THE MAGIC OF CHILE
A cultural tour of Chile

Chile offers a wide variety of attractions to the intrepid traveler. Our 9-day journey shows us the beauty of the culture, flora, fauna and the scenic grandeur unique land of this land which stretches over 4500 kms / 2796 miles north to south, from the tropics to Antarctica. Our The Magic of Chile tour is a journey of contrasts and textures making for an unforgettable experience. This tour may be easily combined with our Easter Island tour.

Upon arrival we are greeted and transferred to our hotel. After a short rest we will do a short walking tour of the city center, visiting the Plaza de Armas with its historical buildings and the fish market, amongst other sites.
Overnight: Hotel Galerias, Santiago (1 night)

Day 2: Santiago - San Pedro de Atacama (Flight)
After a 2 hours flight we arrive at Calama and travel by car though the highlands of the Atacama Desert. Enjoy the astonishing site of dunes and rock formations against a backdrop of volcanoes. San Pedro de Atacama is an oasis in the desert that takes us back to historical times. The interesting museum shows the lifestyle of the Atacamenos, and the conquest of the Incas by the Spaniards. Later on, there will be a tour to the moon valley where from on top of a sand dune we may admire spectacular rock formations and a beautiful sunset.
Overnight: Hotel La Casa de don Tomas, San Pedro de Atacama (2 nights) (B)

Day 3: Salt Desert and Lagoons
Today our tour takes us to the lagoons Miscanti and Miniques. At nearly 5622 m we have a great view of the bright blue lagoons with the peak of the Miscanti. The road follows the salt fields of Salar de Atacama, the 3 largest lakes of this type. Here is a large variety of birdlife to be enjoyed. (B)

Day 4: San Pedro - El Tatio - Santiago (Drive / Flight)
We leave very early in the morning to visit the El Tatio Geyser field. At 4321 m this is the highest geothermal field in the world. The changing of the atmospheric pressures at dawn causes the geysers to erupt spewing steam up to 10 m high. After breakfast, we use the geysers for cooking the eggs, we take off along a winding road crossing the Andean Mountain range. Spectacular sights await us while the guanacos, belonging to the camel family, stare at us as we pass. Our destination is Caspana, a village untouched by civilization for the last 800 years, the Spaniards never discovered this jewel. Flowers and vegetables are grown by the Indians in this unique village. The next attractions are the ruins of Pukara de Lasana, an Indian fortification dating back to the time before the Spanish conquerors arrived. We drive through the well-known village of Chiu, where we visit the church and continue to Calama to board our flight back to Santiago.
Overnight: Hotel Galerias, Santiago (1 night) (B)

Day 5: Santiago - Salto del Laja (Drive)
Today we explore the fast growing wine industry, gaining enormous importance in Chile. We drive into the Valle de Colchaguas, and visit a vineyard where we get insight into the different wine planting and making. We visit "El Huique", a colonial hacienda house in which two families of ex-presidents spent their summer holidays. We get a thorough insight into the life of Chileans at the beginning of the century. Afternoon drive to Saltos el Laja where we enjoy a walking tour of the waterfalls.
Overnight: Hotel Salto del Laja, Salto del Laja, (1 night) (B)

Day 6: Salto del Laja - Pucon (Drive)
The scenic village of Pucon is the gateway to the lake region. It is located at the foot of the volcano Villarica, the heart of the Araucaria region. The Mapuches, the most important group of natives in Chile have left an important mark on this region, which we will appreciate at the Indian market in Temuco, where we can find beautiful silver jewelry.
Overnight: Hotel Malahue, Pucon (1 night) (B)

Day 7: Pucon - San Martin de los Andes (Drive - Argentina)
Today we will cross the Andean range and enter Argentina driving through fascinating forests to admire the araucaria trees. The changing vegetation related to the height of the Andean range is most interesting as we arrive in the Argentine Pampa. San Martin de los Andes is located in a national park and is a prime tourist attraction in winter and summer. This little town boasts quaint little houses with a very special charm.
Overnight: Hotel Le Village, San Martin de los Andes (1 night) (B)

Day 8: San Martin - Bariloche (Drive)
Today we drive through the Argentine part of the lake-district, which is often compared to Switzerland. There we will enjoy the sights of deep blue lakes and virgin forest through the national Park Nahuel Huapi. Between snow-covered Andean peaks and the deep blue lake Nahuel Huapi, lies the well-known town of San Carlos de Bariloche. Everything points to a Swiss heritage, the way of life and the chocolate made from recipes that the Swiss immigrants brought with them.
Overnight: Hotel Dazzler, San Carlos de Bariloche (1 night) (B)

Day 9: Bariloche - Puerto Varas (Drive - Chile)
Our drive continues through the National Park Nahuel Huapi, reaching the tourist town of Villa Angostura. Back of the Chilean border we cross the dense forests of the Puyehue Natinal Park enjoying the view of the Casablanca Volcano and the Llanquihue Lake. Reaching Pto. Octay, a farming community, where we see the affects left by the German immigrants in this region. A highlight will be the Lake of Todos los Santos, shimmering in all shades of turquoise. The waterfall of Petrohue tumbling into a lava bed formed by a volcano greets us in unbelievable shades of green.
Overnight: Hotel Bellavista, Puerto Varas (1 night) (B)

Day 10: Depart Puerto Varas
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)

Departure Dates

2008 English Speaking Departures Daily

Inclusions

Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Hotel Accommodation as mentioned International Airfare Meal Plan as mentioned (B=Breakfast) Departure Taxes Visa Support as required Travel Insurances All Sightseeing and Transfers Visa Fees Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites Drinks/Beverages with meals Local Guides Tips/Gratuities to Drivers & Guides Porterage

Tour Price

We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.

Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2008 Coming Soon or call 1.800.663.0844

Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour

Canada - West Coast CA $ 1400 USA - West Coast US $ 1200 Canada - East Coast CA $ 1200 USA - East Coast US $ 1000

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 15 participants.

Notes

Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.