Wonders of Chile

This entertaining half day tour consists in visiting the main attractions of Santiago, the country’s most important cultural, cosmopolitan and artistic hub. We start out with a visit to the highpoints of the city’s civic center, such as Cerro Santa Lucia (a centrally located historic urban park), the La Moneda Palace (presidential offices) and the traditional Plaza de Armas square, a meeting place for Santiago’s diverse and multicultural expressions. Buildings of historical value can be found in the neighborhood, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Museum of History and Central Post Office. We later walk through the Parque Forestal, a park running parallel to the Mapocho river with a variety of tree species offering a refreshing break from the urban agitation of the city’s center. We’ll visit the nearby Museo de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts) and continue on to Barrio Bellavista, Santiago’s bohemian neighborhood, with some of the best bars and restaurants in the city. Return to hotel.

We set off heading for the high planes, noticing changes in the flora and fauna as we go up. We make a stop at the Tropic of Capricorn, where we can see a segment of the Inca´s Trail. We keep going with direction Paso Sico, (Border crossing with Argentina) making stops at the Lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques to enjoy the beautiful scenery, and if the weather and schedule permit, we carry on until we get to Aguas Calientes Salt flat and Tuyajto Lagoon. A delicious lunch awaits us in the town of Socaire on our way down.

Transfer back to Calama for your flight to the Chilean Lake District via Santiago. On arrival private transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. 

A deservedly famous and highly demanding excursion. After crossing the Ascensio River you will walk uphill around 2.5 km until reaching Pasos del Viento pass at about 480 meters above sea level (masl), with a beautiful panoramic view of the pampa, the lakes to the south and the Ascensio Valley itself. From there you will descend to the Refugio Chileno shelter. Up to that point vegetation is that of the pre-Andean scrubland bioclimate; from then on vegetation changes completely and as you climb you will penetrate the ancient lenga tree forests until you reach the Torres Glacier moraine at 600 masl. Once out of the forest a final push of around 45 minutes of continuous uphill climbing will take you to the Torres Base at 870 masl, where you will behold directly in front of you the three massive granite giants, the best reward to your efforts! Throughout the trek you will observe fauna such as condors, mora eagles, caranchos and other birds of prey.