Northern Patagonia and Atacama Desert in 10 Days
Included:
Transportation | All Meals | Accomodations | 24 Spanish-English Guide | All Activities | Parks - Museums -Observatory Entries
Not Included:
International and Intra-Chile Flights | Travel Insurance |
Beverages | Tips
This tour offers an unique travel adventure and is inviting participants to explore the less-traveled regions of Chile, particularly in Atacama Desert, Patagonia and Araucanía. The journey emphasizes personal growth, cultural immersion, and connection with nature through various activities, including cooking workshops, stargazing, and visits to local communities.
- Rediscovering Exploration: The adventure invites participants to experience the thrill of exploration in remote areas, away from crowded tourist spots, allowing for a deeper connection with nature.
- Cultural Connections: It highlights the relationship between human culture and geological landscapes, showcasing how local stories and traditions are intertwined with the natural environment.
- Culinary Experiences: Participants will engage in hands-on cooking workshops with local Mapuche chefs, learning about traditional dishes and the significance of food in cultural identity.
- Stargazing in Atacama: The adventure includes nights spent stargazing in the Atacama Desert, providing opportunities for mindfulness and a deeper understanding of our place in the universe.
- Exploration of Local Flora and Fauna: The itinerary features visits to local guardians of traditional knowledge, focusing on sustainable practices and the importance of preserving native plants and crops.
- Historical Insights: Participants will learn about the rich history of the Diaguita people, their art, and the impact of colonization on their culture and land rights.
- Respect for Nature: The journey emphasizes the importance of respecting natural resources, such as rivers, which are vital to local ecosystems and cultural heritage.
- Inclusivity and Customization: The adventure is designed for adults of all abilities, with options for alternative experiences to cater to different interests within the group
Day 1
Pick up from Temuco Airport and transfer to lodge.
Welcome dinner at evening
Day 2 & 3
A hands-on cooking workshop led by Anita Epulef Panguilef, a Mapuche-Pehuenche woman dedicated to preserving her culture and food sovereignty. Participants will learn traditional recipes and the importance of native ingredients while engaging with the rich heritage of the Mapuche-Pehuenche people.
- Cultural Significance of Cooking: The workshop emphasizes the role of food in Mapuche culture, where shared meals symbolize trust and community. Participants will explore how eating practices reflect social norms and contribute to cultural identity.
- Anita's Culinary Approach: Anita's restaurant, "Cocina Mapuche de Anita Epulef," focuses on spontaneous, nutritious meals that embody the values of her heritage. The cooking presentations will feature traditional dishes made with local ingredients, fostering connections among participants and the Mapuche community.
- Some fun alternatives are being offered for these for those who don't want to join the cooking activities. Options include fishing and horseback riding.
Day 4
On this day, you'll dive into the awesome natural and cultural heritage of Lof Trankura. You'll hang out with Juana Faúndez, who'll show you around her cool Andean orchard and share some interesting facts about local crops and Mapuche culture. You'll enjoy a traditional lunch in Juana Faúndez kitchen and then visit Marisol Coñuequir Panguilef, a local Mapuche entrepreneur who makes organic honey and cosmetics. It's a great mix of cultural heritage and modern business vibes.
Day 5
Straddling the Andes and the border between Argentina and Chile, an ancient ‘Lost World’-looking forest persists. It occurs in fragments, dominated by the extraordinary Pehuén tree called in the Mapuche Mapudungun language.
Get ready to be mesmerized by the kaleidoscope of colors and the profound sensation of serenity that will fill you when walking on the path. This walk will be a celebration of human spirituality and highlights the connection people can find in nature and the importance of preserving the Pehuén tree and the Mapuche culture.
Day 6
Transfer to Temuco Airport and travel to mystical “Valley of the Diaguitas”. This region is in the Southern part of the Atacama Desert, and no one seems to visit. In area where we will stay, there is no need to long drive, hike far or high to reach for the sky as every night you will be either walking or taking a short drive from your cabin and visiting nearby observatories in search of globular clusters and planetary nebulae. All these locations are halfway to the heavens and the stars will feel incredibly close to you and the Earth small. You will certainly feel a connection between you, the earth and the sky during these stargazing nights... this is the place where you want to be every night and see the universe appear tangible and the moon edible.
Day 7
When a Chilean hears that you are visiting the Elqui Valley, they all agree on the same answer: You cannot stop trying pisco! There is some controversy surrounding Pisco. Its place or origin is hotly contested by both Peru and Chile, with both countries claiming the honor. Pisco is a spirit made from specific grape varieties, and a visit to the pisco distillery will explain the distillation process and provide the opportunity to check out the taste of their pisco. That day you will enjoy the area's cultural heritage, including historical streets, vibrant murals, and the Museo Gabriela Mistral.
Day 8
Today we will travel to the source of the Cochiguaz River that is the heart of the Valley of the Diaguitas. Long before the pre-Hispanic era, it was the main transportation and communication route for Diaguitas and later for Incas. It has a significant component to area cultural and geological history, and significant representation of ecosystem diversity. This river is a vital resource for locals and the variety of wildlife and plants that depend on its water for survival.
Day 9
Get up close to Chile’s coastal wildlife on this full-day tour from La Serena. Drive past vibrant fields of desert wildflowers, then cruise around the windswept Gull, Choros and Damas islands. After spotting bottlenose dolphins, sea lions and penguins at the Humboldt Penguins National Reserve, tuck into a delicious seafood lunch, then spend time relaxing on the islands’ white sand beaches.
Day 10
Transfer to La Serena Airport.
Fill out the form below and we’ll contact you right away to discuss the tour dates and detailed itineraries. Some discounts for couples apply.