Captivating Chile
About the Trip
February 10–25, 2027 | 16 Days
(21 Days with Easter Island Extension)
Travel through Chile on a mesmerizing 16-day journey that balances iconic sights with time to explore on your own. Discover Santiago’s historic heart and coastal cities, enjoy a private winery visit in the Rosario Valley and experience the surreal landscapes of the Atacama Desert, from salt flats and geysers to starlit skies. Continue south to Patagonia, where glacier-carved fjords and the dramatic scenery of Torres del Paine National Park define the landscape. Those looking to extend their adventure can add Easter Island, flying deep into the Pacific to explore the island’s remarkable moai statues, ceremonial sites and volcanic landscapes. Perfect for solo travellers itching to explore, this itinerary offers connection, discovery and unforgettable scenery.
Member Exclusive Benefits
We reward all our CAA Members on our Extraordinary Explorations® tours/cruises.
- Plaza Premium Lounge pass†
- 50 CAA Dollars®^
- 25% savings on CAA Travel Insurance◊
Extraordinary Experience
CAA has curated an exceptional experience unique to your tour. Details of this experience are listed below:
Viña Matetic Private Tour & Wine Tasting
Step into the rolling hills of Chile’s Rosario Valley for a private visit to Viña Matetic, a family-owned winery known for its organic and biodynamic approach. Walk through the cellar with a local expert and learn how the Matetic family works in harmony with the land to produce distinctive wines shaped by climate, soil and time. Take in sweeping vineyard views before settling in for a curated tasting of premium wines, served with cheese, crackers and nuts. It’s an unhurried afternoon that offers a deeper look at Chile’s winemaking culture with a chance to savour the landscape.
Package Includes:
- Return airfare from Toronto or Winnipeg to Santiago
- All domestic flights within Chile
- 4+2+1-night stay in first-class accommodation in Santiago
- 3-night stay in first-class accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama
- 3-night stay in first-class accommodation in Puerto Natales
- 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners and 1 tasting
- Land transportation via first-class motorcoach
- All bridge, ferry and road tolls
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
- Professional English-speaking tour director throughout
- Prepaid gratuities
- Destination transfers
- CAA Host (Requires a minimum number of participants)
Easter Island Extension Inclusions:
- Return airfare from Santiago to Mataveri
- 4-night stay in first-class accommodation in Easter Island
- 1-night stay in first-class accommodation in Santiago
- 5 breakfasts and 2 lunches
- Professional English-speaking tour director
Captivating Chile - Optional Easter Island Extension
Activity Level: Active. Spend 16 days exploring Chile’s landscapes and culture, then extend your journey to Easter Island for moai statues, volcanic terrain and Pacific views.
Day 1
Santiago – Overnight flight from Toronto or Winnipeg.
Day 2
Santiago – Arrival and welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3
Santiago – Discover Chile’s dynamic capital, where colonial charm blends seamlessly with cutting edge architecture. Begin along the Alameda, passing landmarks such as the University of Chile, San Francisco Church and historic Santa Lucia Hill—the birthplace of Santiago in 1541. Continue to the lively Plaza de Armas and explore the bustling Central Market. In the colourful Bellavista district, board the San Cristóbal Hill funicular to take in sweeping views of the city framed by the majestic Andes. Conclude your tour with a scenic drive through Santiago’s modern residential neighbourhoods before returning to your hotel. (B/D)
Day 4
Santiago – Day at leisure. (B)
Day 5
Santiago – Rosario Valley Viña Matetic winery visit/tasting. (B/T)
Day 6
San Pedro de Atacama – Fly north to the world’s driest desert. Surrounded by dramatic landscapes—salt flats, geysers, lunar rock formations, and vivid lagoons—this ancient town is rich in Indigenous culture and timeless beauty. Enjoy an evening astronomy tour. (B/D)
Day 7
San Pedro de Atacama – Full day excursion takes you to the spectacular Atacama Salt Flats and the highland lagoons. Visit the vivid Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons, set against an inspiring volcanic backdrop and home to graceful flamingos. Continue to Chile’s largest salt flat to take in dazzling geometric patterns and mineral deposits including lithium, borax and potassium. At Chaxa Lagoon, observe the specialized flora and birdlife that thrive in this hypersaline environment. (B/L)
Day 8
San Pedro de Atacama – At sunrise, travel through diverse high altitude ecosystems to watch nearly 80 geysers erupt sending steam plumes up to 15 metres high at the El Tatio Geyser Field, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. On your return, stop at Machuca, a traditional Andean village, and visit the scenic Blanco Geyser, where you may bathe in the warm waters of the riverbed. (B)
Day 9
Santiago – Fly to Santiago. Leisure time. (B)
Day 10
Santiago – Enjoy a full day excursion to Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll Plaza Sotomayor and admire the city’s famous 19th century funiculars climbing steep hillsides. Explore La Sebastiana, the whimsical home of Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda, offering dazzling panoramic views of the bay. Continue along the coast to Viña del Mar, known as Chile’s “Garden City” for its parks and manicured avenues. See its landmark flower clock and charming beachfront district. (B)
Day 11
Puerto Natales – Fly to Patagonia. (B/D)
Day 12
Puerto Natales – Cruise the scenic Última Esperanza Fjord to Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, Chile’s largest protected reserve. The Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers provide a dramatic backdrop. Disembark for an easy guided walk through pristine Patagonian forest to the foot of the Serrano Glacier—an unforgettable sight of shimmering blue ice. (B)
Day 13
Puerto Natales – Tour the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for its rugged mountains, turquoise lakes and abundant wildlife. Visit the Milodon’s Cave, see the iconic Cuernos del Paine, admire Salto Grande waterfall and enjoy dramatic views of Grey Glacier. Watch for guanacos, foxes, swans and local birdlife throughout the day. (B/L)
Day 14
Puerto Natales – Farewell dinner. (B/D)
Day 15-16
Overnight flight to Toronto or Winnipeg.
Day 15 (B)
Easter Island Extension: Day 15-18
Spend four full days exploring Easter Island, a mystical and remote gem off the western coast of South America. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers an immersive experience in authentic Rapa Nui culture, evident in its ancient relics, traditional dances, language, legends and cuisine. Embrace your spirit of exploration as you discover the iconic moai statues, hidden caverns and impressive archaeological sites that showcase remarkable ancestral craftsmanship.
Day 15 (B), Day 16 (B/L), Day 17 (B/L), Day 18 (B)
Day 19
Santiago – Fly to Santiago and stay in a hotel near airport. (B)
Day 20-21
Overnight flight to Toronto or Winnipeg.
Day 20 (B)
B - Breakfast | L - Lunch | D - Dinner | T - Tasting
Terms & Conditions
*All CAA Member prices are per person, based on single occupancy, in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated and are subject to change without prior notice until final payment is paid. All prices are correct at press time and apply to new bookings only, based on availability at time of booking. To receive CAA Member-exclusive benefits, there must be one valid CAA Member travelling per booking. Non-members booking Extraordinary Explorations will not receive Member-exclusive benefits.
†Plaza Premium Lounge is based on one voucher per person and applies to departures from Canadian airports where applicable. Subject to availability.
^CAA Dollars awarded per adult Member. To earn and redeem CAA Dollars, you must be a current CAA Member in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). CAA Dollars will be credited at time of departure. For more information on CAA Dollars, please visit www.caasco.com/caadollars.
◊CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Twenty-five percent (25%) Member savings is made up of a ten percent (10%) Member savings as well as a promotional fifteen percent (15%) savings when you purchase an Extraordinary Explorations tour through CAA Travel, applies to CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). This promotional offer is valid until December 31, 2027. Ten percent (10%) Member savings applies to Members in good standing of all other CAA clubs. Savings apply to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Visitors to Canada Insurance is limited to the promotional savings. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire may be required to purchase travel insurance.
Extraordinary Explorations vacations are organized and booked by CAA Travel (South Central Ontario) Inc. and CAA Manitoba (“CAA Travel”) on behalf of CAA Club Group (o/a CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba). In the event of an increase in any of the cost factors, CAA Travel reserves the right to increase the price whereby the provisions of the Travel Industry Act shall prevail. Deposit is non-refundable at the time of booking. Final payment is due 120 days before departure. CAA Extraordinary Explorations packages are 100% non-refundable at final payment. CAA Travel service fee for cancellation prior to final payment varies by program. For full payment terms and conditions, please ask your CAA Travel Consultant. CAA Travel reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements (minimum number of participants) or circumstances beyond its control. Additional fees for checked luggage or other incidentals may be incurred and vary according to itinerary and airline. Air schedules with some tours are not available at press time and may include several connections or forced overnight at passenger’s expense. CAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip cancellation and emergency travel and emergency medical insurance at the time of booking.
Flight
IncludedTour Itinerary
Day 1
Depart from Toronto or Winnipeg on your overnight flight to Santiago.
Day 2
Santiago
Arrive, meet your local tour director and transfer to the hotel. After time to refresh, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Day 3
Santiago
Get to know Chile’s dynamic capital, where colonial charm meets modern architecture. Begin along the Alameda, passing the University of Chile, San Francisco Church and Santa Lucia Hill, the birthplace of Santiago in 1541. Continue to Plaza de Armas and the bustling Central Market. In colourful Bellavista, ride the San Cristóbal Hill funicular for sweeping views of the city and the Andes. Finish with a scenic drive through Santiago’s contemporary residential neighbourhoods before returning to your hotel. (B/D)
Day 4
Santiago
Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax or explore at your own pace. (B)
Day 5
Santiago
Visit Viña Matetic, an organic family-owned winery in the Rosario Valley, to learn about regional winemaking. Highlights include the stunning aging room and panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards. Conclude with a tasting in the underground room or on the open-air terrace. (B/T)
Day 6
San Pedro de Atacama
Fly north to Calama and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, gateway to the world’s driest desert. This ancient town is surrounded by salt flats, geysers, lunar landscapes and vivid lagoons, and is rich in Indigenous culture. Tonight, join an Atacama night-sky observation tour that blends traditional Andean astronomy with modern science as you view constellations, planets and the moon with the naked eye and through a telescope under some of the clearest skies on Earth. (B/D)
Note: Excursion days and times in Atacama may vary due to weather or seasonal conditions.
Day 7
San Pedro de Atacama
Today’s excursion explores the Atacama Salt Flats and highland lagoons. Ascend into the puna to see unique flora, wildlife and sweeping vistas. Visit the striking Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons, set against a volcanic backdrop and home to flamingos. Continue to Chile’s largest salt flat, known for its geometric patterns and mineral deposits. At Chaxa Lagoon, observe specialized plant life and bird species adapted to this hypersaline environment. (B/L)
Day 8
San Pedro de Atacama
At sunrise, travel through high-altitude ecosystems to the El Tatio Geyser Field, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Watch nearly 80 geysers send steam plumes up to 15 metres high. Walking paths are marked, as some areas are unstable. On the return, stop in Machuca, a traditional Andean village, and visit Blanco Geyser, where you may bathe in the warm river waters. (B)
Day 9
Santiago
Return to Calama airport and fly back to Santiago. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)
Day 10
Santiago
Enjoy a full-day excursion to Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. In UNESCO-listed Valparaíso, stroll Plaza Sotomayor and see the city’s 19th century funiculars climbing steep hillsides. Visit La Sebastiana, the colourful home of Nobel Prize–winning poet Pablo Neruda, with panoramic bay views. Continue to Viña del Mar, known as Chile’s “Garden City,” to see its parks, landmark flower clock and beachfront district before returning to Santiago. (B)
Day 11
Puerto Natales
Fly south to Puerto Natales, gateway to Patagonia’s glaciers, lakes and peaks. Settle in and enjoy dinner. (B/D)
Day 12
Puerto Natales
Cruise the scenic Última Esperanza Fjord on a full-day boat tour to Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, Chile’s largest protected reserve. Take in dramatic scenery as you approach the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers. Disembark for an easy guided walk through Patagonian forest to the foot of Serrano Glacier. (B)
Day 13
Puerto Natales
Spend the day in Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for rugged mountains, turquoise lakes and wildlife. Visit Milodon’s Cave, see the Cuernos del Paine, admire Salto Grande waterfall and take in views of Grey Glacier. Watch for guanacos, foxes, swans and local birdlife. (B/L)
Day 14
Santiago
Fly back to Santiago and check in for your final night. This evening, enjoy a festive farewell dinner at Bali Hai restaurant, featuring traditional cuisine, live music and cultural dances from across Chile and Polynesia. (B/D)
Day 15
Bid farewell to Chile as you board your overnight flight back to Canada. (B)
Day 16
Arrive home in Toronto or Winnipeg.
Easter Island Extension
Easter Island is a remote UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Polynesian Triangle, offering an immersive look at Rapa Nui culture through the island’s iconic moai statues and archaeological sites that showcase ancestral craftsmanship.
Day 15
Mataveri
Transfer with your group from your Santiago hotel to the airport, then bid farewell to your CAA Host and fellow travellers before boarding a flight to Mataveri on Easter Island. On arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel. (B)
Day 16
Mataveri
Travel along the south coast to see unrestored ceremonial platforms including Ahu Vaihu in Hanga Te’e Bay and Ahu Akahanga, believed to be the burial site of King Hotu Matu’a. Continue to Rano Raraku quarry, where 397 moai statues remain standing. Visit Ahu Tongariki, the island’s largest and most recent restoration project, featuring an impressive row of 15 moai. Journey east to explore Ahu Te Pito Kura and the famed “Navel of the World,” then relax at Anakena Beach before returning to your hotel. (B/L)
Day 17
Mataveri
Ascend the extinct Rano Kau volcano for panoramic views of the island’s unique geology. Visit Orongo, historic site of the birdman competition, with petroglyphs and views of Motu Nui, Motu Iti and Motu Kao Kao. Descend to Ahu Vinapu to see pre-Inca stonework, then visit Ana Kai Tangata cave to see exterior wall paintings (weather permitting). Continue to Ahu Akivi, Ahu Hanga Poukura and Puna Pau quarry. End at the ceremonial site of Tahai near Hanga Roa village before returning to your hotel. (B/L)
Day 18
Mataveri
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore at your own pace. (B)
Day 19
Santiago
Transfer to Mataveri Airport for your flight back to Santiago. Overnight at a nearby hotel. (B)
Day 20
Bid farewell to Chile as you board your overnight flight back to Canada. (B)
Day 21
Arrive back in Toronto or Winnipeg.
B - Breakfast | L - Lunch | T - Tasting | D - Dinner