Chile: Hiking, Biking, Wining & Dining

Hola! Welcome to Santiago. And thank you for joining our big gay Chilean adventure! Upon arrival at Santiago International Airport you’ll head to our joining point hotel. Chile’s capital is a vibrant city full of character with thriving arts and culture, a trendy restaurant scene, and lively nightlife. At 2pm, please join us in the hotel lobby for our Group Meeting followed by an afternoon tour around Santiago via foot and the city’s metro system. Together we’ll pass by some of the city’s most iconic architectural gems including “La Moneda” government palace, the Plaza de Armas and Santiago’s Cathedral. After an afternoon of walking we’ll be hungry for our welcome dinner where we’ll taste the region’s fine local cuisine and have a taste of Chilean pisco (a type of brandy).

Our day begins with a gorgeous 90-minute drive to Valparaiso (locally known as “Valpo”), a colourful UNESCO-listed city on the Pacific coast. Together we’ll enjoy a walking tour of the city and learn about its importance in South American trade and commerce. We’ll be transported up steep hills via century-old hillside ascensores (elevators) into a labyrinth of streets and brightly coloured buildings, bohemian cafes and elegant restaurants. In the afternoon we’ll visit one of poet/diplomat Pablo Neruda’s three homes-turned-museums, La Sebastiana. To end the day, we’ll enjoy an early dinner at one of Valpo’s top restaurants nestled in the hills before taking a private transfer back to Santiago.

Rise and shine! A full day of wine tasting awaits as we head off to Colchagua Valley! We’ll start the day with a visit to MontGras vineyard to learn about Chile’s wine industry, the wine making process, and of course you’ll taste some delicious wines. Next we hop on some bikes to explore Cerro Ninquén and enjoy a picturesque Chilean BBQ along with more Chilean wine. Finally in the afternoon we visit Montes vineyard, a large, modern winery featuring inventive design, feng shui approach and Gregorian chants played to mature barrels. Tonight you’re free to explore on your own.
Pedaling level: Moderate-Difficult

Meet your guide after a leisurely breakfast as we head off for another afternoon of wine tasting and an included lunch at Casa Silva. This fifth-generation family-run winery honours the people, traditions, and environment of the Colchagua Valley (each wine must be unanimously approved by a five-member tasting panel). After learning about this historic vineyard and tasting it’s wines, we’ll enjoy a scrumptious Chilean lunch together. To conclude the day you’re welcome to join us for an optional dinner at a fantastic regional restaurant.

This morning we have a very early start to catch our flight Santiago to Calama, then transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. Lunch is optional at our hotel. Take a few hours to explore this oasis amidst the world’s DRIEST desert. In the afternoon we’ll reconvene for a sunset hike through Moon Valley. Our trek begins within the Salt Mountain Range known for its abstract rock formations. We will then make our way out of the centre and to the magical Three Marys view point, enjoying panoramic views of this national reserve and the Andes Mountain Range. After the hike we’ll be transferred to a local restaurant for dinner.
Length of hike: 3 hours
Maximum altitude: 2,600 meters above sea level.
Hike level: Easy

Please note: Today’s flight is not included in the cost of the tour. Please see Important Information for a special note on purchasing domestic airfare.

This morning we enjoy another desert hike that will take approximately 3 hours. The adventure begins in Las Cornisas, known for its distinct red tones and breathtaking rock formations. This area is known for amazing geomorphic and topographic formations where rocky natural sculptures and dunes abound. We’ll have a box lunch in tow for a quick bite to eat, then continue today’s adventure with a bike ride to some briny lagoons north of the Atacama Saltpan. We’ll float in Laguna Piedra, thanks to its salt-dense waters, then walk a few minutes to Cejar Lagoon. Later tonight you have the option of Star Gazing (not included, weather dependent). As the driest place on earth, the star gazing from Atacama Desert is second to none, so why not spend tonight observing splendid nebulas and constellations while wine, hot cocoa and sweet snacks are served?
Today’s biking distance: 22.3 mi / 36 km round-trip
Pedaling level: Moderate-Difficult

If you’re feeling spritely, this morning you have a completely optional excursion to visit the Tatio Geysers. But for the majority of us, our day begins around 8am when we’ll begin hiking towards Termas de Puritama. Upriver along the Puritama, we discover how the riverbed is the ideal environment for a range of plants, like the Foxtail, Ojalar, Tikara and Cardon cactus. The trek ends around noon at the Puritama Thermal Springs where both groups will reconvene and enjoy a boxed lunch together. Be sure to unwind in the mineral-rich, 33°C (90° F) water while a symphony of birds like the Andean Ibis and Yellow-Finch serenade you. En route you’ll also see Guatin Canyon, where a lukewarm stream flows. Tonight you may either enjoy dinner at the hotel or take a transfer into town (not covered) to eat at a local restaurant.
Length of hike: 2 hours
Maximum altitude: 3,200 meters above sea level

After breakfast we head back to Santiago (2 hour flight) for one last day in the country’s capital. The afternoon is free to enjoy one last walk around Santiago. Our day (and tour) ends with a Farewell Dinner at an exceptional restaurant.

Please note: Today’s flight is not included in the cost of the tour. Please see Important Information for a special note on purchasing domestic airfare.

As the last day of our gay Chile tour, there is nothing planned. Please confirm departure transfers with your trip leader, and safe travels home.