Your itinerary
Day 1
Adventure begins in Santiago
Welcome to Chile! There’s plenty of adventure on your trip, but today’s all about settling in. Around 4pm, say hola to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures a big Chilean welcome by arranging a group dinner.
Want to explore Santiago further? Additional pre-tour hotel nights are bookable through your sales representative.
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Meals: Dinner
Day 2
Santiago city tour • Visit one of the world's best vineyards
In Santiago de Chile, the best features of a vibrant, modern metropolis are paired with the old-world charm of a former colonial capital, and the city tour this morning will introduce you to both sides. We’ll begin with a visit to the presidential palace, named La Moneda because the splendid building once housed the national mint. Many other sights in the historic centre are clustered around the always-bustling Plaza de Armas: the impressive cathedral; the beautiful old post office; the Palacio de la Real Audiencia, now home to the National History Museum; and the Casa Colorada, once the Spanish governor’s residence. We also discover the “green lung” of Santiago, the Metropolitan Park on the Cerro San Cristóbal, a hill in the middle of the city with a huge white statue of the Virgin Mary crowning its summit.
Travel to the beautiful Maipo Valley in the afternoon to pay a visit to Viña Santa Rita, named the world’s best vineyard by Forbes in 2025. Join a tour through the winery which will introduce you to Chilean viticulture. You will not only find out more about different grapes and their characteristic tastes but also learn the production from the harvest, the storage in wine barrels to finally ending up as a wine in a bottle. Visit the wine cellar built in 1880 by French architects and taste three different wines.
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Meals: Breakfast
Day 3
Fly to Puerto Natales
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport to board a flight to Puerto Natales where we spend the night. We have a short orientation walk and then the afternoon will be free for you to explore on your own.
Please note, depending on the flight schedules on some departures we may need to fly to Punta Arenas and transfer by road to Puerto Natales.
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Meals: Breakfast
Day 4
Full-day excursion to see some of the highlights of Torres del Paine National Park
This morning, we drive into Torres del Paine National Park for adventure in a spectacular environment. This is a busy day of travelling and walking taking in unforgettable views of the Towers and exploring the eastern side of the park. Today, we visit Laguna Azul; from this glacial lagoon, we have one of the most beautiful views of the Torres peaks. We also visit the Rio Paine waterfall, which is located in a spectacular landscape overlooking the peaks of the famous Torres del Paine. Continue to Laguna Amarga for more breath-taking views before arriving at our hotel on the western side of the park.
Meals: Breakfast,Dinner
Day 5
Further exploration of Torres del Paine NP • Free time in Torres del Paine NP
Today, we enjoy one of the classic walks in the heart of the park. We’ll reach the starting point after a scenic drive in the park. The walk today is approximately 2.5 hours, and the terrain is fairly flat, with only one steeper part, but the incredible views of the Cuernos del Paine in front of you throughout make it worth it! We also visit the Salto Grande waterfall and continue along the shores of Lake Nordenskjöld until we arrive at the Cuernos viewpoint, with unforgettable views of the Torres Massif.
On the way back, we stop at the visitor centre to learn about the origin and history of the park. This afternoon is free to relax at the hotel or enjoy optional excursions in the area
Meals: Breakfast,Dinner
Day 6
Grey Glacier navigation • To Puerto Natales
Another day in Torres del Paine National Park, this time to explore the western highlights including Grey Lake. This deep lake, fed by the glacier of the same name, is filled with icebergs which have splashed down from the massive ice flow. Weather permitting, today we join the Grey Glacier navigation, a three-hour boat excursion which takes us to Grey Glacier, the largest in Torres del Paine National Park. To get to the boat, we have a 1.25mi (2km) hike through lenga forest, crossing the Pingo River and to the tip of a narrow peninsula along the beach at the southern end of the lake.
We cruise up the Grey Lake toward the glacier, which reaches 30m (100ft) high and 3.7mi (6km) wide at its terminus. Pieces of ice both large and small regularly break off from the front of the glacier, falling into the water with a crack and a splash. It is a unique opportunity to get a close-up view of this amazing blue glacier. After the excursion, we’ll visit the Milodon Cave on our way back to our hotel in Puerto Natales, arriving around 5.30pm.
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Meals: Breakfast
Day 7
Fly to Puerto Montt • To Puerto Varas on the shore of Lago Llanquihue
Transfer to Puerto Natales Airport and fly to Puerto Montt, the capital of the Lake District. This is a long travelling day that will likely require an early start depending on the flight schedules.
On arrival in the Lake District, we drive for 30 minutes to Puerto Varas on the shores of Lago Llanquihue. Depending on flight arrival time, we can enjoy a brief tour of the City of the Roses, named for the tremendous variety of roses all over town. If we’re scheduled to arrive on a later flight, we recommend that you buy food at the airport as you may not have many options on arrival at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8
Lago Todos los Santos boat trip • Walk near Osorno Volcano
Set out this morning for a full day inside the Lake District. We drive along the shore of Lago Llanquihue and enjoy breathtaking views of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. Our first real stop will be at the Saltos de Petrohue, where cooling lava from the Osorno Volcano formed a series of rapids and waterfalls. Together they create an impressive sculpture of extruded volcanic rock shaped by thousands of years of river flow.
At Petrohue, we board a boat for a short cruise of Lago Todos los Santos. The lake is surrounded by high mountains and the lower slopes are thickly forested. As we pull away from the landing and the source of the river Petrohue, the view is quickly stolen by the tremendous size and proximity of snow-capped Osorno Volcano behind us.
After our boat tour, we drive to the lower reaches of the immense Osorno volcano where we can hike 2km in the lower lava fields of the volcano, subject to weather conditions. We also visit the Green Lagoon (Laguna Verde) before we return towards Puerto Varas in the afternoon.
Please note, the order of the itinerary today may change depending on the weather conditions.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9
Fly to Santiago • Fly to Calama • To San Pedro de Atacama
In the morning, we fly to Calama near the Atacama Desert, where we transfer to our hotel in the town of San Pedro de Atacama. After check-in, our tour leader offers a short orientation tour of the town for anyone who wants to join.
At dusk, we set out to the Valley of the Moon. This bizarre lunar landscape is set ablaze with colour at sunset, the strange rock formations framed by the Licancabur Volcano. We stay until the sun goes down to enjoy the array of colours before returning to San Pedro.
Depending on the flight times, this visit to the Valley of the Moon and the short orientation tour of the town might be moved to the following days instead.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10
Visit Salar de Atacama and Altiplano Lagoons
Set off towards the Altiplano Lagoons (Lagunas Altiplánicas) and stop en route at the village of Socaire, set at 10,558ft (11,480ft/3,500m). The village is noteworthy for its peculiar rough-stonework architecture, and the inhabitants still live by age-old methods of planting terraced fields with corn, wheat and potatoes.
After, we continue for about another 19mi (30km), climbing an additional 3,281ft (1,000m) in altitude to reach the highland lagoons of Miscanti (14,270ft/4,350m) and Miñiques (13,450ft/4,100m). The two volcanoes of the same name are visible in the background (almost 19,686ft/6,000m high). The twin lagoons are a deep blue, each framed by a white salt crust, which creates a memorable contrast to the yellow highland grass all around. It is completely silent here. Even the duck species that breed here, the foxes, and the grazing vicuñas (a type of camelid), respect the majestic silence.
We then visit the Salar de Atacama. A salt lake of huge proportions (1,158 sqmi/3,000sqkm), it is covered by a thick layer of snow-white salt crystals, caused by the evaporation of the lake water. The largest lithium deposits in the world are found here, but the salt pan is also home to several flamingo species, including the Andean, Chilean and James, which feed on the micro-organisms in the saline lagoons. Look out for these beautiful birds and other species in their natural habitat at Chaxa Lagoon, which is part of the Reserva Nacional de los Flamencos. After the excursion, we return to San Pedro.
Please note, the order of the itinerary may change today.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11
Excursion to El Tatio geysers • Optional night-time astronomy tour
We have to get up very early to arrive at the El Tatio Geysers, which are more than 14,108ft (4,300m) above sea level, in time for sunrise. The fountains, which can shoot up to 33ft (10m) high, occur when the morning sun melts the nightly ice caps that form over the hot springs. The first rays reflect an array of colours as they mix with boiling geyser jets to create strong contrasts of steam and light.
Around midday, we return to San Pedro for some free time. Returning along the same route, accompanied by the Andes and their volcanoes, we will make a short stop on the way at the Putana wetland, where we can observe different species of birds in front of the Colorado volcano.
This afternoon, you could choose to join an optional llama walk led by a local guide, following old caravan routes while learning about Lickan Antay culture and use of camelids. Alternatively, join an optional astronomy tour tonight that highlights the southern sky.
Both optional activities need to be booked in advance through your sales representative.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12
Fly to Santiago
Transfer to Calama airport for our flight to Santiago (flight times can vary) to enjoy our final evening in Chile.
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Meals: Breakfast
Day 13
Adventure ends in Santiago
Our trip ends this morning after breakfast. However, if you’d like the adventure to continue, speak to your sales representative about joining our Easter Island extension. Alternatively, you may want to extend your stay in Santiago, the cosmopolitan capital of Chile.
Meals: Breakfast
What’s included
What’s not included
Additional information
Food
All areas offer good quality local and international meals. Beef is very popular in Chile, especially steak, and most dishes tend to be quite meaty. In Patagonia, lamb is the most popular meat. There is also delicious, freshly caught fish and seafood in areas closer to the coast. Service can be slow in restaurants.
Vegetarian food is available in many of the restaurants, but options may be limited, especially in Patagonia. Please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests.
Worth knowing
If we need to leave the hotel before the restaurant opens for breakfast due to an early flight or excursion, no full breakfast will be served (some might offer a box breakfast to go but this is not obligatory).
El Tatio Geysers Sunrise & Putana Wetland
Arrive before dawn to the high Andean field of the El Tatio geysers, where sunrise steam plumes billow from fumaroles at over 4,300m. Watch boiling vents hiss against frosted ground as first light reveals a stark volcanic amphitheater.
On the return, pause at the Putana wetland to observe high-altitude birds foraging along a glacial stream beneath the Colorado Volcano. Learn how geothermal forces and frigid nights sculpt these otherworldly plains.
Maipo Valley Winery Tour & Tasting at Viña Santa Rita
Taste the Maipo Valley’s heritage at Viña Santa Rita, where a guided tour and tasting introduces Chile’s signature grapes, from plush Carménère to structured Cabernet. Walk through vine rows and barrel rooms to learn how terroir and climate shape these expressive wines.
Step inside the century-old cellars, built in 1880 by French architects, and sample three wines that showcase the valley’s style. Discover how European technique met Andean conditions to create one of Chile’s most acclaimed wine regions.
Puerto Natales Orientation Walk
Walk the Patagonian port town on a short orientation walk, tracing the waterfront of Última Esperanza Sound and the simple, weathered streets near the Plaza de Armas. Your leader highlights cafés, shops and viewpoints so you can navigate confidently.
Feel the Southern Patagonia atmosphere—big skies, bracing winds and distant fjords—while hearing about pioneer ranching, maritime routes and the town’s role as a gateway to Torres del Paine. It’s a practical, scene-setting stroll with irresistible photo stops.
Welcome Dinner in Santiago
Begin your Chilean journey with a sociable evening to meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers over a curated group welcome dinner. Share anticipation for the days ahead while sampling Chilean flavors—think seasonal seafood, hearty Andean ingredients, and the country’s celebrated wines.
Set in vibrant Santiago, this hosted dinner sets the tone for the trip: generous hospitality, regional dishes, and lively conversation. It’s the perfect forum for tips, introductions and a friendly start to your adventure.
Torres del Paine East Highlights: Laguna Azul, Río Paine & Laguna Amarga
Venture into Torres del Paine National Park to admire the mirror-like Laguna Azul, where the famed granite towers rise above glacial waters. Continue to the Río Paine waterfall and on to Laguna Amarga, a saline lake frequented by guanacos and soaring condors.
Expect broad Patagonian steppe, teal lakes and sculpted peaks—in a landscape shaped by ice and relentless wind. Short walks and scenic stops reveal changing angles on the massif and its startling palette of blues and greys.
Cuernos del Paine Viewpoint Walk & Salto Grande
Walk a classic trail to the Cuernos viewpoint for a head-on perspective of the park’s dramatic horn-shaped peaks. Follow the Lake Nordenskjold shoreline, where glacial hues meet wind-rippled grasses, and pause at the thunderous Salto Grande waterfall.
This moderate hike rewards with layered geology—dark sedimentary caps over granite—and ever-shifting Patagonian light. Learn how tectonic uplift, glaciers and fierce weather carved one of the most photogenic skylines in the Andes.
Grey Lake Navigation to Grey Glacier & Cueva del Milodón
Grey Glacier navigation carries you among ice-blue bergs toward a 30m-high, 6km-wide ice front. Before boarding, a short forest path leads across the Pingo River to the lakeshore; on deck, feel the chill as wind funnels from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
Later, step into Cueva del Milodón, a vast limestone cavern linked to prehistoric megafauna and Tehuelche lore. Its scale and silence offer a striking counterpoint to the glacier’s cracking, living ice.
Puerto Varas Town Orientation: The City of Roses
Stroll lakeside Puerto Varas, nicknamed the City of Roses, with its manicured gardens and picture-perfect views of Llanquihue Lake and the cone of Osorno. Your leader points out cafés, promenades and photo spots for independent time later.
Discover the area’s German-influenced architecture—wood-shingled houses, paned windows and the landmark Sacred Heart Church—evidence of 19th-century immigration that shaped cuisine, craft and local identity in Chile’s Lake District.
Petrohue Rapids & Lago Todos los Santos Boat Cruise
Visit the sculpted basalt channels of the Saltos de Petrohué, where emerald water surges over ancient lava from Osorno. Then board a short boat cruise on Lago Todos los Santos, ringed by forested slopes and watched over by the snow-clad Osorno Volcano.
From the water, admire the lake’s distinctive green tones and steep Andean walls. Hear how volcanic activity and glacial meltwater created this dramatic landscape within Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park.
Osorno Volcano Lava Fields Walk & Laguna Verde
Hike the lower slopes of Osorno Volcano across crunchy lava fields, where hardy shrubs and lichens reclaim black basalt. Trails reveal views to Calbuco and Llanquihue’s shoreline, with the volcano’s perfect cone dominating the skyline.
Pause at Laguna Verde, a tranquil green lagoon framed by native forest. Learn about Osorno’s eruptions and the relentless forces—fire, ice and rainfall—that continue to shape Chile’s Lake District.
San Pedro de Atacama Orientation Walk
Wander San Pedro de Atacama on a concise orientation walk, along adobe streets shaded by pepper trees. Locate the plaza, craft markets and the whitewashed church as your leader shares useful tips for dining, ATMs and evening strolls.
Set within a high-desert oasis, San Pedro reflects Lickan Antay traditions and colonial heritage. Note the thick adobe walls and timbered ceilings—time-tested architecture designed to temper the desert’s radiant heat and cold nights.
Valley of the Moon Sunset
Witness sunset over the Atacama amid the ridges and dunes of the Valley of the Moon. Salt-crusted rock, wind-carved amphitheaters and rippling sand glow rose, amber and violet as the light softens and Licancabur Volcano silhouettes against the sky.
Learn how ancient lakes, evaporation and relentless winds created this stark, lunar-like basin. It’s a contemplative, camera-ready moment that reveals the desert’s remarkable color shifts as day yields to night.
Altiplano Lagoons: Miscanti & Miñiques with Socaire Village
Ascend to the Andean Altiplano to visit the deep-blue Lagunas Miscanti and Miñiques, framed by white salt rims and tufted puna grass. The thin air and crystalline light sharpen every contour of the surrounding volcanoes.
Stop in Socaire to see rough-stone architecture and terraced fields where age-old irrigation sustains corn and potatoes. Look for vicuñas browsing the steppe and listen for the hush that defines these high, elemental landscapes.
Salar de Atacama & Chaxa Lagoon Flamingo Reserve
Explore the vast Salar de Atacama, where a jagged salt crust stretches to the horizon. At Chaxa Lagoon in the Reserva Nacional de los Flamencos, shallow waters host Andean, Chilean and James’s flamingos feeding on brine shrimp and algae.
Move quietly along marked paths to watch courtship steps and mirrored reflections in the still water. Your leader explains how extreme salinity and evaporation shape this unique wetland within the desert’s heart.
Llama Caravan Walk with Lickan Antay Guides
Join a guided llama walk along ancestral caravan routes outside San Pedro. Follow gentle trails as local hosts explain how camelids, desert plants and water sources sustained travel and trade across the Atacama basin.
This cultural encounter supports community initiatives and shares living traditions of the Lickan Antay culture. This is an optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour (subject to availability and conditions).
Atacama Night-Sky Astronomy Tour
Gaze at the southern sky under the Atacama’s famously clear air on a guided astronomy tour. Identify constellations with a laser pointer and, when conditions allow, view star clusters and planets through telescopes amid profound desert silence.
Learn how Indigenous sky lore, navigation and modern astrophysics intersect in this high, dry plateau—home to world-class observatories. This is an optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour (weather and moon phase dependent).
Santiago Panoramic City Tour & Cerro San Cristóbal
Explore Chile’s capital on a guided panoramic tour, taking in the neoclassical La Moneda, the lively Plaza de Armas with its cathedral, and elegant colonial-era facades. Trace Santiago’s evolution from a Spanish outpost to a confident modern metropolis as you pass civic squares, grand arcades and contemporary districts framed by the Andes.
Continue into the city’s “green lung,” the Metropolitan Park, to ascend Cerro San Cristóbal. From the summit, admire sweeping views, the white Virgin Mary statue, and the vast scale of Santiago set against snow-dusted peaks.
