The landscape of the Chilean plateau – the Altiplano – is hard to beat. Glittering salt deserts, fascinating volcanic terrain and a starry sky await you here. This round trip takes you through lively port cities and fertile valleys to the driest desert in the world. On the way you will get to know the culture and can immerse yourself in history. Get a comprehensive insight into northern Chile and let yourself be enchanted. According to Countryaah, Chile is a country located in Latin America.
This is an example of one of our tours and should serve as a source of inspiration. Of course, the itinerary including the destinations can be adjusted and we would be happy to work out a tour tailored to your interests and budget.
Best travel time: October to April
Travel time: 18 days
Travel planning: To shorten the travel time, distances can also be covered by plane.
Tip: Although the temperatures in the Chilean summer are pleasantly warm in the north, you should still pack enough warm clothing for the cold desert nights.
Day 1: International flight & arrival in Santiago de Chile
In the morning arrival at the airport of Santiago de Chile. You will be picked up and taken to your hotel. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the fascinating capital of Chile on a city tour.
Day 2: Santiago de Chile – Valparaíso
Today your tour starts towards the sea. The port city of Valparaíso is a must-see! It is known for its colorful houses, which are spread over different hills and can be reached with the typical funiculars.
Day 3: Valparaíso – La Serena
After breakfast you travel along the coast to La Serena. Miles of beaches and a beautiful historic center await you here. Enjoy some free time.
Day 4: La Serena – Elqui Valley
In the early morning you drive into the Elqui Valley. The fertile Elqui Valley offers a large selection of fruits, such as papayas, figs or the typical Chirimoyas. There is one thing that the valley is particularly well known for: the grapes that are used to make Pisco schnapps.
Day 5 – 6: Elqui Valley
The next two days you will discover what the Elqui Valley has to offer. You will visit the indigenous people in the village of Diaguitas, learn more about the local craftsmanship at Horocón and of course a pisco tasting should not be missing.
Day 7: Elqui Valley – Bahia Inglesa
After an eventful day in the Elqui Valley, you travel to Bahia Inglesa today. Enjoy the white sandy beach and the sea in the English Bay.
Day 8: Bahia Inglesa – Antofagasta
Your journey continues to Antofagasta, another port city on the Pacific coast. Discover the ghost towns in the area, which were created by the faded saltpetre boom.
Day 9: Antofagasta – San Pedro de Atacama
In the morning you drive to San Pedro de Atacama – your starting point for the discovery of the Atacama desert. In the evening you go on an astronomical tour. Marvel at the star constellations through the telescopes. Without large light sources, the starry sky is particularly clear here.
Day 10 – 12: Atacama Desert
The next three days you will explore the driest desert in the world. Countless flamingos, beautiful lagoons, up to 12m high geysers and the Valle de la Luna await you. You can also take a relaxing bath in the wonderful thermal baths. With a bit of luck, you might even spot vicuñas, foxes or vizcachas as you drive through the desert.
Day 13: San Pedro de Atacama – Iquique
After your time in the desert you will travel back to the coast today. On the way, you will stop in the desert town of Calama. When you arrive in Iquique, you take a city tour through the historic old town. Iquique is now a lively and modern city and the world’s largest export port for fishmeal.
Day 14: Iquique – Arica
Today you travel along the Panamericana to the northernmost city of Chile. Due to the pleasant climate, it is also called the “City of Eternal Spring”. Enjoy a free afternoon by the sea.
15th – 17th day: Arica
The next two days are at your leisure. Enjoy the beach and the sea, surf one of the great waves or visit the Lauca National Park and discover the animals of the Andes.
Day 18: Arica – Santiago de Chile / journey home
Even the most beautiful vacation comes to an end. Today it is time to say goodbye to Chile. You will be picked up at the hotel and driven to the airport. You will then take the return flight home via Santiago de Chile. Or how about an extension in Peru?
