Depart on your overnight flight to Santiago.

Arrive Santiago and connect with your onward flight to Calama. Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama in the heart of the Atacama Desert. Surrounded by the snow-capped Andes, the Atacama is the most arid place in the world. Walking excursion to the 16th century church, Archaeological Museum and local village. Stay at the incredible Explora Atacama. (L,D)

Travel to El Tatio to see the series of more than 100 geysers dramatically bursting forth every day before sunrise. There is time to soak in the thermal bath. Tour ancient Atacamena ruins including Quitor, a 700-year-old pre-Columbian fortress. Sunset visit to the Valley of the Dinosaurs, Salt Canyon and Moon Valley. (B,L,D)

Drive to Chaxa Lagoon to see flamingoes dance in the shallow waters. Continue to Miscanti Lagoon, a volcanic lake at 15,000 feet, and on to Miniques Lagoon for a lovely picnic lunch. Return via the little village of Tocanao, renowned for its handicrafts. (B,L,D)

Return flight to Santiago and transfer to Casa Real Hotel. The Casa Real is the old family mansion at Santa Rita, converted into a very special country inn surrounded by 70 acres of beautifully maintained century-old gardens with swans, statues and native trees. Built in 1880, Casa Real has ten standard rooms and six suites, all beautifully appointed. There is a small bar and restaurant featuring gourmet Chilean cuisine, a swimming pool, tennis courts and gym. (B)

This morning visit the Santa Rita vineyards, located in the Maipo Valley, renowned as one of the finest viticultural areas in the world. Founded in 1880, Santa Rita owns an impressive estate with 800 hectares of vineyard land for the production of high quality, awarding-winning wines. After lunch at the vineyard spend the afternoon savoring the elegance of Casa Real’s sophisticted ambiance. (B,L)

Return to Santiago. City walking tour featuring ‘La Moneda’ (the government palace), the Plaza de Armas, the ‘love cathedral’ and the Archaeological Museum. Visit the Bohemian ‘old city’ neighborhood. Stop at the artisans’ village of Los Graneros de Alba where there is time for shopping, strolling and perhaps, having a ‘cafe con piernas.’ (B)

Morning flight to Punta Arenas and transfer to Torres del Paine National Park and the remarkable Explora Patagonia lodge. (B,L,D)

Torres del Paine National Park is stunningly gorgeous – an unbelievable combination of towering snow-covered mountains, turquoise glacial lakes, racing streams and pristine environment. Visit Salto Grande, a powerful waterfall creating beautiful rainbows in the sunlight. Continue past Lago Pehoe to Lago Grey for a glacier visit. Lake cruises, glacier treks and mountain hiking are also available. (B,L,D)

Full day exploring the area: Laguna Azul, Nordenskjold Lake, Lago Amarga, Vega del Nandu, and Cascada Paine, a charming waterfall. Throughout your stay, herds of shy guanacos greet you at every turn. (B,L,D)

Return to Punta Arenas for your flight to Puerto Montt. Transfer to nearby Puerto Varas in the heart of the Chilean Lake District. (B,L)

Travel to the magical archipelago of Chiloe. Gods and goddesses, ghost ships and the lost city of the Caesars are all part of Chiloe’s rich heritage. The multi-hued Jesuit wood chapels are the island’s most striking feature. Rich bird life including penguins completes the colorful portrait. (B,L)

Return flight to Santiago connecting with your flight to the USA. (B)

Morning arrival in the USA. Welcome home!