The adventure awaits
You'll spend a few days in Chile's bustling capital to start, and get a taste of the vibrant coastal cities of Vina del Mar and Valparaiso. Then it's off to the breathtaking natural beauty of northern Chile, where you'll find a salt desert, colorful flamingos, and hot, bubbling geysers, among other things. You'll feel like you're in another world, as the landscape is so surreal and unlike anything you've ever seen. But there's much more to discover!
From the plane, you might already have the opportunity to admire Santiago de Chile and the imposing Andes from above.
From the airport, you can take an Uber to the hotel or a taxi. The taxi shouldn't cost more than 30,000 CLP, Uber is cheaper. However, Uber is not always available at the airport.
After a restful night, you can look forward to exploring the vibrant capital of Chile today. Santiago impresses with its proximity to the imposing Andes, historical buildings, delicious food, and insights into the daily life of Chileans.
Santiago is very large, so it is best to explore the city by public transport. The subway in Santiago is called "Metro".
Tickets for public transport: You can buy these at any subway station and at vending machines at bus stops. It is called bip!. This is a rechargeable pre-paid card that costs 1,550 CLP once and must be charged with a credit of at least 1,000 CLP. A single ride on the subway costs between 650 - 800 CLP. I recommend charging the card with 3,500 CLP for today. You can also use the card for the buses.
Walk 3 minutes to the bus stop "PC560-Seminario / esquina María L. Santander". Take the 504 bus towards El Tranque for 3 stops and get off at "PA395-Parada 2 / (M) Bellas Artes". From there it is only 250 meters to Cerro Santa Lucia.
Orienting yourself in Santiago de Chile is relatively easy, as the city, like so many in Latin America, is laid out in a grid pattern. This means that all streets are arranged in a regular, right-angled grid that mimics a chessboard pattern, creating square building blocks.
Cerro translates to "hill" or "mountain." The reason for this is that Cerro Santa Lucía offers a great view of the city and the snow-capped Andes. Admission here is free, and access is only possible on foot. You may need to register on a piece of paper with a park ranger. Early in the morning, you'll have Cerro Santa Lucía practically to yourself, especially during the week. The ascent totals about 100 meters in altitude. Interesting to know: In 1541, Pedro de Valdivia founded the city of Santiago de Chile at Cerro Santa Lucía.
Opening hours: Daily 9 AM - 7 PM, free admission.
Now you go on to the Plaza de Armas, so to speak, the "main square" or "market place" of Santiago. This green square has great historical significance, as it has been a central meeting place since the city was founded, for example for concerts, exhibitions or other cultural events.
You may notice that the place attracts many locals. Some simply relax a little, others work as shoe shiners or street performers. This will give you an unfiltered insight into the life of the Chileans. In addition, many historical buildings are united on the Plaza de Armas: the Historical Museum, a cathedral, the town hall, the central post office. Decide for yourself whether you want to visit one or all of these buildings in more detail.
From the Plaza de Armas, it's about a 10-minute walk to the subway station "Universidad de Chile".
Take the L1 line towards "Los Dominicos" for 6 stops to the station "Pedro de Valdivia".
Get off here and you can walk to the first station of the Cerro San Cristobal cable car, which is called "Oasis."
Buy a ticket here for the cable car to Cerro San Cristóbal.
Next, head to Cerro San Cristobal, which offers a great view over Santiago and is significantly higher than Cerro Santa Lucía. Cerro San Cristobal is part of the Parque Metropolitano (Latin America's largest urban park) and is located at the highest point of the park. The easiest way to get to the top of the viewpoint is with a gondola, as described above.
If you feel like getting a lot of exercise: You can also reach Cerro San Cristobal on foot (approx. one hour) via various hiking trails.
Opening hours: Closed on Mondays; Tuesday - Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:45 PM
Take the gondola back to the "Oasis" base station.
Please go back to the subway station "Pedro de Valdivia" and take the subway line L1 towards "Los Dominicos" again. This time, after two stations, get off at the station "Tobalaba".
Walk to the Sky Costanera Center.
Now it goes even higher: Into a building with a height of 300 meters. The Sky Costanera is the tallest building in Latin America. From the top you have a magnificent 360-degree view of Santiago de Chile and the nearby Andes. You can get to the top with an elevator.
Opening hours: Daily 10am - 10pm.
Now you stroll through the Mall Costanera Center, a large indoor shopping center located in the same building as the Sky Costanera viewpoint. Such shopping centers have been very typical in Latin America for a couple of decades. Here you can find clothes as well as drinks, snacks and toilets (usually on the top floor).
Opening hours: Daily 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
From the Costanera Center, you walk back to the subway station "Tobalaba" in about 5 minutes.
Take subway line L1 towards San Pablo. Please exit at the Salvador station.
Walk about 10 more minutes to the accommodation.
Today you will get to know Santiago de Chile away from the tourist crowds. In contrast to the bustling sights of yesterday, you can now get to know the quiet side of Santiago. Art, parks, museums and delicious food await you. Look forward to it!
Walk to the subway station "Parque Bustamente." Don't forget to recharge your subway card. 3,000 CLP should be enough today.
Take line L5 towards "Plaza Maipú" and get off at the "Quinta Normal" station.
It's just a stone's throw from here to the historical museum.
The museum offers an impressive insight into the military dictatorship of Chile, which lasted from 1973 - 1990.
Opening hours: Closed on Mondays; Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm. Free entry.
Right next to the museum is a beautiful park that you shouldn't miss. Opened in 1841, it is the oldest park in Santiago. Its size is also impressive: more than 4,200 large trees are at home here. So feel free to relax in the fresh air.
Here you will not only find delicious food, but also beautiful paintings. The building is worth seeing both inside and out.
Just around the corner, you can admire beautiful murals in Plaza Yungay.
Walk for about 10 minutes to the "Cumming" subway station.
Take line L5 towards "Vicente Valdés" and get off at "Bellas Artes".
Walk for about 8 minutes to the next point "José Vitorino Lastarria".
Stroll through small boutiques and admire the paintings and exciting architecture. Fancy a coffee? Treat yourself to a refreshing hot drink in one of the nice cafés.
At Mercado de Lastarria, you can sample local delicacies and admire handmade products to your heart's content, such as pots, clothing, bags and much more.
Today you'll leave Santiago de Chile for a day trip to the vibrant coastal town of Valparaíso with its beautiful art scene.
If you're planning the day trip to Valparaíso for a Monday, please note that the planned visits to the museums will not be possible as they are closed on Mondays.
Get an early start - we have a lot planned today!
Since it's very complicated to get to the "Pajaritos" bus station by public transport, I recommend taking an Uber. The price is just an estimate, as prices can change daily.
At the bus station, you can choose either the company "Turbus" or "Pullman". From 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., a bus leaves for Valparaíso every 15 - 30 minutes. It takes about two hours to get to Valparaíso. You will arrive at the bus station "Terminal Rodoviario Valparaíso".
Walk for about 10 minutes to the "Muelle Baron".
Enjoy the ocean view. There are also always a number of seals and seagulls to be found here.
Walk approximately 500 meters to the bus stop "Estación Baron".
and walk about 4 more minutes to the Ascensor El Peral.
Take bus line 101 towards "Aduana". Get off at "Estación Puerto".
Walk to the funicular railway "El Peral".
An impressive experience: The funicular takes you to the higher districts of Valparaíso in a very short time. Enjoy the view of the city.
Opening hours: Daily, 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Once you reach the top, you have a great view of the harbor and the city.
Be inspired by this art museum. The museum is already impressive from the outside, as it is housed in an old villa. There are many beautiful paintings of Valparaíso from the 19th and 20th centuries, painted by local painters. From the museum you have a beautiful view of Valparaíso.
Opening hours: Closed on Mondays; Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 6pm.
Continue to Cerro Alegre. "Alegre" translates to cheerful, happy. You'll soon understand why this place is called that: houses, stairs, walls - everything here is colorful and positive. You can admire a lot of street art here and photograph the colorful houses. Wander through the streets and let the atmosphere touch you.
Marvel once again at the steep and picturesque slopes of Valparaíso. By the way, Cerro Concepción is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This is practically an art museum outdoors. Here you will again find great murals and impressively painted stairs.
You might know Pablo Neruda, a famous Chilean poet. He had a total of three houses in Valparaíso, and one of them is open to visitors - this one. The house not only offers a magnificent view of Valparaíso and the sea, but is also very elegantly and attractively furnished. You will discover a lot of history in Neruda's house.
Opening hours: Closed on Mondays; Tuesday - Sunday 10 AM - 6 PM.
Take the bus at the "La Sebastiana / Oriente" stop.
Take 6 stops towards "Playa Ancha - Cementerio N.3 - Avenida Alemana" until "Alemania - Caupolican".
Get off at the "Alemania - Caupolican" stop and continue on foot.
Not only art sculptures and a relaxing park await you here, but this place is also a former prison. Mobile market stalls with food, clothing, and handicrafts regularly visit. There's also a gallery and a theater.
Enjoy a delicious snack. The restaurant isn't cheap, but it makes up for it with good service and tasty dishes. As you're used to in Valparaíso, you'll also have a great view of the extraordinary city from the restaurant.
Board the bus line "Los Placeres - Pob. La Laguna" and travel 4 stops to "Plaza O´Higgins - Congreso Nacional".
Now it's just a 2-minute walk to the bus station "Rodoviario".
After an eventful day in Valparaíso, take the Turbus or Pullman line back to Santiago. Buses to the capital leave every 15-30 minutes.
Go to the subway station "Pajaritos". Load the ticket with 1,000 CLP.
Take the L1 subway line towards "Los Dominicos" for 13 stops until "Baquedano".
Go back to the accommodation.
Today you're taking another day trip to the sea, but this time the town is very different from Valparaíso. You will find out during the day why this is so and also why Viña del Mar is still worth a visit.
Take an Uber again to the "Pajaritos" bus station.
At the bus station, you can choose either the "Turbus" or "Pullman" line. Just like to Valparaíso, there is a bus to Vina del Mar every 15-30 minutes from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. It takes about two hours to get to Vina del Mar. You will arrive at the bus station Terminal de Buses de Viña Del Mar.
Walk for 3 minutes to the bus stop "Arlegui - Nva Cental".
Take the bus line "Playa Ancha - Montedónico" and go 11 stops until "Avenida Espana - Cerro Castillo."
From there, walk one more minute to the flower clock, in Spanish "Reloj de Flores", in English "Flower clock".
The flower clock is a landmark of Vina del Mar. The clock is very large: the hands are over 3 meters long. You simply have to see this enormous clock.
Relax for a while with a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean. But be careful if you want to swim: due to the Humboldt Current that flows from Antarctica into the Pacific, the water has a maximum temperature of 16 degrees.
A small castle right on the Pacific - who would have expected that here? You can enjoy the castle from the outside for photo opportunities or you can visit it from the inside. However, it is only open irregularly. There is a beautiful ceramics collection and a glass dome, under which you can see the ocean directly. You will also get an insight into the history of Vina.
After the long day yesterday in Valparaíso, I have no further activities planned for you today. Take a walk along the beach and relax or recharge your batteries with a coffee.
Buy your bus ticket back to Santiago de Chile. The buses run every 15 - 30 minutes again.
Go to the subway station "Pajaritos." Load your subway ticket with about 1,000 CLP.
Take the subway line L1 towards "Los Dominicos" for 13 stops and get off at "Baquedano".
Go back to the accommodation.
Today you'll fly to northern Chile. Since the distances are so vast, a domestic flight is advisable. Look forward to the driest desert in the world, a moon-like landscape, red sand, volcanoes and much more!
Take an Uber or taxi to the airport.
From Calama Airport, drive your rental car to San Pedro de Atacama. Treat yourself to some relaxation here or stroll through the small town and admire the mud houses. Acclimatize a bit, as San Pedro de Atacama is located at 2,500 meters above sea level - so the air is a bit thinner here - and in the next few days you will be going even higher for excursions.
Today, you'll immerse yourself in the surreal landscape of the Atacama Desert. Explore the Valley of the Moon, learn how hot it can get during the day and how cold at night in the driest place on earth, and marvel at the starry night sky.
Important - please book tickets in advance here.
Most visitors come here in the evening for the sunset to soak up the special atmosphere. However, it is also relatively crowded then, so I recommend a visit in the morning instead. If you like, you can return one of the evenings for the sunset. This is a place where you can come more than once and still marvel at nature again and again.
Let yourself be enchanted - you won't be sure if you are still on Earth or have already landed on the moon... 😀
Be sure to bring enough water and sunscreen. Please note that you are not allowed to eat food you have brought with you in Valle de la Luna and Valle de Catarpe.
Opening hours: Daily, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. (last entry 5:30 p.m.).
Next, we head into the Catarpe Valley. The highlights there are the "Garganta del diabla" (Devil's Throat) and the viewpoint. You can only drive part of the route by car. From the parking lot, you still have to walk about 6 kilometers (total for the round trip).
Enjoy a wonderful view of the Andes. Later, when it's dark, you can return here and be enchanted by one of the clearest starry skies in the world.
Today is all about the salt lagoons. Spoiler: You can even swim and feel completely weightless... so be sure to pack your swimwear!
These salt lagoons are a real feast for the eyes and therefore a great photo opportunity. You can enjoy the lagoons from "inside and out". Treat yourself to a salt bath. The water is pleasantly warm. The special thing about the lagoons in the Atacama Desert: Due to the high salt content, you won't sink, even if you remain completely motionless. Unfortunately, there are no showers here yet, but you will pass a shower during the day.
With a bit of luck, you can even spot flamingos here. The second lagoon, Laguna Piedra, is very close to this one, so you can leave the car and walk.
Here you can once again enjoy a pleasant salt bath in the lagoon - with a wonderful view of the surrounding landscape. Showers are available.
Today, you can once again look forward to picturesque lagoons. Today, however, these are not saltwater lagoons, but freshwater lagoons. After you've had some time to acclimatize, we'll head up into the highlands, up to 4,200 meters. You're not allowed to swim in the lagoons, but the view of the Miscanti and Miniques volcanoes will more than compensate you for that.
On the way to the lagoons, you can flexibly make stops and admire the unusual nature. You will probably also encounter vicuñas, alpacas, llamas or flamingos along the way. You can also observe these animals at the lagoons, but they are usually far away. Also enjoy the view of the Miscanti volcano, which is almost 6,000 meters high.
The second lagoon is located directly next to the Miscanti Lagoon. Previously, the two lagoons were connected, which is why the distance is so short today. You can walk across a wooden bridge to the Miniques Lagoon and leave your car at Laguna Miscanti.
Go to sleep early tonight. Tomorrow, you should leave around 3:00 AM - 3:30 AM so you have the best view of the geysers in the rising sunlight. They are also most active when it's colder.
Today, the first stop is the amazing "El Tatio" water geysers. These are located at 4,300 meters. Depart around 3:00 AM - 3:30 AM. The reason for this is that the geysers are most active at dawn. Please be sure to bring warm clothing, as it is very cold at night near the geysers (down to -5 degrees). The further the day progresses, the warmer it gets. Sturdy, comfortable shoes are also essential. You should also bring swimwear. Be careful when driving, especially in the dark, as the roads have many potholes.
Due to the altitude, you should generally move slower. If you notice signs of altitude sickness, move back to lower terrain.
There is also an extra thermal pool here where you can enjoy a bath after the spectacle of the geysers.
Tired of getting up early? You can relax in the hot, open-air thermal springs.
Opening hours: Daily, 8 AM - 5:30 PM.
Before heading to one last spot for today, you can relax at your accommodation or stroll through San Pedro de Atacama.
You'll soon understand why this place is translated as "Rainbow Valley." Let yourself be enchanted by the unusual colors of the rocks!
Admire the impressive salt lake "Salar de Atacama" (the largest salt lake on Earth) and enjoy one of the wonderful lagoons and colorful flamingos as well as other bird species again. Today, freshwater also plays a role - be excited!
Here you will find huge lumps of salt and can look out into the distance almost endlessly. There is a large lithium deposit here. Unfortunately, lithium mining in the Atacama Desert contributes to the shrinking of the flamingos' habitat. This makes the joy even greater when you can see flamingos.
Laguna Tebinquinche is located in the northern part of the Salar de Atacama. Swimming is not allowed here. Often, the surrounding volcanoes are reflected in the lagoon, providing you with a great photo opportunity.
Who would suspect two freshwater pools in a salt desert? But that is exactly what the "ojos del salar" are. "Ojos" translates to "eyes" and comes about because the freshwater pools are circular. The ojos del sar are an impressive contrast to the surrounding white salt landscape.
Today you will fly back to Santiago. If you still have time, enjoy your last day and your last moments in Thailand and recharge your batteries for tomorrow's flight home. Today you will fly back to Santiago. If you still have time, enjoy your last day and your last moments in Thailand and recharge your batteries for tomorrow's flight home.
Return your rental car at the airport and get going. Don't forget to be at the airport at least 2 to 3 hours before departure.
You already know your way around here, take a taxi or Uber into the city and enjoy this vibrant city if you have time. If you missed something from the program, now is the time to catch up and visit what you'd like.
Today, we're heading back home with many impressions in our luggage.
Don't forget to be at the airport at least 2 to 3 hours before departure, and enjoy the journey home full of impressions from beautiful Thailand.
I hope you had a wonderful trip through Chile and are now as enthusiastic about this great country as I am. With the warm, relaxed locals, unique nature and the cities of Santiago, Valparaíso and Vina del Mar, you have gotten to know a very special country and will often remember it. Thank you for placing your trust in me.
You'll spend a few days in Chile's bustling capital to start, and get a taste of the vibrant coastal cities of Vina del Mar and Valparaiso. Then it's off to the breathtaking natural beauty of northern Chile, where you'll find a salt desert, colorful flamingos, and hot, bubbling geysers, among other things. You'll feel like you're in another world, as the landscape is so surreal and unlike anything you've ever seen. But there's much more to discover!
From the plane, you might already have the opportunity to admire Santiago de Chile and the imposing Andes from above.
From the airport, you can take an Uber to the hotel or a taxi. The taxi shouldn't cost more than 30,000 CLP, Uber is cheaper. However, Uber is not always available at the airport.
After a restful night, you can look forward to exploring the vibrant capital of Chile today. Santiago impresses with its proximity to the imposing Andes, historical buildings, delicious food, and insights into the daily life of Chileans.
Santiago is very large, so it is best to explore the city by public transport. The subway in Santiago is called "Metro".
Tickets for public transport: You can buy these at any subway station and at vending machines at bus stops. It is called bip!. This is a rechargeable pre-paid card that costs 1,550 CLP once and must be charged with a credit of at least 1,000 CLP. A single ride on the subway costs between 650 - 800 CLP. I recommend charging the card with 3,500 CLP for today. You can also use the card for the buses.
Walk 3 minutes to the bus stop "PC560-Seminario / esquina María L. Santander". Take the 504 bus towards El Tranque for 3 stops and get off at "PA395-Parada 2 / (M) Bellas Artes". From there it is only 250 meters to Cerro Santa Lucia.
Orienting yourself in Santiago de Chile is relatively easy, as the city, like so many in Latin America, is laid out in a grid pattern. This means that all streets are arranged in a regular, right-angled grid that mimics a chessboard pattern, creating square building blocks.
Cerro translates to "hill" or "mountain." The reason for this is that Cerro Santa Lucía offers a great view of the city and the snow-capped Andes. Admission here is free, and access is only possible on foot. You may need to register on a piece of paper with a park ranger. Early in the morning, you'll have Cerro Santa Lucía practically to yourself, especially during the week. The ascent totals about 100 meters in altitude. Interesting to know: In 1541, Pedro de Valdivia founded the city of Santiago de Chile at Cerro Santa Lucía.
Opening hours: Daily 9 AM - 7 PM, free admission.
Now you go on to the Plaza de Armas, so to speak, the "main square" or "market place" of Santiago. This green square has great historical significance, as it has been a central meeting place since the city was founded, for example for concerts, exhibitions or other cultural events.
You may notice that the place attracts many locals. Some simply relax a little, others work as shoe shiners or street performers. This will give you an unfiltered insight into the life of the Chileans. In addition, many historical buildings are united on the Plaza de Armas: the Historical Museum, a cathedral, the town hall, the central post office. Decide for yourself whether you want to visit one or all of these buildings in more detail.
From the Plaza de Armas, it's about a 10-minute walk to the subway station "Universidad de Chile".
Take the L1 line towards "Los Dominicos" for 6 stops to the station "Pedro de Valdivia".
Get off here and you can walk to the first station of the Cerro San Cristobal cable car, which is called "Oasis."
Buy a ticket here for the cable car to Cerro San Cristóbal.
Next, head to Cerro San Cristobal, which offers a great view over Santiago and is significantly higher than Cerro Santa Lucía. Cerro San Cristobal is part of the Parque Metropolitano (Latin America's largest urban park) and is located at the highest point of the park. The easiest way to get to the top of the viewpoint is with a gondola, as described above.
If you feel like getting a lot of exercise: You can also reach Cerro San Cristobal on foot (approx. one hour) via various hiking trails.
Opening hours: Closed on Mondays; Tuesday - Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:45 PM
Take the gondola back to the "Oasis" base station.
Please go back to the subway station "Pedro de Valdivia" and take the subway line L1 towards "Los Dominicos" again. This time, after two stations, get off at the station "Tobalaba".
Walk to the Sky Costanera Center.
Now it goes even higher: Into a building with a height of 300 meters. The Sky Costanera is the tallest building in Latin America. From the top you have a magnificent 360-degree view of Santiago de Chile and the nearby Andes. You can get to the top with an elevator.
Opening hours: Daily 10am - 10pm.
Now you stroll through the Mall Costanera Center, a large indoor shopping center located in the same building as the Sky Costanera viewpoint. Such shopping centers have been very typical in Latin America for a couple of decades. Here you can find clothes as well as drinks, snacks and toilets (usually on the top floor).
Opening hours: Daily 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
From the Costanera Center, you walk back to the subway station "Tobalaba" in about 5 minutes.
Take subway line L1 towards San Pablo. Please exit at the Salvador station.
Walk about 10 more minutes to the accommodation.
Today you will get to know Santiago de Chile away from the tourist crowds. In contrast to the bustling sights of yesterday, you can now get to know the quiet side of Santiago. Art, parks, museums and delicious food await you. Look forward to it!
Walk to the subway station "Parque Bustamente." Don't forget to recharge your subway card. 3,000 CLP should be enough today.
Take line L5 towards "Plaza Maipú" and get off at the "Quinta Normal" station.
It's just a stone's throw from here to the historical museum.
The museum offers an impressive insight into the military dictatorship of Chile, which lasted from 1973 - 1990.
Opening hours: Closed on Mondays; Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm. Free entry.
Right next to the museum is a beautiful park that you shouldn't miss. Opened in 1841, it is the oldest park in Santiago. Its size is also impressive: more than 4,200 large trees are at home here. So feel free to relax in the fresh air.
Here you will not only find delicious food, but also beautiful paintings. The building is worth seeing both inside and out.
Just around the corner, you can admire beautiful murals in Plaza Yungay.
Walk for about 10 minutes to the "Cumming" subway station.
Take line L5 towards "Vicente Valdés" and get off at "Bellas Artes".
Walk for about 8 minutes to the next point "José Vitorino Lastarria".
Stroll through small boutiques and admire the paintings and exciting architecture. Fancy a coffee? Treat yourself to a refreshing hot drink in one of the nice cafés.
At Mercado de Lastarria, you can sample local delicacies and admire handmade products to your heart's content, such as pots, clothing, bags and much more.
Today you'll leave Santiago de Chile for a day trip to the vibrant coastal town of Valparaíso with its beautiful art scene.
If you're planning the day trip to Valparaíso for a Monday, please note that the planned visits to the museums will not be possible as they are closed on Mondays.
Get an early start - we have a lot planned today!
Since it's very complicated to get to the "Pajaritos" bus station by public transport, I recommend taking an Uber. The price is just an estimate, as prices can change daily.
At the bus station, you can choose either the company "Turbus" or "Pullman". From 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., a bus leaves for Valparaíso every 15 - 30 minutes. It takes about two hours to get to Valparaíso. You will arrive at the bus station "Terminal Rodoviario Valparaíso".
Walk for about 10 minutes to the "Muelle Baron".
Enjoy the ocean view. There are also always a number of seals and seagulls to be found here.
Walk approximately 500 meters to the bus stop "Estación Baron".
and walk about 4 more minutes to the Ascensor El Peral.
Take bus line 101 towards "Aduana". Get off at "Estación Puerto".
Walk to the funicular railway "El Peral".
An impressive experience: The funicular takes you to the higher districts of Valparaíso in a very short time. Enjoy the view of the city.
Opening hours: Daily, 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Once you reach the top, you have a great view of the harbor and the city.
Be inspired by this art museum. The museum is already impressive from the outside, as it is housed in an old villa. There are many beautiful paintings of Valparaíso from the 19th and 20th centuries, painted by local painters. From the museum you have a beautiful view of Valparaíso.
Opening hours: Closed on Mondays; Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 6pm.
Continue to Cerro Alegre. "Alegre" translates to cheerful, happy. You'll soon understand why this place is called that: houses, stairs, walls - everything here is colorful and positive. You can admire a lot of street art here and photograph the colorful houses. Wander through the streets and let the atmosphere touch you.
Marvel once again at the steep and picturesque slopes of Valparaíso. By the way, Cerro Concepción is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This is practically an art museum outdoors. Here you will again find great murals and impressively painted stairs.
You might know Pablo Neruda, a famous Chilean poet. He had a total of three houses in Valparaíso, and one of them is open to visitors - this one. The house not only offers a magnificent view of Valparaíso and the sea, but is also very elegantly and attractively furnished. You will discover a lot of history in Neruda's house.
Opening hours: Closed on Mondays; Tuesday - Sunday 10 AM - 6 PM.
Take the bus at the "La Sebastiana / Oriente" stop.
Take 6 stops towards "Playa Ancha - Cementerio N.3 - Avenida Alemana" until "Alemania - Caupolican".
Get off at the "Alemania - Caupolican" stop and continue on foot.
Not only art sculptures and a relaxing park await you here, but this place is also a former prison. Mobile market stalls with food, clothing, and handicrafts regularly visit. There's also a gallery and a theater.
Enjoy a delicious snack. The restaurant isn't cheap, but it makes up for it with good service and tasty dishes. As you're used to in Valparaíso, you'll also have a great view of the extraordinary city from the restaurant.
Board the bus line "Los Placeres - Pob. La Laguna" and travel 4 stops to "Plaza O´Higgins - Congreso Nacional".
Now it's just a 2-minute walk to the bus station "Rodoviario".
After an eventful day in Valparaíso, take the Turbus or Pullman line back to Santiago. Buses to the capital leave every 15-30 minutes.
Go to the subway station "Pajaritos". Load the ticket with 1,000 CLP.
Take the L1 subway line towards "Los Dominicos" for 13 stops until "Baquedano".
Go back to the accommodation.
Today you're taking another day trip to the sea, but this time the town is very different from Valparaíso. You will find out during the day why this is so and also why Viña del Mar is still worth a visit.
Take an Uber again to the "Pajaritos" bus station.
At the bus station, you can choose either the "Turbus" or "Pullman" line. Just like to Valparaíso, there is a bus to Vina del Mar every 15-30 minutes from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. It takes about two hours to get to Vina del Mar. You will arrive at the bus station Terminal de Buses de Viña Del Mar.
Walk for 3 minutes to the bus stop "Arlegui - Nva Cental".
Take the bus line "Playa Ancha - Montedónico" and go 11 stops until "Avenida Espana - Cerro Castillo."
From there, walk one more minute to the flower clock, in Spanish "Reloj de Flores", in English "Flower clock".
The flower clock is a landmark of Vina del Mar. The clock is very large: the hands are over 3 meters long. You simply have to see this enormous clock.
Relax for a while with a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean. But be careful if you want to swim: due to the Humboldt Current that flows from Antarctica into the Pacific, the water has a maximum temperature of 16 degrees.
A small castle right on the Pacific - who would have expected that here? You can enjoy the castle from the outside for photo opportunities or you can visit it from the inside. However, it is only open irregularly. There is a beautiful ceramics collection and a glass dome, under which you can see the ocean directly. You will also get an insight into the history of Vina.
After the long day yesterday in Valparaíso, I have no further activities planned for you today. Take a walk along the beach and relax or recharge your batteries with a coffee.
Buy your bus ticket back to Santiago de Chile. The buses run every 15 - 30 minutes again.
Go to the subway station "Pajaritos." Load your subway ticket with about 1,000 CLP.
Take the subway line L1 towards "Los Dominicos" for 13 stops and get off at "Baquedano".
Go back to the accommodation.
Today you'll fly to northern Chile. Since the distances are so vast, a domestic flight is advisable. Look forward to the driest desert in the world, a moon-like landscape, red sand, volcanoes and much more!
Take an Uber or taxi to the airport.
From Calama Airport, drive your rental car to San Pedro de Atacama. Treat yourself to some relaxation here or stroll through the small town and admire the mud houses. Acclimatize a bit, as San Pedro de Atacama is located at 2,500 meters above sea level - so the air is a bit thinner here - and in the next few days you will be going even higher for excursions.
Today, you'll immerse yourself in the surreal landscape of the Atacama Desert. Explore the Valley of the Moon, learn how hot it can get during the day and how cold at night in the driest place on earth, and marvel at the starry night sky.
Important - please book tickets in advance here.
Most visitors come here in the evening for the sunset to soak up the special atmosphere. However, it is also relatively crowded then, so I recommend a visit in the morning instead. If you like, you can return one of the evenings for the sunset. This is a place where you can come more than once and still marvel at nature again and again.
Let yourself be enchanted - you won't be sure if you are still on Earth or have already landed on the moon... 😀
Be sure to bring enough water and sunscreen. Please note that you are not allowed to eat food you have brought with you in Valle de la Luna and Valle de Catarpe.
Opening hours: Daily, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. (last entry 5:30 p.m.).
Next, we head into the Catarpe Valley. The highlights there are the "Garganta del diabla" (Devil's Throat) and the viewpoint. You can only drive part of the route by car. From the parking lot, you still have to walk about 6 kilometers (total for the round trip).
Enjoy a wonderful view of the Andes. Later, when it's dark, you can return here and be enchanted by one of the clearest starry skies in the world.
Today is all about the salt lagoons. Spoiler: You can even swim and feel completely weightless... so be sure to pack your swimwear!
These salt lagoons are a real feast for the eyes and therefore a great photo opportunity. You can enjoy the lagoons from "inside and out". Treat yourself to a salt bath. The water is pleasantly warm. The special thing about the lagoons in the Atacama Desert: Due to the high salt content, you won't sink, even if you remain completely motionless. Unfortunately, there are no showers here yet, but you will pass a shower during the day.
With a bit of luck, you can even spot flamingos here. The second lagoon, Laguna Piedra, is very close to this one, so you can leave the car and walk.
Here you can once again enjoy a pleasant salt bath in the lagoon - with a wonderful view of the surrounding landscape. Showers are available.
Today, you can once again look forward to picturesque lagoons. Today, however, these are not saltwater lagoons, but freshwater lagoons. After you've had some time to acclimatize, we'll head up into the highlands, up to 4,200 meters. You're not allowed to swim in the lagoons, but the view of the Miscanti and Miniques volcanoes will more than compensate you for that.
On the way to the lagoons, you can flexibly make stops and admire the unusual nature. You will probably also encounter vicuñas, alpacas, llamas or flamingos along the way. You can also observe these animals at the lagoons, but they are usually far away. Also enjoy the view of the Miscanti volcano, which is almost 6,000 meters high.
The second lagoon is located directly next to the Miscanti Lagoon. Previously, the two lagoons were connected, which is why the distance is so short today. You can walk across a wooden bridge to the Miniques Lagoon and leave your car at Laguna Miscanti.
Go to sleep early tonight. Tomorrow, you should leave around 3:00 AM - 3:30 AM so you have the best view of the geysers in the rising sunlight. They are also most active when it's colder.
Today, the first stop is the amazing "El Tatio" water geysers. These are located at 4,300 meters. Depart around 3:00 AM - 3:30 AM. The reason for this is that the geysers are most active at dawn. Please be sure to bring warm clothing, as it is very cold at night near the geysers (down to -5 degrees). The further the day progresses, the warmer it gets. Sturdy, comfortable shoes are also essential. You should also bring swimwear. Be careful when driving, especially in the dark, as the roads have many potholes.
Due to the altitude, you should generally move slower. If you notice signs of altitude sickness, move back to lower terrain.
There is also an extra thermal pool here where you can enjoy a bath after the spectacle of the geysers.
Tired of getting up early? You can relax in the hot, open-air thermal springs.
Opening hours: Daily, 8 AM - 5:30 PM.
Before heading to one last spot for today, you can relax at your accommodation or stroll through San Pedro de Atacama.
You'll soon understand why this place is translated as "Rainbow Valley." Let yourself be enchanted by the unusual colors of the rocks!
Admire the impressive salt lake "Salar de Atacama" (the largest salt lake on Earth) and enjoy one of the wonderful lagoons and colorful flamingos as well as other bird species again. Today, freshwater also plays a role - be excited!
Here you will find huge lumps of salt and can look out into the distance almost endlessly. There is a large lithium deposit here. Unfortunately, lithium mining in the Atacama Desert contributes to the shrinking of the flamingos' habitat. This makes the joy even greater when you can see flamingos.
Laguna Tebinquinche is located in the northern part of the Salar de Atacama. Swimming is not allowed here. Often, the surrounding volcanoes are reflected in the lagoon, providing you with a great photo opportunity.
Who would suspect two freshwater pools in a salt desert? But that is exactly what the "ojos del salar" are. "Ojos" translates to "eyes" and comes about because the freshwater pools are circular. The ojos del sar are an impressive contrast to the surrounding white salt landscape.
Today you will fly back to Santiago. If you still have time, enjoy your last day and your last moments in Thailand and recharge your batteries for tomorrow's flight home. Today you will fly back to Santiago. If you still have time, enjoy your last day and your last moments in Thailand and recharge your batteries for tomorrow's flight home.
Return your rental car at the airport and get going. Don't forget to be at the airport at least 2 to 3 hours before departure.
You already know your way around here, take a taxi or Uber into the city and enjoy this vibrant city if you have time. If you missed something from the program, now is the time to catch up and visit what you'd like.
Today, we're heading back home with many impressions in our luggage.
Don't forget to be at the airport at least 2 to 3 hours before departure, and enjoy the journey home full of impressions from beautiful Thailand.
I hope you had a wonderful trip through Chile and are now as enthusiastic about this great country as I am. With the warm, relaxed locals, unique nature and the cities of Santiago, Valparaíso and Vina del Mar, you have gotten to know a very special country and will often remember it. Thank you for placing your trust in me.
itinerary by Lisa Streble
The adventure awaits
You'll spend a few days in Chile's bustling capital to start, and get a taste of the vibrant coastal cities of Vina del Mar and Valparaiso. Then it's off to the breathtaking natural beauty of northern Chile, where you'll find a salt desert, colorful flamingos, and hot, bubbling geysers, among other things. You'll feel like you're in another world, as the landscape is so surreal and unlike anything you've ever seen. But there's much more to discover!
From the plane, you might already have the opportunity to admire Santiago de Chile and the imposing Andes from above.
From the airport, you can take an Uber to the hotel or a taxi. The taxi shouldn't cost more than 30,000 CLP, Uber is cheaper. However, Uber is not always available at the airport.
After a restful night, you can look forward to exploring the vibrant capital of Chile today. Santiago impresses with its proximity to the imposing Andes, historical buildings, delicious food, and insights into the daily life of Chileans.
Santiago is very large, so it is best to explore the city by public transport. The subway in Santiago is called "Metro".
Tickets for public transport: You can buy these at any subway station and at vending machines at bus stops. It is called bip!. This is a rechargeable pre-paid card that costs 1,550 CLP once and must be charged with a credit of at least 1,000 CLP. A single ride on the subway costs between 650 - 800 CLP. I recommend charging the card with 3,500 CLP for today. You can also use the card for the buses.
Walk 3 minutes to the bus stop "PC560-Seminario / esquina María L. Santander". Take the 504 bus towards El Tranque for 3 stops and get off at "PA395-Parada 2 / (M) Bellas Artes". From there it is only 250 meters to Cerro Santa Lucia.
Orienting yourself in Santiago de Chile is relatively easy, as the city, like so many in Latin America, is laid out in a grid pattern. This means that all streets are arranged in a regular, right-angled grid that mimics a chessboard pattern, creating square building blocks.
Cerro translates to "hill" or "mountain." The reason for this is that Cerro Santa Lucía offers a great view of the city and the snow-capped Andes. Admission here is free, and access is only possible on foot. You may need to register on a piece of paper with a park ranger. Early in the morning, you'll have Cerro Santa Lucía practically to yourself, especially during the week. The ascent totals about 100 meters in altitude. Interesting to know: In 1541, Pedro de Valdivia founded the city of Santiago de Chile at Cerro Santa Lucía.
Opening hours: Daily 9 AM - 7 PM, free admission.
Now you go on to the Plaza de Armas, so to speak, the "main square" or "market place" of Santiago. This green square has great historical significance, as it has been a central meeting place since the city was founded, for example for concerts, exhibitions or other cultural events.
You may notice that the place attracts many locals. Some simply relax a little, others work as shoe shiners or street performers. This will give you an unfiltered insight into the life of the Chileans. In addition, many historical buildings are united on the Plaza de Armas: the Historical Museum, a cathedral, the town hall, the central post office. Decide for yourself whether you want to visit one or all of these buildings in more detail.
From the Plaza de Armas, it's about a 10-minute walk to the subway station "Universidad de Chile".
Take the L1 line towards "Los Dominicos" for 6 stops to the station "Pedro de Valdivia".
Get off here and you can walk to the first station of the Cerro San Cristobal cable car, which is called "Oasis."
Buy a ticket here for the cable car to Cerro San Cristóbal.
Next, head to Cerro San Cristobal, which offers a great view over Santiago and is significantly higher than Cerro Santa Lucía. Cerro San Cristobal is part of the Parque Metropolitano (Latin America's largest urban park) and is located at the highest point of the park. The easiest way to get to the top of the viewpoint is with a gondola, as described above.
If you feel like getting a lot of exercise: You can also reach Cerro San Cristobal on foot (approx. one hour) via various hiking trails.
Opening hours: Closed on Mondays; Tuesday - Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:45 PM
Take the gondola back to the "Oasis" base station.
Please go back to the subway station "Pedro de Valdivia" and take the subway line L1 towards "Los Dominicos" again. This time, after two stations, get off at the station "Tobalaba".
Walk to the Sky Costanera Center.
Now it goes even higher: Into a building with a height of 300 meters. The Sky Costanera is the tallest building in Latin America. From the top you have a magnificent 360-degree view of Santiago de Chile and the nearby Andes. You can get to the top with an elevator.
Opening hours: Daily 10am - 10pm.
Now you stroll through the Mall Costanera Center, a large indoor shopping center located in the same building as the Sky Costanera viewpoint. Such shopping centers have been very typical in Latin America for a couple of decades. Here you can find clothes as well as drinks, snacks and toilets (usually on the top floor).
Opening hours: Daily 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
From the Costanera Center, you walk back to the subway station "Tobalaba" in about 5 minutes.
Take subway line L1 towards San Pablo. Please exit at the Salvador station.
Walk about 10 more minutes to the accommodation.
Today you will get to know Santiago de Chile away from the tourist crowds. In contrast to the bustling sights of yesterday, you can now get to know the quiet side of Santiago. Art, parks, museums and delicious food await you. Look forward to it!
Walk to the subway station "Parque Bustamente." Don't forget to recharge your subway card. 3,000 CLP should be enough today.
Take line L5 towards "Plaza Maipú" and get off at the "Quinta Normal" station.
It's just a stone's throw from here to the historical museum.
The museum offers an impressive insight into the military dictatorship of Chile, which lasted from 1973 - 1990.
Opening hours: Closed on Mondays; Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm. Free entry.
Right next to the museum is a beautiful park that you shouldn't miss. Opened in 1841, it is the oldest park in Santiago. Its size is also impressive: more than 4,200 large trees are at home here. So feel free to relax in the fresh air.
Here you will not only find delicious food, but also beautiful paintings. The building is worth seeing both inside and out.
Just around the corner, you can admire beautiful murals in Plaza Yungay.
Walk for about 10 minutes to the "Cumming" subway station.
Take line L5 towards "Vicente Valdés" and get off at "Bellas Artes".
Walk for about 8 minutes to the next point "José Vitorino Lastarria".
Stroll through small boutiques and admire the paintings and exciting architecture. Fancy a coffee? Treat yourself to a refreshing hot drink in one of the nice cafés.
At Mercado de Lastarria, you can sample local delicacies and admire handmade products to your heart's content, such as pots, clothing, bags and much more.
Today you'll leave Santiago de Chile for a day trip to the vibrant coastal town of Valparaíso with its beautiful art scene.
If you're planning the day trip to Valparaíso for a Monday, please note that the planned visits to the museums will not be possible as they are closed on Mondays.
Get an early start - we have a lot planned today!
Since it's very complicated to get to the "Pajaritos" bus station by public transport, I recommend taking an Uber. The price is just an estimate, as prices can change daily.
At the bus station, you can choose either the company "Turbus" or "Pullman". From 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., a bus leaves for Valparaíso every 15 - 30 minutes. It takes about two hours to get to Valparaíso. You will arrive at the bus station "Terminal Rodoviario Valparaíso".
Walk for about 10 minutes to the "Muelle Baron".
Enjoy the ocean view. There are also always a number of seals and seagulls to be found here.
Walk approximately 500 meters to the bus stop "Estación Baron".
and walk about 4 more minutes to the Ascensor El Peral.
Take bus line 101 towards "Aduana". Get off at "Estación Puerto".
Walk to the funicular railway "El Peral".
An impressive experience: The funicular takes you to the higher districts of Valparaíso in a very short time. Enjoy the view of the city.
Opening hours: Daily, 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Once you reach the top, you have a great view of the harbor and the city.
Be inspired by this art museum. The museum is already impressive from the outside, as it is housed in an old villa. There are many beautiful paintings of Valparaíso from the 19th and 20th centuries, painted by local painters. From the museum you have a beautiful view of Valparaíso.
Opening hours: Closed on Mondays; Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 6pm.
Continue to Cerro Alegre. "Alegre" translates to cheerful, happy. You'll soon understand why this place is called that: houses, stairs, walls - everything here is colorful and positive. You can admire a lot of street art here and photograph the colorful houses. Wander through the streets and let the atmosphere touch you.
Marvel once again at the steep and picturesque slopes of Valparaíso. By the way, Cerro Concepción is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This is practically an art museum outdoors. Here you will again find great murals and impressively painted stairs.
You might know Pablo Neruda, a famous Chilean poet. He had a total of three houses in Valparaíso, and one of them is open to visitors - this one. The house not only offers a magnificent view of Valparaíso and the sea, but is also very elegantly and attractively furnished. You will discover a lot of history in Neruda's house.
Opening hours: Closed on Mondays; Tuesday - Sunday 10 AM - 6 PM.
Take the bus at the "La Sebastiana / Oriente" stop.
Take 6 stops towards "Playa Ancha - Cementerio N.3 - Avenida Alemana" until "Alemania - Caupolican".
Get off at the "Alemania - Caupolican" stop and continue on foot.
Not only art sculptures and a relaxing park await you here, but this place is also a former prison. Mobile market stalls with food, clothing, and handicrafts regularly visit. There's also a gallery and a theater.
Enjoy a delicious snack. The restaurant isn't cheap, but it makes up for it with good service and tasty dishes. As you're used to in Valparaíso, you'll also have a great view of the extraordinary city from the restaurant.
Board the bus line "Los Placeres - Pob. La Laguna" and travel 4 stops to "Plaza O´Higgins - Congreso Nacional".
Now it's just a 2-minute walk to the bus station "Rodoviario".
After an eventful day in Valparaíso, take the Turbus or Pullman line back to Santiago. Buses to the capital leave every 15-30 minutes.
Go to the subway station "Pajaritos". Load the ticket with 1,000 CLP.
Take the L1 subway line towards "Los Dominicos" for 13 stops until "Baquedano".
Go back to the accommodation.
Today you're taking another day trip to the sea, but this time the town is very different from Valparaíso. You will find out during the day why this is so and also why Viña del Mar is still worth a visit.
Take an Uber again to the "Pajaritos" bus station.
At the bus station, you can choose either the "Turbus" or "Pullman" line. Just like to Valparaíso, there is a bus to Vina del Mar every 15-30 minutes from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. It takes about two hours to get to Vina del Mar. You will arrive at the bus station Terminal de Buses de Viña Del Mar.
Walk for 3 minutes to the bus stop "Arlegui - Nva Cental".
Take the bus line "Playa Ancha - Montedónico" and go 11 stops until "Avenida Espana - Cerro Castillo."
From there, walk one more minute to the flower clock, in Spanish "Reloj de Flores", in English "Flower clock".
The flower clock is a landmark of Vina del Mar. The clock is very large: the hands are over 3 meters long. You simply have to see this enormous clock.
Relax for a while with a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean. But be careful if you want to swim: due to the Humboldt Current that flows from Antarctica into the Pacific, the water has a maximum temperature of 16 degrees.
A small castle right on the Pacific - who would have expected that here? You can enjoy the castle from the outside for photo opportunities or you can visit it from the inside. However, it is only open irregularly. There is a beautiful ceramics collection and a glass dome, under which you can see the ocean directly. You will also get an insight into the history of Vina.
After the long day yesterday in Valparaíso, I have no further activities planned for you today. Take a walk along the beach and relax or recharge your batteries with a coffee.
Buy your bus ticket back to Santiago de Chile. The buses run every 15 - 30 minutes again.
Go to the subway station "Pajaritos." Load your subway ticket with about 1,000 CLP.
Take the subway line L1 towards "Los Dominicos" for 13 stops and get off at "Baquedano".
Go back to the accommodation.
Today you'll fly to northern Chile. Since the distances are so vast, a domestic flight is advisable. Look forward to the driest desert in the world, a moon-like landscape, red sand, volcanoes and much more!
Take an Uber or taxi to the airport.
From Calama Airport, drive your rental car to San Pedro de Atacama. Treat yourself to some relaxation here or stroll through the small town and admire the mud houses. Acclimatize a bit, as San Pedro de Atacama is located at 2,500 meters above sea level - so the air is a bit thinner here - and in the next few days you will be going even higher for excursions.
Today, you'll immerse yourself in the surreal landscape of the Atacama Desert. Explore the Valley of the Moon, learn how hot it can get during the day and how cold at night in the driest place on earth, and marvel at the starry night sky.
Important - please book tickets in advance here.
Most visitors come here in the evening for the sunset to soak up the special atmosphere. However, it is also relatively crowded then, so I recommend a visit in the morning instead. If you like, you can return one of the evenings for the sunset. This is a place where you can come more than once and still marvel at nature again and again.
Let yourself be enchanted - you won't be sure if you are still on Earth or have already landed on the moon... 😀
Be sure to bring enough water and sunscreen. Please note that you are not allowed to eat food you have brought with you in Valle de la Luna and Valle de Catarpe.
Opening hours: Daily, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. (last entry 5:30 p.m.).
Next, we head into the Catarpe Valley. The highlights there are the "Garganta del diabla" (Devil's Throat) and the viewpoint. You can only drive part of the route by car. From the parking lot, you still have to walk about 6 kilometers (total for the round trip).
Enjoy a wonderful view of the Andes. Later, when it's dark, you can return here and be enchanted by one of the clearest starry skies in the world.
Today is all about the salt lagoons. Spoiler: You can even swim and feel completely weightless... so be sure to pack your swimwear!
These salt lagoons are a real feast for the eyes and therefore a great photo opportunity. You can enjoy the lagoons from "inside and out". Treat yourself to a salt bath. The water is pleasantly warm. The special thing about the lagoons in the Atacama Desert: Due to the high salt content, you won't sink, even if you remain completely motionless. Unfortunately, there are no showers here yet, but you will pass a shower during the day.
With a bit of luck, you can even spot flamingos here. The second lagoon, Laguna Piedra, is very close to this one, so you can leave the car and walk.
Here you can once again enjoy a pleasant salt bath in the lagoon - with a wonderful view of the surrounding landscape. Showers are available.
Today, you can once again look forward to picturesque lagoons. Today, however, these are not saltwater lagoons, but freshwater lagoons. After you've had some time to acclimatize, we'll head up into the highlands, up to 4,200 meters. You're not allowed to swim in the lagoons, but the view of the Miscanti and Miniques volcanoes will more than compensate you for that.
On the way to the lagoons, you can flexibly make stops and admire the unusual nature. You will probably also encounter vicuñas, alpacas, llamas or flamingos along the way. You can also observe these animals at the lagoons, but they are usually far away. Also enjoy the view of the Miscanti volcano, which is almost 6,000 meters high.
The second lagoon is located directly next to the Miscanti Lagoon. Previously, the two lagoons were connected, which is why the distance is so short today. You can walk across a wooden bridge to the Miniques Lagoon and leave your car at Laguna Miscanti.
Go to sleep early tonight. Tomorrow, you should leave around 3:00 AM - 3:30 AM so you have the best view of the geysers in the rising sunlight. They are also most active when it's colder.
Today, the first stop is the amazing "El Tatio" water geysers. These are located at 4,300 meters. Depart around 3:00 AM - 3:30 AM. The reason for this is that the geysers are most active at dawn. Please be sure to bring warm clothing, as it is very cold at night near the geysers (down to -5 degrees). The further the day progresses, the warmer it gets. Sturdy, comfortable shoes are also essential. You should also bring swimwear. Be careful when driving, especially in the dark, as the roads have many potholes.
Due to the altitude, you should generally move slower. If you notice signs of altitude sickness, move back to lower terrain.
There is also an extra thermal pool here where you can enjoy a bath after the spectacle of the geysers.
Tired of getting up early? You can relax in the hot, open-air thermal springs.
Opening hours: Daily, 8 AM - 5:30 PM.
Before heading to one last spot for today, you can relax at your accommodation or stroll through San Pedro de Atacama.
You'll soon understand why this place is translated as "Rainbow Valley." Let yourself be enchanted by the unusual colors of the rocks!
Admire the impressive salt lake "Salar de Atacama" (the largest salt lake on Earth) and enjoy one of the wonderful lagoons and colorful flamingos as well as other bird species again. Today, freshwater also plays a role - be excited!
Here you will find huge lumps of salt and can look out into the distance almost endlessly. There is a large lithium deposit here. Unfortunately, lithium mining in the Atacama Desert contributes to the shrinking of the flamingos' habitat. This makes the joy even greater when you can see flamingos.
Laguna Tebinquinche is located in the northern part of the Salar de Atacama. Swimming is not allowed here. Often, the surrounding volcanoes are reflected in the lagoon, providing you with a great photo opportunity.
Who would suspect two freshwater pools in a salt desert? But that is exactly what the "ojos del salar" are. "Ojos" translates to "eyes" and comes about because the freshwater pools are circular. The ojos del sar are an impressive contrast to the surrounding white salt landscape.
Today you will fly back to Santiago. If you still have time, enjoy your last day and your last moments in Thailand and recharge your batteries for tomorrow's flight home. Today you will fly back to Santiago. If you still have time, enjoy your last day and your last moments in Thailand and recharge your batteries for tomorrow's flight home.
Return your rental car at the airport and get going. Don't forget to be at the airport at least 2 to 3 hours before departure.
You already know your way around here, take a taxi or Uber into the city and enjoy this vibrant city if you have time. If you missed something from the program, now is the time to catch up and visit what you'd like.
Today, we're heading back home with many impressions in our luggage.
Don't forget to be at the airport at least 2 to 3 hours before departure, and enjoy the journey home full of impressions from beautiful Thailand.
I hope you had a wonderful trip through Chile and are now as enthusiastic about this great country as I am. With the warm, relaxed locals, unique nature and the cities of Santiago, Valparaíso and Vina del Mar, you have gotten to know a very special country and will often remember it. Thank you for placing your trust in me.
You'll spend a few days in Chile's bustling capital to start, and get a taste of the vibrant coastal cities of Vina del Mar and Valparaiso. Then it's off to the breathtaking natural beauty of northern Chile, where you'll find a salt desert, colorful flamingos, and hot, bubbling geysers, among other things. You'll feel like you're in another world, as the landscape is so surreal and unlike anything you've ever seen. But there's much more to discover!
From the plane, you might already have the opportunity to admire Santiago de Chile and the imposing Andes from above.
From the airport, you can take an Uber to the hotel or a taxi. The taxi shouldn't cost more than 30,000 CLP, Uber is cheaper. However, Uber is not always available at the airport.
After a restful night, you can look forward to exploring the vibrant capital of Chile today. Santiago impresses with its proximity to the imposing Andes, historical buildings, delicious food, and insights into the daily life of Chileans.
Santiago is very large, so it is best to explore the city by public transport. The subway in Santiago is called "Metro".
Tickets for public transport: You can buy these at any subway station and at vending machines at bus stops. It is called bip!. This is a rechargeable pre-paid card that costs 1,550 CLP once and must be charged with a credit of at least 1,000 CLP. A single ride on the subway costs between 650 - 800 CLP. I recommend charging the card with 3,500 CLP for today. You can also use the card for the buses.
Walk 3 minutes to the bus stop "PC560-Seminario / esquina María L. Santander". Take the 504 bus towards El Tranque for 3 stops and get off at "PA395-Parada 2 / (M) Bellas Artes". From there it is only 250 meters to Cerro Santa Lucia.
Orienting yourself in Santiago de Chile is relatively easy, as the city, like so many in Latin America, is laid out in a grid pattern. This means that all streets are arranged in a regular, right-angled grid that mimics a chessboard pattern, creating square building blocks.
Cerro translates to "hill" or "mountain." The reason for this is that Cerro Santa Lucía offers a great view of the city and the snow-capped Andes. Admission here is free, and access is only possible on foot. You may need to register on a piece of paper with a park ranger. Early in the morning, you'll have Cerro Santa Lucía practically to yourself, especially during the week. The ascent totals about 100 meters in altitude. Interesting to know: In 1541, Pedro de Valdivia founded the city of Santiago de Chile at Cerro Santa Lucía.
Opening hours: Daily 9 AM - 7 PM, free admission.
Now you go on to the Plaza de Armas, so to speak, the "main square" or "market place" of Santiago. This green square has great historical significance, as it has been a central meeting place since the city was founded, for example for concerts, exhibitions or other cultural events.
You may notice that the place attracts many locals. Some simply relax a little, others work as shoe shiners or street performers. This will give you an unfiltered insight into the life of the Chileans. In addition, many historical buildings are united on the Plaza de Armas: the Historical Museum, a cathedral, the town hall, the central post office. Decide for yourself whether you want to visit one or all of these buildings in more detail.
From the Plaza de Armas, it's about a 10-minute walk to the subway station "Universidad de Chile".
Take the L1 line towards "Los Dominicos" for 6 stops to the station "Pedro de Valdivia".
Get off here and you can walk to the first station of the Cerro San Cristobal cable car, which is called "Oasis."
Buy a ticket here for the cable car to Cerro San Cristóbal.
Next, head to Cerro San Cristobal, which offers a great view over Santiago and is significantly higher than Cerro Santa Lucía. Cerro San Cristobal is part of the Parque Metropolitano (Latin America's largest urban park) and is located at the highest point of the park. The easiest way to get to the top of the viewpoint is with a gondola, as described above.
If you feel like getting a lot of exercise: You can also reach Cerro San Cristobal on foot (approx. one hour) via various hiking trails.
Opening hours: Closed on Mondays; Tuesday - Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:45 PM
Take the gondola back to the "Oasis" base station.
Please go back to the subway station "Pedro de Valdivia" and take the subway line L1 towards "Los Dominicos" again. This time, after two stations, get off at the station "Tobalaba".
Walk to the Sky Costanera Center.
Now it goes even higher: Into a building with a height of 300 meters. The Sky Costanera is the tallest building in Latin America. From the top you have a magnificent 360-degree view of Santiago de Chile and the nearby Andes. You can get to the top with an elevator.
Opening hours: Daily 10am - 10pm.
Now you stroll through the Mall Costanera Center, a large indoor shopping center located in the same building as the Sky Costanera viewpoint. Such shopping centers have been very typical in Latin America for a couple of decades. Here you can find clothes as well as drinks, snacks and toilets (usually on the top floor).
Opening hours: Daily 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
From the Costanera Center, you walk back to the subway station "Tobalaba" in about 5 minutes.
Take subway line L1 towards San Pablo. Please exit at the Salvador station.
Walk about 10 more minutes to the accommodation.
Today you will get to know Santiago de Chile away from the tourist crowds. In contrast to the bustling sights of yesterday, you can now get to know the quiet side of Santiago. Art, parks, museums and delicious food await you. Look forward to it!
Walk to the subway station "Parque Bustamente." Don't forget to recharge your subway card. 3,000 CLP should be enough today.
Take line L5 towards "Plaza Maipú" and get off at the "Quinta Normal" station.
It's just a stone's throw from here to the historical museum.
The museum offers an impressive insight into the military dictatorship of Chile, which lasted from 1973 - 1990.
Opening hours: Closed on Mondays; Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm. Free entry.
Right next to the museum is a beautiful park that you shouldn't miss. Opened in 1841, it is the oldest park in Santiago. Its size is also impressive: more than 4,200 large trees are at home here. So feel free to relax in the fresh air.
Here you will not only find delicious food, but also beautiful paintings. The building is worth seeing both inside and out.
Just around the corner, you can admire beautiful murals in Plaza Yungay.
Walk for about 10 minutes to the "Cumming" subway station.
Take line L5 towards "Vicente Valdés" and get off at "Bellas Artes".
Walk for about 8 minutes to the next point "José Vitorino Lastarria".
Stroll through small boutiques and admire the paintings and exciting architecture. Fancy a coffee? Treat yourself to a refreshing hot drink in one of the nice cafés.
At Mercado de Lastarria, you can sample local delicacies and admire handmade products to your heart's content, such as pots, clothing, bags and much more.
Today you'll leave Santiago de Chile for a day trip to the vibrant coastal town of Valparaíso with its beautiful art scene.
If you're planning the day trip to Valparaíso for a Monday, please note that the planned visits to the museums will not be possible as they are closed on Mondays.
Get an early start - we have a lot planned today!
Since it's very complicated to get to the "Pajaritos" bus station by public transport, I recommend taking an Uber. The price is just an estimate, as prices can change daily.
At the bus station, you can choose either the company "Turbus" or "Pullman". From 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., a bus leaves for Valparaíso every 15 - 30 minutes. It takes about two hours to get to Valparaíso. You will arrive at the bus station "Terminal Rodoviario Valparaíso".
Walk for about 10 minutes to the "Muelle Baron".
Enjoy the ocean view. There are also always a number of seals and seagulls to be found here.
Walk approximately 500 meters to the bus stop "Estación Baron".
and walk about 4 more minutes to the Ascensor El Peral.
Take bus line 101 towards "Aduana". Get off at "Estación Puerto".
Walk to the funicular railway "El Peral".
An impressive experience: The funicular takes you to the higher districts of Valparaíso in a very short time. Enjoy the view of the city.
Opening hours: Daily, 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Once you reach the top, you have a great view of the harbor and the city.
Be inspired by this art museum. The museum is already impressive from the outside, as it is housed in an old villa. There are many beautiful paintings of Valparaíso from the 19th and 20th centuries, painted by local painters. From the museum you have a beautiful view of Valparaíso.
Opening hours: Closed on Mondays; Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 6pm.
Continue to Cerro Alegre. "Alegre" translates to cheerful, happy. You'll soon understand why this place is called that: houses, stairs, walls - everything here is colorful and positive. You can admire a lot of street art here and photograph the colorful houses. Wander through the streets and let the atmosphere touch you.
Marvel once again at the steep and picturesque slopes of Valparaíso. By the way, Cerro Concepción is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This is practically an art museum outdoors. Here you will again find great murals and impressively painted stairs.
You might know Pablo Neruda, a famous Chilean poet. He had a total of three houses in Valparaíso, and one of them is open to visitors - this one. The house not only offers a magnificent view of Valparaíso and the sea, but is also very elegantly and attractively furnished. You will discover a lot of history in Neruda's house.
Opening hours: Closed on Mondays; Tuesday - Sunday 10 AM - 6 PM.
Take the bus at the "La Sebastiana / Oriente" stop.
Take 6 stops towards "Playa Ancha - Cementerio N.3 - Avenida Alemana" until "Alemania - Caupolican".
Get off at the "Alemania - Caupolican" stop and continue on foot.
Not only art sculptures and a relaxing park await you here, but this place is also a former prison. Mobile market stalls with food, clothing, and handicrafts regularly visit. There's also a gallery and a theater.
Enjoy a delicious snack. The restaurant isn't cheap, but it makes up for it with good service and tasty dishes. As you're used to in Valparaíso, you'll also have a great view of the extraordinary city from the restaurant.
Board the bus line "Los Placeres - Pob. La Laguna" and travel 4 stops to "Plaza O´Higgins - Congreso Nacional".
Now it's just a 2-minute walk to the bus station "Rodoviario".
After an eventful day in Valparaíso, take the Turbus or Pullman line back to Santiago. Buses to the capital leave every 15-30 minutes.
Go to the subway station "Pajaritos". Load the ticket with 1,000 CLP.
Take the L1 subway line towards "Los Dominicos" for 13 stops until "Baquedano".
Go back to the accommodation.
Today you're taking another day trip to the sea, but this time the town is very different from Valparaíso. You will find out during the day why this is so and also why Viña del Mar is still worth a visit.
Take an Uber again to the "Pajaritos" bus station.
At the bus station, you can choose either the "Turbus" or "Pullman" line. Just like to Valparaíso, there is a bus to Vina del Mar every 15-30 minutes from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. It takes about two hours to get to Vina del Mar. You will arrive at the bus station Terminal de Buses de Viña Del Mar.
Walk for 3 minutes to the bus stop "Arlegui - Nva Cental".
Take the bus line "Playa Ancha - Montedónico" and go 11 stops until "Avenida Espana - Cerro Castillo."
From there, walk one more minute to the flower clock, in Spanish "Reloj de Flores", in English "Flower clock".
The flower clock is a landmark of Vina del Mar. The clock is very large: the hands are over 3 meters long. You simply have to see this enormous clock.
Relax for a while with a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean. But be careful if you want to swim: due to the Humboldt Current that flows from Antarctica into the Pacific, the water has a maximum temperature of 16 degrees.
A small castle right on the Pacific - who would have expected that here? You can enjoy the castle from the outside for photo opportunities or you can visit it from the inside. However, it is only open irregularly. There is a beautiful ceramics collection and a glass dome, under which you can see the ocean directly. You will also get an insight into the history of Vina.
After the long day yesterday in Valparaíso, I have no further activities planned for you today. Take a walk along the beach and relax or recharge your batteries with a coffee.
Buy your bus ticket back to Santiago de Chile. The buses run every 15 - 30 minutes again.
Go to the subway station "Pajaritos." Load your subway ticket with about 1,000 CLP.
Take the subway line L1 towards "Los Dominicos" for 13 stops and get off at "Baquedano".
Go back to the accommodation.
Today you'll fly to northern Chile. Since the distances are so vast, a domestic flight is advisable. Look forward to the driest desert in the world, a moon-like landscape, red sand, volcanoes and much more!
Take an Uber or taxi to the airport.
From Calama Airport, drive your rental car to San Pedro de Atacama. Treat yourself to some relaxation here or stroll through the small town and admire the mud houses. Acclimatize a bit, as San Pedro de Atacama is located at 2,500 meters above sea level - so the air is a bit thinner here - and in the next few days you will be going even higher for excursions.
Today, you'll immerse yourself in the surreal landscape of the Atacama Desert. Explore the Valley of the Moon, learn how hot it can get during the day and how cold at night in the driest place on earth, and marvel at the starry night sky.
Important - please book tickets in advance here.
Most visitors come here in the evening for the sunset to soak up the special atmosphere. However, it is also relatively crowded then, so I recommend a visit in the morning instead. If you like, you can return one of the evenings for the sunset. This is a place where you can come more than once and still marvel at nature again and again.
Let yourself be enchanted - you won't be sure if you are still on Earth or have already landed on the moon... 😀
Be sure to bring enough water and sunscreen. Please note that you are not allowed to eat food you have brought with you in Valle de la Luna and Valle de Catarpe.
Opening hours: Daily, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. (last entry 5:30 p.m.).
Next, we head into the Catarpe Valley. The highlights there are the "Garganta del diabla" (Devil's Throat) and the viewpoint. You can only drive part of the route by car. From the parking lot, you still have to walk about 6 kilometers (total for the round trip).
Enjoy a wonderful view of the Andes. Later, when it's dark, you can return here and be enchanted by one of the clearest starry skies in the world.
Today is all about the salt lagoons. Spoiler: You can even swim and feel completely weightless... so be sure to pack your swimwear!
These salt lagoons are a real feast for the eyes and therefore a great photo opportunity. You can enjoy the lagoons from "inside and out". Treat yourself to a salt bath. The water is pleasantly warm. The special thing about the lagoons in the Atacama Desert: Due to the high salt content, you won't sink, even if you remain completely motionless. Unfortunately, there are no showers here yet, but you will pass a shower during the day.
With a bit of luck, you can even spot flamingos here. The second lagoon, Laguna Piedra, is very close to this one, so you can leave the car and walk.
Here you can once again enjoy a pleasant salt bath in the lagoon - with a wonderful view of the surrounding landscape. Showers are available.
Today, you can once again look forward to picturesque lagoons. Today, however, these are not saltwater lagoons, but freshwater lagoons. After you've had some time to acclimatize, we'll head up into the highlands, up to 4,200 meters. You're not allowed to swim in the lagoons, but the view of the Miscanti and Miniques volcanoes will more than compensate you for that.
On the way to the lagoons, you can flexibly make stops and admire the unusual nature. You will probably also encounter vicuñas, alpacas, llamas or flamingos along the way. You can also observe these animals at the lagoons, but they are usually far away. Also enjoy the view of the Miscanti volcano, which is almost 6,000 meters high.
The second lagoon is located directly next to the Miscanti Lagoon. Previously, the two lagoons were connected, which is why the distance is so short today. You can walk across a wooden bridge to the Miniques Lagoon and leave your car at Laguna Miscanti.
Go to sleep early tonight. Tomorrow, you should leave around 3:00 AM - 3:30 AM so you have the best view of the geysers in the rising sunlight. They are also most active when it's colder.
Today, the first stop is the amazing "El Tatio" water geysers. These are located at 4,300 meters. Depart around 3:00 AM - 3:30 AM. The reason for this is that the geysers are most active at dawn. Please be sure to bring warm clothing, as it is very cold at night near the geysers (down to -5 degrees). The further the day progresses, the warmer it gets. Sturdy, comfortable shoes are also essential. You should also bring swimwear. Be careful when driving, especially in the dark, as the roads have many potholes.
Due to the altitude, you should generally move slower. If you notice signs of altitude sickness, move back to lower terrain.
There is also an extra thermal pool here where you can enjoy a bath after the spectacle of the geysers.
Tired of getting up early? You can relax in the hot, open-air thermal springs.
Opening hours: Daily, 8 AM - 5:30 PM.
Before heading to one last spot for today, you can relax at your accommodation or stroll through San Pedro de Atacama.
You'll soon understand why this place is translated as "Rainbow Valley." Let yourself be enchanted by the unusual colors of the rocks!
Admire the impressive salt lake "Salar de Atacama" (the largest salt lake on Earth) and enjoy one of the wonderful lagoons and colorful flamingos as well as other bird species again. Today, freshwater also plays a role - be excited!
Here you will find huge lumps of salt and can look out into the distance almost endlessly. There is a large lithium deposit here. Unfortunately, lithium mining in the Atacama Desert contributes to the shrinking of the flamingos' habitat. This makes the joy even greater when you can see flamingos.
Laguna Tebinquinche is located in the northern part of the Salar de Atacama. Swimming is not allowed here. Often, the surrounding volcanoes are reflected in the lagoon, providing you with a great photo opportunity.
Who would suspect two freshwater pools in a salt desert? But that is exactly what the "ojos del salar" are. "Ojos" translates to "eyes" and comes about because the freshwater pools are circular. The ojos del sar are an impressive contrast to the surrounding white salt landscape.
Today you will fly back to Santiago. If you still have time, enjoy your last day and your last moments in Thailand and recharge your batteries for tomorrow's flight home. Today you will fly back to Santiago. If you still have time, enjoy your last day and your last moments in Thailand and recharge your batteries for tomorrow's flight home.
Return your rental car at the airport and get going. Don't forget to be at the airport at least 2 to 3 hours before departure.
You already know your way around here, take a taxi or Uber into the city and enjoy this vibrant city if you have time. If you missed something from the program, now is the time to catch up and visit what you'd like.
Today, we're heading back home with many impressions in our luggage.
Don't forget to be at the airport at least 2 to 3 hours before departure, and enjoy the journey home full of impressions from beautiful Thailand.
I hope you had a wonderful trip through Chile and are now as enthusiastic about this great country as I am. With the warm, relaxed locals, unique nature and the cities of Santiago, Valparaíso and Vina del Mar, you have gotten to know a very special country and will often remember it. Thank you for placing your trust in me.
