- Visit the unique and colourful Pacific Coast city of Valparaiso
- Take excursions to the Atacama salt flats, altiplano lagoons and El Tatio geysers
- Enjoy the sunset over the Valley of the Moon in the Atacama Desert
- Embark on city tours in cosmopolitan Santiago, German-influenced Puerto Varas, and the fish market of Puerto Montt
- See the Petrohue Falls, enjoy a boat cruise on Lago Todos los Santos, and walk at Osorno Volcano
- Visit Patagonia and the granite towers of Torres del Paine National Park
- See four distinct regions of Chile thanks to the included internal flights, which reduce driving distances
Discover Chile
13 Days
from
15 Days
from
Culture
The best of Chile: Atacama Desert, Lake District and Patagonia
Chile’s narrow coastal strip stretches for 2,670mi (4,300km) and is dominated by the towering peaks of the Andes. Covering over half the length of South America, Chile has an unparalleled range of environments, from the driest desert in the world, the hostile Atacama, with its geysers and salt flats, to the fertile valleys and vineyards of central Chile. To the south lies the Lake District with dramatic, snow-capped volcanoes, deep-blue lakes and gushing waterfalls. Further south still, we reach Patagonia, a land of ice fields, mountains, glaciers and immense solitude.
Join us to celebrate Exodus’ 50th anniversary! Select departures of this trip feature extra inclusions to mark the occasion: an astronomy tour in Atacama, a local birthday celebration and a special edition Exodus kitbag. For departure dates, see the Dates & Prices tab or to see other trips with Special 50th Anniversary Departures click here.
Highlights
Key Information
- 12 nights in hotels
- Travel by internal flights, bus/minibus and boat
- Some long distances covered
- Easter Island extension available
- Countries visited: Chile
What's Included
- All breakfasts
- Internal flights
- All accommodation
- Tour leader throughout
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
Itinerary
Santiago Santiago
Depart London
Depart London.
Start Santiago; city tour
This afternoon we start with a walking tour of Santiago (approximately three hours), visiting the squares and streets of the colonial center and the Presidential Palace. We also visit San Cristobal Hill, on which a Virgin Mary statue stands. The summit offers a bird’s-eye view of the city, Andean Mountains and Maipo-Valley. It is, without a doubt, the best viewpoint in the city. The city tour will usually start around 3pm, which means guests will need to be at the hotel by 2:30pm.
Accommodation: Panamericana Hotel Providencia (or similar)
Arrive Santiago; city tour
This afternoon we start with a walking tour of Santiago (approximately three hours), visiting the squares and streets of the colonial center and the Presidential Palace. We also visit San Cristobal Hill, on which a Virgin Mary statue stands. The summit offers a bird’s-eye view of the city, Andean Mountains and Maipo-Valley. It is, without a doubt, the best viewpoint in the city. The city tour will usually start around 3pm, which means guests will need to be at the hotel by 2:30pm.
Accommodation: Panamericana Hotel Providencia (or similar)
Full-day excursion to the enigmatic port city of Valparaiso
The Unesco World Heritage city of Valparaíso, or Valpo for short, is the oldest port in Chile and home to the National Congress since democracy was re-established in 1989. The Pacific Coast is just a 90-minute drive from Santiago and today’s excursion will give us an interesting insight into Chilean culture.
The many hills in the city are covered in a glorious sprawl of multi-coloured houses, creating a spectacular panorama, which can be enjoyed from several vantage points. Strolling through the Valparaíso streets is a fascinating experience, allowing us to soak up the bohemian atmosphere not found anywhere else in Chile. We’ll visit the Unesco-listed historic city centre, plus the parliamentary building, and the War of the Pacific memorial.
Due to steep terrain in some parts of the city, there are numerous funicular lifts to transport residents up and down the hillsides. Many of these have fallen into disrepair and sit suspended in time and hidden amid the labyrinth of buildings. However, there is a drive to restore as many as possible and we can use one of the most iconic functioning lifts on our way to a viewpoint. In the afternoon, we return to our Santiago hotel.
Accommodation: Panamericana Hotel Providencia (or similar)
Fly to Calama; to San Pedro de Atacama
In the morning, we fly to Calama near the Atacama Desert where we transfer to our hotel in the town of San Pedro de Atacama. After check-in, our leader will offer a short orientation tour of the town for anyone who wants to join. At dusk, we set out to the Valley of the Moon. This bizarre lunar landscape is set ablaze with colour at sunset, the strange rock formations framed by the Lincancabur Volcano. We’ll stay until the sun goes down to enjoy the array of colours before returning to San Pedro.
Accommodation: Hotel Diego de Almagro (or similar)
Visit Salar de Atacama and Altiplano Lagoons
Departing our San Pedro hotel, we set off towards the Altiplano Lagoons (Lagunas Altiplanicas) and stop en route at the village of Socaire, set at 10,558ft (3,218m). The village is noteworthy for its peculiar rough-stonework architecture and the inhabitants still live by age-old methods of planting terraced fields with corn, wheat and potatoes.
After, we continue for about another 19mi (30km), climbing an additional 3,281ft (1,000m) in altitude to reach the highland lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques. The two volcanoes of the same name are visible in the background (almost 19,686ft/6,000m high). The twin lagoons are a deep blue, each framed by a white salt crust, which creates a memorable contrast to the yellow highland grass all around. It is completely silent here. Even the duck species that breed here, the foxes, and the grazing vicuñas (a type of camelid), respect the majestic silence.
We then visit the Salar de Atacama. A salt lake of huge proportions (1,158 sqmi/3,000sqkm), it is covered by a thick layer of snow-white salt crystals, caused by the evaporation of the lake water. The largest lithium deposits in the world are found here, but the salt pan is also home to several flamingo species, including the Andean, Chilean and James, which feed on the micro-organisms in the saline lagoons. Look out for these beautiful birds and other species in their natural habitat at Chaxa Lagoon, which is part of the Reserva Nacional de los Flamencos. After the excursion, we return to San Pedro.
Accommodation: Hotel Diego de Almagro (or similar)
Excursion to El Tatio geysers; optional night-time astronomy tour
We’ll have to get up very early to arrive at the El Tatio Geysers, which are more than 14,108ft (4,300m) above sea level, in time for sunrise. The fountains, which can shoot up to 33ft (10m) high, occur when the morning sun melts the nightly ice caps that form over the hot springs. The first rays reflect an array of colours as they mix with boiling geyser jets to create strong contrasts of steam and light.
Around midday, we’ll return to San Pedro for some free time. There is an optional astronomy tour tonight that highlights the southern sky. This excursion should be booked in advance of departure as availability is limited and does not operate during full moon. Please speak to your sales representative if interested.
Join us to celebrate Exodus’ 50th anniversary! Select departures of this trip feature extra inclusions to mark the occasion: Astronomy Tour in Atacama included, a local birthday celebration and a special edition Exodus kitbag. For departure dates, see the Dates & Prices tab.
Accommodation: Hotel Diego de Almagro (or similar)
Fly to Puerto Montt; to Puerto Varas on the shore of Lago Llanquihue
Today we transfer to Calama airport and fly to Santiago and then Puerto Montt, the capital of the Lake District. This is a long travelling day that will likely require an early start depending on the flight schedules. On arrival in the Lake District, we drive for 30 minutes to Puerto Varas on the shores of Lago Llanquihue. Depending on flight arrival time, we can enjoy a brief tour of the City of the Roses, named for the tremendous variety of roses all over town. If we’re scheduled to arrive on a later flight, we recommend that you buy food at the airport as you may not have many options on arrival at the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Park Inn by Radisson (or similar)
Lago Todos los Santos boat trip; walk near Osorno Volcano
We set out this morning for a full day inside the Lake District. We drive along the shore of Lago Llanquihue and enjoy breathtaking views of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. Our first real stop will be at the Saltos de Petrohue, where cooling lava from the Osorno Volcano formed a series of rapids and waterfalls. Together they create an impressive sculpture of extruded volcanic rock shaped by thousands of years of river flow. At Petrohue, we board a boat for a short cruise of Lago Todos los Santos. The lake is surrounded by high mountains and the lower slopes are thickly forested. As we pull away from the landing and the source of the river Petrohue, the view is quickly stolen by the tremendous size and proximity of snow-capped Osorno Volcano behind us. After our boat tour, we return to Petrohue and hike in the lower lava fields of the volcano. We also visit the Green Lagoon (Laguna Verde) before we return towards Puerto Varas in the afternoon. Please note, the order of the itinerary today may change depending on the weather conditions.
Accommodation: Hotel Park Inn by Radisson (or similar)
Fly to Punta Arenas; transfer to Puerto Natales
After breakfast, we transfer to the capital of the Lake District, Puerto Montt, and take a sightseeing tour of the city. Puerto Montt was founded in 1853 by German colonists on the site of an indigenous Mapuche community. Downtown we take time to walk around the main squares and historical monuments. After, we visit the port, where there is a large handicraft market full of artisan goods. Please note, depending on the flight times, this tour might be moved to the previous day instead. We then transfer to the airport to board a flight to Punta Arenas, Patagonia, the southernmost city in Chile. From here we transfer to Puerto Natales where we spend the night.
Accommodation: Hostal Francis Drake (or similar)
Full day excursion to see some of the highlights of Torres del Paine National Park
This morning we drive into Torres del Paine National Park for adventure in a spectacular environment. This is a busy day of travelling and walking taking in unforgettable views of the Towers and the Torres Massif from the Cuernos viewpoint and Salto Grande waterfall. We’ll also learn all about the regional flora and fauna and visit Laguna Azul for more breath-taking views.
Accommodation: Hotel del Paine (or similar)
Walking at Lago Grey; free time in Torres del Paine National Park
Another day in Torres del Paine National Park, this time to explore the western highlights including Lake Grey. This deep lake, fed by the glacier of the same name, is filled with icebergs which have splashed down from the massive ice flow. From the hotel, we’ll drive to the south of the lake, then start a short hike by crossing a bridge over the Pingo River.
From here, the path leads through a Legna forest typical to the area, and continues to the tip of a narrow peninsula at the southern end of the lake. This viewpoint offers a spectacular view of the water with its icebergs, the tongue of Grey Glacier at the northern end, and the snow-covered mountain peaks soaring above. On the way back, we stop at the visitor centre to learn about the origin and history of the park. This afternoon is free to relax at the hotel or enjoy optional excursions in the area.
Accommodation: Hotel del Paine (or similar)
Optional Grey Glacier navigation; to Puerto Natales
This morning you have some free time or you can take part in an optional boat excursion to the Grey Glacier. If you don’t want to take the optional excursion, the leader will accompany you on visits to other areas of Torres del Paine. After, we regroup and visit the Milodon Cave (entrance fee not included and payee locally approximately US$8 per person). Today we will end in Puerto Natales and transfer together to the hotel, arriving around 5.30pm.
Accommodation: Hostal Francis Drake (or similar)
To Punta Arenas; fly to Santiago
Transfer through the barren Pampa of Patagonia, an impressive road trip as we journey to Punta Arenas airport. We fly back to Santiago (flight times can vary) and enjoy our final evening in Chile.
Accommodation: Panamericana Hotel Providencia (or similar)
End Santiago
Our trip ends this morning after breakfast. However, if you’d like the adventure to continue, speak to your sales representative about joining our Easter Island extension. Alternatively, you may want to extend your stay in Santiago, the cosmopolitan capital of Chile.
Depart Santiago
There is a transfer back to the airport for those on group flights. Those on land only arrangements will leave us in Santiago this morning.
Arrive London
Post-trip Extensions
Easter Island (5 days / 4 nights)
In the middle of the Pacific Ocean, 2,485mi (4,000km) from the coast of Chile, is an island that still holds a special magic and mystery. Europeans landed on Rapa Nui, as the locals call it, on Easter Sunday and to this day it is known by many as Easter Island. So far from everything and everyone, isolated by the largest ocean in the world, it demonstrates a rich history, art, language and once even suffered a civil war – all upon an island less than 15mi (25km) across.
This five-day extension will enable you to explore this triangle-shaped land, which has extinct volcanic cones in each of its three corners. Amid friendly Polynesian hospitality, the entire island is an open‐air museum with approximately 900 moai (statues), the tallest of which is 68ft (21m) high. There is also the Orongo Village and many traditional cave dwellings open to view. The detailed itinerary can be found here.
Please ask your sales representative for more details (flight prices will be quoted separately to the price of the extension). Prices listed are starting prices.
Code: XAE
Price per person: £ 1,299
Mandatory Single Supplement: £ 465
Hotels
The regionally inspired three-star hotels selected for our Discover Chile trip ensure we are comfortable, as our wide-ranging adventure takes us from the Atacama Desert in the north, through cosmopolitan Santiago, into German styled Puerto Varas in the Lakes District, and to the wilds of Patagonia in the far south. Below are the hotels we typically use.
Santiago: Panamericana Hotel Providencia (nights 1, 2 and 12)
The Panamericana Hotel Providencia offers a blend of classical and contemporary décor in the upscale neighborhood of Providencia. It has comfortable and spacious rooms, a swimming pool, fitness center, and variety of culinary options. It is also conveniently near the metro station, Mapocho River walk and the Metropolitan Park.
San Pedro de Atacama: Hotel Diego de Almagro (nights 3-5)
Hotel Diego de Almagro is in the center of San Pedro de Atacama, granting easy access to shops and restaurants. It has an outdoor pool and large garden with native plants and flowers where you can relax and enjoy views of the Licancabur volcano.
Puerto Varas: Hotel Park Inn by Radisson (nights 6-7)
Alongside an architectural style that reflects the German heritage of the city, the Hotel Park Inn by Radisson has an outdoor swimming pool and is only a few blocks from Lake Llanquihue. It also has spacious and comfortable rooms, plus a restaurant serving regional and international cuisines.
Puerto Natales: Hostal Francis Drake (nights 8 and 11)
Locally owned and operated, Hostal Francis Drake has 19 warmly decorated rooms, a large dining room and two comfortable reading rooms where you can relax after a day exploring Torres del Paine National Park. The location affords easy access to Puerto Natales shopping and dining, plus it’s just two blocks from the windswept bay.
Torres del Paine: Hotel del Paine (nights 9-10)
Hotel Paine is a mountain hotel on the banks of the Serrano River with a privileged view of the spectacular Paine massif. The rooms are cosy, with wooden furniture and warm colors that reflect the culture and environment of Patagonia. The restaurant and bar serve delicious cuisine based on local products and include organic vegetables grown on site.
Trip Experts
Reviews
Add your own reviewJam-packed holiday
I think this trip should be called Chile Highlights, as you do see best sites of Chile. There is a lot of travelling – planes and buses, so be prepared! Luckily with our trip we didn’t have any plane delays or cancellations, weather also didn’t spoil the plans, which was great! The standard of accommodation was adequate, I particularly liked Hotel Del Paine -mainlyy for the location and views, and Hotel Diego de Almagro (Atacama) had the best facilities and a great location next to centre of San Pedro.
Most Inspirational Moment
So many! Flamingos at Chaxa Lagoon Seeing Milky Way at the Atacama Desert Walk at Osorno Volcano Colourful Valpo the view in Torres del Paine National Park Grey Glacier boat trip
Thoughts on Group Leader
Felipe was great; there was not a question he couldn't answer about Chile and its history or culture. There was a lot to organise on this trip, 4 Flights (including one connection flight), bus transfers - everything worked like clockwork! He reserved dinners for the group for the most evening, all of them were a hit with the group!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared to move around a lot; there are many plane journeys, so you need to get yourself organised so it doesn't overwhelm you! Packing cubes are handy to organise your luggage. For shopping, any jewellery or home accessories/decoration, the Valporaiseo jewellery shop seemed particularly good! For clothing and textiles, the market at Puerto Montt is excellent and has very good prices! You don't get to return to these places, so you must make some quick decisions.
Suggestions
The lower rating is because Exodus lacks organisation and communication with its travel agents. Expressing interest in optional excursions like Atacama Observatory is pointless. Despite appearing on the final Invoice (with a note to be paid locally), this is not communicated to travel agents and gets booked only a few days in advance anyway (which means you potentially could miss the opportunity completely!) Exodus needs to update trip notes, particularly on the first day; if you get final joining instructions as vague as ours, you will wonder what to do! From now on, If I am not on the group flight, I will only book Exodus holiday if they commit to complete and accurate joining instructions and the time and place when we have to meet our guide. Another example of not updated trip notes would be Day10, as the suspension bridge doesn't exist any more! I think the afternoon of day 10 should happen on day 11. Otherwise, you end up walking the same peninsula twice. Things can be improvised depending on the weather. I am rating the trip, not the Exodus. I will separately do this on the Trustpilot or similar. Otherwise, I would have to downgrade the rating.
Great survey of Chile, but a bit hectic!
You see a heck of a lot of Chile. The Atacama and Patagonia were particularly amazing. There is a lot of travel, both internal flights, and driving in mini buses. We had 12 in our group, so usually had a couple of empty seats on our mini buses. I’m glad we didn’t have 16, though perhaps then we’d have gotten slightly larger buses.
Most Inspirational Moment
Staying at the Hotel Del Paine, with a wonderful view of Torres del Paine, was totally cool.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Felipe was fantastic. He had to do a lot of improvising, and did it well. Some things haven't totally reopened since covid. On our day trip to Valparaiso, he had trouble finding a lunch spot opened on Tuesdays, but had a friend with a newly opened restaurant, which was great! Felipe is obviously a very experienced guide. He said it was his first trip since the one he was leading when everything shutdown in March 2020.
Advice for Potential Travellers
We had a bad experience with the glacier boat trip at Grey Lake. We had to pay in advance, but then the weather was too bad, and the trip was cancelled. At first, they said they wouldn't refund our money, but then relented. However, we had to push to get the local Chilean agency, Turavion, to actually follow through on the refunds. The 6 people who used credit cards got their refund, but those of us who used debit cards did not. Turavion couldn't figure out how to refund us, which I found surprising. At any rate, 2 months later, I'm still out almost $500. I've disputed it with my bank, and they are working on it. So at the very least, my advice is to pay with a credit card.
Suggestions
The internal flight travel days are hectic. We didn't find out until the last minute when our flights would be. I have no idea what is behind that. It all worked out, but there were a couple of early days(leave at 4 or 4:30am) that weren't exciting. On the early days, breakfast suffered, since the bag breakfasts were inferior to what was served at the hotels. The hotels themselves were perfectly nice.
Review of Discover Chile trip
An excellent introduction to Chile, it was very interesting to see the different climate regions, desert, Santiagio, Lakes and Patagonia. The group blended particularly well together. There were plenty of great photography moments. Felipe (our guide) was excellent.
Most Inspirational Moment
The boat trip to the glaciers was excellent. The blue ice was spectacular!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Felipe was excellent. he guided us to some excellent restaurants and was. He was very personable and receptive to the wishes of the group and provided his wide knowledge of Chile without talking too much. The short visit to his home where he showed us his artwork was fantastic. I felt that sometimes he could have given us a slightly clearer plan for the day.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Inevitably there is a lot of travel and in particular several days were spent relocating. These involved early starts which was fine for me since it meant more time in the destination.
Suggestions
The timing of some of the flights were changed very late - for one the guide called us at 11pm to tell us that we were leaving the hotel at 4am rather than 6am. It wasn't clear to us why the changes were made so late and it clearly meant that our guide was scurrying around at the last minute to make rearrangements.
Disappointing
We booked our own flights with BA and flew direct from Heathrow to Santiago and back again with no problems. We were told to beware picking up a taxi at the airport so pre booked one with Exodus. It was not there when we exited the airport and we had 15 minutes of hassle from taxi touts before it arrrived. Not a good start. After our Day Visit to Valparaiso we were told to be in the Hotel lobby ready to leave at 9.00 am for our flight to Calama. 3 hours later we get a phone call ( or note pushed under the door) to say the flight has been changed and we are now to meet at 4.00 am !!!. This happened with 2 more of our scheduled flights leaving earlier but only being told at the very last minute. On one flight we did not get the late message at all and had a 5am knock on the door whilst still in bed, saying the coach was waiting to leave. In the scrabble to get dressed and pack our cases my wife lost an expensive braclet. These last minute flight changes also meant missing 3 decent hotel breakfasts and instead having a “picnic” box of a dried sandwich, biscuit and drink. Most went into the bin. As a consequnce of the early departure from Calama, we then had to wait over 4 hours in Santiago airport for our connecting flight to Puerto Montt. Fortunately the group did not let it spoil our holiday and the Atacama and Patagonia were both excellent experiences. We have been on about 20 guided tours all over the world (including 6 in Central/South America )with various companies and have graded them 4/5 stars. This was our first with Exodus.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking in the High Atacama Desert.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Felipe was a very nice person. He was personable and helpful on a one to one basis. He also had some nice touches in organising things for the group. But, unfortunately, he was not a strong group leader. For the first few days he did not give clear instructions on where and when to meet. On the walk around Santiago we just wandered around some streets with little idea of their history or what to look for. He was not able to project his voice to cover our group of 14. There were also lots of little things, like when we were in the Atacama we constantly had to ask for the air conditioning to be switched on in the mini bus. Luckily, we had a very compatible and easy going group and over the 2 weeks we found our own ways of working things out. I could see him leading a small Private Tour very effectively.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Of the 12 days in Chile, half of the time is, in effect, spent in travelling. Prices in Chile are at least comparable or more expensive than in the UK. Even the same Chilean wine that you can buy in the UK is more expensive there. Consider booking your own flghts to avoid long changeovers.
Suggestions
I want to know why the 3 flights were changed at the very last minute and by whom. We have flown with Latam several times and this has never happened before.
Discover Chile
Our guide Alex Aguilera was fantastic! He organised the group really well, was a fund of information and always on hand to answer queries. The trip was varied and really interesting. The standard of the accommodation apart from Santiago, was quite basic but adequate. The meal by the local lady on the way back from the geysers, was poor, but apart from that, all the breakfasts were fine.
Most Inspirational Moment
Torres del Paine in Patagonia.
Thoughts on Group Leader
As mentioned above, he was FANTASTIC! Highly recommended.
Advice for Potential Travellers
No
Suggestions
No
After COVID - first long haul for us, first tour for Exodus in Chile
Very good tour but with a few niggles. This was the first Discover Chile tour for 2 years, both for Exodus and for our guide.
The first niggle was that the guide didn’t have accurate or complete guest arrival information. My wife and I were successfully met at the airport the day before the official land tour start. However the guide didn’t have any information about four guests and thought that the remaining guest was only arriving the next day ( which meant she would be quarantining). So the Santiago tour was cancelled. My wife and I went on our own to explore, as the guide was expecting to have to meet the remaining guest. However it turned out that all of the other guests had arrived before us and turned up in the hotel lobby for the tour. The guide tried to contact us but we didn’t see the messages until it was too late to join her.
There was some confusion for one of the plane trips where our tickets were all marked as standby! We all got on but it was confusing.
For our stay in Punta Varas it was a little disconcerting when many of the restaurants closed at 7. This also surprised the guide, who hadn’t been to the town for 2 years.
We also missed out on the boat trip in the lakes because of a landslip and the back-up view from the ski resort was stopped by treacherous sleeting weather. It felt like there could have been an extra day in the Lakes region.
The first breakfast in the hotel in Puerto Natales was very disappointing, but they made a much better breakfast the next time. Perhaps they were rusty after a long break from foreign tourism.
In all the to-ing and fro-ing with Easter Island extensions our final transfer to the airport dropped off. Not a big issue because the guide sorted us out very efficiently.
The scenery was stunning throughout and more than made up for any long journeys
Spectacular sights and scenary
Chile is a stunning country that has something for everyone. This trip provided a wonderful insight and delivered a variety of sights and scenery: from desert and volcanoes, to lakes (and more volcanoes) then mountains and glaciers, followed for me with the legendary moai of Rapa Nui (Easter Island).
As the itinerary makes clear, a significant amount of time is spent travelling (I feel I am now very familiar with Santiago airport!) but that is due to the large distances covered. There is very little ‘down time’ and several early starts so it is definitely not for someone who wants a relaxing holiday. However, if you enjoy spectacular views and new experiences then it ticks all the boxes.
Our group of 16 got on well and, alongside our tour leader and drivers, helped to make it a fantastic holiday.
Most Inspirational Moment
It is impossible to choose a single highlight as there were so many. The colourful houses and street art of Valparaiso; the Atacama desert with its rock formations, lagoons, wildlife and the most amazing night sky; the boat trip on Lago Todos los Santos, gazing up at the snow-topped Orsorno volcano; the breathtakingly beautiful Torres del Paine and Last Hope Sound; watching the mesmerising waves of the Pacific Ocean break on the rocky shores around Rapa Nui and visits to places such as Rano Kau and Ahu Tongariki.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nacho was calm, caring and a real gentleman. He enjoyed telling us tales of his life as a flight attendant and introducing us, with a mix of enthusiasm and humour, to his wonderful country. He always had a variety of restaurant suggestions for dinner to cater for people's different preferences. I was the only one in the group who had chosen the Easter Island extension. Nacho took me to the airport for the flight, met me upon my return a few days later and took me back again the next day for the journey home to the UK. He waited while I checked in and then, deciding that the queue to go through customs was too long, took me to another part of the airport where the queue was much shorter.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I took advice from a previous review and took Chilean pesos with me (which meant I could gauge exchange rates and determine when to purchase them). As a result I managed with cash throughout the trip but others in the group used their credit or debit cards without difficulty in most places. Chile is notably expensive. Just one main course and some water for dinner could cost £12-£15 and, in Easter Island, it was even pricier (for example, a fish and rice dish with a natural fruit juice in a café away from the harbour cost over £25). This was a more sedate trip than I had anticipated so don't choose it if you prefer or expect some proper walks or long hikes. It is a busy schedule with some long days. There isn't much time to do handwashing and get clothes dry before heading off to the next location so you may wish to factor that into your packing. The hotel in San Pedro also has notices in the rooms asking people not to wash clothes. I ended up wishing I'd packed more long-sleeved shirts as I found myself wearing them for sun protection in the desert as well as protection against both the sun and dengue fever-carrying mosquitoes in Easter Island. If you like a bath, bring a universal bath plug as many of the hotels don't provide one.
Suggestions
I investigated several companies who offered pretty much identical trips. I particularly liked the fact that Exodus included most of the activities (eg the visit to Valparaiso) in the upfront price, avoiding the need to budget for additional expenditure/take extra cash. Many in the group would have preferred to have saved time by having lunch in Valparaiso rather than Vina del Mar and therefore been able to include a trip to a winery on the journey back to Santiago. While I enjoyed the stay in Puerto Varas, I'd happily dispense with the walk in the Orsorno lava fields and the few hours in Puerto Montt seemed to be just a filler while we waited for the flight to Punta Arenas. I'd also have loved more time and a chance to do some walks (e.g. for 1-2 hours) while in Torres del Paine. I had visited the area previously on a similar tour several years before and know that there are some walks that could have been worked into the itinerary without turning it into a different type of trip. I appreciate that the main 'Discover Chile' itinerary has been designed to be accomplished in 2 weeks. However, for somewhere like Chile with the sheer distances involved, it would have been lovely if it could have been extended by a further few days, giving more time in Torres and perhaps including a boat trip amongst the fjords.
Chile
This trip covered a lot of ground in a short time frame. I (and the rest of my group) agreed that the one area of improvement would be to include a visit to the wineries and have lunch in Valparaiso.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the stars in the Atacama Desert and the landscapes of Patagonia
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ignacio was wonderful. He was organized, attentive and had a good sense of humor.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring layers! It was unexpectedly cold when we visited the geysers.
Awe inspiring.
A land of so many sights, warm people and the impressive Andes mountains almost throughout.
Most Inspirational Moment
The Atacama Desert. Its forever changing scenery. The Lagoons, The Wetlands and Flamingo's, Geysers over 80 in one area. Sand dunes and forever rock formations. The long long roads and starry nights. Unlike any other desert I have visited.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nacho was brilliant. His charm, smile and funny stories, seeing us all through some very long days. He was Informative throughout the trip. His observations and empathy were outstanding. Great fun and ensuring everyone's needs were met. A calm and unstressful gentleman. Would be great to have Nacho on every Exodus trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Chile felt to be a very safe and friendly country from the moment if arrival. This did not change or alter throughout. Happy walking around alone. Don't expect your International adapter plugs to work. I borrowed one and some bought some locally. The 2 circular pins were much smaller. I believe it was the European pinned one that works.
Suggestions
A boat trip to through the Fjords would be a great addition to this trip. As would a few hours at one of the vineyards when driving right through them.
Chile
Discover Chile is a great trip and a fantastic way to see all the best areas of this long thin country. It is full of travelling though and not just flying. However, as a brilliant and thorough voyage around the Atacama, Lakeland and Patagonia you can’t beat it.
Most Inspirational Moment
Too many to mention high Lakes in the Atacama, hummingbirds in the temperate rain forest and all of Patagonia!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our le.ader was knowledgeable, helpful, enthusiastic and fun. He made the trip much more enjoyable
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't expect to stop for long meals or have much down time but you do see a lot instead.
Suggestions
If you can avoid spending a morning in Puerto Montt do so. Stay and have a better look round Puerto Varas instead, it is much prettier and interesting.
Start
Finish
Availability
Adult Price From
Optional Single Supplement
Monday Sunday
18 Dec 2023 17 Dec 2023
Saturday Sunday
30 Dec 2023 31 Dec 2023
Availability Guaranteed (On Request)
Adult Price From £ 4,499 £ 6,899
Optional Single Supplement
+£ 975
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
15 Jan 2024 14 Jan 2024
Saturday Sunday
27 Jan 2024 28 Jan 2024
Availability Guaranteed (On Request) Only 5 spaces left!
Adult Price From £ 4,599 £ 6,049
Optional Single Supplement +£ 995
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
05 Feb 2024 04 Feb 2024
Saturday Sunday
17 Feb 2024 18 Feb 2024
Availability Guaranteed (On Request) Only 2 spaces left!
Adult Price From £ 4,799 £ 6,249
Optional Single Supplement +£ 995
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 2 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
04 Mar 2024 03 Mar 2024
Saturday Sunday
16 Mar 2024 17 Mar 2024
Availability Sold Out
Adult Price From £ 4,599 £ 6,149
Optional Single Supplement
+£ 995
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
01 Apr 2024 31 Mar 2024
Saturday Sunday
13 Apr 2024 14 Apr 2024
Availability Guaranteed (On Request) Only 2 spaces left!
Adult Price From £ 4,799 £ 6,349 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement
+£ 995
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 2 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
14 Oct 2024 13 Oct 2024
Saturday Sunday
26 Oct 2024 27 Oct 2024
Availability Guaranteed (On Request) Only 1 space left!
Adult Price From £ 4,649 £ 6,199 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 995
Celebrate Exodus' 50th anniversary! This departure includes our Astronomy Tour in Atacama, a local birthday celebration and a special edition Exodus kitbag
Celebrate Exodus' 50th anniversary! This departure includes our Astronomy Tour in Atacama, a local birthday celebration and a special edition Exodus kitbag
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 1 space left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
04 Nov 2024 03 Nov 2024
Saturday Sunday
16 Nov 2024 17 Nov 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Limited) Only 2 spaces left!
Adult Price From £ 4,849 £ 6,399 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement
+£ 995
Available upon Request
Celebrate Exodus' 50th anniversary! This departure includes our Astronomy Tour in Atacama, a local birthday celebration and a special edition Exodus kitbag
Celebrate Exodus' 50th anniversary! This departure includes our Astronomy Tour in Atacama, a local birthday celebration and a special edition Exodus kitbag
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 2 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
25 Nov 2024 24 Nov 2024
Saturday Sunday
07 Dec 2024 08 Dec 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From £ 4,599 £ 6,149 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 995
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
16 Dec 2024 15 Dec 2024
Saturday Sunday
28 Dec 2024 29 Dec 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From £ 4,599 £ 6,349 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 995
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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