Chile is a country endowed with great natural beauty, cultural traditions and an enormously varied geography. This journey is designed to give us a sampling of some of the geographic regions of the country, from the coastal city of Valparaiso to the colorful island of Chiloe to the chiseled, windswept peaks of Patagonia. Photo opportunities range from colorful fish markets to unique architecture, and from impressive landscapes and seascapes to Patagonian wildlife.

And, oh yes, they make great wine there!

The Schedule:

November 30 Day 2- Valparaiso- arrive in Santiago in the AM, transfer to hotel in Vina del Mar next to Valparaiso on the coast. Valparaiso is known for eclectic architecture and numerous UNESCO sites. Afternoon free for walking photo tour about town. (no meals included)

December 1 Day 3- Valparaiso- Full day exploring the treasures of this architecturally wonderous city. From the fish market to the centuries old vertical trolleys/trams to majestic mansions recalling the city’s glorious shipping past.(breakfast & lunch included)

December 2 Day 4- To the Lake District- After breakfast we’ll depart to the Santiago airport for the flight south to the Lake District (1 hour 45 min flight). Our destination will be the lakeside city of Puerto Varas- settled by German immigrants in the mid-19^th century and home to numerous National Historic Monuments. There will time to walk about town in the early evening or enjoy the views across the lake at the massive snow-covered cone of the Osorno Volcano. Night in Hotel Bellavista. (breakfast, dinner included)

December 3 Day 5- To the Island- After breakfast we’ll drive into the city of Puerto Montt to visit the lively fish market as well as the adjacent crafts market of Angelmo. We’ll then depart to the ferry dock to cross over to the emerald island of Chiloe. First stop will be the bay of Caulin- as famous for its black-necked swans as for its locally grown oysters. We’ll have time to enjoy both! By mid-afternoon we’ll arrive in the Oceanside city of Ancud- known for being the second to last stronghold of the Spanish in all of the Americas. Chiloe is famous for its shingled houses, brightly painted fishing boats, fresh seafood, charming traditions and curious mythological creatures. Night in the Hosteria Ancud. (all meals included)

December 4 Day 6- Pacific Coast- Full day adventure to the rugged Pacific Coast of the island, an area of desolate beaches, rolling farms and forests. The area is fantastic for birdlife as there is the unique mixture of coastline, wetlands and ocean. We’ll be able to take some short walks as desired. By early evening we’ll arrive at a family farmhouse south of Ancud for a traditional curanto pitbake of copious amounts of seafood, smoked meets and potato patties. This is always accompanied by wine and local music to really have a Chilote experience! Night back at the Hosteria Ancud. (all meals incl.)

December 5 Day 7- East Coast of the Isle- Today we’ll be immersed in the traditional culture of Chiloe, visiting several small villages where fishing and agriculture are the way of life. Boat builders, oxen, potato fields, fishing boats and UNESCO World Heritage Site churches. We’ll arrive at the quaint country home of some local Chilotes to really experience the warmth and hospitality of island life. (all meals included)

December 6 Day 8- Travel to Patagonia- After breakfast we’ll depart on the 3 hour journey to the P.Montt airport where you’ll catch your flight south to Punta Arenas (2 hours). You’ll immediately head north 2.5 more hours to the city of Puerto Natales on the shores of the Last Hope Sound to spend the night. (breakfast & dinner included)

December 7 Day 9- Torres del Paine- A three hour drive will bring us to the renowned national park of Torres del Paine. From tall granite spires to glacier draped peaks to guanaco and rhea (nandu) flightless birds, the nature and wildlife of this are will astound. Night will be spent in a nice hotel on a little island in the park. (entrance, breakfast & picnic)

December 8 Day 10- Torres- Full day to explore this stunning park- a myriad of turquoise lakes, massive mountains, golden grasslands and more. Wonderful for birding as well as photography. Night in same hotel

December 9 Day 11- Torres- Another full day to explore the park- with walks Iceberg Graveyard at the south end of Lago Grey. No lack of wonderful opportunities for photography. Night in Hosteria Grey. (breakfast & picnic included)

December 10 Day 12 Punta Arenas- Six hour journey back to P.Arenas, but lunch first at P.Natales. Then we’ll continue on for a stop at the Seno Ottway penguin colony outside of Punta Areans. Night in P.Arenas. (breakfast and lunch included)

December 11 Day 13- to USA- Morning to explore the old mansions of Punta Arenas’ glory days when the Strait of Magellan was the only means of inter-ocean traffic prior to the Panama Canal. Midday flight to Santiago in time for the continuing flight to the USA. (breakfast included)

Included: 11 nights lodging (double occupancy), 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 5 dinners, bilingual guides, all transport, park entrances and guided activities, internal flights

Not Included: alcoholic beverages, tips, insurance. Entrance to Milodon Cave not included (US$7 p/p); international airfare

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