9 days / 8 nights

A & K Insider Access

A&K travellers are treated to a guided tour of La Moneda Presidential Palace, out of bounds to the general public. Overlooking the Plaza de la Constitucion in Santiago, La Moneda is Chile’s most important building and one of the finest examples of neo-classical architecture in Latin America. Although no longer the official residence it is the administrative headquarters for the President and his government.

• Breathtaking scenery
• Chile’s Lake District
• Mapuche indigenous culture
• Boutique adobe retreat Atacama Desert
• Private hiking, mountain biking, horse riding
• Wineries of Santa Rita

Itinerary

Day 01 Arrive Santiago
You are met inside the Arrivals Hall and transferred to the hotel. An afternoon introduction to the Chilean capital with your private guide including the handicraft market and a behind the scenes visit to La Moneda, Santiago’s Presidential Palace, normally out of bounds to the general public.
Ritz Carlton (Deluxe Club Floor Room)

Day 02 Santiago-Pucon
A flight south to Temuco, gateway to the Chilean Lake District. Home to some of the country’s most famous national parks it is also the centre of the prominent Mapuche community. Visit two handicraft centres and a traditional dwelling before lunch (B,L).
Villarrica Park Lake Hotel (Superior Room)

Day 03 Design Your Day Pucon
Considered the adventure capital of Chile, there are many available activities. Choose from: a full day privately guided outing to the nearby Volcanic Caves to see the 200m deep lava tunnel, then taking a hike into the native forest to the hot springs at Huife for an energizing thermal bath; or other trekking options include the Huerquehue or Villarica National Parks, rafting the Trancura River or exploring the Geometric hot springs (B,L).
Villarrica Park Lake Hotel (Superior Room)

Day 04 Pucon-Atacama (2,500m)
Much of today is spent travelling as you fly back to Santiago with VIP airport lounge access and onward connection north to Calama. A two hour drive through high altitude desert to San Pedro de Atacama and your boutique retreat (B,L,D).
Awasi (Rectangular Suite)

Days 05-07 Design Your Days Atacama
The Atacama Desert is the driest on earth, a place of dramatic and breathtaking scenery, a lunar landscape. Mountains and volcanoes, tussock grass parched red earth – it is raw and majestic, an adventure waiting to happen. At Awasi, the guides will tailor private outings to your specific interests and requirements. Choose between: 4WD trips; hiking; mountain biking; thermal springs and geysers; horse riding; or cultural visits (B,L,D).
Awasi (Rectangular Suite)

Day 08 Atacama-Santa Rita
Return to the capital by air and journey an hour south from Santiago into the wine country around Santa Rita. Overnight at Casa Real, a grand old mansion set in a private park surrounded by vineyards. A superb dinner this evening with wines specially selected to complement the cuisine (B,L,D).
Hotel Casa Real (Suite)

Day 09 Santa Rita-Santiago
You have a morning to take in your surrounds, contemplate your journey and relax before the long flight home. If you’re feeling active, tennis courts, a swimming pool and a gym are on site for your convenience. Or your hosts will be happy to guide you on a tour of the winery followed by an excellent lunch at Dona Paula restaurant. This afternoon you are transferred to the airport (B,L).

Note: Rates for Design your Day excursions available on request.

Easter Island Extension
To round off your adventure in this part of the world, we recommends a visit to mysterious Easter Island, a volcanic speck in the middle of the Pacific, 1900kms from its nearest inhabitants. Famous for its hundreds of mysterious moais it is one of the world’s most remote destinations. The stylish Posada de Mike Rapu opens December 2007 with 30 rooms, 360 degree views and high standards of expeditions and service.

Departure Dates & Prices – Inside Chile

Tour Departs:

Daily

Easter Island Extension

Tour Departs:

Daily