7-Day Chile Exploration from Vancouver: Atacama Desert, Caves & Stunning Geology

Day 1: Arrival & City Briefing

Santiago, Chile on July 20, 2025

9:00am

Arrival and Hotel Check-in

Arrive from Vancouver and settle into your hotel in Santiago to rest before your desert and cave adventures.
USD0, 1h

11:00am

Breakfast at Café Haiti

Kickstart your Chilean journey with fresh pastries and rich coffee at this local favorite café.
CLP10000, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Liguria

Enjoy authentic Chilean dishes in a lively, traditional atmosphere to fuel up for desert travels.
CLP15000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Stroll Lastarria Neighborhood

Explore the artistic and cultural hub of the city with its galleries, shops, and cafés.
USD0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bocanáriz

Experience Chile’s award-winning wines paired with regional dishes in an elegant wine bar setting.
CLP25000, 2h
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Day 2: Atacama Desert Start

San Pedro de Atacama, Chile on July 21, 2025

6:00am

Flight to Calama and Transfer to San Pedro

Fly from Santiago to Calama early morning, then transfer 1.5 hours to San Pedro de Atacama, gateway to desert geology and caves.
USD100, 3h

9:30am

Breakfast at Adobe

Enjoy a traditional Chilean breakfast with fresh juices and Andean specialties in San Pedro.
CLP8000, 1h

11:00am

Visit Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)

Explore the surreal geological formations, salt caves, and sand dunes in this iconic desert landscape. Open 8am–6pm.
CLP3000, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at La Estaka

Dine on Chilean specialties including llama steak and quinoa salads in a cozy atmosphere.
CLP12000, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Cueva de Chelenko (Hand Paintings Cave)

See ancient rock art inside natural caves near San Pedro, a remarkable glimpse into prehistoric human life.
USD15, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Sol Inti

Enjoy an excellent meal with locally sourced ingredients and traditional cooking techniques reflecting Andean culture.
CLP18000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Cave Exploration Day

San Pedro de Atacama, Chile on July 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Café Adobe

Start the day with specialty coffee and pastries at this quiet café.
CLP7000, 45m

8:00am

Tour to Cueva del Pájaro and Cueva de las Manos

Explore remote caves in the desert known for petroglyphs and geological structures. Guided tours available; lasts about 6 hours.
USD70, 6h

2:30pm

Lunch Packed or Local Eatery

Enjoy a light lunch either packed for the tour or at a local café upon return.
CLP10000, 1h

4:00pm

Relax in San Pedro Plaza

Rest and soak in the desert town vibes surrounded by adobe buildings and craft shops.
USD0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Café Coyote

Savor a mix of global and Chilean flavors like grilled meats and fresh salads in a charming courtyard setting.
CLP15000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Patagonia Cave Wonders

Puerto Natales, Chile on July 23, 2025

6:00am

Flight to Punta Arenas then Transfer to Puerto Natales

Fly from Calama to Punta Arenas with a connection in Santiago, then transfer 3 hours to Puerto Natales, gateway for Patagonian caves.
USD250, 6h total

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Tortel

Enjoy homemade Chilean comfort dishes in a cozy local café known for welcoming atmospheres.
CLP12000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Cueva del Milodón Natural Monument

Explore caves famous for prehistoric giant ground sloth remains and spectacular geological formations.
CLP3000, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mesita Grande

Dine on locally sourced lamb and Patagonian specialties in a rustic mountain restaurant setting.
CLP20000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Marble Caves Exploration

Lake General Carrera, Chile on July 24, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Chile Chico & Marble Caves

Early drive of 4-5 hours to Chile Chico, then boat tour to the Marble Caves, one of Chile’s most remarkable geological cave wonders.
USD100, 6h total including boat

1:00pm

Packed Lunch on Tour

Enjoy boxed lunch during the boat excursion around the Marble Caves on pristine Lake General Carrera.
USD15, 1h

3:30pm

Return Drive to Puerto Rio Tranquilo

Travel to Puerto Rio Tranquilo and relax in this small lake town surrounded by pristine nature.
USD0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Mamma Hilda

Dine on Patagonian trout and hearty dishes after a day of geological wonder tours.
CLP18000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Northern Patagonia Caves

Pumalin Park, Chile on July 25, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Pumalin Park

Drive approximately 4 hours into the protected temperate rainforest and volcanic landscapes of Pumalin Park.
USD20, 4h

12:00pm

Lunch at Café in Pumalin Park Lodge

Light lunch in the lodge café with local organic options amid forest views.
USD15, 1h

1:00pm

Explore Cueva del Cóndor and Other Limestone Caves

Guided exploration of remarkable caves with stalactites, stalagmites, and archaeological interest including condor nesting sites.
USD30, 3h

5:00pm

Return to Lodge and Rest

Relax in the tranquil lodge surroundings with forested mountain views.
USD0, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Lodge Restaurant

Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner highlighting regional organic produce and Chilean specialties.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 7: Return to Santiago

Santiago, Chile on July 26, 2025

7:00am

Travel Back to Santiago

Drive or take a transfer to Puerto Montt airport and fly back to Santiago for your departure day.
USD120, 5h total including flight

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercado Central

Celebrate your final day in Chile with fresh seafood and classic Chilean dishes in this iconic food market.
CLP15000, 1h

3:00pm

Relax or Last-minute Shopping

Spend free time exploring Santiago’s downtown or rest before your international flight.
USD0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Peumayén Ancestral Food

Experience Chile’s indigenous culinary heritage as a perfect farewell meal before heading home.
CLP25000, 2h

9:30pm

Departure Preparation

Prepare for your overnight return flight to Vancouver with plenty of time to travel to the airport.
USD0, Rest
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