Santiago, San Pedro and Punta Arenas, Chile | 7 Days | Magellan Explorer Cruise

Santiago, San Pedro and Punta Arenas, Chile | Magellan Explorer | Antarctica ToursSantiago, San Pedro and Punta Arenas, Chile | Magellan Explorer | Antarctica Tours

Begin your journey in Santiago with a city tour showcasing historical landmarks like Plaza de Armas and the Metropolitan Cathedral, culminating in stunning views from Sky Costanera.

Fly to Calama and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama to explore Valle de la Luna and Atacama Salt Flats. Enjoy a full-day excursion to the high-altitude Miscanti and Miñique lagoons. Experience the Tatio Geysers at dawn and relax at the Puritama Hot Springs.

Return to Santiago for a delightful dinner at El Mestizo in Bicentennial Park. Visit the coastal cities of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, known for their colorful architecture and beautiful beaches.

Finally, travel to Punta Arenas, your gateway to the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia.

Optional Extension: On Day 7, extend your adventure with the Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise, an 8-day journey on the Magellan Explorer. This option offers an unforgettable exploration of Antarctica, combining flights and a cruise for a unique and immersive experience.

7 Day Antarctica Itinerary

Day 1: Santiago

Upon arriving in Santiago, you will be greeted and privately transferred to your selected hotel by a Spanish-speaking guide.

In the afternoon, we'll embark on a city tour starting in the historic center. We'll visit the central square (Plaza de Armas), the kilometer zero marker, and the vital core of the capital, where Santiago's construction began during the colonial era. Here, you'll see historic buildings like the Metropolitan Cathedral, a beautiful blend of Bavarian and neoclassical styles. We'll also explore the civic district, surrounded by ministerial buildings and the La Moneda Palace, which has witnessed significant events in our republican history.

Next, we'll stroll through the old, stately neighborhoods once inhabited by high society, showcasing a variety of exquisite architecture brought by European immigrants during a time of significant mining activity and aristocratic presence. Lunch will be at the Castillo Forestal Restaurant.

Later, we'll take in a magnificent panoramic view of the pre-cordillera by visiting one of the country's tallest and most modern buildings, where you can enjoy a stunning view from the 61st and 62nd floors of Santiago Sky Costanera.

We'll then head to the eastern zone to observe the striking architectural contrast. This prosperous, modern area features boldly styled buildings, highlighting the city's contemporary flair.

Finally, we'll return to the hotel for accommodation.

Meals Included: Lunch / Dinner

Day 2: Santiago, Calama, San Pedro de Atacama, Valle de la Luna

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before being transferred to the airport for your flight to Calama.

In the afternoon, we'll explore the Salt Mountain Range within the Los Flamencos National Reserve, specifically the Valley of the Moon. Here, we can take leisurely walks to admire the lunar-like landscape and learn about its history, including the salt extraction mines. The excursion includes a guide, a 4x4 vehicle, entrance tickets, water, and snacks.

We'll return to the hotel in San Pedro for accommodation.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 3: Full Day Altitude Lakes and Atacama Salt Flats

Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel. Then, depart for the Miscanti and Miñique lagoons, where two contrasting ecological zones meet. Here, we'll admire the largest lagoons in the Andes and their nearby volcanoes. Next, we'll visit the famous Atacama Salt Flats, home to three species of flamingos.

This excursion includes a guide, entrance tickets, water, and lunch. In the afternoon, we'll return to the hotel in San Pedro for accommodation.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 4: Tatio Geysers, Puritama Hot Springs

We'll set out early in the morning, typically before 6 am, timed to coincide with sunrise. The early start is essential due to the chilly morning temperatures, which enhance visibility of the steam and allow for a breathtaking sunrise experience. Given that this excursion takes us to altitudes surpassing 4,000 meters, morning temperatures usually hover around freezing.

Our destination is the Tatio Geysers in the northeast, the largest geothermal field in South America. Here, we'll marvel at various geothermal phenomena, including fumaroles, against the backdrop of the Andes.

On our way back, we'll have the opportunity to appreciate the wetlands, birdlife, and Andean wildlife.

Following that adventure, we'll journey to the base of the Andes Mountains to luxuriate in the soothing waters of the Puritama Thermal River, featuring 8 pools to unwind in. The excursion package covers a guide, entrance tickets, water, and towels.

In the afternoon, we'll return to San Pedro and check in to the hotel for accommodation.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 5: San Pedro, Calama, Santiago

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for Calama airport from San Pedro for your flight to Santiago.

Upon arrival at Santiago airport, you'll be greeted by a Spanish-speaking guide who will accompany you on a private transfer.

In the afternoon, we'll leave the hotel for dinner at El Mestizo restaurant, situated in the picturesque Bicentennial Park in the Vitacura district.

After dinner, we'll return to the hotel in Santiago for accommodation.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 6: Santiago, Viña del Mar/Valparaiso

Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Depart from your Santiago hotel and travel approximately 120 km towards the Pacific Ocean coast to reach the port city of Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003 for its distinctive architecture, winding streets, vibrant alleys, and staircases ascending the hills. We'll visit its main attractions, including Plaza Sotomayor, the Naval Heroes Monument, Paseo 21 de Mayo, and take rides on the funiculars to reach the city's hilltops.

For lunch, we'll stop at Restaurant Portofino, boasting a magnificent view of Valparaíso Bay. Later, we'll visit the flower clock in the garden city of Viña del Mar. Following that, we'll drive along the coast, exploring its stunning beaches, gardens, and pedestrian promenades.

In the afternoon, return to the hotel in Santiago for accommodation.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 7: Santiago, Punta Arenas

Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Be whisked away from the hotel to the airport by a Spanish-speaking guide for your flight to Punta Arenas.

Upon arrival at Punta Arenas airport, you'll be transferred to your chosen hotel in Punta Arenas.

Meals Included: Breakfast
 | Falkland | Penguins Colony
 | Chilean Fjords |  AntarcticaSan Pedro de Atacama | Chile |  Antarctica | Cierva Cove |  Antarctica | Falkland | Commerson’s dolphins | Faroe Islands | Puffin | Westman Islands |  Antarctica | Falkland | Rockhopper, Black-browed Albatross colony | Paradise Bay |  Antarctica | Jan Mayen |  Antarctica | Falkland | Bird | Paulet Island |  AntarcticaValle de la Luna | Chile |  Antarctica

7 Day Antarctica Itinerary Includes

  • Comprehensive material containing information before and after the journey.
  • Exclusive entry to Explorers House granted to Punta Arenas guests.
  • The provision of waterproof boots for shore excursions, charges for landings, a contingency plan, and the IAATO passenger fee.
  • Daily buffet-style breakfast, along with à la carte lunch and dinner options, inclusive of beverages such as wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and onboard snacks.
  • Included in the package are guided shore excursions, along with onboard lectures and entertainment.

7 Day Antarctica Itinerary Does not Include

  • Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar.
  • Internet connection on board the ship.
  • Personal travel insurance.
  • Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
  • Gratuities
  • Visas for Chile and/or Argentina, passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.
  • Accommodation, meals, excursions, and transfers other than those included in the itinerary and the Contingency Plan corresponding to each voyage. Specifically, dinner in Punta Arenas upon return from Antarctica is not included.

7 Day Antarctica Itinerary Highlights

  • Witness the mesmerizing geothermal activity of the Tatio Geysers set against the Andean backdrop.
  • Explore Valparaíso's UNESCO World Heritage sites and vibrant streets, enjoying stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
  • Take a picturesque drive along the Pacific coast, catching glimpses of local wildlife and serene coastal landscapes.

7 Day Antarctica cruise activities

Sea Kayaking
Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.
Ice Camping
Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.
Snowshoeing
Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.
Photography
Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.
Explorer Boats
Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.
Yoga
It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.

Animals you might see on this itinerary

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