Making up the western side of South America’s tapering tail, Chile is a country of amazing contrasts.  It extends 2,666 miles from the sub-tropical deserts of the north to the cold glacial south, is fringed by the Pacific Ocean on the west and enclosed by the towering Andes to the east.  Rarely wider than 120 miles it nevertheless rises sharply from sea-level to dizzy heights, often over 20,000 feet and its prodigious length gives it a formidable assortment of landscapes as well as climate.  The variety of habitat supports distinctive flora and fauna, protected by a system of national parks. Chile’s varied geography can make a visit rewarding in any season.  Santiago and Central Chile are best in the verdant spring (September to November), or autumn (late February into April), while Patagonia is best in summer (December until the end of March). Click here for some other ideas for your holiday in Chile.
THE CHOICE OF CHILE
13 nights Daily Departures all year
Itinerary
Day 1  Fly to Santiago. Day 2  On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel where you will stay for two nights.  A half-day tour of Santiago has been arranged. Day 3  Full day tour to Valparaiso and Vina Del Mar. Day 4 Morning transfer from the hotel to the airport for your flight to Temuco for a leisurely tour of the Araucanian Lakes & Volcanoes.  Arrive in Temuco and after a morning visit to its main attractions, transfer to the charming city of Pucon and the Hotel del Largo, where you will stay for two nights. Day 5 Today there will be an excursion to the Huife hot springs and the scenic cascades of Lake Caburgua. Day 6 This morning, enjoy Pucon prior to your transfer to the Hotel Terraverde in Temuco.  The journey will allow a visit to the foot of the impressive Villarrica Volcano. Day 7 The morning will be at leisure before transferring to the airport at Temuco for your flight to Puerto Montt.  Transfer to your hotel for the night. Day 8 Transfer to the airport for your flight to Punta Arenas where you will be met and transferred to the bus station for your journey to Puerto Natales.  Stay for two nights at the Hotel Costaustralis. Day 9  A boat ride through Seno de Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope Sound) will take you to both the Serrano and Balmaceda glaciers. Day 10 A full day excursion to Torres del Paine National Park will give the opportunity to hike by the lakes, rivers and waterfalls beneath the dramatic granite spires.  Tonight you will stay at Hosteria Lago Grey within the park.
Day 11 A morning hike will take you to the base of the ‘towers’ to observe the flora and fauna of the region.  Later in the day you will board the bus for Punta Arenas where you will stay at the Cabos de Hornos Hotel. Day 12 Return by air to Santiago and stay overnight. Day 13 Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. Day 14 Arrive in UK.
Departure Dates and Prices
Prices are per person sharing a twin room.  Single supplement available on request.
Departure Date Price 4-5 Star Hotels  1 January to 16 March 08 £1850  17 March to 30 April 08 £1850  1 May to 1 July 08 £1940  2 July to 12 August 08 £1940  13 August to 18 September 08 £1940  19 to 30 September 08 £1940  1 October to 30 November 08 £2035  1 to 31 December 08 £2035  1 January to 16 March 09 £2035
Price Includes: Accommodation, breakfast, dinner on Days 4, 5 and 6, lunch on Days 5, 6, 9, 10 and 11.  Tours as listed. Price Excludes: Flights, meals not listed, gratuities and items of a personal nature.