A Tailored 14-Day Chile Family Safari full of Adventure & Discovery
Explore the diverse landscapes of Chile on this 14-day family safari. Starting in the unique Atacama Desert in northern Chile, this journey takes you through the many environments of Chile and on into the glaciers and mountains of Patagonia. Families can enjoy a private, family-friendly guide for the many adventure activities on offer in each region. The many hands-on activities allow for a really in-depth experience of the natural life of each region and there are also many educational aspects to each day. Families can take plenty of photos, sample local cuisine and take time to relax and take in the amazing views of the places that you visit. This really is a true adventure combining comfort, excitement and learning for all the family. Each activity has been chosen to give a real appreciation of the environment and to ensure maximum learning.
What's included
Itinerary
Arrive in Santiago and meet your private transfer at the airport. After settling into your hotel, explore the city with a guided bike tour through historic neighborhoods, parks and murals. Learn about Chilean culture, slang and local cuisine as you get familiar with the vibrant capital city. Throughout the day, your local guide will provide rich insights into the history, wildlife and unique customs of each region. You will have time to take photographs, savor regional flavors and enjoy moments of relaxation.
Travel to the Andes to Cajon del Maipo and San José de Maipo, in the area of the river Maipo. Explore the famousTunnel Tinoco and Cascaras Refuge to get up close to high peaks, glaciers and spot Andean birds such as the condor. A local guide will explain the history, wildlife and local customs of the different areas during the day.
Today, you fly from Santiago to Calama and then transfer to your hotel. An Astronomical Tour takes place in the evening and you get to see stars, galaxies and planets through high quality telescopes. You will also get an insight into the life of the Lican Antai culture and their cosmology.
Cross the outback of San Pedro de Atacama by Wilderness Buggy, through rivers, dunes and mountain paths in search of the local fauna such as the Andean fox, the vicuñas and the vizcacha. In the afternoon we visit the fascinating Moon Valley, Valley of Death and you will be amazed by the huge rock formations and the strange landscape of the desert.
Wake up early to see the sunrise at the Tatio Geysers, one of the highest geothermal fields in the world. Marvel at the steaming fumaroles and contrasting blue skies. On the return trip to San Pedro, stop at Machuca, a small adobe village and enjoy the surrounding landscape. Throughout the day, your local guide will provide rich insights into the history, wildlife and unique customs of each region.
Fly from Calama to Punta Arenas and transfer to your hotel. Explore the boardwalk along the Strait of Magellan, enjoy views of Tierra del Fuego and take in the stunning Patagonian sunsets. The rest of the day has a free schedule so you can relax and prepare for adventures in the southern wilderness.
Begin the day with a gentle kayaking tour through the Bay of Agua Fresca to appreciate the local plant and animal life. After lunch at a ranch of the Patagonian style, set off on horseback through the shores of the Strait of Magellan, cross through a variety of landscapes including forests and plains and appreciate the impressive views of the islands in the area.
In an Antarctic-style safari to the islands of Magdalena and Santa Marta, you will be able to see colonies of Magellanic penguins as well as sea lions, cormorants and other species of marine wildlife. On the island of Magdalena we will disembark to walk through the penguin colonies before returning to Puerto Natales for your overnight stay.
Transfer to Torres del Paine National Park and check into your wilderness lodge. Take a guided excursion to Cuernos Lookout and admire the French Glacier, Pehoe Lagoon, Nordenskjold Lagoon and the Salto Grande waterfall. You will have time to take photographs, enjoy regional flavors and experience moments of leisure while seeing some of the most stunning landscapes Chile has to offer.
Spend a full day hiking iconic trails, including the base of the Torres. Trek through valleys, Lenga forests and over suspension bridges, culminating in a rewarding view of the three stone towers formed by natural weathering. Capture the unforgettable scenery and wildlife along the way.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on half-day excursions such as horseback riding or trekking along the Aonikenk Una Path. Spot guanaco families and view ancient indigenous paintings. If you want to, you can walk along Grey Beach to Glacier Grey, experiencing the Nothofagus forests and Patagonian wildlife.
Visit a local Patagonian Estancia to learn gaucho traditions including sheep herding and shearing. Participate in interactive activities such as bird watching, trekking or four-wheel driving. Enjoy a traditional lunch with local hospitality before returning to Puerto Natales.
After having explored for days Patagonia by land, today you are taking a flight from Punta Arenas back to Santiago. Once landed, your private driver will bring you to your hotel. You can spend the evening in the city of eternal spring, enjoying a dinner in a restaurant, shopping in a supermarket or strolling around in one of the many parks in Santiago. We are sure you will not forget your family safari in Chile.
After breakfast, your private transfer will take you to Santiago Airport for departure. Bid farewell to Chile with unforgettable memories of its deserts, mountains, glaciers and wildlife, marking the end of your immersive family safari adventure.
