Andean Cultures and Wine Self-drive Tour - 14 days
DAY 1: SANTIAGO
Upon your arrival to Santiago a driver will be waiting to escort you (private service) to your hotel accommodation where you will receive your welcome package. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to get to know the highlights of this important capital during a city tour. Overnight in Santiago.
DAY 2: SANTIAGO – CALAMA – SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA (95 KM / 59 MI)
After breakfast a private transfer will take you to the airport of Santiago for your connecting flight to Calama. Once having arrived, you will need to pick up your rental vehicle at the airport or at the car rental office in Calama. From there your adventurous journey starts as you head to San Pedro de Atacama; once center to the Paleolithic culture. Impressive rock fortresses on steep mountains encircle the green valley, making it truly a unique and stunning sight to visit. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama. (B)
DAY 3 – 4: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
You will have two full days at leisure to explore your surroundings. Located only about an hour away from San Pedro is the Los Flamencos National Reserve where some of the most remarkable arrays of wildlife exist. Home to the dark blue lagoons, flamingo flocks and many other bird species it is an ornithologist’s paradise. The Salar de Atacama is also a must see and highlight of the region. It is the largest salt flat in Chile with large volcanoes and reflecting salt crusts dominating its landscape. As an added bonus a guided tour to the El Tatio Geysers is highly recommended. This geothermal field flanked by soaring peaks is situated at 4.300 m / 14.108 ft. (the highest geothermal field in the world) and boasts spectacular scenery. At dawn you can observe powerful spurts of steam that shoot out from various geyser blowholes and steaming ponds that are encrusted with brilliant salt crystals. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama. (B)
DAY 5: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA - PURMAMARCA (450 KM / 280 MI)
Today, you will need to start early as to ensure you have enough time to complete the route without any complications. Your morning will begin as you reach the Paso Jama border crossing to Argentina. After the necessary paperwork you will continue on your drive heading to the town of Pumamarca. The Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of the Seven Colors) shows its vibrant face to the nearby town. Overnight in Purmamarca. (B)
DAY 6: PURMAMARCA - CACHI (337 KM / 209 MI)
This morning you will need to make your way to the town of Cachi in Argentina. Along the drive you will pass through the city of Salta located in the Lerma Valley at 1,152 meters (3780 feet) above sea level. Nicknamed Salta la Linda ("Salta the beautiful"), it has become a major tourist destination due to its old colonial architecture, tourism friendliness, amazing weather and the natural scenery of the surrounding valleys. Additionally nearby lays Los Cardones National Park featuring fossil remains of extinct animals, as well as dinosaur tracks. Overnight in Cachi. (B)
DAY 7: CACHI - CAFAYATE (162 KM / 101 MI)
The distance driven today is short yet filled with the opportunity to stop at a variety of picturesque towns such as Seclantas, Molinos, Angastaco and San Rafael. Your final destination will be the city of Cafayate recognized for its laid-back rhythm, colonial style, vineyards and exceptional wines. Overnight at Estancia Viñas de Cafayate. (B)
DAY 8: CAFAYATE
You will have the day at leisure to enjoy a little rest and relaxation or take advantage of your surroundings. Cafayate is located at the central zone of the Calchaquí Valley known for its contrast of colors and its unique geography that ranges from the mountain desert to the subtropical forest. Overnight in Estancia Viñas de Cafayate. (B)
DAY 9: CAFAYATE - BELEN (270 KM / 168 MI)
Start the day with a visit to the Pachamama Museum. This monumental stone project celebrates the indigenous culture of the region and houses many exhibitions as well as several sculpted gardens. From there head to the famous archaeological site known as Ruins of Quilmes. This was the largest pre-Columbian settlement in the country occupying over 30 hectares. The area dates back to approximately 850 AD and was inhabited by the Quilmes people. After your explorations continue your journey passing contrasting landscapes until you arrive to the city of Belen which will be today’s final destination. Overnight in Belen. (B)
DAY 10: BELEN - VILLA UNION (330 KM / 205 MI)
Today you will have a full day on the road, so make sure to drive safe and take into consideration climate conditions. The path you will be traveling boasts magnificent views of the Sierra de Famatina mountain range as well as a variety of landscapes. Your end point for today will be the town of Villa Union strategically located in the heart of the Bermejo Valley. Overnight in Villa Union. (B)
DAY 11: VILLA UNION - TALAMPAYA NATIONALPARK - VILLA SAN AGUSTIN (180 KM / 112 MI)
After breakfast make your way to the Talampaya National Park located in the east/center of La Rioja Province, Argentina. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park aims to protect the important archaeological and paleontological sites found in the area. It has landscapes of great beauty and is home to regional flora and fauna including the celebrated Condor. After your visit get back on the road and stay on course to reach the town of Villa San Agustin where you will be spending the night. Overnight at Hotel Don Antonio. (B)
DAY 12: VILLA SAN AGUSTIN - MENDOZA (380 KM/ 236 MI)
Today your goal will be to reach the Mendoza located in the northern-central part of the province, in a region of foothills and high plains, on the eastern side of the Andes. It is a picturesque city in the heart of Argentina’s famous wine country. Here, the vineyards are planted at some of the highest altitudes in the world. The region around Greater Mendoza is the largest wine producing area in Latin America. In 2008 National Geographic listed Mendoza as one of the top 10 historic destinations in the world. Overnight in Mendoza. (B)
DAY 13: MENDOZA - VIÑA DEL MAR / VALPARAISO (490 KM / 304 MI)
Your journey today will take back across the Chilean border and either to the seaside city of Viña del Mar (the garden city) or Valparaiso. These neighboring municipalities are located on the Pacific Ocean and offer beautiful views and charming neighborhoods. Full of history and sunset views this is the perfect place to spend the night. Overnight in Viña del Mar or Valparaiso. (B)
DAY 14 VALPARAISO / VIÑA - SANTIAGO (100 KM /62 MI)
After a nice breakfast hit the road one last time to reach Santiago where you will drop of your rental vehicle and catch your outgoing flight. (B)
Upon your arrival to Santiago a driver will be waiting to escort you (private service) to your hotel accommodation where you will receive your welcome package. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to get to know the highlights of this important capital during a city tour. Overnight in Santiago.
DAY 2: SANTIAGO – CALAMA – SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA (95 KM / 59 MI)
After breakfast a private transfer will take you to the airport of Santiago for your connecting flight to Calama. Once having arrived, you will need to pick up your rental vehicle at the airport or at the car rental office in Calama. From there your adventurous journey starts as you head to San Pedro de Atacama; once center to the Paleolithic culture. Impressive rock fortresses on steep mountains encircle the green valley, making it truly a unique and stunning sight to visit. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama. (B)
DAY 3 – 4: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
You will have two full days at leisure to explore your surroundings. Located only about an hour away from San Pedro is the Los Flamencos National Reserve where some of the most remarkable arrays of wildlife exist. Home to the dark blue lagoons, flamingo flocks and many other bird species it is an ornithologist’s paradise. The Salar de Atacama is also a must see and highlight of the region. It is the largest salt flat in Chile with large volcanoes and reflecting salt crusts dominating its landscape. As an added bonus a guided tour to the El Tatio Geysers is highly recommended. This geothermal field flanked by soaring peaks is situated at 4.300 m / 14.108 ft. (the highest geothermal field in the world) and boasts spectacular scenery. At dawn you can observe powerful spurts of steam that shoot out from various geyser blowholes and steaming ponds that are encrusted with brilliant salt crystals. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama. (B)
DAY 5: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA - PURMAMARCA (450 KM / 280 MI)
Today, you will need to start early as to ensure you have enough time to complete the route without any complications. Your morning will begin as you reach the Paso Jama border crossing to Argentina. After the necessary paperwork you will continue on your drive heading to the town of Pumamarca. The Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of the Seven Colors) shows its vibrant face to the nearby town. Overnight in Purmamarca. (B)
DAY 6: PURMAMARCA - CACHI (337 KM / 209 MI)
This morning you will need to make your way to the town of Cachi in Argentina. Along the drive you will pass through the city of Salta located in the Lerma Valley at 1,152 meters (3780 feet) above sea level. Nicknamed Salta la Linda ("Salta the beautiful"), it has become a major tourist destination due to its old colonial architecture, tourism friendliness, amazing weather and the natural scenery of the surrounding valleys. Additionally nearby lays Los Cardones National Park featuring fossil remains of extinct animals, as well as dinosaur tracks. Overnight in Cachi. (B)
DAY 7: CACHI - CAFAYATE (162 KM / 101 MI)
The distance driven today is short yet filled with the opportunity to stop at a variety of picturesque towns such as Seclantas, Molinos, Angastaco and San Rafael. Your final destination will be the city of Cafayate recognized for its laid-back rhythm, colonial style, vineyards and exceptional wines. Overnight at Estancia Viñas de Cafayate. (B)
DAY 8: CAFAYATE
You will have the day at leisure to enjoy a little rest and relaxation or take advantage of your surroundings. Cafayate is located at the central zone of the Calchaquí Valley known for its contrast of colors and its unique geography that ranges from the mountain desert to the subtropical forest. Overnight in Estancia Viñas de Cafayate. (B)
DAY 9: CAFAYATE - BELEN (270 KM / 168 MI)
Start the day with a visit to the Pachamama Museum. This monumental stone project celebrates the indigenous culture of the region and houses many exhibitions as well as several sculpted gardens. From there head to the famous archaeological site known as Ruins of Quilmes. This was the largest pre-Columbian settlement in the country occupying over 30 hectares. The area dates back to approximately 850 AD and was inhabited by the Quilmes people. After your explorations continue your journey passing contrasting landscapes until you arrive to the city of Belen which will be today’s final destination. Overnight in Belen. (B)
DAY 10: BELEN - VILLA UNION (330 KM / 205 MI)
Today you will have a full day on the road, so make sure to drive safe and take into consideration climate conditions. The path you will be traveling boasts magnificent views of the Sierra de Famatina mountain range as well as a variety of landscapes. Your end point for today will be the town of Villa Union strategically located in the heart of the Bermejo Valley. Overnight in Villa Union. (B)
DAY 11: VILLA UNION - TALAMPAYA NATIONALPARK - VILLA SAN AGUSTIN (180 KM / 112 MI)
After breakfast make your way to the Talampaya National Park located in the east/center of La Rioja Province, Argentina. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park aims to protect the important archaeological and paleontological sites found in the area. It has landscapes of great beauty and is home to regional flora and fauna including the celebrated Condor. After your visit get back on the road and stay on course to reach the town of Villa San Agustin where you will be spending the night. Overnight at Hotel Don Antonio. (B)
DAY 12: VILLA SAN AGUSTIN - MENDOZA (380 KM/ 236 MI)
Today your goal will be to reach the Mendoza located in the northern-central part of the province, in a region of foothills and high plains, on the eastern side of the Andes. It is a picturesque city in the heart of Argentina’s famous wine country. Here, the vineyards are planted at some of the highest altitudes in the world. The region around Greater Mendoza is the largest wine producing area in Latin America. In 2008 National Geographic listed Mendoza as one of the top 10 historic destinations in the world. Overnight in Mendoza. (B)
DAY 13: MENDOZA - VIÑA DEL MAR / VALPARAISO (490 KM / 304 MI)
Your journey today will take back across the Chilean border and either to the seaside city of Viña del Mar (the garden city) or Valparaiso. These neighboring municipalities are located on the Pacific Ocean and offer beautiful views and charming neighborhoods. Full of history and sunset views this is the perfect place to spend the night. Overnight in Viña del Mar or Valparaiso. (B)
DAY 14 VALPARAISO / VIÑA - SANTIAGO (100 KM /62 MI)
After a nice breakfast hit the road one last time to reach Santiago where you will drop of your rental vehicle and catch your outgoing flight. (B)
Price per person in US$, valid till April 30, 2019:
car type |
1 person |
2 people |
3 people |
4 people |
sgl supp. |
Hertz K - 4x4 Toyota Hi Lux or Mitsubishi L200 or Nissan NP300 or similar |
$3920 |
$2580 |
$2134 |
$1910 |
$954 |
|
Notes* Based on sharing Half Twin. The single supplement also applies for 1 person
Hotels we use in this program: Hotel Galerias, Hotel Altiplanico San Pedro, Hotel Marques del Tojo, Hotel El Cortijo, Hotel Viñas de Cafayate Wine Resort, Hotel Belen, Hotel Cañon del Talampaya, Hosteria Valle Fertil, Hotel Huentala and Zero Hotel Valparaiso. *Program includes: 13 overnights with breakfast. Meals according itinerary (D=Dinner, L=Lunch, LB=Lunch box). services with English speaking guide. Entrance fees. * Car rental (Hertz category K) including unlimited free mileage, local tax, full CDW coverage with deductible (for details see rental contract), roadmap and descriptions *Not included: Flights, beverages, porters, all other expenses and Chile car rental companies charge an additional airport service fee (Hertz rate: appr. USD 8.00 per day) at the time of vehicle pickup at the airport. This service charge is not included in the rates above, it has to be paid upon returning the car. |
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