Overview

Discover Chile’s extraordinary contrasts on a journey that takes you from its cosmopolitan capital to the otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama Desert and the wild beauty of Patagonia.

Begin in Santiago, exploring its historic heart and modern neighbourhoods before travelling to the colourful Pacific port of Valparaíso and elegant Viña del Mar. From here, fly north to San Pedro de Atacama, where vast salt flats, flamingo-filled lagoons, dramatic rock formations and steaming geysers create some of South America’s most remarkable scenery. Watch the sun set over Moon Valley, experience El Tatio’s geysers at sunrise and unwind in the natural waters of the Puritama Thermal Baths.

The journey then heads south to Patagonia, travelling through spectacular fjords to the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers before exploring magnificent Torres del Paine National Park. Finish with the iconic Base Torres trek, where soaring granite peaks rise above a turquoise glacial lagoon – a fitting finale to an unforgettable Chilean adventure.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival

Private transfer from the airport in Santiago to the hotel in Santiago.

Private half day city tour of Santiago.

Santiago de Chile combines the charm of colonial heritage with the vibrant energy of a modern metropolis. On a private city tour, you’ll experience this fascinating contrast up close. In the historic centre, you’ll visit the presidential palace “La Moneda,” the Plaza de Armas with its impressive cathedral, the old post office, the National Historical Museum, and the “Casa Colorada,” once the residence of the Spanish governor.

The tour continues past Cerro San Cristóbal, a hill crowned by a statue of the Virgin Mary watching over the city. Finally, you’ll explore the modern face of Santiago: the Providencia and Las Condes districts, characterized by sleek glass towers, stylish restaurants, and elegant shopping streets – all with a distinctly European flair. A striking contrast to the colonial heart of the city.

Hotel Plaza El Bosque Park & Suites Ebro in Santiago - Executive Suite for 2 nights with breakfast.

Day 2 | Valparaiso and Viña del Mar

Private Full-Day Excursion to Valparaíso and Viña del Mar.

Accompanied by your private guide, discover two of Chile’s most iconic coastal cities on this full-day excursion. Your journey begins in Valparaíso, the country’s historic Pacific port, renowned for its colourful hillside homes, steep streets, and unique bohemian atmosphere.

During your visit, you will explore the historic city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as Plaza Sotomayor and the National Congress building. You will then continue along the coast to Viña del Mar, the elegant “Garden City.” Known for its beautiful parks, attractive beaches, and relaxed atmosphere, Viña del Mar offers a perfect blend of seaside charm and urban sophistication. The city is home to stylish hotels, excellent restaurants, and vibrant cafés. Among its most iconic landmarks is the historic casino, which has welcomed visitors since 1932. After the visit, return to Santiago.

La Sebastiana: Pablo Neruda’s house in Valparaíso, now open to the public as a museum. High up on Cerro Florida, it offers a marvellous view of the sea and an interesting insight into the life and work of this eccentric poet and diplomat. Pablo Neruda bought this place in order “to live and write in peace” and furnished every corner according to his taste and preferences. He sometimes celebrated New Year’s Eve here. Pablo Neruda called La Sebastiana “a house that seems to be floating in the air, but stands firmly on the ground”.

Day 3 | Santiago to San Pedro

Private transfer from the hotel in Santiago to the airport in Santiago.

Private transfer from the airport in Calama to the hotel in San Pedro.

Private half day excursion to Mars Valley (Valle de la Muerte) and Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna) This half day excursion leads you first to the impressive Mars Valley or Death Valley (Valle de la Muerte). There was a lake in this area in ancient times, which still can be seen in the horizontal sediment layers in its rocky slopes. Wind and rain have carved the most peculiar sculptures from sand, gypsum and clay that delight visitors today. Afterwards you continue to one of the best-known destinations in the Atacama Desert: The Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna), where you arrive at dusk. With the Licancabur volcano providing the backdrop, strange salt and rock formations in the middle of the valley’s barren sandy landscape really do look like a moonscape. After a tour past the bizarre natural rock and salt shapes, you will pass by the rock formation “Tres Marías”. Afterwards, we will watch the sun set, giving way to beautiful, colourful twilight. At the end of the tour, we return to San Pedro de Atacama.

Hotel Kimal in San Pedro de Atacama - Standard Room for 3 nights with breakfast

Day 4 | Atacama Salt Flat

Private half day excursion to the Atacama Salt Flat (Salar de Atacama) and Toconao Village.

You depart with your tour guide to the Salar de Atacama: A salt lake of huge proportions (3000 sq km/1,158 sq mi!), its surface is covered by a thick layer of light-coloured salt crystals, caused by the evaporation of the lake’s water. The world’s largest lithium deposits are found here, but the salt pan is also home to several flamingo species, including the Andean, Chilean and James flamingo, who feed on the microorganisms found in the saline lagoons. These beautiful birds and other species can be observed in their natural habitat at the Salar de Atacama’s Chaxa Lagoon, which is part of the Reserva Nacional de los Flamencos. On the way to the salt flat, you will stop at the village of Tocoano to see its green square with large cacti. Afterwards, return drive to San Pedro.

Dinner at local restaurant

Day 5 | Geysers of El Tatio & Puritama Thermal Baths.

Private full day excursion to the Geysers of El Tatio and to Puritama Thermal Baths.

Those who wish to experience the El Tatio Geysers have to get up early, to ensure a timely arrival at the geyser field at sunrise. The fountains, located over 4300m/14,108ft, shoot up to 10m/33ft high. The sun’s first rays reflecting countless colours as they mingle with boiling jets coming from the geysers create a strong contrast with the rising steam and the surrounding summits. The tour begins in the very early hours of the morning in San Pedro, to ensure a timely arrival at the geyser field at sunrise. After your visit to the geysers you will continue to the Puritama Thermal Baths, where you can relax in seven natural pools with crystal clear thermal water. Afterwards you will return to San Pedro.

Lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Day 6 | Return to Santiago

Private transfer from the hotel in San Pedro to the airport in Calama.

Lunch at local restaurant in San Pedro de Atacama.

Holiday Inn Santiago Airport in Santiago - Standard Room for 1 nights with breakfast

Day 7 | Puerto Natales

Private transfer from the airport in Puerto Natales to Puerto Natales.

OR

Private transfer from the airport in Punta Arenas to the bus station, guide assistance and ticket for regular bus to Puerto Natales. Private transfer from Puerto Natales bus station to your hotel, only driver.

Costa Australis in Puerto Natales - City View Room for 2 nights with breakfast

Day 8 | Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers

Shared Full-Day Boat Excursion to the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers, with transfers from and to your hotel only Spanish speaking driver. This impressive boat excursion takes you into the fascinating world of Patagonia’s fjords and to the spectacular Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers. After check-in in Puerto Natales, you will be transferred to Puerto Bories, where the boat journey begins.

During the cruise, enjoy magnificent views of Patagonia’s mountain scenery, waterfalls and traditional estancias. With a little luck, you may also spot a variety of native bird species while enjoying a whisky served with ancient glacial ice. Admire the impressive Balmaceda Glacier before the boat reaches Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. From here, you will take a walk through a lush forest of coihue and ñirre trees to the Serrano Glacier, which you can admire from close range. Afterwards, continue by boat to the remote Estancia Perales, where you will enjoy a traditional Patagonian lamb lunch.

After lunch, you will return to Puerto Natales.

Day 9 | Torres del Paine National Park

Private full day excursion to Torres del Paine National Park, with lunch at Hotel Lago Grey. Your tour guide will collect you from your hotel in the early morning, for departure to the famous Torres del Paine National Park. A tour through the park will provide wonderful views onto the Cuernos and Torres Massifs with their jagged peaks, as well as of the milky Lake Grey. Several short hikes enable visitors to reach the most beautiful view points in the park, and to become acquainted with the wealth of flora and fauna found in the area. The return drive to your selected hotel is in the late afternoon.

Hotel Lago Grey in NP Torres del Paine - Standard Room for 2 nights with breakfast

Day 10 | Base Torres Hike

Full Day Trekking Base Torres, with box lunch included

Starting from Hotel Lago Grey, you will travel across Torres del Paine National Park to begin the iconic Base Torres hike. The trail ascends through the scenic Ascencio Valley, offering beautiful views of rivers, native forests, and the surrounding mountains. After a short stop at Refugio El Chileno, you will continue through an ancient Lenga forest toward the base of the towers.

The final climb crosses a rocky glacial moraine, leading to the spectacular Base Torres viewpoint, where the granite spires rise dramatically above a turquoise glacial lagoon. After time to enjoy the scenery and take photographs, you will return along the same trail and transfer back to Hotel Lago Grey, completing one of Patagonia’s most memorable full-day adventures.

Hiking boots and good physical condition are highly recommended.

Day 11 | Final night in Santiago

Private transfer from the hotel in Torres del Paine to the airport in Puerto Natales, with box lunch included.

Private transfer from the airport in Santiago to the hotel in Santiago.

Hotel Plaza El Bosque Park & Suites Ebro in Santiago - Executive Suite for 1 night with breakfast

Day 12 | Depart

Private transfer from the hotel in Santiago to the airport in Santiago.

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All images courtesy of © Travel Art Chile