Chilean Deserts and Peruvian Heritage
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of South America and experience it all, From dynamic urban centers to breathtaking natural wonders, this tour offers a seamless blend of exploration and relaxation, with every moment designed to captivate your senses. Discover the essence of each destination as you immerse yourself in the rhythms, flavours, and traditions that make this region so unique.
The itinerary below outlines the time spent at the destination. Due to seasonal flight availability, your flight duration may vary.
This itinerary features More Moments activities included with your package.
Format
Locations
- Santiago
- San Pedro de Atacama
- Lima
- Bogotá
- Arequipa
- Chile
- Peru
- Colombia
Inclusions
- Round-trip flight to South America (if Flight & Hotel package option is chosen)
- Round-trip economy class airfare between Santiago and Calama
- One-way trip economy class airfare from Santiago to Lima
- One-way trip economy class airfare from Lima to Arequipa
- One-way trip economy class airfare from Arequipa to Bogotá
- Private transfers to and from airports, and shared transfers for all excursions and sightseeing tours as per the itinerary, unless noted otherwise
- 14 nights accommodation (3 nights in Santiago, 3 nights in San Pedro de Atacama, 3 nights in Lima, 3 nights in Arequipa and 2 nights in Bogotá)
- Daily breakfast
- Dinner as per itinerary
- Entrance fee to landmarks and monuments as mentioned in the itinerary
- More Moments activities included:
- Full-day city tour, featuring San Cristóbal Hill
- Half-day tour of the Moon Valley and the Mars Valley
- Half-day tour of Rainbow Valley and Yerbas Buenas
- Half-day tour to the Cejar Lagoon
- Full-day Altiplanic Lagoons and Red Stones tour
- Lima half-day city and museum tour
- Half-day gourmet experience in Lima
- Arequipa half-day city and museum tour
- Half-day gourmet experience in Arequipa
- Full-day adventure to Colca Canyon tour
- Bogotá Bogotáfull-day city tour
- Hotel taxes, fees and service charges
- Service of English-speaking local guide as per program.
- Earn 4,000 extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour for travel completed by December 31, 2025.
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Overnight flight to Santiago.
Day 2
Welcome to Santiago
Upon arriving at Santiago’s International Airport, you will proceed through customs and immigration. After clearing these formalities, collect your luggage and exit the baggage hall, where a local representative holding an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name will welcome you. They will escort you to your hotel transfer for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to spend at leisure.
Overnight stay in Santiago.
Day 3
Santiago
After breakfast, a local guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to begin your full-day city tour, which includes a visit to San Cristóbal Hill.
After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Santiago.
More Moments Activities Included
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Full-day city tour, featuring San Cristóbal Hill
Experience the past and present of Santiago and begin with a visit to the historic city center, where landmarks such as the Plaza de Armas, Metropolitan Cathedral, and La Moneda Palace showcase Santiago's rich heritage. Stroll through the bustling Central Market, brimming with local flavours and authentic Chilean culture.
After, visit bohemian Bellavista for its colourful streets, eclectic art scene and lively atmosphere. From there, ascend San Cristóbal Hill, one of Santiago’s iconic landmarks, for stunning panoramic views of the city framed by the Andes, while you admire the towering Virgin Mary statue.
Continue through upscale Providencia and Las Condes, where modern architecture and leafy parks offer you a glimpse into contemporary Santiago.
The tour ends with a visit to a local artisan market, perfect for finding souvenirs.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4
Santiago – San Pedro de Atacama
After breakfast and check-out, your private driver will transfer you to Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport for your flight to El Loa Airport in Calama. From there, your journey continues to San Pedro de Atacama, the captivating "Gateway to the Atacama Desert."
Upon arrival, a local representative holding an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name will welcome you. They will escort you to your hotel transfer for check-in and a chance to refresh before your next activity.
After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure
Overnight stay in San Pedro de Atacama.
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day tour of the Moon Valley and the Mars Valley
Commencez par visiter le quartier historique de La Candelaria, où l’architecture de l’époque espagnole et les rues colorées racontent les histoires du passé de la ville. Découvrez la place Bolívar, entourée de monuments emblématiques, comme la cathédrale Primada et le Capitole. Immergez-vous dans le riche patrimoine culturel de Bogota au célèbre musée de l’Or, qui abrite une impressionnante collection d’objets préhispaniques, et au musée Botero, qui présente des œuvres du célèbre artiste colombien. Grimpez le Monserrate pour profiter de vues panoramiques à couper le souffle sur la ville qui s’étale en contrebas.
Wander through the Moon Valley’s dramatic rock formations and salt flats, resembling a lunar surface, before venturing into the Mars Valley, with its red-hued cliffs and striking terrain. Marvel at its stunning natural beauty, as the sun casts magical colours over the valleys, creating a scene straight out of a sci-fi dream.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5
San Pedro de Atacama
After breakfast, meet your tour guide in the hotel lobby and set off on today’s exciting adventure to the vibrant Rainbow Valley and Yerbas Buenas.
After a leisurely lunch (at your own expense), continue your exploration with a half-day tour to the stunning Cejar Lagoon.
Afterwards, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Overnight stay in San Pedro de Atacama.
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day tour to Rainbow Valley and Yerbas Buenas
Explore the vibrant rock formations of Rainbow Valley, named for its striking layers of colors, and discover ancient petroglyphs at Yerbas Buenas, etched into the landscape by the region's first inhabitants. This tour offers a fascinating blend of natural beauty and rich history, making it an unforgettable experience.
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Half-day tour to the Cejar Lagoon
Dive into the tranquil beauty of the Cejar Lagoon on this half-day tour, where the surreal experience of floating in the salt-rich waters will leave you mesmerized. Surrounded by the stark desert landscape and the towering Andes in the distance, the lagoon’s vibrant turquoise waters create a stunning contrast against the arid surroundings. Immerse yourself in the heart of the Atacama Desert, relax, and let its serene environment captivate your senses.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6
San Pedro de Atacama
After breakfast, set off on an exciting full-day adventure to the Altiplanic Lagoons and Red Stones, with a delicious lunch included. Discover the stunning beauty of these remote landscapes, where crystal-clear lagoons meet striking red rock formations. It’s a day full of awe-inspiring sights and unforgettable experiences.
Afterwards, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Full-day Altiplanic Lagoons and Red Stones tour
Explore the breathtaking high-altitude lagoons, surrounded by dramatic mountains and wildlife, before heading to the striking Red Stones, known for their vibrant colours and unique rock formations.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 7
San Pedro de Atacama – Santiago
After breakfast and check-out, your dedicated driver will transfer you to El Loa Airport in Calama for your flight to Santiago, Chile’s vibrant capital.
Upon arrival, collect your luggage and proceed to the exit, where a dedicated driver will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name on it and take you to your hotel to check-in. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Santiago.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8
Santiago – Lima
After breakfast and check-out, your dedicated driver will transfer you to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport for your flight to “The City of Kings”, Lima.
Upon arrival, you will need to clear customs and immigration before collecting your luggage and proceeding to the exit. A dedicated driver will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name on it and take you to your hotel to check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Lima.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 9
Lima
After breakfast, meet your tour guide in the lobby of your hotel and embark on a fascinating half-day city and museum tour.
Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Lima.
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day city and museum tour
Begin by exploring the city’s historic heart, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Spanish-era architecture and bustling plazas reflect its rich past and present. Stroll through charming streets, marvel at ornate churches and experience the lively atmosphere of this dynamic metropolis. You’ll also enjoy a visit to one of Lima’s renowned museums, where you’ll uncover fascinating artifacts and stories that showcase the country’s deep cultural and historical roots.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 10
Lima
After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy the rest of the morning at your leisure, before meeting your tour guide for an exciting half-day gourmet experience. This gastronomic journey is sure to delight your taste buds and provide a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Lima.
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day gourmet experience
Begin with a visit to local markets, where vibrant colours, fresh ingredients, and aromatic spices set the stage for an unforgettable journey. Discover the secrets behind iconic dishes as you join a cooking demonstration or sample exquisite creations at renowned eateries. Along the way, learn about the cultural heritage and stories that make the cuisine so unique. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply curious about local flavours, this tour promises to tantalize your taste buds and deepen your appreciation for the art of gastronomy.
Meal(s): Breakfast and dinner
Day 11
Lima – Arequipa
After breakfast and check-out, your dedicated driver will transfer you to Jorge Chávez International Airport for your flight to "La Ciudad Blanca" or "The White City", Arequipa.
Upon arrival, collect your luggage and proceed to the exit, where a dedicated driver will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name on it and take you to your hotel to check-in. Rest of the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Arequipa.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 12
Arequipa
After breakfast, meet your tour guide and get ready for a half-day city and museum tour, followed by a half-day gastronomic experience.
Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Arequipa.
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day city and museum tour
Begin your half-day exploration of Arequipa with a guided walk through its historic center, where charming streets and iconic Spanish-era architecture showcase the beauty of the “White City.” Admire the intricate details of its plazas and churches, all framed by the stunning backdrop of towering volcanoes. Next, visit one of Arequipa’s renowned museums, where you’ll uncover fascinating artifacts and stories that bring the city’s rich history and culture to life.
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Half-day gourmet experience
Begin by exploring a traditional market, where vibrant stalls overflow with fresh local ingredients, spices, and regional specialties. Next, visit a renowned picantería, a traditional eatery, to savour authentic Arequipeño dishes like rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy pepper) and adobo (marinated pork stew), each prepared using time-honoured recipes. As you enjoy these mouthwatering creations, learn about the stories and traditions behind the flavours that define Arequipa’s unique cuisine.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 13
Arequipa – Colca Canyon – Arequipa
After breakfast, your guide will take you on a scenic 3-hour journey to Chivay, the gateway to Colca Canyon. From there, embark on an unforgettable full-day adventure, exploring one of the deepest canyons in the world. Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking landscapes and stunning natural beauty that awaits you in this awe-inspiring destination.
Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Arequipa. Rest of the day at leisure
Overnight stay in Arequipa.
More Moments Activities Included
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Full-day adventure to Colca Canyon tour
Begin your day with a scenic drive from Arequipa to Chivay, a journey that takes about 3 hours through stunning landscapes, winding roads, and the picturesque Andean highlands. Along the way, you'll pass charming villages and enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, vast valleys, and fields dotted with traditional farming terraces. Once at the canyon, you'll explore its dramatic cliffs, enjoy breathtaking viewpoints and learn about the rich local culture and history. A highlight of the tour is the chance to see the majestic Andean condors soaring above the canyon, making for an unforgettable experience.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 14
Santiago – Bogotá
After breakfast and check-out, your dedicated driver will transfer you to Rodríguez Ballón International Airport for your flight to “The Athens of South America”, Bogotá.
Upon arrival, you will need to clear customs and immigration; once cleared collect your luggage and proceed to the exit, where a dedicated driver will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name on it and take you to your hotel to check-in. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Bogotá.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 15
Bogotá
After breakfast, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and get ready to dive into an unforgettable full-day city tour packed with discovery and adventure.
Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure
Overnight stay in Bogotá.
More Moments Activities Included
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Full-day city tour
Begin with a visit to the historic La Candelaria district, where Spanish-era architecture and colourful streets tell stories of the city’s past. Explore Plaza Bolívar, surrounded by iconic landmarks like the Cathedral Primada and the Capitol. Delve into Bogotá’s rich cultural heritage at the renowned Gold Museum, home to an impressive collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts, and the Botero Museum, featuring works by the celebrated Colombian artist. Ascend Monserrate for breathtaking panoramic views of the city sprawling below.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 16
Bogotá – Canada
After breakfast and checking out, your driver will take you to El Dorado International Airport for your flight back to Canada.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Location
Hotel
Room details
Hotel taxes, fees and service charges included.
The hotels listed below are presented as examples for your reference only. Hotel accommodation details will be communicated to you or your Travel Agent prior to departure
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip. The accommodation will be based on the category of choice
Type of bed(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 3 people (3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child)
Room details
Hotel taxes, fees and service charges included.
The hotels listed below are presented as examples for your reference only. Hotel accommodation details will be communicated to you or your Travel Agent prior to departure
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip. The accommodation will be based on the category of choice
Type of bed(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 3 people (3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child)
Important Information
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Departure Dates: October 26 to Apr 02
Frequencies:
Oct 26 to Mar 07: 5 times per week: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays.
Mar 08 – Apr 02: 5 times per week: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays
Driving times listed in your tinerary are subject to traffic and road conditions on the
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Not included
- Gratuities
- Airport taxes (where applicable)
- Meals outside of the ones mentioned within the itinerary above.
- Transfers for any optional activities, and any other transfer services required outside of the itinerary above.
- Entrance to other landmarks not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Additional activities and excursions
- Visa fees (where applicable)
The itinerary above is subject to change without prior notice. The order in which destinations are visited or day excursions occur may change due to operational restrictions, such as weather and accommodation availability.
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The More Moments activities/excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day, depending on availability and operational day, or cancelled due to weather related conditions.
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Private transfer service from/to Airports.
Shared transfer service for all sightseeing
Plane from Santiago to Calama, from Calama to Santiago, from Santiago to Lima, from Lima to Arequipa, from Arequipa to Bogotá
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The sequence of the itinerary may be altered for reasons beyond the supplier’s control, such as accommodation availability, weather, national events, strikes, etc.