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Chile 14 days Trip Code EXCO
Chilean Observatories
Stretching from the tropics almost all the way to Antarctica, Chile is a country of tremendous diversity with a wealth of landscapes from snow covered volcanoes, crystal blue lakes, dense rainforests, glaciers and the driest desert in the world. Add in fantastic food and wine and many of the greatest astronomical telescopes on earth and you've got this trip.
Insider's view
Chile is one of the most diverse countries on earth, and one of my personal favourites. The cosmopolitan city of Santiago is full of culture and nestled below the Andes. As you head north the landscape changes. The wine producing area of the Elqui Valley in the foothills of the Andes is a verdant area. The clear skies here make it an ideal place for many of Chile's best observatories. Continuing towards Bolivia, you reach the Atacama desert, the driest place on earth. Fantastic rock formations and a star filled sky make this place like no other on earth. There's a reason why the `Valley of the Moon' is here! Alistair Butchers - Product Manager
Itinerary
Day 1-2 Fly to Santiago. The following day explore Santiago de Chile from the historic centre with its colonial palaces to the summit of Cerro San Cristóbal for the best views of the city. Day 3 Morning flight to La Serena; an appealing Chilean city with rich architectural heritage and coastal views. Day 4 Visit the Gemini South Observatory and continue to the town of Vicuna, our base for your hands-on astronomy at the Observatio El Pangue. Day 5 From the beautiful Elqui Valley, framed by the ochre, cactus-covered hillsides, you drive to La Silla Observatory; with its 14 optical telescopes. Return to La Serena for the evening. Day 6 Today you travel further north flying to Antofagasta, continue to the picture perfect town of San Pedro de Atacama. Day 7 Enjoy an optional half day tour following in the footsteps of the ancient Atacameños visiting two Inca
San Pedro Antofagasta Paranal Observatory (VLT) ALMA (Site erection facility)
archaeological sites; Aldea de Tulor and Pukará de Quitor. The tour concludes at the archaeological collection of the Padre le Paige Museum. In the afternoon you visit Valle de la Luna to enjoy the sunset. Day 8 Rise early for the option to visit the spectacular Geyser del Tatio. This is necessary to ensure you arrive for sunrise when the piping hot waters melt the nightly icecaps. Day 9 Morning visit to the Salar de Atacama, a salt lake of huge proportions. In the afternoon you visit the ALMA Observatory Site Erection Facility; at 2,900m the largest astronomical project in existence. Day 10-11 Transfer to Antofagasta, to enjoy an optional visit en route to Chuquicamata Copper Mine and a tour of the city. Day 12 Today you visit the Paranal Observatory. It sits at 2,600m, in one of the driest areas in the world. Paranal is the site of the Very Large Telescope (VLT) and is the flagship facility of European astronomy. Day 13-14 Flight to Santiago for a night, then fly home.
Prices & Departures
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Alternatively scan your smart phone over this barcode. Departures With Without flights flights
Essentials
Although physically undemanding, the high altitude of some of observatories will be easier for those in good health. Climate The temperature in Chile is varied. You can expect warm weather on the coast but the thin mountain air will be cold especially at night. Transport Minibus, internal flights, on foot Accommodation Hotel (12 nights) The hotels on this tour are of a consistently good standard with en suite facilities. Meals included 12 breakfasts
La Serena
SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN
Vicuña (El Pangue Observatory) Gemini South & La Silla Observatories
14 Oct - 28 Oct 2014
£3,999 £3,099
Santiago
Prices are per person and subject to change (see Booking Conditions p49) All elements in the itinerary are included unless otherwise stated. Single room option £470. Flights are indirect with LAN via Madrid.
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Call one of our helpful Travel Consultants on 0845 287 6121 for further assistance
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