Overview
Bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the majestic Andes with its soaring volcanoes, Atacama is the world’s driest desert. There are expanses where indeed, nothing grows. The green oases that burst from the river only add to the wonder that man has been able to live here at all. Unusual landscapes such as Moon Valley or the Atacama Salt Lake will make you question whether you have strayed from our planet!
Nestled at the foot of the Andes, Santiago has a pleasant downtown filled with plazas and architecture ranging from colonial to baroque to modern skyscrapers. Immerse yourself in the picturesque Chilean Wine Region.
On to Chilean Patagonia, filled with glaciers, lakes, fjords, pampas, and huasos (cowboys) herding sheep. Torres del Paine is doubtlessly one of the world’s most beautiful places.
Quick Summary
Day 1
Santiago to Atacama
On arrival in Santiago you are met and assisted to your flight to Calama.
On arrival at Calama Airport you are met and taken by road to your lodge.
Atacama
Bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the majestic Andes with its soaring volcanoes, this is the world’s driest desert. There are expanses where indeed, nothing grows. The green oases that burst from the river only add to the wonder that man has been able to live here at all. Unusual landscapes such as Moon Valley or the Atacama Salt Lake will make you question whether you have strayed from our planet!
Daily Summary
Flight Santiago to Calama
Regular scheduled flight Santiago to Calama
NOT INCLUDED IN LAND PRICE
NOT INCLUDED IN LAND PRICE
Days 2 - 3
Atacama
Full Days in Atacama
A variety of excursions can be arranged from your lodge into the surrounding Atacama desert, including visits to the shimmering Altiplanic lagoons, the El Tatio geysers, the Puritama hot springs, local villages and the impressive salt flats. These excursions are led by expert bilingual guides and range from half to full day excursions. Other adventure activities may include hiking, biking, horse riding, dune surfing and even volcano climbing.
Daily Summary
Day 4
Santiago
This morning you are transferred to Calama Airport.
On arrival in Santiago you are met and taken to your hotel.
Santiago
Santiago, the capital city of Chile, nestled in a valley surrounded by the snow-capped Andes Mountains, is a vibrant metropolis with a rich cultural heritage and a blend of modernity and tradition. Its bustling streets are lined with diverse architecture, from colonial-era buildings to sleek skyscrapers, reflecting its dynamic history and rapid development. The city's numerous parks, such as Parque Metropolitano and Quinta Normal, provide green spaces for relaxation and recreation amidst the urban bustle. Santiago boasts a thriving arts scene, with museums, galleries, theaters, and street art adorning its neighborhoods, while its culinary scene offers a tantalizing array of traditional Chilean dishes and international cuisines. From the historic charm of its downtown to the trendy neighborhoods like Bellavista and Lastarria, Santiago captivates visitors with its energy, beauty, and warmth.
Daily Summary
Flight Calama to Santiago
Regular scheduled flight Calama to Santiago
NOT INCLUDED IN LAND PRICE
NOT INCLUDED IN LAND PRICE
Day 5
Colchuga Wine Valley Tour
Colchugua Wine Valley Tour
Pick up at your hotel to leave Santiago taking the Pan-American Highway (Ruta 5). We will drive south through the central valley towards Santa Cruz in the Colchagua valley. The broad valley of Colchagua is well known for its excellent grape-growing soil. Before reaching the small town, we pass through several small country villages surrounded by vineyards and get a feeling of the traditional way of life in central Chile. Santa Cruz is a quiet and provincial town. Its nice main square is adorned by huge palm trees. We will visit two vineyards of the Colchagua Valley. In the afternoon, after lunch, we will have time to visit the Colchagua museum, located in the center of the town of Santa Cruz. It is the biggest private collection in Chile, exhibiting palaeontological and archaeological, pre-Columbian and Spanish colonial artefacts.
Please note that museums and many wineries are closed on Monday.
Tour includes: Private transportation with English speaking guide.
Visit to 2 wineries (with tasting), Colchagua museum and lunch
Daily Summary
Day 6
Patagonia
You are taken from your hotel to the Santiago Airport
On arrival at Punta Arenas you are met and transferred to your lodge. This is a scheduled lodge transfer and takes approximately 4 hours.
Chilean Patagonia
Chilean Patagonia, stretching alongside Argentine Patagonia, is filled with glaciers, lakes, fjords, pampas, and huasos (cowboys) herding sheep. Much of Chilean Patagonia was inaccessible until the last 15 years. Torres del Paine is doubtlessly one of the world’s most beautiful places. Cruise the Chilean fjords and experience the pristine beauty of these fjords lined with temperate rainforest and ancient glaciers. Northern Patagonia has beautiful glacier lakes, the famous Futaleufu River, great fishing, and interesting pioneers.
Daily Summary
Flight Santiago to Punta Arenas
Regular scheduled flight Santiago to Punta Arenas
NOT INCLUDED IN LAND PRICE
NOT INCLUDED IN LAND PRICE
Days 7 - 9
Patagonia
Full Days Patagonia
Chilean Patagonia, stretching alongside Argentine Patagonia, is filled with glaciers, lakes, fjords, pampas, and huasos (cowboys) herding sheep. Much of Chilean Patagonia was inaccessible until fairly recently. Torres del Paine is doubtlessly one of the world’s most beautiful places. You have ample time to explore this beautiful part of the world. Your excursions are led by qualified guides with extensive experience in Patagonia. You can experience everything from adrenaline packed hikes, to out-of-the-way scenic tours even bike rides and horseback riding where available. Excursions can match all adventure/fitness levels and are scheduled during your stay.
Daily Summary
Day 10
Depart
This morning you are transferred to Punta Arenas Airport. This is a scheduled lodge transfer and takes approximately 4 hours.
Daily Summary
Flight Punta Arenas to Santiago
Regular scheduled flight Punta Arenas to Santiago
NOT INCLUDED IN LAND PRICE
NOT INCLUDED IN LAND PRICE
Accommodation
| Accommodation | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tierra Atacama | San Pedro De Atacama, Chile | |
| Le Reve Boutique Hotel | Santiago, Chile | |
| Tierra Patagonia Hotel and Spa | Torres del Paine, Chile |
San Pedro De Atacama, Chile
Tierra Atacama
Nestled into a fertile oasis high in the northern desert of Chile, Tierra Atacama keeps watch over the Andean mountain range and nearby volcanoes, basking in panoramic views from dawn till dusk. Mindful architecture combines local tradition with contemporary design, honoring the history of the site and taking inspiration from the colours and textures of the surrounding landscapes. Expansive windows welcome the outside in, while immersive interior design celebrates local craftsmanship and pays homage to regional culture. The redesign draws inspiration from elements such as travertine stone from the salt flats and the deep blues of the cosmos. Noble materials and the collaboration of more than 40 local artisans bring authenticity, cultural identity, and a deep sense of place to the property. Tierra Atacama’s twenty eight rooms nestle into the landscape, with large windows capturing endless blue skies, the beauty of lush gardens and the majesty of the desert beyond. Spacious, light-filled interiors feature stylishly appointed king beds, handcrafted furnishings, private terraces and luxurious ensuites with indoor/outdoor showers, perfect for taking in the nightly show featuring a glowing canopy of stars.
Santiago, Chile
Le Reve Boutique Hotel
The four-story town house has a Parisian facade of beige stucco with shutters and wrought-iron railings, and plushly papered corridors with etchings of formal French gardens. The 31 rooms continue the Gallic theme with a penchant for ornamentation: gilt-framed botanical prints, bronze curtain pommels, velvet-and-suede bedcovers, and enough pleated rope, tassels, and adornments to start your own shop.
Torres del Paine, Chile
Tierra Patagonia Hotel and Spa
Much consideration and care was given so that Tierra Patagonia's architecture would complement the patterns, flow and geology of its priviledged location. The hotel offers all-inclusive packages that include your stay, all meals, bar, guided excursions, use of Uma Spa facilities and transfers to and from the local airports. Our excellent, friendly staff is primarily hired locally and from within Chile.
Why Maxim Safaris & Journeys
Uncommon Safaris for Discerning Adventurers
Experience Matters
Since 1993 Maxim Safaris & Journeys’ passion for exotic destinations has made us a highly sought after Boutique Tour Operator for discerning travelers. After three decades we continue to exceed our clients' expectations. Our approach over these many years is simple; offer the very best service and travel experience at the most competitive prices while balancing the importance of sustainable tourism with a high quality travel product.
Premier Guides
Maxim Safaris & Journeys' guides have a reputation for being the best in the business. Experts in their fields, friendly and interesting, a good guide will bring the most out of every excursion while creating lifelong memories.
24/7 Support
At no time during your adventure will you be alone. Our local partners are available 24/7 in the event you need any assistance while traveling. We will monitor your progress and take care of any unexpected developments so that your trip continues unhindered.
Responsible Tourism
Responsible and sustainable tourism should be more than just a phrase - it has to be an ongoing and tangible commitment to balancing tourism with the upliftment of local communities and preservation of the natural environment. Maxim Safaris & Journeys actively supports camps and lodges whose business models reflect this commitment.
About Us
Since 1993, Maxim Safaris & Journeys has been dedicated to creating unforgettable journeys to some of the world's most exotic destinations. Over three decades, we’ve earned a reputation as a trusted boutique tour operator for discerning travelers, with a level of experience and personal service that is unmatched. Proudly rooted in the 21st century yet firmly committed to old-fashioned service values, we still answer the phone when you call and respond to emails without delay. Our philosophy has always been simple: deliver exceptional service and travel experiences at competitive prices, while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainable tourism and high-quality programs.
I'm Paul Webster, the owner of Maxim Safaris & Journeys. Born and raised in Zimbabwe and South Africa, I spent most of my life in Africa and developed a deep passion for its extraordinary landscapes and cultures, a passion that extends to all the destinations we offer. I personally oversee every trip we design, ensuring each journey is as unique as the traveler taking it. I look forward to helping you craft your own “Uncommon Safari.”
Travel Insurance
We highly recommend getting travel insurance upon booking your trip, as unforeseen events can affect even the best-laid travel plans. Travel insurance plans can cover trip cancellation, missed connections and itinerary changes, baggage issues, emergency medical and other issues, and more.
Passport Details
For many of our itineraries (eg. Inca Trail, etc) we require your passport information to be able to complete the booking process. Please check with your travel specialist after purchasing your trip. Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six month after arrival date.
Medical
Please consult a Travel Doctor or Travel Clinic prior to departure to make sure you receive professional advice about required and recommended shots.