Splendors of Northern Chile
From Andean plateaus to high-altitude salt flats, a vertical journey to the heart of Aymara lands in Chile's far north.
Duration
12 days
From
€4,550/pers.
Ideal seasons
Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
This 12-day circuit offers a unique and unforgettable experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
You will begin by discovering the capital, Santiago, before flying north to explore the great Chilean north. You will evolve in the Atacama Desert, the most arid on the planet.
Then, you will immerse yourself in Andean culture, where you can notably observe the mysterious geoglyphs and visit the archaeological complexes.
You will gain altitude by discovering the sumptuous landscapes of the Altiplano. You will also be impressed by the imposing volcanoes of the Lauca National Park and the abundant wildlife of this region.
Finally, you will end on a high note with the Pacific coast by discovering the colorful streets of the ''pearl of the Pacific'', Valparaíso.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Santiago – guided city tour
Upon your arrival at Santiago airport in the morning, you are welcomed by your driver and your English-speaking guide, who accompany you to your hotel.
You then set off to discover the capital with your guide, starting with La Moneda Palace, the current workplace of the president. You then walk to the Plaza de Armas (800m), at the heart of the historic center.
Next, you head towards the famous Mercado Central de Santiago, a traditional and lively place. You can stroll between the fish and seafood stalls and, if you wish, have lunch at this location in a local restaurant.
Finally, you will gain altitude by taking advantage of the panoramic view offered by Colline San Cristóbal de Santiago (+ 300m). After taking the funicular up, you will walk a few minutes to reach the summit, before descending by cable car.
You will be back at the hotel around 6pm.
Private transport and tour with English-speaking guide
Santiago – Arica
Your driver will pick you up at your hotel to take you to Santiago airport, heading to the north of Chili.
Upon arrival in Arica, you will be welcomed by your driver for transfer to your hotel.
You are free for the rest of the day.
Private transport with Spanish-speaking guide.
Arica – Azapa - Putre
After breakfast, you will go to the Terminal Agropecuario d'Arica, where you will discover a typical local agricultural market.
You will continue with a visit to the Azapa Valley where you can admire the geoglyphs. Then, you will visit the San Miguel de Azapa archaeological museum, which traces the history of the Chinchorro culture.
You will have lunch in the Ecotruly community or at the restaurant.
You will then discover the candelabra cacti (which are said to have properties against magnetic waves), before heading to the archaeological complex of La Pukara de Copaquilla.
You will end the day with a visit to the village of Socoroma, known for its terraced crops, where you will have a coffee break. Along the way, you will stop at a viewpoint to observe the city of Putre.
Private excursion with an English-speaking guide.
Putre – Lauca National Park - Jurasi
After breakfast, you depart for the Lauca National Park, classified as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, which is home to exceptional fauna and flora.
The park's relief is dominated by several volcanoes including Parinacota (6342m), Pomerape (6282m) and Sajama (6540m).
You will see in particular the village of Chucuyo in the Las Cuevas sector, the Cotacotani lagoon and Chungara Lake, one of the highest in the world.
It is in front of this magnificent panorama that you will have lunch.
It is possible to visit the Jurasi hot springs and the traditional village of Parinacota.
Private excursion with an English-speaking guide.
You will be back in Putre at the end of the day.
Putre - Las Vicuñas National Reserve - Salar de Surire - Isluga Volcano - Colchane
Putre → Las Vicuñas National Reserve
Early in the morning, you leave for the Las Vicuñas National Reserve, along the Bolivian border.
You arrive in mid-morning at Guallatire, a village located at the foot of the volcano bearing the same name.
You will discover the Salar de Surire, a natural wonder of the region, largely classified as a natural monument. The salt flat is populated by colonies of pink flamingos and other migratory birds.
You will be able to have your picnic in front of this magnificent panorama.
After lunch, we will head south of the Salar, to the Polloquere Hot Springs for a relaxing bath.
Private excursion with an English-speaking guide.
Las Vicuñas National Reserve → Colchani
You will end the day with a visit to the Isluga Volcano National Park.
You will arrive at your hotel in Colchane, run by Aymaras, late in the afternoon. You are very close to the Bolivian border.
Colchane - Cariquima - Huara - Pica
After breakfast, you will set out to discover the giant cacti of the Río Grande.
You will head towards Cariquima, a village on the altiplano inhabited by the Aymara community living mainly from agriculture and craftsmanship (renowned textiles).
You will then descend into the Felicidad Valley by stopping at the Victoria viewpoint to enjoy the exceptional panorama.
Next, you will make another stop at the Chusmiza and Pachica viewpoint where you can admire the beautiful terraced crops.
By heading towards Cerro Unitas, you will observe the world's largest geoglyph, ''El Gigante de Atacama'' (86 meters high).
You will have lunch in Huara, before visiting Humberstone and Santa Laura, ghost towns listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These are former mining towns (nitrate extraction) abandoned in the 1960s.
You will arrive at the oasis village of Pica, known for its lemon cultivations, around 7 PM.
Private excursion with an English-speaking guide.
Pica - San Pedro de Atacama
After breakfast, you will set off on a small hike to the Cocha de Resbaladero, a hot spring source located at 1400 meters altitude in a natural gallery made of volcanic rock.
You will be able to bathe in these thermal springs with relaxing and healing properties. You will then go to observe the Pintados geoglyphs, 66 panels featuring drawings created (animals, human figures and geometric shapes…) by pre-Hispanic ancestral communities between 700 and 1500 AD.
Then, you will cross the Pampa del Tamarugal National Reserve and arrive at the village of Quillagua, an oasis located near the río Loa, in the most arid desert in the world.
You will visit its old railway station, its cultivated fields and its church, before crossing the desert to arrive at the oasis village of San Pedro de Atacama (250 km), where you will stay.
Private excursion with an English-speaking guide.
San Pedro de Atacama – Moon Valley
Discovery of the Valley of the Moon, a desert and grandiose location whose appearance evokes lunar landscapes.
You will have the opportunity to observe Las Tres Marías, rock formations eroded by salt and desert wind.
After a short hike in the sand dunes, you will be able to admire the sunset, which is spectacular in this place.
You will be back at your hotel around 7:30 PM.
Private excursion with an English-speaking guide.
San Pedro de Atacama - Toconao - Atacama Salt Flat - Altiplanic Lagoons
Early in the morning, you will head towards the Salar de Atacama, the country's largest salt desert.
Surrounded by volcanoes and lunar landscapes, populated by pink flamingos, it is a surreal and memorable place.
You will head towards the Laguna Chaxa, inhabited by many bird species.
We will then climb to the Miscanti and Meñiques lakes, located on the Altiplano, at over 4000 meters altitude, in the heart of the Los Flamencos National Reserve.
You will be able to enjoy your picnic while taking in these exceptional landscapes.
You will finally visit the charming and picturesque village of Socaire, then the oasis village of Toconao, characterized by its volcanic stone houses and its church dating from the 18th century.
You will return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Private excursion with English-speaking guide.
San Pedro de Atacama - Geyser del Tatio - Calama - Santiago
Very early morning departure to witness the splendid sunrise over the Altiplano, before observing the Geysers del Tatio, located at 4360 meters altitude.
With its steaming which creates large jets of vaporable to reach 10 meters in height, they will offer you at dawn a breathtaking and unforgettable spectacle, while you enjoy a good breakfast.
It is possible to swim in the natural pool.
You will descend by passing through the Andean village of Machuca.
Santiago – Valparaíso - Viña del Mar
Early in the morning, your English-speaking guide will meet you at your hotel to discover ''the pearl of the Pacific'', Valparaíso.
Along the way, you will be able to discover the Curacaví agricultural valley and the Casablanca valley, renowned worldwide for its vineyards.
You will begin the city tour at Le Parc O'Higgins, where you can observe the statue of the famous Bernardo O'Higgins (liberator of Chili) and, about a hundred meters away, the Congress.
You will then continue with a visit to Parque Italia and La Sebastiana, one of the house-museums of poet Pablo Neruda.
Then, you will stroll through the colorful streets of Cerro Concepción, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view from Paseo Atkinson and Paseo Gervasoni.
You will continue towards Cerro Alegre via Paseo Yugoslavo, before descending by funicular to Plaza Sotomayor and Muelle Prat (port).
You will climb to the viewpoint of Paseo 21 de Mayo by funicular to enjoy a panoramic view of Valparaiso, then you will see the Church of La Matriz, El Mercurio (magnificent building housing the world's oldest Spanish-language newspaper) and Plaza Victoria.
You will end the day with a visit to Viña del Mar, taking Avenida Perú, which runs along Acapulco beach.
Private transfer and excursion with an English-speaking guide.
Valparaíso – Santiago Airport
Your trip comes to an end, your driver will pick you up at the hotel to take you to the airport in Santiago.(01h00)
Private transfer with an English-speaking driver.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International Flights
- Personal expenses
- Tips
Included
- 2* and 4* Hotels
- Excursions with English-speaking guide
- Private Transfers
- All entrances included
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Chile for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend that you verify the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Chile, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. However, it is strongly recommended that it remains valid for at least six months after the date of entry into the country and that it contains at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in Chile.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days upon entry into the territory. An extension of 90 additional days can generally be requested on site from the Department of Foreigners and Migration (Departamento de Extranjería y Migración).
The authorities may also request:
a departure ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of the stay.
Tarjeta de Turismo (tourist card)
Upon arrival in Chile, travelers are issued a Tarjeta de Turismo (tourist card) by the Chilean immigration services.
This document is essential and must be carefully kept throughout the duration of your stay. It will be requested when leaving the territory:
it certifies your status as a tourist in good standing
it states the authorized length of stay
its loss may cause complications at departure and require administrative procedures with the Chilean authorities
Health
No vaccination is required to enter Chile from the EEA, Switzerland or Canada. However, it is advisable to update your routine vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A and B) before departure.
For travelers going to forested or rural areas, particularly in the south of the country, precautions against hantavirus, transmitted by certain rodents, are recommended. It is advisable to consult a doctor or an international vaccination center before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence. The Chilean authorities may also request a notarized parental authorization for minors traveling without both parents.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Chile in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be covered for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, please follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy document detailing all coverage and claims declaration procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy document with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To stay in Chile, a valid passport for the duration of your stay is required. A visa is not mandatory for tourist stays, provided you respect the maximum duration authorized according to your nationality. A reciprocity tax, previously required for certain nationalities, has been abolished. Entry conditions may vary depending on your nationality. Before booking your trip, consult the consular authorities or the Chilean embassy in your country of residence to find out the rules that apply to you.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 180 and 300 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and guide. International flights (1000-1500 euros round trip) are additional. Chile's distances (4,300 km from north to south) require domestic flights.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to the profile of travelers. For families, we prioritize a relaxed pace, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and depart with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Northern Atacama
Chilean southern lands explorer, based in Santiago
Chile is a country of distances and contrasts. What I love is helping travelers find the right pace to feel its full power, without just passing through it.
— Yann
