Chile: Hiking, Biking, Wining & Dining

Hola! Welcome to Santiago. And thank you for joining our gay Chile 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 approximately 2pm, please join us in the hotel lobby for our Group Meeting. Tonight, as part of our complimentary Welcome Dinner, we’ll sample pisco – a local brandy – with Master Distiller Rodrigo Bauzá. Rodrigo is the grandson of Pisco Bauzá, who founded the distillery in 1925.

The first full day of our gay Chile tour begins with a gorgeous 90 minute drive towards the coast through lush agricultural valleys and vineyards. We’ll arrive in Valparaiso (locally known as “Valpo”), a colourful UNESCO World Heritage city right 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 dinner at one of Valpo’s top restaurants nestled in the hills before taking a private transfer back to Santiago.

Meet your guide after breakfast – we’re off to Maipo Valley. Chile’s second-oldest wine region is among the most traditional, hence its glorious Cabernet Sauvignon (the Carménère is also divine). At 8:30am we’ll saddle up on bikes for a gentle cycle through this region, finishing at Casa Silva for lunch and a wine tasting. 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). To conclude the day we’ll dine at a fantastic regional restaurant.
Today’s distance: 20 miles / 32 km
Pedaling level: Easy-Moderate

Rise and shine! A full day of wine tasting awaits! Beginning at Estampa winery, we’ll enjoy a short tour and tasting. Architecture fanatics will adore the winery’s avant-garde design, which houses cutting-edge winemaking equipment. Next we’ll cycle to family-run Viu Manent winery founded in 1935. We’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch here. After we’re properly fuelled we’ll jump back on our bikes to cycle a short distance to one of the region’s oldest vineyards, Neyen Winery. The vines here date as far back as 1890 and represent some of the region’s original Bordeaux stock. Tonight you’re free to explore on your own. Dinner is optional. ]
Today’s distance: 17.5 miles / 28 km
Pedaling level: Moderate-Difficult

Today we rest our weary legs and lean into the vintages. The first winery has won acclaim in local and international press since opening in 1993. For an unforgettable souvenir you can even blend, label, and cork your own bottle. Up next is lunch at a winery owned by Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle (of Grand Marnier fame). It produces some of Chile’s best values. After a lovely day together you have the choice of either joining your guide for an optional dinner or taking time to yourself.

This morning after an early breakfast we fly from Santiago to Calama, then transfer to San Pedro de Atacama (just over an hour away). The cost of today’s flight isn’t covered by your departure fee, however, our team will advise you which flights to book. 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 at the Kari Lookout Point, an area within the Salt Mountain Range known for its abstract rock formations. We will then make our way out of the centre and up the Great Dune, 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

Today’s bike ride brings us to 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 for a box lunch. In the afternoon we’ll enjoy another desert hike that will take approximately 4 hours. The adventure begins in Catarpe Valley, known for its ancient Incan cultural remains. We’ll follow the San Pedro River to Quebrada del Diablo (Devil’s Gorge) and finish at the most important archaeological sites in the region, the ruins of Pukara de Quitor, a fortified settlement built by the Atacameñans in the 12th century. STAR GAZING: As the driest place on earth, the star gazing from Atacama Desert is second to none. Why not spend tonight observing splendid nebulas and constellations while wine, hot cocoa and sweet snacks are served?
Today’s biking distance: 22.3 miles / 36 km round-trip
Pedaling level: Moderate-Difficult

This morning you have the option of either catching a few extra hours of shut eye or enjoying an optional visit to Tatio Geysers, one of the highest geothermal fields in the world. If you choose to visit Tatio Geyser it is completely at your own expense. Your day begins around 5am when you depart for the geysers. You’ll also enjoy a soft hike near the geysers. Alternatively, if you choose to sleep in your day won’t begin until 8am when you’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 our gay Chile tour heads back to Santiago (2 hour flight) for one last day in country’s capital. The cost of today’s flight isn’t covered by your departure fee, however, our team will advise you which flights to book. In the early afternoon our local guide will take us on an informative walking tour of Santiago, pointing out such historical sites as the Plaza de Armas, La Moneda Presidential Palace and the Mercado Central, aka one of Chile’s largest seafood markets. To wrap up the walking tour we’ll climb to the top of Cerro San Cristobal Hill, 984 feet above the city. Then it’s back to the hotel to freshen up before enjoying an included cocktail at Luciano K Terrace. Our day (and tour) ends with our gay Chile adventure Farewell Dinner at an exceptional restaurant. As a special treat at dinner we’ll be joined by the former president of Fundación Iguales, an inspiring LGBT organization.

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.