en
- Adventure
- 17-day trip
- From €4,250 p.p.
Chile trip | Spectacular self-drive northern Chile
By car visits the far north of Chile in this beautiful nature tour. The trip begins in the fun capital Santiago de Chile, before flying north to board your rental car at the border with Peru and drive south via a scenic route. You will pass through wondrous landscapes along the way, such as the high Lauca National Park, the fertile Codpa Valley and the otherworldly world of the Atacama Desert. You will conclude the trip in the picturesque coastal town of Valparaiso.
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 Flight to Chile
- Day 2 Arrival and stay in Santiago
- Day 3 Cycling tour of Santiago de Chile
- Day 4 Start of the self-drive tour of Northern Chile: Arica – Putre (approx. 3 hours’ drive)
- Day 5 Exploring Lauca National Park
- Day 6 – 7 La uca National Park – Codpa Valley (approx. 3.5–4 hours’ drive)
- Day 8 Codpa Valley – Iquique (approx. 4-hour drive)
- Day 9 Sandboarding in Chile
- Day 10 – 11 Iquique – Pampa del Tamarugal National Reserve (approx. 1.5-hour drive)
- Day 12–14 Pampa del Tamarugal – Atacama Desert (approx. 5.5-hour drive)
- Day 15 – 16 Savouring the memories in the coastal town of Valparaiso
- Day 17 Departure from Chile
- Day 18 Arrival
Arrival and stay Santiago
After an international flight, you’ll arrive in Santiago de Chile, situated between the majestic Andes and the coast; it’s a vibrant metropolis that combines modern urban life with natural splendour. From historic squares and contemporary architecture to fascinating museums and lush parks, the city offers a dynamic blend of culture, history and natural beauty.
As you will have travelled on a night flight, we have arranged for an early check-in so that you can access your hotel room immediately upon arrival. For the next few nights, you will be staying in the historic and cultural district of Lastarria.
You have the rest of the day at your leisure. Take a stroll through this cosy and charming neighbourhood, home to many restaurants, bars and boutiques, or enjoy a drink on the rooftop terrace of The Singular hotel. Within walking distance, you’ll also find various art galleries, theatres, museums such as the Museo de Bellas Artes, and the city park.
Included:
• Meet & greet on arrival
• Private transfer to your hotel
• Early check-in
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Bike tour Santiago de Chile
Today, accompanied by your private guide, you’ll go on a cycle tour of Santiago de Chile, focusing on local markets and the daily life of Chileans. You’ll visit, amongst other places, the colourful, bohemian Bellavista neighbourhood, various markets such as La Vega Central and the Mercado Central Seafood Market, and finally the picturesque Parque Forestal.
By the end of the morning, you’ll have gained a whole new understanding of Chilean culture and history in the capital, and you’ll know where to find great places for lunch or dinner.
Includes:
• Morning private guided cycle tour: Markets and local life
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Start self-drive northern Chile: Arica - Putre (approx. 3 hours' drive)
You’ll say goodbye to Santiago and take a domestic flight to Arica, situated in the far north of Chile. On arrival, a hire car will be waiting for you, which you’ll use to explore northern Chile at your own pace over the coming days.
Your first destination is the village of Putre (situated at an altitude of 3,500 metres), which is the perfect base from which to visit the spectacular Lauca National Park. This national park stretches along the border with Bolivia in the north-eastern part of the Altiplano. We recommend that, on the route between Arica and Putre, you visit the narrow and fertile Azapa Valley. A green valley in the middle of the desert, full of olive trees. A truly remarkable sight!
On the way from Arica to Putre, you’ll also pass figures on hilltops (Geoglifos del valle de Lluta) and various villages featuring interesting ruins, such as Poconchile, Pukara de Copaquilla, Tambo de Zapahuira, Socoroma and Zapahuira. If you’re interested in the history of the ancient peoples, the San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum is definitely worth a visit. Here, you’ll step back in time and learn all about how people survived here from 6,000 BC onwards.
The following day is a great opportunity to explore Lauca National Park.
Tips from a Travel Specialist
There are no petrol stations in Putre, so make sure you leave Arica with a full tank. The locals in Putre will sell you petrol if you run short.
Included:
• Private transfer to the airport
• Domestic flight from Santiago de Chile to Arica
• Car hire
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Discovering the Lauca National Park
Lauca National Park is a truly special park that is not visited by many tourists due to the altitude at which it is situated (between 3,200 and 6,300 metres). Today you will have time to visit this park. Endless grassy steppes and stunning lakes form a striking contrast to the lava fields. Here and there, white salt pans glisten under the bright sun. A highlight of the national park is the breathtakingly beautiful Lake Chungará, with views of the Perinacota volcano. Large herds of vicuñas, alpacas and llamas can be found in this area. It is also home to no fewer than 140 different species of birds, including condors, flamingos and ibises.
There are various walks to be taken through the park, all at altitudes above 4,200 metres. Around Putre, there are also walking trails to nearby mountain villages and four archaeological sites featuring cave paintings dating back up to 6,000 years. The Jurasi hot springs, with their extremely hot water, are also nearby.
Included:
• Hire car
• Accommodation including breakfast
Lauca National Park - Codpa Valley (approx. 3.5 - 4 hours' drive)
Driving through the picturesque north, you’ll continue to your next accommodation, which is beautifully situated in a deep canyon known as the Codpa Valley. It is a hidden gem in Chile, a fertile oasis in the midst of the arid Atacama Desert. Renowned for its vineyards and the production of the traditional pintatani wine, the valley offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
The valley has an interesting history dating back to pre-Columbian times. The indigenous people, the Aymara, had inhabited this area for centuries before the Spanish arrived. Aymara culture and traditions are still very much alive in the region, and this is reflected in the architecture, farming techniques and local festivals. The colonial church of San Martín de Tours, built in the 17th century, is one of the oldest and best-preserved colonial churches in Chile. It is therefore an important part of the region’s cultural heritage.
Over the coming days, enjoy walks through the valley, visit the local vineyards, and take part in traditional Aymara festivals, such as the festival of San Santiago, which is celebrated every July. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient Aymara traditions or simply want to enjoy the serene surroundings, the Codpa Valley has something for everyone.
Includes:
• Hire car
• Accommodation including breakfast
Codpa Valley - Iquique (approx. 4 hours' drive)
Your next destination is the coastal city of Iquique which is about a 4-hour drive away. The unusual route takes you right through the Atacama Desert to the dark blue Pacific Ocean. The city is completely sandwiched between beautiful sandy beaches and the brown mountain range that surrounds it. It therefore gives a very beautiful sight when you arrive at the city. A true Chilean beach destination, it has a nice promenade and a whole range of water/beach sports can be done. Iquique has an old city centre and a modern section on the coast. The most popular beach is Playa Cavancha.
Included:
• Hire car
• Accommodation including breakfast
Sandboarding in Chile
Today, a special experience awaits you. You will be sliding down Chile's largest sand dune, Cerro Dragón, on a sandboard. A very special experience with stunning views of the port city of Iquique and the coast. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Includes:
• Hire car
• Sandboarding in Iquique in a small group, including transport, all necessary equipment and an English-speaking guide
• Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Iquique - Pampa del Tamarugal national reserve (approx. 1.5 hours' drive)
There’s another highlight on the programme today. In the morning, you’ll go paragliding from the Cordillera de la Costa. It’s one of the best places in the world for paragliding. Naturally, this is done with experienced instructors and top-class equipment.
After this adrenaline-fuelled adventure, you’ll then drive to your accommodation near the Pampa del Tamarugal National Reserve. Pampa del Tamarugal is a desert plain in the Atacama Desert, known for its unique Tamarugo trees. The area has a rich history thanks to the saltpetre mines that flourished in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, it is a protected nature reserve that attracts visitors with its unique ecosystems and abandoned mining towns, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Humberstone.
Over the next few days, enjoy some lovely walks, explore the fascinating landscapes and discover the region’s history. Another must-do is a visit to the village of Pica; an oasis of orchards with fruit trees. You can, of course, sample the national drink, ‘Pisco Sour’, here. If you’d prefer to relax for a while, a dip in the thermal springs at Baños Resbaladero is a lovely option. These pools are natural rock formations that have been carved out over the centuries by flowing water. The small pools are a popular spot for both locals and visitors to cool off and relax.
Includes:
• Hire car
• Avila Experience: Paragliding in a small group
• Accommodation including breakfast
Pampa del Tamarugal - Atacama Desert (approx. 5.5 hours' drive)
Following a unique route, you’ll drive straight through the Atacama Desert to the oasis village of San Pedro de Atacama, situated further on. Along the way, you’ll pass various points of interest such as the Geoglifos de Pintados, where more than 400 images – including mammals, birds and people – dating from the years 1000 to 1400 can be seen on the slopes of various hills.
Over the next few days, you’ll set off in your hire car to explore the extraordinary natural beauty of this desolate yet stunning region. This area is characterised by surreal landscapes full of vibrant colours, unique rock formations, volcanoes, mountain lakes and salt flats.
We haven’t scheduled any excursions for you yet, so you can tailor your stay in this extraordinary area to your own preferences. For example, it’s a great idea to hire some bikes and cycle to the salt flats and ‘Lago Cejar’ on your own. Be sure not to miss the ‘Valle de la Luna’ and the ‘Valle de la Muerte’. The coloured lakes Miscanti and Miñiques are also fairytale-like in their beauty, where you’ll feel as though you’re stepping into a painting. If you’d like to visit the Tatio geysers, you can book an excursion to set off before sunrise and arrive at the geyser field just as it’s at its most active. Of course, we can also book excursions for you in advance if you’d like.
Includes:
• Hire car
• Accommodation including breakfast
Afterglow in coastal resort Valparaiso
After your multi-day adventure in the Atacama Desert, you’ll drive to Calama Airport, where you’ll return your hire car. You will then fly back to Santiago de Chile. On arrival, you will travel to the picturesque port city of Valparaíso, where your trip comes to an end.
Today, Valparaíso is a unique city of immigrants with colourful neighbourhoods built across various hills and connected by a network of funicular railways. Stroll through the city’s winding streets, where artists have ensured that Valparaíso now resembles one big open-air theatre.
During your stay, you’ll explore the city with your private guide, visiting various traditional neighbourhoods. If you’re interested in graffiti, the tour can also be tailored into a graffiti tour of the city.
Included:
• Hire car
• Domestic flight Calama – Santiago de Chile
• Private transfer to your hotel
• Half-day private city walking tour (day 16)
• Accommodation including breakfast
Accommodations
Casa Bueras Boutique Hotel
Casa Bueras Boutique Hotel is located in the heart of Santiago de Chile's most bohemian neighbourhood, Lastarria. An area full of history and surrounded by the best cultural options in the capital. The hotel is housed in an old house with a refreshing outdoor pool in the garden. A fine place to visit the capital...
Casa Bueras Boutique Hotel is located in the heart of Santiago de Chile's most bohemian neighbourhood, Lastarria. An area full of history and surrounded by the best cultural options in the capital. The hotel is housed in an old house with a refreshing outdoor pool in the garden. A fine place to explore the capital.
Your stay: 2 nights
Terrace Lodge
Located in the centre of Putre, the Terrace Lodge is situated at an altitude of 3,500 m. The lodge features comfortable rooms with all the necessary comforts and picturesque mountain and wildlife views. Each room has a private bathroom with hot water, and Wi-Fi.
The Terrace Lodge is an ideal...
Located in the centre of Putre, the Terrace Lodge is situated at an altitude of 3,500 m. The lodge features comfortable rooms with all the necessary comforts and picturesque mountain and wildlife views. Each room has a private bathroom with hot water, and Wi-Fi.
The Terrace Lodge is an ideal base to explore Chile's Altiplano. Private tours are also organised from the lodge to Lauca National Park and other areas, including Salar de Surire, Allane Canyon and Suriplaza.
Your stay: 2 nights
Aruma Codpa Lodge
Aruma Codpa lodge is a surprisingly green oasis located in a deep canyon at an altitude of 1,850 metres. The lodge offers picturesque views and features comfortable rooms with private terraces. During your stay, you can use the swimming pool and spa facilities to relax for a while....
Aruma Codpa lodge is a surprisingly green oasis located in a deep canyon at an altitude of 1,850 metres. The lodge offers picturesque views and features comfortable rooms with private terraces. During your stay, you can use the swimming pool and spa facilities to relax for a while. Furthermore, the lodge has its own restaurant.
Your stay: 2 nights
Gavina Costa Mar
Enjoy the spectacular location of Hotel Gavina Sens in Iquique. There are many nearby tourist and cultural activities near the hotel, such as the Casino of Iquique and the historical centre of the city, including the Paseo Baquedano and the City Theatre. From the hotel, you will enjoy a...
Enjoy the spectacular location of Hotel Gavina Sens in Iquique. There are many nearby tourist and cultural activities in the hotel's vicinity, such as the Casino of Iquique and the city's historic centre, including the Paseo Baquedano and the City Theatre. From the hotel you will enjoy stunning ocean views and direct access to Iquique's promenade. In addition, Gavina Sens is the only 5-star hotel in the city and features a refreshing swimming pool.
Your stay: 2 nights
El Huarango Eco Retreat
Experience Pampa del Tamarugal's magic, silence and tranquillity by staying in these carefully thought-out rooms. The rooms are decorated with the love of traditional and exquisite Pre-Columbian art and built with salt crust that keeps the same temperature inside at all times of the day the year....
Experience Pampa del Tamarugal's magic, silence and tranquillity by staying in these carefully thought-out rooms. Decorated with the love of traditional and exquisite Pre-Columbian art, the rooms are built with salt crust that keeps the same temperature inside at all times of the day throughout the year.
As soon as the sun rises, they start preparing an unforgettable dish, using carefully selected local ingredients to bring you the best of their gastronomic identity. All this under a peaceful Tamarugo tree, where the quiet and natural surroundings invite you to enjoy a perfect meal in comfort.
Your stay: 2 nights
Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás
Located in the magical surroundings of the intriguing archaeological area of San Pedro, hotel Casa de Don Tomas is decorated by Atacameñan architecture. The hotel features a swimming pool, an in-house restaurant serving delicious dishes and a tour desk. From the hotel you can easily...
Located in the magical surroundings of the intriguing archaeological area of San Pedro, hotel Casa de Don Tomas is decorated by Atacameñan architecture. The hotel features a swimming pool, an in-house restaurant serving delicious dishes and a tour desk. From the hotel you can easily explore the surroundings of San Pedro de Atacama. For instance, the ruins of Pukará de Quitor are just 2 km away, the Moon Valley is 11 km away and the hot springs of Puritama are 27 km away.
Your stay: 3 nights
Boutique Hotel AYCA LA FLORA
Ayca La Flora is a beautiful boutique hotel ideally located in the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, Valparaíso, with shops, restaurants and attractions within easy walking distance of the property. The accommodation consists of charming, comfortable and well-appointed rooms, equipped with Wi-Fi, natural wood furniture,...
Ayca La Flora is a beautiful boutique hotel ideally located in the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, Valparaíso, with shops, restaurants and attractions within easy walking distance of the property. The accommodation comprises charming, comfortable and well-appointed rooms, equipped with Wi-Fi, natural wood furniture, sea or garden views and private bathrooms. Guests can enjoy dining or a delicious breakfast served daily in the conservatory or Al Fresco.
Your stay: 2 nights
Experiences
Private bicycle tour - Markets and local life
Cycle through the colourful bohemian Bellavista district and local markets, with an abundance of fruits, vegetables, native seafood and local characters. Your guide will tell you about how the district's environment has influenced its beautiful surroundings. Another stop is La Chascona, the home of the famous Chilean...
Cycle through the colourful bohemian Bellavista district and local markets, with an abundance of fruits, vegetables, native seafood and local characters. Your guide will tell you about how the district's environment has influenced its beautiful surroundings. Another stop is La Chascona, the home of famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. You will then cycle to La Vega Central, Santiago's largest fruit, vegetable and everything in between market. Then across the River Mapocho to Mercado Central Seafood Market, a necessary stop when you are in a country with more than 6,000 km of coastline. Finally, you cycle through the picturesque Parque Forestal, a 14km-long river park that runs through Santiago.
Sandboarding in Iquique
The adventure begins with a transfer to the foot of the Cerro Dragón dunes. Upon arrival, you will take a short but intense hike to the top of the dunes. After this, after an introductory safety lecture, you will learn more about sliding and braking techniques, posture on the board etc., among other things. After that, it's time to go with...
The adventure begins with a transfer to the foot of the Cerro Dragón dunes. Upon arrival, you will take a short but intense hike to the top of the dunes. After this, after an introductory safety lecture, you will learn more about sliding and braking techniques, posture on the board, etc., among other things. Then it is time to slide down the board. At this spot, you can also enjoy the natural surroundings and panoramic views of the coast.
Avila Experience - Paragliding in Iquique
Discover the magic of flying in a place with beautiful surroundings. Fly and enjoy views of Cerro Dragón (Chile's largest sand dune), the sea and the city of Iquique. It is one of the best places in the world to practise paragliding, with experienced instructors and first-class equipment.
The launch takes place ...
Discover the magic of flying in a place with beautiful surroundings. Fly and enjoy views of Cerro Dragón (Chile's largest sand dune), the sea and the city of Iquique. It is one of the best places in the world to practise paragliding, with experienced instructors and first-class equipment.
The start takes place at the top of the Cordillera de la Costa, where the instructor gives you an introduction. When you are ready, it is time for you to fly over the city in a comfortable paraglide seat. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views from which you can also take great photos or you can film the flight experience. The landing will take place at Cavancha Beach.
Destinations
Lauca National Park
Located east of Arica, Chile's northernmost city, with an altitude of up to 6300 metres in the Andean Altiplano lies Lauca National Park. A stunning landscape of snow-capped volcanoes, large arid plains, lakes and hot springs. The reserve's most spectacular feature is the intensely beautiful Chungará lake overlooking the Perinacota volcano. The area is home to large groups of Vicuñas, Alpacas and llamas. It is also home to as many as 140 different bird species including condors, flamingos and ibises.
Putre
Putre is centrally located in northern Chile and is a small, high-altitude village, beautifully situated in the Precordillera (a range of smaller mountains leading up to the Andes). Putre’s main attraction is its access to Lauca National Park, one of Chile’s most important natural attractions. The centrepiece of this park is Lake Chugara, a vast lake beneath Volcán Parinacota, which teems with an impressive array of exotic birds.
The stunning landscape of Lauca National Park is dotted with picturesque villages and adobe (mud-brick) buildings, such as the photogenic Iglesia de Parinacota church. Although the village of Putre itself has few sights and attractions, it is a good place to buy traditional items made from alpaca wool, and is a highly recommended stop-off on the way to a tour of the national park, allowing visitors to acclimatise gently to the high-altitude environment.
Santiago
Santiago de Chile lies in a valley surrounded by the rugged mountains of the Andes. It is one of the most European cities in Latin America and is one of the few cities in the world from which, within an hour’s drive, you can find yourself on a ski slope or on a beach by the sea.
Santiago de Chile is also close to Chile’s wine regions, where the world-famous Chilean wines are produced. The city itself boasts many monuments and beautiful parks. Be sure not to miss the statue of the Virgin Mary atop ‘Cerro de San Cristóbal’. The view over the city from here is spectacular. You’ll find cosy restaurants and bars in the colourful Bellavista district and the bohemian Lastarria district, amongst others.
Central Chile
Central Chile is home to the capital, Santiago, as well as a number of fantastic off-the-beaten-track destinations and stunning natural attractions. Pichilemu is one of the continent’s premier surfing destinations, whilst Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – with its beautiful hilly surroundings, colourful buildings and historic harbour areas – is one of Chile’s most popular places to visit.
For outdoor and adventure enthusiasts, the region offers a number of excellent ski resorts (such as Valle Nevado and Portillo), incredible hiking trails in the waterfall-rich Radal Siete Tazas National Reserve, and some attractive coastal destinations, such as Renaca, Viña del Mar and Cobquecura. Cobquecura also offers easy access to Loberia Island, which is famous for its impressive flora and fauna, including large numbers of sea lions and seals.
Southern Andes Chile
The Andes is the longest continental mountain range in the world stretching over 7000 km. The southern tip of this majectic mountain range lies south of Llullaillaco in Argentina and Chile and is home to the southern Andean steppe. It is a unique ecoregion defined by its cold desert climate and tough grasslands. Some of the larger mammals that have adapted to this harsh environment are the puma, the Andean fox and two relatives of the llama: the vicuña (Peru's national animal) and the guanaco.
Chile
Valparaiso
Valparaíso is a picturesque city with a rich history. Before the construction of the Panama Canal, Valparaíso was an important port city. The trade that flourished as a result made the city wealthy and attracted French, German and English settlers. That is why you will still find many colonial buildings in the city.
After the construction of the Panama Canal, the port lost its central role and the city fell into disrepair. However, the government turned this around by launching an art project in 1970. Artists were given free rein to work anywhere in the city. This has resulted in many colourful houses. The city is now listed as a World Heritage Site thanks to its colonial past and modern architecture.
Today, Valparaíso is a unique immigrant city with colourful neighbourhoods built across various hills and connected by a network of funicular railways.
San Pedro de Atacama
San Pedro de Atacama is a village and oasis in the middle of the upper part of the Atacama Desert. This area is characterised by its surreal landscapes full of colour, unusual rock formations and salt flats. During your stay, you will discover the extraordinary nature in this desolate yet beautiful area. Be sure not to miss the 'Valle de la Luna' and the 'Valle de la Muerte'. Also enchantingly beautiful are the coloured lakes Miscanti and Miñiques, where you will experience the sensation of stepping into a picture book. If you want to visit the Tatio geysers, you can book an excursion to go out in the morning before sunrise and arrive at the geyser field just at the most active time of the day.
The Atacama Desert
The Atacama Desert, located in northern Chile west of the Andes Mountains, is a desolate wonderland of dramatic landscapes and captivating attractions. The remote landscapes range from the pale beauty of salt flats dotted with the showy pink of flamingos and the surreal, steamy landscape of the Tatio geysers at sunrise, to the bizarre rock formations of the Moon Valley and the ancient archaeological sites of Tulor and Quitor Pukara. The region's culture is unique and welcoming, and a plethora of small villages continue to practise timeless traditions on the often extreme, though highly photogenic terrain. One of the favourite activities in the area is stargazing, as the desert has the clearest skies in the entire southern hemisphere. The Atacama is also home to one of the most famous astronomical observatories in the northern half of Chile, the Atacama Large Millimeter Array.
Iquique
Located in the western Atacama Desert in northern Chile, the port city of Iquique is a thriving holiday destination. Located on the coast, the city is known as one of Chile's best beach destinations. There are many activities like a boardwalk along the beach, shopping at Zona Franca, a visit to the casino or, for example, adventure activities like paragliding, sandboarding, diving or jet skiing. Also, this coastal city is very popular with surfers.
Codpa
Situated in the far north of Chile, around 110 kilometres south of Arica, the village of Codpa offers an unforgettable holiday in stunning natural surroundings. Situated in a narrow mountain valley renowned for its pure mineral spring water, the region around Codpa is exceptionally fertile. The village is also particularly well known for its guavas and its exceptional Pintatani wine. Guided tours of local vineyards and bodegas are highly recommended, and the village offers a number of interesting sights, including the Church of San Martín de Tours (first built in 1668) and some ancient rock carvings in nearby Ofragia.
Codpa is also an attractive destination due to its wide range of outdoor activities, including mountain biking, various walking trails, natural hot springs and the chance to enjoy a stunning starry sky.
North Chile
North Chile is an arid, but spectacularly beautiful, region dominated by the Atacama Desert and the high Andean plateaux, and fringed by a long stretch of Pacific coastline. There are many wonderful places to visit in this diverse region, but highlights include Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley, near San Pedro de Atacama), a wondrous landscape of strange and colourful rock formations; the Lauca National Park, near Putre, which contains the world's highest active volcano; Vicuna, in the Elqui Valley, one of the best places for stargazing on the planet; and Iquique, the pick of the coastal resorts with its long, sandy beaches and historic architecture. As well as a huge array of outdoor activities to enjoy, there are winery and bodega (cellar) tours available in the area surrounding Pisco Elqui.
Tamarugal Province
The Tamarugal region is situated in northern Chile and borders Bolivia to the east. This picturesque region, known for its deserts and lakes, boasts two popular national parks and a number of highly recommended towns and villages.
In the north-east, the Parque Nacional Volcán Isluga offers hiking trails and natural geysers; whilst in the south-west, the Pampa del Tamarugal National Reserve – a protected desert region featuring the foothills of Cerro Pintados – is home to ancient geoglyphs. Be prepared to take ‘the slow road’ as you navigate through the Tamarugal province, and bear in mind that towns such as Pica (with its hot springs), Colchane (with its architecture and mountain views) and Camina are particularly worth stopping at.
Chile trip | Spectacular self-drive northern Chile
We offer the described trip from €4,250 per person.
The tour price is an estimate and is subject to availability and travel dates, amongst other factors.
Included
• Domestic flights as mentioned in the ‘itinerary’, including hold luggage
• 15 nights’ accommodation in good-quality, atmospheric properties
• All meals as specified in ‘your itinerary’
• Hire car (automatic) Hyundai Tucson or similar model, including comprehensive insurance, drop-off charges and unlimited mileage
• All necessary private transfers as mentioned
• All excursions as mentioned in the ‘programme’, including a cycle tour of Santiago de Chile, sandboarding and paragliding
• Entry fees to national parks for planned excursions
• Booking fees (worth €50)
Positive impact of your trip:
• A contribution of €50 per person towards positive impact via the Avila Foundation
• Cycling tour in Santiago de Chile
• City walk in Valparaíso
• Stay at the Terrace Lodge in Putre
• Accommodation at the El Huarango Eco Retreat in Pampa del Tamarugal
Not included
• Intercontinental flights
• Room category upgrade
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• Seat reservations on flights
• Meals and excursions not specified
• Personal expenses/tips
• Local car hire costs, such as administration fees, parking charges, tolls and fuel
• Contribution to the emergency fund (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)