Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Andean peaks, Amazonian rainforest, Patagonian glaciers, ruins of ancient Temples first laid down by the Incas, white-sand beaches & vertiginous nightlife: the wonders of South America set the stage for incredible adventures.

Contemplate the awe-inspiring power of Iguazú Falls, or spend the day watching wildlife from a dugout canoe on one of the Amazon's countless igarapes (narrow waterways)& the region’s diversity doesn't end with landscapes. You will find former colonial towns where cobblestone streets lead past Churches & Plazas little changed since the 18^th century. You can haggle over colorful textiles at indigenous markets, share meals with traditional dwellers of the rainforest & follow the pounding rhythms of Afro-Brazilian drum corps. South America is home to an astounding variety of living & ancient cultures and experiencing it first-hand is as easy as showing up.

Customs, traditions & ancient rites tie South Americans to generations & ancestors past & to the collective memory of myriad people. There are time-honored ceremonies, music that dates back to the days of Incas’ golden empires & masks that tell stories of spirit worlds never lost. In many rural areas, it can feel as though the modern world might never have happened.

Chile is nature on a colossal scale, where the impossible is possible. From the extreme north with the driest desert in the world to the austral south with eternal ice & inverted waterfalls, Chile is an invitation hard to refuse. Preposterously thin & unreasonably long, Chile stretches from the belly of South America to its foot, reaching from the driest desert on earth to vast southern glacial fields. Diverse landscapes unfurl over a 4300km stretch: parched dunes, fertile valleys, volcanoes, ancient forests, massive glaciers & fjords. Welcome to Old Americas & prepare to fall in love.

Arrive in the Capital city – Santiago in a valley surrounded by the Andes & Chilean Coast Range mountains.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Santiago Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative (holding a placard with your Name), who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next few days.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the day free to relax or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make the arrangements).

Land of Extremes| La Buena Onda| Wine Culture

Founded in 1541, Santiago, now a thriving metropolis dotted with fine Michelin starred Restaurants & top-class Hotels, captivates with its assorted panoramas & its versatility. It is the only city in the world that offers skiing high up in the majestic Andes, followed a mere 45 minutes later by walks on the beach & surfing in the Pacific Ocean.

Santiago de Chile is far from a mere skyscraper-laden modern metropolis. Backed by the snow-capped Andes mountain range & beautiful National Parks offering hikes through sumptuous Andean scenery, enormous Churches & Cathedrals & a collection of small Barrios, each as distinct as the next.

Surprising, cosmopolitan, energetic, sophisticated & worldly, Santiago features points of interest focused on culture, street art, history, syncopated cultural currents, madhouse parties & expansive Museums.  No wonder 40 percent of Chileans call the leafy Capital city home.

Since the streets are laid out on a grid, exploring on foot is an easy way to take in the sights, with a fairly compact downtown bursting with exciting places to dine & shop with each neighborhood having its unique flavor & tone. Throughout its streets, find examples of its fascinating past, such as the grand European-style Mansions of the early 20^th century & revisit the places where historical events took place that both shaped & continue to evolve the Chile of today.

Visitors can take in the Museums, grand architecture & pedestrian Malls of the Centro in the morning, before an afternoon picnic in one of the gorgeous hillside Parks that punctuate the city's landscape.

One of Santiago's biggest selling points is its proximity to the fabulous picturesque Vineyards of the Central Valley, on the southern outskirts of the city, producing some of the world's very best Wine.

Santiago's most popular nightlife district is Bellavista, sandwiched between the Mapocho River & Mount San Cristobal. Originally home to the city’s wealthy population, Bellavista is now a hip area full of shops, sidewalk Eateries, Cafes, Beer Halls, Art Galleries, Restaurants, Bars & Clubs.

Aside from the array of fresh seafood served here, one of the most typical dishes to try here is a cazuela Chilena; a meaty stew served with, potato, corn on the cob & pumpkin. To wash it down, what better than a glass of Chilean red Wine, produced at the magnificent picturesque Vineyards to the south of Santiago.

With a growing economy, a renovated arts scene & plenty of eccentricity to spare, Santiago is an old-guard city on the cusp of a modern-day renaissance.

Overnight.     

Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 09.00 am & embark on a full day 8 hour sightseeing tour of the ‘metropolis with a view’.

Experience the spectacular sights & colorful culture of Chile’s Capital. Get to know the history, culture & local life & see ‘some’ of the city’s legendary landmarks as you stroll through Santiago’s streets.

Like many major South American cities, Santiago was built around a central Plaza de Armas; large Squares typically lined with municipal buildings & at least one vast Cathedral, that were originally intended as a central point from which to defend the city.

First stop will be in the historical center to see the ornate neo-classical "Palacio de la Moneda" (Presidential Palace), the current seat of the Government & absorb the neo-classical splendor of the Constitution Square. The building was designed by Italian architect Joaquín Toesca in the late 18^th century & was originally the official Mint. The inner courtyards are generally open to the public.

Picturesque La Moneda was where that the most important event in the country's recent history took place. On September 11^th,1973 a Coup was successfully led by “soon to be Dictator” General Augusto Pinochet. The incumbent President Salvador Allende - who refused to leave - was overthrown & supposedly committed suicide, the north facade sustained heavy damage under military attack & the course of Chilean history was changed forever.

A monument honoring Allende now stands opposite the lovely Plaza de la Constitucion, near the heart of Oviedo's historic centre, flanked by stately 16^th & 17^th century architecture & a few Cafes.

You will also see the Palacio del ex Congreso Nacional de Chile (National Congress), one of the most representative symbols of democratic life in the country, that housed the 2 Chambers of the National Congress from 1876 until Pinochet's military Coup d'etat in 1973. From 1990 to 2005 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs operated there. The former home of the Chilean Congress, the Complex currently houses the headquarters of the Chamber of Deputies & the Senate, as well as the Library of Congress & Justice Tribunal buildings. The beautiful & wide gardens give a particular stamp to the area it is located, where outstanding national monuments converge.

Continue onto the ambient historic Square Plaza de Armas, the grand heart of the city’s old colonial core with its lively street Musicians, Performers & Artists and home to 2 neo-classical landmarks: the 1808 Palacio de la Real Audiencia & the 18^th century Metropolitan Cathedral.

The Palacio de la Real Audiencia de Santiago, designed & built by the architect & engineer Juan Jose de Goycolea y Zanartu. between 1804 - 1808. The building has housed important republican institutions over the years & originally functioned as the Royal Court, being the highest court of justice & currently houses the National Historical Museum, since 1982.

Colonial furniture, weapons, paintings, historical objects & models chart Chile's colonial & republican history at the captivating Museo Historico Nacional. After a perfunctory nod to pre-Columbian culture, the ground floor covers the Conquest & Colony. Upstairs goes from Independence through Chile's industrial revolution & right up to the 1973 military coup - Allende's broken glasses are the chilling final exhibit.

Towering above the Plaza de Armas is the colossal neo-classical Catedral Metropolitana, built between 1748 - 1800 by Italian architect Gioacchino Toesca.

Walk in through the wooden doors under its 2 Towers & explore this Santiago treasure, one of the city’s top historical destinations. A lovely place for a sit down, meditate or quiet walk, taking in the Cathedral’s baroque details & admiring the filigreed spire.

The history of the Cathedral starts back in the mid-1500s when Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia founded Santiago & established a House of Worship in the city’s main Square, Plaza de Armas, around 1600.

The Cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of Mary into Heaven, is the main house of worship for Chile’s Catholic Church, the center of the Archdiocese of Santiago de Chile & the seat of the Archbishop. Bishops celebrating Mass on the lavish main Altar may feel uneasy: beneath them is the crypt where their predecessors are buried.

Pass by the Central Post Office built in 1882 by Ricardo Brown, on the ground where the Palace of the Governors was previously located. Declared a National Monument, it was the residence of the Presidents of the Republic until 1846 when it was moved to the La Moneda. In 1908, the architect Ramon Fehrman transformed the facade, adopting a French neo-classical style. Now, it functions as the headquarters of Correos de Chile & houses the Postal & Telegraphic Museum.

For literary aficionados, no trip to Santiago would be complete without visiting La Chascona, the former residence of Nobel Prize winning Chilean Poet Pablo Neruda.

Story is when Pablo needed a house for his 3^rd wife Matilde Urrutia, he built La Chascona (translated as "Woman with the Tousled Hair"), the name inspired by her unruly red, wavy curls. The house in the Barrio Bellavista, reflects Pablo’s quirky style, in particular his love of the sea. Consequently, the Dining Room is modeled on a ship's Cabin & the Living Room on a Lighthouse.

Converted into a Museum run by Fundacion Neruda, which maintains his houses, there are Audio tours (available in English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish) that offers great historical context of the building & the rare Collection of Neruda's personal possessions like colored glass, shells, furniture & artwork by famous friends including a portrait of his 3^rd wife painted by Diego Riviera. Sadly, much was lost when the house was ransacked during the Dictatorship & though it took years of repairs to restore the home, it feels “as though Neruda has just stepped away".

Walk to the Central Market.  Here, you will have the chance to enjoy lunch (not included - direct payment).

Next, drive across the Mapocho River to reach the bohemian Bellavista district around the scenic San Cristobal Hill, home to resident Artists & Poets, to admire the street art & enjoy the view of Gran Santiago.

Visit the verdant Parque Forest, a sprawling city Park based on the design of Paris’ Champs Elysees & enjoy the gorgeous greenery & scattered sculptures.

A short stop will be made if anyone wishes to shop for Lapis lazuli, a semi-precious blue stone found only in Chile & Afghanistan.  Pass through the modern residential areas of the city with their daring architecture.

Continue driving through the picturesque Talagante to the wine region of Maipo Valley. Here, enjoy a tour of the Undurraga Vineyard, which has 2 Wine -making Cellars, with a total capacity of 23,000,000 litres. One Cellar is located at Quinta de Tilcoco in Chile’s 6^th region, while the other is on the Santa Ana Estate in Talagante. Both locations feature modern facilities where the fermentation, processing, ageing & bottling processes for still & sparkling wines takes place. The cool antique underground Cellars, which date back to the Winery’s founding days in the 19^th  century, provides the perfect environment for ageing the famous Reserva Wines.

Stroll around the Vineyards, observing the soil analysis test pit, vinification plant, entertainment garden & underground cellars, finishing with a tasting of 3 Reserva Wines & a takeaway gift.

And now, it is time to return home.

Reach the hotel by 06.00 pm.

Balance of the evening is at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.  B 

Today, you will experience the color & culture of 2 Chilean coastal towns on a full day excursion.

Morning around 08.30 am, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby & depart for the UNESCO World Heritage listed City of Valparaiso, travelling through the picturesque Chilean countryside including the verdant Vineyards of the Curacavi & Casablanca Valleys.

Stop at one of the region’s most successful Wineries & enjoy a Tasting of their signature Wine. 

Around 10.00 am, arrive at Valparaiso, exploding with colors & filled with a labyrinth of narrow, twisting streets that snake up & down the city’s many hills.

Chile is one of South America’s most diverse, stable & prosperous countries & Valparaiso, steeped in history, is perhaps the country’s most cosmopolitan city with its rich, European influenced cultural heritage.

Known fondly as the "Jewel of the Pacific,", Valparaíso is a beautiful city located on central Chile's Pacific west coast. A bright, colorful city nestled between a great ocean & hilly surroundings, it is steeped in history & brimming with culture.

Valparaiso was founded in 1536 by Spanish conquistador Juan de Saavedra who named the city after his birthplace. You can still see colonial buildings today, which have survived wind, rain, fire & several earthquakes. In fact, in 1906, much of Valparaiso had to be rebuilt after a devastating earthquake leveled the city.

It has one of the country's most important Ports & before the Panama Canal was built in 1914, it was a major South Pacific Port of Call for commercial Freighters. Nowadays, it mainly caters to Ships that are too big to pass through the Canal.

Chile’s 2^nd largest city offers a much richer & more authentic experience than Santiago. The rich Bohemian culture shines through the history, architecture, steep Funiculars, colorful, clifftop homes, street art, nightlife, local cuisine & the vibe is lively, hip, artsy, inspiring all visitors.

Pablo Neruda, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1971, is one of Chile’s most famous Poets. His home, La Sebastiana, now houses a Museum with collections of Paintings, Glass & Ships’ figureheads, among other things. Its eclectic decor & the stunning view across the city & down across the Bay should be reason enough to visit. Apparently, the original design of the 3^rd floor was made to resemble a giant Birdcage.

Syncopated, dilapidated, colorful & poetic, Valparaiso is a wonderful mess. Pablo, who drew much inspiration from this hard-working Port town, said it best: 'Valparaiso, how absurd you are…you haven't combed your hair, you have never had time to get dressed, life has always surprised you'.

But Neruda wasn't the only Artist to fall for the city’s unexpected charms. Poets, Painters & would-be Philosophers have long been drawn to Chile's most unusual city. The ever-shifting port population of Sailors, Dockworkers & Prostitutes have endowed gritty & gloriously spontaneous Valparaiso with an edgy air of 'anything goes'. Add to this the spectacular faded beauty of its chaotic cerros (hills), some of the best street art in Latin America, a maze of steep, sinuous streets, alleys & escaleras (stairways) piled high with crumbling Mansions.

During the 19^th century, an influx of European immigrants left their mark on the city’s architecture & cultural institutions, many of which are located around downtown’s Plaza Sotomayor. Some other interesting historical points in the city are its Churches & Cathedrals.

It is an incredibly hilly city built on at least 42 hills, according to some sources. The actual number is up for debate, but with several dozen hills, there is a lot of up & down.

But what really makes it stand out is the unique funiculars or “lifts”, that take hundreds of people up the 45 hills of this unique city.  Around 30 were built between 1883 - 1916 & most of them are still in use today. These ascensores, as they are known by the locals, remain a practical way of navigating the city’s slopes. The funiculars have   also became landmarks in their own right.

The most popular hill to visit is Cerro Alegre as it gives the best views of the colorful houses, the street art & the Bay below. Other popular hills are Cerro Baron, where you can find the Iglesia de San Francisco Catedral ; Cerro Bellavista which has a stunning panoramic view of the city; Cerro Florida, which is home to Pablo Neruda La Sebastiana Museum & House &  Cerro Santo Domingo where Catedral Iglesia La Matriz is located.

The city’s history is reflected in its buildings. Strolling around, you will spot the National Maritime Museum, assorted Churches, Cathedrals & the quirky, eclectic La Sebastiana Museum House, former residence of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, which has collections of old Maps & Paintings.

Just like Santiago, the city is brimming with amazing street art with its own open-air Museum of Street Art in Cerro Bellavista.  There is a difference between plain old graffiti & street art and Valparaiso amply illustrates this point. Avenida Alemania presents a beautiful mix of artistic styles along the street. In fact, Valparaiso is considered one of South America’s graffiti capitals & many streets are bursting with colors & life thanks to vibrant murals. There is a mix of styles & one can find some murals wandering the winding streets.

Whether you are wandering through the streets, looking at cheerfully painted houses, or walking around the harbor looking up at the city’s many Hills, there is always something beautiful to admire.

Its 19^th century colonial architecture, along with the city’s distinctive amphitheater-like structure as it climbs onto the hills. The Natural History Museum, in particular, is an excellent example of the city’s colonial-style architecture, as it was modeled on a Victorian house with bow windows & columns.

Since Valparaiso is a coastal city, it is a great experience for foodies who love to indulge in fresh seafood. The markets sell fresh seafood, straight from the fishing boat. Slice yourself some fresh ceviche, or spice up a delicious paella if you stop by Caleta Portales & La Mercado Cardonal. Meet the local fishermen & find the catches of the day like hake, salmon, crab, clams, scallops & more.

Immerse yourself in the bohemian beauty of Valparaiso as you drive through the serpentine streets for vibrant street art, passing by the National Congress building and ascending to elevated hilltops on traditional funiculars for outstanding ocean views. 

Another stop not to be missed is the famous Cinzano restaurant. Serving world-class Chilean cuisine, Cinzano has been a fixture for over 50 years, and on weekends, it features live music.

You may have a sea-food lunch here (not included - direct payment).

First stop will be the 4 story home of iconic Chilean Nobel Prize winning the Poet, which has been turned into a Pablo Neruda Museum depicting his life & work. Its location offers a panoramic view of the city

Then, stroll towards Plaza Sotomayor (Valparaiso Main Square) & the Port business area (Valparaiso's Wall Street) & enjoy the flavor of the Port’s most popular vantage gathering point "Plaza de La Victoria" where you will admire, among other things, the 4 woman sculptures of the 4 seasons & the spectacular 19^th century buildings.

As you make your way through the city, you will eventually come upon an ascensor, or tram. Part railcar, part elevator, ascensors will take you across Valparaiso & they offer magnificent views. The most famous one is the Ascensor Artilleria, a 100 year old tram whose tracks climb a hill which is the best vantage point overlooking the city. A similar Valparaiso “rides” are the funiculars & the one at Concepcion Hill is a popular attraction.

At the top of the hill is a small marketplace, where Vendors sell sundries & handicrafts and where you will enjoy the real flavor & magic of "La Joya del Pacifico" (Valparaiso's nickname).

Valparaiso is more than hillside trams & old restaurants, however. The city is home to the “School of Valparaiso,” an architectural School within the auspices of Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaíso. Known for its daring & avant-garde curricula & designs, the School of Valparaiso is an outgrowth of the city’s status as the Cultural Capital of Chile.

Hop on & travel to the seaside gem Vina del Mar, called "la Ciudad Jardin" (garden city), with its gorgeous greenery. It has a vibe similar to Miami, as it is populated with high-rise condos, hotels & shopping centers & lively nightlife, though the shoreline is rocky rather than sandy.  Vina del Mar is also used as a Presidential Retreat.

You will drive through upscale residential neighborhoods with their varied architecture and well-groomed parks & gardens and see the famous “Flower Clock” & Casino de Juegos (built in the 1930’s). Travel along the coastal road & have a look at the beautiful beaches.

Walk around and enjoy “Tea time” at one of the happening places (not included - direct payment).

In time, drive back to the Santiago.

Overnight.  B 

Early morning, you will be met by a Journeys Rep / Driver & transferred to the Airport for your flight to Calama, enroute to San Pedro de Atacama.

They say the high quantities of quartz & copper in the region gives their people positive energy, and the good vibes of northern Chile's number-one tourist draw, San Pedro de Atacama, are sky high. The popularity of this adobe precordillera oasis stems from its position in the heart of some of Chile's most spectacular scenery. A short drive away lies the country's largest salt flat, its edges crinkled by volcanoes. Here too are fields of steaming geysers, a host of otherworldly rock formations and weird layer-cake landscapes.

Meeting on arrival by our Rep and immediately depart for San Pedro.

Morning at 09:00 am, meet the Tour-guide & depart for Los Flamencos National Reserve again to embark on a full day 10 hour excursion to visit the great “Salar de Atacama”. Relax during the scenic drive to one of the world’s largest salt flats.

Explore for an hour, capturing the vibrant color of flamingos on film. Home to a very diverse variety of wildlife, you’re sure to spot some fascinating creatures during your stop

The last stop will the village of Toconao where you will appreciate the fantastic architecture - its Bell Tower & Church of San Lucas, both national monuments since 1951.

  
Balance of the evening is at leisure. Overnight.   B L D

Day 06 - | San Pedro v Puritama Hot Springs vSan Pedro Drive: 30 km x 2 

San Pedro de Atacama is the archaeological capital of Chile. Today, travel back to ancient times & discover the fascinating history of the Atacama people, who have inhabited the desert town since 300BC. Get an insight into the region’s rich heritage as you visit Tulor, explore the archeological site of Pukara de Quitor and view the national monument of Church of San Pedro.

Meet the Tour-guide at 09:00 am and proceed for a 4 hour sightseeing tour, visiting some of the most important archaeological sites of the area.

In 1957 he and his collaborators at a local university, the Universidad Catolica del Norte, which currently owns and runs the site, opened in his parochial house, the first Museum, which displays examples of clay pottery, old textiles, lithics, metal & stone items, with different rooms dedicated to various epochs of pre-Colombian history up until the arrival of the Spaniards in the area. Some of the more popular parts of the public collection are in the Treasure Room, which features many gold items

Next, head to Pukara de Quitor, another set of archeological ruins just north of San Pedro de Atacama. This site shows the well preserved ruins of the 12^th century fortress on a summit overlooking the San Pedro river, built out of stone, by the Atacama people to defend against potential enemies. Explore the defensive walls & watchtowers reconstructed several centuries after Spanish conquistadors took the fortress by force in 1540. Pukara de Quitor is not only important for the local history, but also for the history of Chile through the battle of Quitor, one of the first conflicts between Spaniards & Indians.

And finally drive back to town, enroute stopping briefly at its historic downtown where you will gain a deeper insight of the Atacama culture. Travel back in time as you view one of the most symbolic very well preserved national monument - the Church of San Pedro de Atacama, built from adobe & cactus wood.

Springing up from one of the driest places on the planet, the waters of Puritama contain all kinds of minerals that are said to soothe various ailments. Its meso-thermal sodium-sulfur water is filled with potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, chlorine, sulfates and boron, and when you immerse yourself in the water, those elements are thought to help to stimulate your circulatory and digestive systems and revitalize your skin. The medicinal properties of the water are said to be therapeutic for the rheumatism & muscular pains, especially.

Today, you will visit one of the most important, 3^rd largest, geothermal fields in the world and the best time to experience the awesome spectacle of erupting geysers is 06:00 am.

Your excursion to the highlands to see “Geysers del Tatio” - hot water emanations & steam, commences very early in the morning at 04:00 am. Enjoy the desert sunrise during the scenic slow 2 hour ride north up to an icy 14,000 foot high volcanic plateau.

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Explore the field for 2 hours, marveling at the impressive white column of steam that tops each geyser, then disappears as the temperature increases.

After an enriching exploration & a swim, depart back for San Pedro, enjoying the beauty of the landscape and native flora & fauna.

Check-in on arrival.

Early morning, at 07:45 am, meet the Tour-guide & depart for a full day 10 hour excursion, visiting the town of Puerto Varas -  the tourist capital of the Lake District -, and other attractions in  the vicinity.

Walk around town ‘briefly’ and enjoy the various landmarks like the Church “Sagrados Corazones de Jesus”.  Indulge in photography and avail the opportunity to enjoy the local & international cuisine & German pastries.

Drive along the edge of Lake Llanquihue, and arrive at Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, to see the world famous Petrohue Falls, the majesty of the Osorno volcano & Lake Todos los Santos. 

The 1 hour sailing will allow you to observe the Osorno, Puntiagudo & Tronador volcanoes, and a privileged view of the Margarita Island.

Today, we depart for Ancud, reaching there in the evening.

As the Chilean coastline plunges south toward the Antarctic, it begins to fray into glacier-carved fjords and rain-forested islands, beginning with the Chiloe Archipelago. When the early-morning fog shrouds misty-eyed and misunderstood Chiloe, it's immediately apparent something different this way comes. All but lost in the mists that mark the edge of human habitation, these 40 isolated islets line the icy shipping lanes heading into the Straits of Magellan.

Some of these islands are so close to each other they are joined at low tide. The low mountains along the west coast of the main island are nevertheless high enough to stop the damp winds blowing off the Pacific, creating a slightly drier microclimate along the interior sea, where virtually all the settlements are located.

Isla Grande de Chiloe - the continent's 5^th largest island and the largest in Chile, is the main island in the archipelago of the same name, in southern Chile. Like a great ship moored off the Chilean coast it seems to float, surrounded by several smaller constellations of islands called the “Chauques”, “Quenac”, “Quehui”, “Chaulinec” & “Desertores”.

Immediately apparent are changes in architecture & cuisine: tejuelas, the famous Chilote wood shingles; palafitos (houses mounted on stilts along the water's edge). It is home to pastoral landscapes and known for its iconic UNESCO listed wooden churches, built by Jesuit missionaries in the 17^th & 18^th centuries. You will love the island character, the rural landscape & and the seafood. Even though the island was christianized by Spanish conquerors, its fiercely independent, seafaring inhabitants are very superstitious and the island is famous for myths & legends with roots in its native population but with some European influence. A closer look reveals a rich spiritual culture that is based on a distinctive mythology of witchcraft, ghost ships & forest gnomes.

Some of these islands are so close to each other they are joined at low tide. The low mountains along the west coast of the main island are nevertheless high enough to stop the damp winds blowing off the Pacific, creating a slightly drier microclimate along the interior sea, where virtually all the settlements are located.

This full day excursion allows us to visit the northern part of the Chiloe Island and the Gulf of Ancud & get to know its history through the forts, customs & legends.

You will continue on off the western coast of Chiloe Island & reach the 3 islets known as Islotes de Punihuil in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Punihuil. Classified as Monumento Natural Islotes de Punihuil, they are only place in the Pacific, where Magellanic & Humboldt penguins are found interacting with each other and nesting together as they migrate in the summer season. Also a haven for blue whales, the entire area is protected as a natural monument and a no-fishing zone is enforced in the area.

The secluded fishing village of Punihuil is also conserved & helped to maintain these three islets that make up this unique ecosystem.

We will embark on a boat excursion to observe and admire the penguins and other marine species such as otters, carancas, cormorants & sea lions.

Lunch (at your own expense) is optional here, where you will find delicious fish & seafood menus. Try the renowned meat, potato & seafood stew - curanto

Drive on to Ancud.

Once a rather wealthy place with gracious buildings, palafitos & a railway line, it was decimated by the earthquake of 1960. Today, after the rebuilding, it is still a rather quaint sprawling city but now peppered only with occasional native architecture leading down to the spectacular waterfront, which glistens throughout each summer day. However, its natural surroundings, its spectacular nearby coastline, excellent seafood & proximity to Monumento Natural Islotes de Punihuil makes it worth a visit.

Check-in on arrival.

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 09:00 am, Check-out & depart for Castro.

We will have a briefing about the "School of Religious Wooden Architecture of Chiloe" during our visit to the Convent and then visit drive around to visit some more like "Nuestra Senora de Los Dolores" in Dalcahue village, "San Francisco" in Castro city &  "Nuestra Señora de Gracia" in Nercon village.

Stop at a local handcrafts market and interact with the artisans, before driving to Castro.

Check-in on arrival.

Morning, Check-out around 09:00 am & depart with the Tour-guide for San Antonio where our "Curanto" awaits !

Your host will be Dona Maria Luisa & her husband Don Hardy. Maria is not only the renowned pioneer of Agrotourism in Chiloe where people visit farms & ranches for local interaction & a taste of rural life, but she was also the inspiration for the main character in Isabel Allende’s book, Maya's Notebook.

After couple hours of a great time with this typical Chilota family, your journey comes to an end and you will leave for the Puerto Montt Airport for your flight to Santiago and home.

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