From City Lights to Desert Stars
Overview
Immerse yourself in the perfect blend of urban sophistication and natural wonder on this unforgettable journey through Chile. Begin in Santiago, a city where sleek modern skyscrapers harmonize with charming architecture, and vibrant neighbourhoods pulse with life, art and culture. Then, venture into the breathtaking landscapes of San Pedro de Atacama, where the lunar-like Valley of the Moon, the glistening Atacama Salt Flat and the awe-inspiring El Tatio Geysers await.
The itinerary below outlines the time spent in 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
- Chile
Inclusions
- Roundtrip flight to Santiago (if Flight & Hotel package option is chosen)
- Roundtrip economy class airfare between Santiago and Calama
- Private transfers to and from the airports and shared transfers for all excursions and sightseeing tours as per the itinerary unless noted otherwise
- 6 nights accommodation (3 nights in Santiago and 3 nights in San Pedro de Atacama)
- Daily breakfast
- Lunch as per itinerary
- Entrance fees to landmarks and monuments, as mentioned in the itinerary
- More Moments activities:
- Full-day city tour featuring San Cristóbal Hill
- Half-day tour of the Moon Valley and Mars Valley
- Half-day tour of the Rainbow Valley and Yerbas Buenas
- Half-day tour of the Cejar Lagoon
- Full-day adventure to the Altiplanic Lagoons and Red Stones tour
- Hotel taxes, fees and service charges
- Service of an 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 Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, you will proceed through customs and immigration. After clearing these formalities, you’ll 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 transfer, which will take you to your hotel for check in. The remainder of the day is yours to spend at your leisure to explore Chile’s vibrant capital.
Spend an overnight 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.
Spend an overnight 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 your arrival, a local representative holding an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name will welcome you. They will escort you to your transfer, which will take you to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama to check in.
Spend an overnight 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, starting with a half-day tour of the vibrant Rainbow Valley and Yerbas Buenas. After a leisurely lunch (at your own expense), you’ll continue your exploration with a half-day tour of 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.
Spend an overnight 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 colors, and discover ancient petroglyphs at Yerbas Buenas, etched into the landscape by the region's first inhabitants. This tour offers a fascinating blend of natural beauty and rich history, making it an unforgettable experience.
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Half-day tour of the Cejar Lagoon
Submerge and enjoy a relaxing bath, floating effortlessly thanks to the high concentration of salt.
The excursion will also take you to a brief stop at the Ojos del Salar. These are freshwater springs that emerge in the middle of the vast salt flat, creating an impressive contrast.
Continuing the journey, arrive at Laguna Tebenquiche, where you will be amazed by the impressive formations and views that unfold before you. Walk along its shores, appreciating how the sunlight reflects on the crystalline waters of the lagoon.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6
San Pedro de Atacama
After breakfast, you’ll 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.
Spend an overnight in San Pedro de Atacama.
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 back to Santiago.
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. You’ll have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure for some final sightseeing or relaxation.
Spend an overnight in Santiago.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8
Santiago - Canada
After breakfast and check-out, your driver will take you to Arturo Merino Benítez 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 to Apr 02: 5 times per week: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays
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Not included:
- Gratuities
- Airport taxes (where applicable)
- Meals outside of the ones mentioned in 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 and from Calama to Santiago.
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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.