Santiago & Lakes

Daily Departures. This semi-independent tour includes the best of the Chilean Lake District with some time exploring Santiago and its nearby attractions. Take some memorable snapshots of the picturesque landscapes during this 9 day tour!

Day 1: Arrival in Santiago

Upon arrival at Santiago airport, reception and transfer to hotel for check-in and overnight accommodation. The remainder of the day is free to relax or start exploring Santiago on your own.

Day 2: Santiago

Following breakfast at the hotel, depart on a sightsaeeing tour of the Chilean capital. The tour starts with a drive up to Cerro Santa Lucia hill, where the city was founded in 1541 and from where one can appreciate a scenic view of Santiago's downtown. Continue on to visit the Government Palace "La Moneda" and the Plaza de Armas square, where you will see important national monuments such as the Cathedral, Central Post Office and the City Hall. Finally you cross over the Mapocho River and follow through some of Santiago's residential districts with its beautiful houses and parks, before returning to your hotel. The afternoon is at leisure. Alternatively you may wish to participate in an optional tour to one of Chile's famous wineries. (B)

Day 3 : Santiago | Viña del Mar | Santiago

Today embark on a full day tour to Vina del Mar and Valparaiso. Departing from Santiago to the Pacific coast, you will cross the Coastal Mountain Range and the Casablanca and Curacaví­ Valleys to arrive in Valparaí­so, the city where Chile's main commercial port and the Congress are located. Tour the city to admire its multicoloured houses on the hills, many parks, diverse historic monuments and traditional bars and restaurants. Visit to "La Sebastiana", one of the houses of the Nobel Prize winner Pablo Neruda which is now a museum. Following some free time for lunch on your own, the tour proceeds to Vina del Mar, also known as the Garden City for its large number of parks and beautifully kept gardens. Vina del Mar's Casino well reflects the aristocratic character that the founder, Jose Francisco Vergara, tried to bestow upon this city. The tour continues along Renaca Beach, one of the most exclusive of the central Chilean coast featuring prestigious restaurants and modern buildings. In the afternoon return to Santiago for overnight. (B.L)

Day 4: Santiago | Puerto Montt | Puerto Varas

After breakfast at the hotel you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Puerto Montt. Reception at the airport and transfer to your hotel in Puerto Varas, a beautiful German-style city located on the shores of Llanquihue lake. In the afternoon enjoy a city tour of Puerto Montt starting with a visit to the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral. Proceed to the top of Melipulli, of one of the city's hills that offers a panoramic view of the port, Tenglo Island and the small Bay of Reloncavi. Afterwards, travel to the beaches of Pelluco and Chinquihue, seeing fish factories and ships along the way, followed by the handicraft market of Angelmo. Then the tour then heads back to Puerto Varas known as the city of roses for its beautiful gardens. Return to hotel and overnight (B)

Day 5: Puerto Varas | Parque Perez Rosales | Peulla

Today depart on a full day journey toward Peulla. Driving along the edge of Lake Llanquihue, near the Calbuco Volcano, we enter to the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park to enjoy the majestic views of the Osorno Volcano, the Saltos del Petrohue (Petrohue Waterfalls) and the Todos los Santos lake. Sailing the beautiful emerald coloured waters of this lake, admiring the native forests, mountains, volcanoes, and waterfalls that surrounds it, arrive in Peulla, a little mountain village situated on the eastern shore of Todos los Santos Lake. Check-in, dinner and lodging in Peulla. (B.L.D)

Day 6: Peulla | Puerto Varas

Breakfast at your hotel. Today cross the Andes again on your return from Peulla to Puerto Varas. Check-in at your hotel and overnight accommodation. (B)

Day 7: Puerto Varas | Puyehue

This morning enjoy a tour of Puerto Varas, before heading to Frutillar following along the settlers' road, with a stop at the Settlers' monument. Visit to the Colonial Museum of Frutillar and then enjoy lunch by the lake, while admiring views of the Calbuco, Osorno, Puntiagudo, and Puyehue volcanoes along with German style houses. From here the tour continues to Puerto Octay with its small but picturesque main square and church, before continuing towards the Rupanco Farm for a visit. Finally you proceed to the town of Entre Lagos located on the shores of Puyehue lake, from where we will cross to the Termas de Puyehue hotel and thermal complex, one of the most complete spas in Southern Chile. Check-in, dinner and overnight accommodation. (B.L.D)

Day 8: Puyehue

Breakfast at hotel and a full day at leisure to enjoy the thermal pools or practice outdoor activities. (B.L.D)

Day 9: Puyehue | Puerto Montt

Today marks the end of this wonderful Chile vacation. Breakfast at your hotel and, at the appropriate time, transfer to Puerto Montt airport for your departure flight. Or ask your travel agent about extending your South America vacation with CIT Tours. (B)

Daily Departures