Chile North to South Premium

Welcome to Chile! Upon arriving in Chile, a representative will welcome and escort you to the Santiago airport in a private transfer to your comfortable hotel, allowing you some time to relax after check-in before the scheduled City Tour.

The tour begins with a pick-up and a journey to the Historical Center of Santiago. Notable architectural landmarks, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral and the central post office, originally constructed as the residence of Spanish conqueror Pedro de Valdivia, can be admired here. Nearby, the neoclassical building housing the Supreme Court, ex-Congress, and beautiful gardens is known as the Justice Tribunal.

The route then leads to the main street in the city center, Alameda, towards the Presidential palace, La Moneda. This 18th-century colonial architectural masterpiece is a prominent symbol of Santiago's history and Chile's political past.

Continuing the tour, ascend to Cerro Santa Lucía, the hill where Santiago was founded in 1541 by Pedro Valdivia. From its summit, visitors can enjoy a splendid 360-degree panoramic view of Santiago. The bohemian Lastarria neighborhood awaits next, offering a charming ambiance with its assortment of cafés, restaurants, small theaters, bookstores, and boutique shops.

Towards the end of the tour, have the opportunity to marvel at another picturesque view of Santiago from the heights of San Cristobal Hill in the Metropolitan Park. Here, they can experience the iconic funicular and cableway rides connecting the hills of the park.

Once the tour concludes, a transfer will be provided back to your hotel for the night.

Pickup is at 9:00 a.m. to commence your journey to the picturesque Casablanca Valley, located near Santiago. This leisurely bike tour takes place amidst the meandering, tree-lined country roads of the enchanting valley, renowned for being one of Chile's top wine-growing regions. While cycling at a relaxed pace, you can have the opportunity to explore some of central Chile's finest vineyards, delving into the intriguing history of wine in Chile and understanding why the soil and climate in this area are ideal for wine production. The experience includes sampling exquisite white wines and savoring a delectable lunch at the Tanino Restaurant, located in Casas del Bosque Vineyard.

Following a few days of exploring Chile's central region, begin your journey northward. Today, check out of the hotel and be transferred to the airport in a private vehicle. After your brief and picturesque flight, arrive in Calama and proceed to San Pedro de Atacama, situated in the heart of the desert, where you can check into their hotel.

During the afternoon, you can have some time to acclimate and explore the town at your own pace.

Rest assured, you can expect an early wake-up call this morning, and it will certainly be worth it! The day's plan involves visiting the extraordinary Tatio Geysers to witness their captivating display. These geysers are truly remarkable, erupting boiling steam up to 40 meters above the surface from nearly 900 meters below the earth. Upon arrival, a delightful breakfast will be served, followed by a guided walk through the geothermal fields, where they can experience the geysers erupting in close proximity. As you drive back, enjoy a splendid view of the Tocopurri and Sairecabur Volcanoes. After returning to the town, have ample time to enjoy lunch and the afternoon, either resting or continuing your exploration of the area.

Following breakfast, start your adventure southward towards the captivating Puna," or Highlands/Altiplanic region. The landscape in this area is nothing short of astonishing, with its exceptional lagoons and salt flats teeming with diverse wildlife and vegetation. One of the highlights, the Miscanti Lagoon, will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

Subsequently, have the opportunity to visit the Village of Socaire, a place where the local indigenous community continues to uphold their traditional way of life, preserving their cultural heritage.

Today, travel from the arid Atacama Desert to the picturesque Lake District of Chile, renowned for its abundant lakes and active volcanoes. Before departing from the desert, visit Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), which can be found approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) west of San Pedro within the Salt Mountain Range. This valley boasts peculiarly beautiful lunar landscapes and is renowned for being one of the driest locations on Earth. The excursion is expected to conclude around 11:30 a.m.

Please bear in mind that this excursion can be arranged on another day, depending on the availability of flights from Calama to Santiago and then Puerto Montt. It is strongly recommended that you review this with your Travel Planner.

Following the captivating visit, drive to the Calama airport to board a flight to Puerto Montt, connecting to Santiago. Upon arrival in Puerto Montt, proceed to Puerto Varas, a charming town adorned with distinctive German-style architecture situated along the shores of Lake Llanquihue, and check in to your welcoming hotel.

In the morning, prepare for a thrilling whitewater rafting experience. Travel to the Petrohue sector, situated in Perez Rosales National Park, nestled at the base of Osorno Volcano and alongside the serene turquoise waters of the Petrohue River. Skilled guides will be present to provide you with all the necessary rafting gear, including wet suits, helmets, paddle jackets, and life jackets, while also delivering safety instructions. Subsequently, set off on the rafts, navigating the picturesque class III river, relishing in the excitement of the rapids and the scenic views. Upon completing the adventure, a delectable snack will be served on the river banks before returning to Puerto Varas to enjoy the rest of the afternoon.

With Volcano Osorno providing a stunning backdrop, set out on a trek near Chile's renowned Todos Los Santos Lake. Along the route, take a moment to appreciate the region's rivers and waterfalls at Ensenada and Saltos de Petrohué before commencing the three-hour ascent. Upon reaching the summit, enjoy a breathtaking sight: an exquisite view of the Andes mountain range, featuring three volcanoes, and the vast blue expanse of Todos Los Santos Lake stretching out before them. Such a magnificent experience awaits you!

Today, depart from your hotel and take a flight to Punta Arenas, in the South of Chile. Upon arriving at Punta Arenas airport, a transfer from Punta Arenas airport to EcoCamp Patagonia, which is situated in the renowned Torres del Paine National Park, is arranged.

During the journey, make a stop at Puerto Natales, a vibrant small town located on the shores of "Seno de Ultima Esperanza," where you can indulge in a hearty local lunch. The entire trip promises breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and stunning landscapes to behold. As the day comes to a close, spend the night at EcoCamp Patagonia. The camp offers a picturesque view of the iconic Towers, nestled in the heart of the park. During the summer, the sun sets around 11 p.m., so upon arrival, there will be ample light to admire the Patagonian steppe with its guanacos and the snow-capped mountain horizon.

For the following two days, you can have the opportunity to choose from three excursion options, each varying in difficulty level, ranging from easy to challenging. EcoCamp Patagonia provides a chart of excursions available each day of the week, ensuring a diverse and memorable experience, subject to weather conditions and the season. (For a detailed description of all excursions please click here.)

EASY
Western Lakes and Grey Glacier

Drive across the park and admire the views of Paine Grande and Los Cuernos. Walk along the shores of Lake Pehoe, witness the Salto Grande waterfalls, and continue on the Nordenskjold trail to its lookout point. Later, head south to Lake Grey's beach, enjoy a delicious lunch, and take a boat ride to Glacier Grey. Return to EcoCamp for the night after this incredible experience.

ACTIVE
Western Lakes drive, Cerro Ferrier Hike

Start the day with a drive across the park, admiring Paine Grande's snowy peaks and Los Cuernos' horn-like spires. Walk along Lake Pehoe's shores to see the Salto Grande waterfalls. Then head south to Lake Grey's beach and begin the hike to Cerro Ferrier, passing through a magical Magellanic forest. Keep an eye out for the huemul, an endangered South Andean deer. Hike uphill for about an hour and a half to reach a breathtaking lookout with stunning views of Paine Massive, Grey Glacier, and famous lakes. After the hike, return to Grey Beach to meet fellow travelers and head to EcoCamp for a relaxed evening with great food and company.

EASY
Laguna Azul and Fauna Trail

Start your day by driving to Laguna Azul, on the north-eastern side of the park. Take breaks along the way to admire the local flora and fauna and the impressive Paine Waterfall. Hike to a panoramic view of the lagoon and granite Towers. Next, drive to Sarmiento Lake's shores, known for limestone formations and guanaco herds. Walk northward along the Fauna Trail, passing by the Goic Lagoon and diverse wildlife. After about 5 km, reach the Laguna Amarga ranger station and then head back to EcoCamp to relax and enjoy dinner.

ACTIVE
Trek Towers Base

Walk from Ecocamp towards Hostería Las Torres and take the uphill path to Ascencio Valley on the Tower's eastern face. The scenic walk features dry mountain spots, beech forests, and small rivers. The challenge arises as you climb the steep moraine, a mass of boulders leading to the world-famous view of the Towers. The Torres del Paine (2,900 m/9,400 ft), three gigantic granite monoliths, stand before you, with the glacial lake visible below. Enjoy lunch with this breathtaking view before retracing your steps through Ascencio Valley back to EcoCamp.

It's now time to board an early morning vehicle and take in the picturesque views during the ride back to Punta Arenas. Arriving in Punta Arenas in time to catch the evening flight to Santiago. Upon reaching Santiago, a private transfer will take you to a charming hotel where you can rest and relax after your trip.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport by private transfer, where you board your flight home. Hasta la proxima Chile!