers visitors stunning mountain, lake, and river views, with world class hiking, climbing, and photo opportunities, a dazzling array of vegetation that includes the strikingly vivid Calceolaria uniflora and seven of the world?s most beautiful varieties of orchids, and an equally fascinating collection of protected wildlife that includes the Andean condor, the graceful guanaco (a relative of the llama), and the speedy ñandu (a variety of ostrich). In short Torres del Paine is a Mecca for outdoor enthusiasts of every denomination.
The mountains are cut in half by the Valle Ascencio in the east, and Valle del Frances in the west, creating region of surreal beauty. In addition to Las Torres and Los Cuernos other don?t miss attractions include the Salto Grande waterfall, French Valley, Grey Glacier, the Blue Lagoon, and Sarmiento Lake. The Park is open all year, but the best time to visit here is from October to April, (Spring and Summer). During this time not only are there more sunny days and less rain, but there are up to 18 hours of daylight affording visitors an unparalleled options for exploration of this phenomenal environment.
Our preferred accommodations here include the exquisitely located Hosteria Las Torres, and the first luxury camp in South America; A unique way of combining comfort and convenience with an intimate experience of the magnificent natural environment. Needless to say, 3 nights in Torres Del Paine is heartily recommended, and can be linked with our customizable itineraries to other spectacular destinations in Patagonia, Chile and all of Latin America.
Puerto Natales serves as a central hub for visitors to Torres del Paine National Park, one of Chiles most popular and impressive attractions, as well as the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, Cueva del Milodon (Milodon Cave), Alacalufes National Reserve, as well as many of Patagonia's breathtaking glaciers, lagoons, and rugged Andean peaks.
Located about 150 miles northwest of Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales is the port of call for ferries servicing much of the southern coast of Chile, and is itself a stunning location with the sea to one side and grand views of the Paine Massif, the Southern Ice Field Glaciers, snow-capped peaks of the Riesco Mountain Range, in the distance to the other.
Accommodations here accentuate comfort, and access to the exquisite surrounding area. Puerto Natales makes a convenient base of operations, or one leg in a complete Patagonia experience. Either way our flexible itineraries can help you plan your vacation according to your schhedule and personal preferences.
Eastern Island, also known locally as Rapa Nui, is one of Chile's most popular and fascinating destinations. Known primarily for the 887 massive stone heads (Moai) that line its coastline, it remains a total enigma how the island's descendants designed, sculpted, transported, and erected these massive icons over such a widespread area.
The island itself lies some 2300 miles off Chile's Pacific coast, and is said to have been forged by three now extinct volcanoes. Easter Island offers travelers an opportunity to contemplate the rise and fall of a unique and sophisticated population, thought to have arrived by canoe in the 3rd or 4th century AD from other Polynesian Islands thousands of miles to the west.
The comfortable accommodations here are designed to enhance your exploration if the island's archaeological treasures which include stone structures, petroglyphs and cave paintings as well as the legendary Maoi, and their massive platforms (Ahu). There are also expansive vistas, beautiful sand beaches, and pleasant sub tropical maritime climate. Easter Island can only be reached by plane from Santiago, but our flexible itineraries can help you include a trip here with a wide range of Chilean, or other Latin American Destinations.
Santiago is a colorful and sophisticated city that percolates with all manner of activity. Nearly a third of the country's population lives Santiago, and nearly every visitor to Chile spends some time here. This is of course the gateway to the Chilean Andes and its natural wonders, the southernmost regions of South America and the mysteries of Antarctica , but Santiago is a scenic and exhilarating destination in its own right, where international vacationers, business professionals, and the local population create a diverse blend, that has helped to make Santiago a truly cosmopolitan city.
A city of barrios, each with its own flavor, Santiago is blessed with a rich local cuisine, and is situated in Chile's renowned wine growing region, so tours of the vineyards here are a very popular activity amongst visitors. Whether sampling a frosty belinda at a local café, dining at one of the many trendy international restaurants, enjoying Santiago's electrifying nightlife, shopping in its boutiques and markets or taking in the churches, museums, and well preserved colonial architecture along the Alameda, this is a city that will not disappoint.
Santiago boasts an array of 4 and 5 star hotels, as well as more modest boutique, bed and breakfast style properties scattered around some of the older and quieter neighborhoods, and day trips can be arranged to visit some of the country's best vineyards, or tour Santiago's wealth of cultural and historical landmarks.
If you are a skier, and are lucky enough to be here in the winter months (June-September) Valle Nevado's 300 skiable acres are just an hour's drive, or head for Portillo, Chile's premiere ski resort and be the envy of your skier friends back home. The warmest months in Santiago are December - February, but although great winter activities are quite nearby, you can depend on spring like weather even during the coldest months and summer weather (mid 70°- 90°F) for most of the year.
Santiago is a place that can be enjoyed by almost anyone, and our flexible itineraries will help you get the most out of Santiago, Chile, and the rest of Latin America.
The vacation was great!. All your arrangements worked out as promised.Working with April Stiles was a pleasure and she provided me excellent advise and service.
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