Chilean Deserts and Peruvian Heritage
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of South America and experience it all, From dynamic urban centers to breathtaking natural wonders, this tour offers a seamless blend of exploration and relaxation, with every moment designed to captivate your senses. Discover the essence of each destination as you immerse yourself in the rhythms, flavours, and traditions that make this region so unique.
The itinerary below outlines the time spent at the destination. Due to seasonal flight availability, your flight duration may vary.
This itinerary features More Moments activities included with your package.
If your itinerary includes domestic and/or regional flight tickets, as well as entry tickets to landmarks that require passport details, you must call Air Canada Vacations immediately upon receiving your booking confirmation. Failure to provide Air Canada Vacations with your passport details may result in the unavailability of domestic and/or regional flight tickets and entry passes for certain landmarks included in your tour package. It is mandatory to call Air Canada Vacations at the number provided in your electronic confirmation as soon as your booking is confirmed to submit your passport details.
Format
Locations
- Santiago
- San Pedro de Atacama
- Lima
- Bogotá
- Arequipa
- Chile
- Peru
- Colombia
Inclusions
- Round-trip flight to South America (if Flight & Hotel package option is chosen)
- Round-trip economy class airfare between Santiago and Calama
- One-way trip economy class airfare from Santiago to Lima
- One-way trip economy class airfare from Lima to Arequipa
- One-way trip economy class airfare from Arequipa to Bogotá
- Private transfers to and from airports, and shared transfers for all excursions and sightseeing tours as per the itinerary, unless noted otherwise
- 14 nights accommodation (3 nights in Santiago, 3 nights in San Pedro de Atacama, 3 nights in Lima, 3 nights in Arequipa and 2 nights in Bogotá)
- Daily breakfast
- Dinner as per itinerary
- Entrance fee to landmarks and monuments as mentioned in the itinerary
- More Moments activities included:
- Full-day city tour, featuring San Cristóbal Hill
- Half-day tour of the Moon Valley and the Mars Valley
- Half-day tour of Rainbow Valley and Yerbas Buenas
- Half-day tour to the Cejar Lagoon
- Full-day Altiplanic Lagoons and Red Stones tour
- Lima half-day city and museum tour
- Half-day gourmet experience in Lima
- Arequipa half-day city and museum tour
- Half-day gourmet experience in Arequipa
- Full-day adventure to Colca Canyon tour
- Bogotá Bogotáfull-day city tour
- Hotel taxes, fees and service charges
- Service of English-speaking local guide as per program.
- Earn extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Overnight flight to Santiago.
Day 2
Welcome to Santiago
Upon arriving at Santiago’s International Airport, you will proceed through customs and immigration. After clearing these formalities, collect your luggage and exit the baggage hall, where a local representative holding an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name will welcome you. They will escort you to your hotel transfer for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to spend at leisure.
Overnight stay in Santiago.
Day 3
Santiago
After breakfast, a local guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to begin your full-day city tour, which includes a visit to San Cristóbal Hill.
After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Santiago.
More Moments Activities Included
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Full-day city tour, featuring San Cristóbal Hill
Begin with a visit to the historic city center, where landmarks such as the Plaza de Armas, Metropolitan Cathedral, and La Moneda Palace showcase Santiago's rich heritage. Stroll through the bustling Central Market, brimming with local flavours and authentic Chilean culture.
Next, journey to the bohemian Barrio Lastarria neighbourhood, famous for its cobblestone streets, outdoor cafes, art galleries and vibrant cultural atmosphere.
From there, ascend San Cristóbal Hill, one of the highest points in the city. The hill is home to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Cerro San Cristóbal and if the weather is clear, you will be able to see the majestic mountain range that surrounds Santiago.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4
Santiago – San Pedro de Atacama
After breakfast and check-out, your private driver will transfer you to Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport for your flight to El Loa Airport in Calama. From there, your journey continues to San Pedro de Atacama, the captivating "Gateway to the Atacama Desert."
Upon arrival, a local representative holding an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name will welcome you. They will escort you to your hotel transfer for check-in and a chance to refresh before your next activity.
After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure
Overnight stay in San Pedro de Atacama.
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day tour of the Moon Valley and the Mars Valley
Start the tour by exploring the Victoria Mine and gain insight into the process of salt extraction and appreciation for its cultural significance. The tour includes stops at iconic sites like Las Tres Marías.
Cap off your day with a memorable excursion to Mars Valley! This unparalleled experience is accompanied by a special toast, celebrating the splendour of the landscape.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5
San Pedro de Atacama
After breakfast, meet your tour guide in the hotel lobby and set off on today’s exciting adventure to the vibrant Rainbow Valley and Yerbas Buenas.
After a leisurely lunch (at your own expense), continue your exploration with a half-day tour to the stunning Cejar Lagoon.
Afterwards, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Overnight stay in San Pedro de Atacama.
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day tour to Rainbow Valley and Yerbas Buenas
Explore the vibrant rock formations of Rainbow Valley, named for its striking layers of colours, and discover ancient petroglyphs at Yerbas Buenas
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Half-day tour to the Cejar Lagoon
Half-day tour to the Cejar Lagoon: Here, you will be able to submerge and enjoy a relaxing bath, floating effortlessly thanks to the high concentration of salt.
The excursion will also take you to explore the Ojos del Salar, a brief but fascinating stop. These are freshwater springs that emerge in the middle of the vast salt flat, creating an impressive contrast.
Continuing the journey, you will arrive at Laguna Tebenquiche, where you will be amazed by the impressive formations and views that unfold before you. Here you will walk along its shores, reveling in the natural beauty that surrounds you, while appreciating how the sunlight reflects on the crystalline waters of the lagoon.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6
San Pedro de Atacama
After breakfast, set off on an exciting full-day adventure to the Altiplanic Lagoons and Red Stones, with a delicious lunch included. Discover the stunning beauty of these remote landscapes, where crystal-clear lagoons meet striking red rock formations. It’s a day full of awe-inspiring sights and unforgettable experiences.
Afterwards, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Full-day Altiplanic Lagoons and Red Stones tour
Start your tour with a journey to discover the captivating Miscanti and Meñiques Lagoons, two jewels nestled at an altitude of 4,200 metres above sea level.
Continue your adventure with a visit to the Salar de Aguas Calientes III. Prepare to marvel at the captivating red stones. Walk upon a vast expanse of salt, resembling an infinite mirror reflecting the heavens above and the majestic mountains that encircle it.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 7
San Pedro de Atacama – Santiago
After breakfast and check-out, your dedicated driver will transfer you to El Loa Airport in Calama for your flight to Santiago, Chile’s vibrant capital.
Upon arrival, collect your luggage and proceed to the exit, where a dedicated driver will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name on it and take you to your hotel to check-in. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Santiago.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8
Santiago – Lima
After breakfast and check-out, your dedicated driver will transfer you to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport for your flight to “The City of Kings”, Lima.
Upon arrival, you will need to clear customs and immigration before collecting your luggage and proceeding to the exit. A dedicated driver will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name on it and take you to your hotel to check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Lima.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 9
Lima
After breakfast, meet your tour guide in the lobby of your hotel and embark on a fascinating half-day city and museum tour.
Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Lima.
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day city and museum tour
Begin your journey in Lima's historic center, where Spanish-era splendour comes to life in beautifully adorned squares and iconic landmarks. At the heart of the city, Lima’s Main Square beckons with its majestic 17th-century bronze fountain, flanked by the grand Cathedral, Government Palace, and Town Hall. Complete your experience with a visit to a museum of your choice, delving into Peru’s fascinating legacy as one of the world’s oldest civilizations.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 10
Lima
After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy the rest of the morning at your leisure, before meeting your tour guide for an exciting half-day gourmet experience. This gastronomic journey is sure to delight your taste buds and provide a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Lima.
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day gourmet experience
Unleash your inner chef with an unforgettable culinary experience alongside a professional chef in their restaurant or cooking workshop. This hands-on cooking class includes tasting nine distinct flavours, featuring four exotic fruits, a causa acevichada, and a lomo saltado. You’ll also enjoy a refreshing pisco sour and a delectable local dessert. Plus, visit to a vibrant local market will offer insights into the key components you'll use to craft these delicious dishes.
Meal(s): Breakfast and dinner
Day 11
Lima – Arequipa
After breakfast and check-out, your dedicated driver will transfer you to Jorge Chávez International Airport for your flight to "La Ciudad Blanca" or "The White City", Arequipa.
Upon arrival, collect your luggage and proceed to the exit, where a dedicated driver will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name on it and take you to your hotel to check-in. Rest of the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Arequipa.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 12
Arequipa
After breakfast, meet your tour guide and get ready for a half-day city and museum tour, followed by a half-day gastronomic experience.
Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Arequipa.
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day city and museum tour
Start the experience driving to the Carmen Alto viewpoints, where you will observe Arequipa’s old terraces and the traditional town of Yanahuara, popular for its beautiful square and a view over the old part of the city and its three volcanoes: Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. Continue to the city center and walk through the Monastery of Santa Catalina. This monument is one of the most important attractions of Arequipa. Last stop, a visit to Arequipa’s Main Square, followed by a walk to the church and La Compañía de Jesus cloister.
Half-day gourmet experience: During this gastronomic walking tour through Arequipa, you will learn about the history and culture behind every dish and drink. Taste more than 15 typical Peruvian dishes and drinks from this region. Start the tour with a visit to the San Camilo Market, where you can taste various fruits. Continue to Los Claustros de la Compañía. Interact with the local hosts to learn about guinea pigs and alpacas. Discover all the secrets for preparing ocopa with a batan. Afterward, visit San Lazaro and end the tour at the Yanahuara viewpoint, where you will taste the famous Queso Helado. -
Half-day gourmet experience
Begin by exploring a traditional market, where vibrant stalls overflow with fresh local ingredients, spices, and regional specialties. Next, visit a renowned picantería, a traditional eatery, to savour authentic Arequipeño dishes like rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy pepper) and adobo (marinated pork stew), each prepared using time-honoured recipes. As you enjoy these mouthwatering creations, learn about the stories and traditions behind the flavours that define Arequipa’s unique cuisine.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 13
Arequipa – Colca Canyon – Arequipa
After breakfast, your guide will take you on a scenic 3-hour journey to Chivay, the gateway to Colca Canyon. From there, embark on an unforgettable full-day adventure, exploring one of the deepest canyons in the world. Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking landscapes and stunning natural beauty that awaits you in this awe-inspiring destination.
Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Arequipa. Rest of the day at leisure
Overnight stay in Arequipa.
More Moments Activities Included
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Full-day adventure to Colca Canyon tour
Travel to Chivay and stop for for breakfast at a local restaurant (included). Continue to the famous “Cruz del Condor” viewpoint. Here,you’ll have ample time to enjoy breathtaking views of the canyon's depths and, weather permitting, capture majestic photos of condors in flight. Then, your guide will lead you on a 1-hour walk near the canyon.
On our way back to Chivay, visit the traditional village of Pinchollo and the Antahuilque viewpoint. Stop at the Choquetico viewpoint to see the hanging tombs (tumbas colgantes) and the litomaqueta, a carved rock model of the canyon terraces.
Next, visit the village of Maca, which experienced a significant earthquake in November 1991, and Yanque, home to the most beautiful church in the valley.
Enjoy lunch in Chivay ($).
In the early afternoon, begin the return journey to Arequipa. Along the way, we stop at “Pata Pampa,” located at 4,820 metres above sea level, to admire the volcanoes Ampato, Sabancaya, Hualca-Hualca, Mismi, and the Cordillera de Chila. Additionally, visit the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve to observe wild vicuñas (one of the four types of American camels) in their natural habitat.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 14
Santiago – Bogotá
After breakfast and check-out, your dedicated driver will transfer you to Rodríguez Ballón International Airport for your flight to “The Athens of South America”, Bogotá.
Upon arrival, you will need to clear customs and immigration; once cleared collect your luggage and proceed to the exit, where a dedicated driver will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name on it and take you to your hotel to check-in. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Bogotá.
More Moments Activities Included
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Full-day city tour
Explore the historic center of Bogotá, known as 'La Candelaria,' with its impressive churches, government palaces, and the main square, 'Plaza de Bolívar.' Additionally, you will have the option to visit several museums in the city center: the world-renowned Gold Museum, or the Botero Museum, featuring works by the renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 15
Bogotá
After breakfast, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and get ready to dive into an unforgettable full-day city tour packed with discovery and adventure.
Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure
Overnight stay in Bogotá.
More Moments Activities Included
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Full-day city tour
Begin with a visit to the historic La Candelaria district, where Spanish-era architecture and colourful streets tell stories of the city’s past. Explore Plaza Bolívar, surrounded by iconic landmarks like the Cathedral Primada and the Capitol. Delve into Bogotá’s rich cultural heritage at the renowned Gold Museum, home to an impressive collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts, and the Botero Museum, featuring works by the celebrated Colombian artist. Ascend Monserrate for breathtaking panoramic views of the city sprawling below.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 16
Bogotá – Canada
After breakfast and checking out, your driver will take you to El Dorado International Airport for your flight back to Canada.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Location
Hotel
Room details
Hotel taxes, fees and service charges included.
The hotels listed below are presented as examples for your reference only. Hotel accommodation details will be communicated to you or your Travel Agent prior to departure
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip. The accommodation will be based on the category of choice
Type of bed(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 3 people (3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child)
Room details
Hotel taxes, fees and service charges included.
The hotels listed below are presented as examples for your reference only. Hotel accommodation details will be communicated to you or your Travel Agent prior to departure
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip. The accommodation will be based on the category of choice
Type of bed(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 3 people (3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child)
Important Information
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Departure Dates: October 26 to Apr 02
Frequencies:
Oct 26 to Mar 07: 5 times per week: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays.
Mar 08 – Apr 02: 5 times per week: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays
Driving times listed in your tinerary are subject to traffic and road conditions on the
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Not included
- Gratuities
- Airport taxes (where applicable)
- Meals outside of the ones mentioned within the itinerary above.
- Transfers for any optional activities, and any other transfer services required outside of the itinerary above.
- Entrance to other landmarks not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Additional activities and excursions
- Visa fees (where applicable)
The itinerary above is subject to change without prior notice. The order in which destinations are visited or day excursions occur may change due to operational restrictions, such as weather and accommodation availability.
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The More Moments activities/excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day, depending on availability and operational day, or cancelled due to weather related conditions.
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Private transfer service from/to Airports.
Shared transfer service for all sightseeing
Plane from Santiago to Calama, from Calama to Santiago, from Santiago to Lima, from Lima to Arequipa, from Arequipa to Bogotá
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The sequence of the itinerary may be altered for reasons beyond the supplier’s control, such as accommodation availability, weather, national events, strikes, etc.