Santiago & Valparaiso Explorer
Santiago & Valparaiso Explorer
- Departure Date:
- Departs Daily
- Price:
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from USD $1,330/pp
Day 1 – Santiago
On arrival into Santiago Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your home for the next few days. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy!
Overnight: Le Reve Hotel
Day 2 – Santiago
Today, embark on a full-day cultural exploration of Santiago, delving into the city’s major attractions and its most significant cultural, cosmopolitan, and artistic landmarks. We commence our journey with a visit to the eminent landmarks of the city’s civic heart, including the La Moneda Palace, the official seat of the presidency, and the iconic Plaza de Armas square, a vibrant gathering spot that echoes Santiago’s diverse and multicultural essence. This neighborhood is steeped in historical significance, featuring architectural gems like the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Historical Museum, and the Central Post Office.
Our walking tour continues as we venture to the Pre-Columbian Museum, established in December 1981 by the Chilean philanthropist Sergio Larraín. His impressive collection of pre-Columbian art, gathered from across the Americas, was offered to the community to enhance understanding and appreciation of the legacy of ancient American civilizations. Over the years, the museum’s scope has expanded to encompass the art of indigenous peoples, and its collections have grown through new contributions. Today, it stands as a remarkable testament to the heritage of the Americas. The museum houses extraordinary artworks that exemplify the diversity of American cultures, showcasing a valuable Andean textile collection, featuring pieces over 3,000 years old, Chinchorro mummies, the world’s oldest, along with ceramic, metal, and stone works of art. Among them are masterpieces from the Mayans, Aztecs, Andean cultures, ancient Amazonian and Caribbean peoples, and a remarkable collection of art from the societies that once inhabited the present-day territory of Chile.
Following our visit to the museum, the tour proceeds to one of the city’s principal culinary hubs—the Central Market. We then cross the Mapocho River to explore the lively Barrio Bellavista, renowned for its bohemian and culturally vibrant atmosphere. Here, you’ll visit “La Chascona,” a house that Pablo Neruda began constructing in 1953 for his secret love at the time, Matilde Urrutia.
To conclude our day of exploration, we’ll venture to the western sector of the capital, where we’ll visit the Museum of Memory. This space is dedicated to shedding light on human rights violations committed by the State of Chile between 1973 and 1990, honoring the victims and their families, and promoting reflection and dialogue on the importance of respect and tolerance to ensure that such events never recur. Afterward, we’ll provide a transfer back to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Overnight: Le Reve Hotel (B)
Day 3 – Santiago
Today is a free day to explore the city at your own pace. Explore Santiago’s local markets, buy tickets to a local Chilean football game, pack a picnic and head to a beautiful city parks, or enjoy a couple of Pisco Sours on one of Santiago’s famous rooftop bars.
Overnight: Le Reve Hotel (B)
Day 4 – Santiago > Valparaiso
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Valparaiso with a stop en route in Casablanaca valley to enjoy a wine tour at Casa Bosque vineyard (or similar). Because of its special location, the valley receives the influence of sea breezes, a natural condition that gives it a favorable temperate climate for producing white wines. Casas del Bosque is located 70 km (43 mi.) from Santiago, Chile’s capital, and 30 km (18.6 mi.) from Valparaiso, one of country’s main ports. It was established in 1993 as a family boutique winery to exclusively produce high quality wines. Casas del Bosque has its own vineyards in the Casablanca Valley, an ideal location for premium wine production. Its soil type includes a thin layer of red volcanic clay mixed with decomposed granite formed 110 million years ago on the Pacific Ocean floor. A guided tour will take visitors through the whole production process, followed by a wine tasting experience and lunch at Tanino Restaurant.
Arrive in Valparaiso in the afternoon and check into your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Fauna Hotel (B/L)
Day 5 – Valparaiso
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a captivating exploration of this vibrant city. Plaza Victoria serves as the perfect launch point for an engaging stroll through the enchanting streets of Valparaiso. Once a bullring, this square now stands as one of the city’s most picturesque locales, featuring a fountain brought from France adorned with four statues representing the seasons of the year. Overlooking Plaza Victoria stands the impressive Cathedral of Valparaiso.
From this hub, you can hop aboard one of the local trolleys that make up Chile’s sole trolleybus network and the second-oldest in South America. These trolleys are living monuments on wheels and transport passengers to Anibal Pinto Square.
A leisurely walk will lead you to Reina Victoria, an iconic hillside elevator on Cerro Alegre, meticulously preserved as part of Valparaiso’s historical heritage. Just a few steps from Dimalow Alleyway, you’ll discover a breathtaking cityscape, with views that encompass the Lutheran Church perched atop Cerro Concepcion and the vivid murals adorning the streets. Strolling along Urriola Street, you’ll encounter fascinating sites such as the “El Desayuno” restaurant and the Anglican Church, a testament to the historical involvement of the British community in Valparaiso during the mid-19th century. On the corner of Templeman and Papudo, an alleyway will lead you to vibrant neighborhoods featuring schools, small shops, and an array of restaurants. From Beethoven Alleyway, you’ll relish a magnificent view of the old cemetery nestled at the base of the Lutheran Church.
Continuing along Gervasoni Promenade, you’ll encounter the city’s oldest elevator, which ascends to the bustling Calle Prat, Valparaiso’s primary thoroughfare. For over a century, this street has been the epicenter of the city’s financial and banking activities. Your journey continues with visits to Plaza Sotomayor, the headquarters of the Shipping Company, the historic Victoria Hotel, the Council of Arts and Culture, and the entrance to the bustling port. Among the highlights is a monument and crypt honoring the heroes of the Battle of Iquique, a memorial constructed through community fundraising to commemorate the sailors who valiantly fought in the battles of Iquique and Punta Gruesa on May 21, 1879.
The concluding part of your tour entails a leisurely walk along the city’s narrow streets. Rest assured, you’ll be spending the night at the Fauna Hotel.
Overnight: Fauna Hotel (B)
Day 6 – Valparaiso > Santiago Airport
Enjoy breakfast before being picked up for your drive back to Santiago Airport to continue your onward journey (approximately 1.5 hours). The exact pick up time for your airport transfer will be agreed with your driver locally.
Tour Inclusions
- Return Airport Transfers
- Private scenic drive from Santiago to Valparaiso
- 5 nights superior accommodation with meals indicated as per itinerary
- 2 Full day cultural sightseeing tours
- Winery Tour including lunch
From USD $1,330 per person twin share
*Single traveler pricing available on request.
**Public Holiday Surcharges apply