Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip

Chilean Patagonia
Summer in the Southern Hemisphere

Chile - Santiago - Patagonia - Valparaiso

WIDESCREEN NATURE

Starting from between £4,500 to £6,160 per person for 15 days depending on the time of year, type of accomodation and activities

Itinerary Highlights

  • A long journey through southern Chile, a beautiful alternative to the north, a place to experience from October to April
  • Feel the sense of freedom cruising along for miles in a self-drive car.
  • Urban exploration in Santiago and Valparaiso, the sense of adventure on Chiloe
  • Smart logistics, charming hotels, car, Concierge and all our usual additional services
As time flies on a trip like this, hop on a plane to span the longest distances and lose as little time as possible. This means we can visit the Chilean Lake District and the southern provinces of Magallanes and Ultima Esperanza in seamless comfort, with reasonable road journeys and suitable accommodation, and avoid the restricting altitude of northern Chile.

There are plenty of spectacular natural sights, and you will be spoilt for choice. Because that's the name of the game in and around Lago Llanquihue or in Torres del Paine National Park. Mountains soar towards the heavens; glaciers forge down to blue lakes, scattered with icebergs; subpolar forests stretch for deep green miles, the steppe is an enormous swathe of yellows. To cap it all, the region is dotted with imposing volcanoes. Chile offers some of the finest views in the world.

VIBRANT CITIES


Chile also has cities that are great places to live, such as Santiago and Valparaiso (which has long been the adventure capital), or Castro, the 'capital' of the Chiloe Archipelago, with its brightly-coloured houses on stilts, which can be visited on a private tour with an expert guide. It's a country forged by the people who live there, from culture and politics in Santiago, to trade and cosmopolitan influences in Valparaiso, and tradition in Chiloe. Sometimes, as in Puerto Varas, immigrants have reconstructed their original homelands, leaving visitors bemused... This is all in the itinerary as well. This trip will give an excellent first impression of Chilean Patagonia.
Punta Arenas - Chile © sunsinger/Fotolia
Punta Arenas - Chile © sunsinger/Fotolia
Santiago - Chile © Maciej Bledowski/Fotolia
Santiago - Chile © Maciej Bledowski/Fotolia
Valparaiso - Chile © Droits reservés
Valparaiso - Chile © Droits reservés
Valparaiso - Chile © Alix Pardo
Valparaiso - Chile © Alix Pardo
Valparaiso - Chile © Alix Pardo
Valparaiso - Chile © Alix Pardo
Maison de Pablo Neruda - Valparaiso - Chil © Alix Pardo
Maison de Pablo Neruda - Valparaiso - Chil © Alix Pardo
Santiago - Chile © Alix Pardo
Santiago - Chile © Alix Pardo
Dalcahue - Chile © Droits reservés
Dalcahue - Chile © Droits reservés
Wooden house - Chile © Droits reservés
Wooden house - Chile © Droits reservés
Sheep herd - Torres del Paine National Park - Patagonia - Chile © Alix Pardo
Sheep herd - Torres del Paine National Park - Patagonia - Chile © Alix Pardo
Torres del Paine National Park - Patagonia - Chile © Droits reservés
Torres del Paine National Park - Patagonia - Chile © Droits reservés
Cordillera Paine - Torres del Paine National Park - Chile © Alix Pardo
Cordillera Paine - Torres del Paine National Park - Chile © Alix Pardo
Lake  Pehoe - Torres del Paine National Park - Patagonia - Chile © Alix Pardo
Lake Pehoe - Torres del Paine National Park - Patagonia - Chile © Alix Pardo
Laguna Amarga - Torres del Paine National Parl - Patagonia - Chile © Alix Pardo
Laguna Amarga - Torres del Paine National Parl - Patagonia - Chile © Alix Pardo
Puerto Natales - Patagonia - Chile © Kseniya Ragozina/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Puerto Natales - Patagonia - Chile © Kseniya Ragozina/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Itinerary

100% customisable for you

DAY 1 Flight to Santiago

Overnight flight, arriving the next day.

DAY 2 Santiago

Private transfer and accommodation for two nights in the bohemian district of Lastarria, home to many artists and designers. The building combines the Chilean style of the early 20th century with French neoclassical influences. Inside, the rooms blend modern comfort with classic style, with a touch of character that exudes the charm of the past. On the ninth floor, the roof-top bar, with a large terrace and swimming pool, offers stunning views of the city.
Take a private tour of Santiago with a guide. The city has quite modern tones with its classical and Gothic architecture and hints of Art Nouveau; past earthquakes have spared few colonial buildings. Take a stroll on the delightful Santa Lucia Hill or in the Parque Quinta Normal, visit the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art and La Moneda, the presidential palace, Plaza de la Ciudadania... Take a tour of the pisco bars.

In the itinerary - Make for the Pacific coast, around 75 miles from Santiago. Stopping off at a vineyard along the way and sampling the wares. Trip to Vina del Mar, the famous seaside resort with a very contemporary feel: visit Avenue de la Libertad, take the coastal road up to Renaca, Avenue San Martin, the Casino and Flower Clock. Continue on to Valparaiso, a large horseshoe-shaped bay, dominated by broad hills that descend to the sea, which has been the most important harbor on the Pacific coast since the 19th century. Prior to the Panama Canal, all boats stopped there after making the arduous journey around Cape Horn. Its 15 rumbling funiculars still scale the countless hills that dominate the Pacific Ocean. Trip to Paseo 21 de Mayo, Cerro Concepcion, the city centre and Pablo Neruda's house museum, the Sebastiana. This day trip is led by an expert guide and includes transportation from the hotel by private vehicle with a driver, wine tasting, admission to the Sebastiana Museum, and access to the funiculars. Back to Santiago at the end of the day.

Private transfer to the airport and flight to Puerto Montt along the shores of the Reloncavi Sound. Pick up the hire car and board the boat for Grande Chiloe. Landing in Castro, on the east coast of the island, and stay for two nights in a 'palafito' hotel (on stilts) in a traditional Castro district, opposite the bay of Punta de Choros, this intimate all-wood, all-glass hotel boasts only seven rooms, with a simple, modern and cosy design.

The charming town of Castro on Chiloe Island is known for its colourful houses on stilts, the famous 'Palafitos'. After first spotting them on a walk through the city, visit Campesina craft market, the city's various museums and churches, before visiting the church of Tey, which has been moved from its original place to where it is today. We continue on towards the village of Dalcahue with its traditional shipyards, and church that is a designated World Heritage Site, and also its craft market.
In the Itinerary - Private tour of Castro with a guide.

A return trip to Puerto Montt and a quick drive to Puerto Varas on the shores of Lake Llanquihue. Spend two nights in a pleasant location overlooking the lake, with views across to Osorno volcano. The rooms are spacious and modern, incorporating natural materials. Beautiful gardens border the hotel.

You'd be forgiven for thinking you are on Lake Constance when you see the white church with red roofs and the lake shimmering behind it. The big difference here is the volcano in the background… it's not some strange dream though; immigration has lent Puerto Varas a strong Germanic feel. There is the Iglesia del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus (1915-1918), Lake Llanquihue and the Osorno Volcano. We will see Casa Gotschlich, Casa Jupner, perhaps even taste Baumkuchen... Welcome to Chile's amazing Lake District. The place is perfect for walking in the great outdoors.

Take the road to the airport, return the car and take a flight to Punta Arenas, further south still. Pick up the second rental car and take the road to Puerto Natales. Overnight accommodation in a lovely house restored and converted to a charming small hotel, offering comfortable rooms and original decor inspired by ranching and the gauchos, a nod to Patagonia. The staff are charming and attentive, the cuisine is delicious and the location ideal for enjoying the many sights of the city. We also love the small lounge upstairs for relaxing and enjoying the breathtaking views of the Strait, the City and Tierra del Fuego.

Drive to the great Chilean National Park of Torres del Paine, designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Stunning landscapes and a variety of environments are the hallmarks of the southern provinces of Magallanes and Ultima Esperanza. The National Geographic ranked the park as the world's fifth most beautiful place. Among the major sights is Lake Grey, where you stay for three nights. A wooden construction on stilts, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the Grey Glacier. It is also the starting point for many spectacular excursions to discover Torres del Paine Park: the Salto Grande, the Paine River Falls between Lake Nordenskjold and Pehoe, the famous 'Torres', the three granite peaks (8,500, 9,200 and 9,400ft) that gave the park its name.

The capital city of the province of Ultima Esperanza, at the entrance to the sound of the same name, is barely 100 years old. Pass through the city to Torres National Park, as well as to Cueva del Milodon, about 12 miles north-west of the city. This is a collection of caves where the remains of the Mylodon have been found - ten-foot-high giant sloths that became extinct around 10,000 years ago, like the mammoth and the mastodon on the north of the continent Overnight accommodation in a unique hotel: The Singular. Located on the edge of this port at the end of the world, it has its own speedboats reserved for its clientele. In the morning, arrive at Balmaceda Glacier well before the regular tours. Enjoy the privilege and pleasure of being alone in front of the ice wall. You then leave when the others arrive.

Drive to Punta Arenas airport, return the car and flight to Santiago. Overnight stay in the hotel used on arrival

Transfer to the airport and return flight home. Overnight flight, arriving the next day.

Suggestions

Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included

WITH A FEW EXTRA DAYS - EASTER ISLAND

Continue the journey to the ends of the earth on Easter Island. A tiny volcanic speck in the heart of the Pacific, Rapa Nui stubbornly refuses to relinquish her mysteries: the origin of the people that lived there, as well as the tradition that led its inhabitants to erect these gigantic statues.

Optional



Why visit Chile with Original Travel

Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.

ENQUIRE NOW

A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Chile

  • Our local Concierges
  • The Original Travel app
  • Airport lounge access
  • Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
  • Destination Dossier
  • 24-hour helpline
  • Expert guides
  • 100% carbon absorption

You might also like

A rough idea of the price

Depending on the time of year, type of accommodation and activities

The estimated cost for this trip starts from £4,500 to £6,160 per person. A fixed price would not make sense for a bespoke journey. The cost varies depending on several factors, including level of service, duration and how far in advance the trip is booked. The exact price will be provided on your personalised quote. The average starting price for this trip is £5,355 per person.
Included in this suggestion

  • Direct international flights and domestic flights with a scheduled airline


  • Airline taxes and fuel surcharge


  • Access to the Air France business lounge at Roissy 2E (for departures from Paris)


  • Two car rentals: five days from Puerto Montt and five days from Punta Arenas


  • Two-night stay in Santiago at The Singular Lastarria in a double room with breakfast included


  • Two-night stay in Castro on Chiloe Island in Palafito del Mar in a double room with sea view and breakfast included


  • Two-night stay in Puerto Varas at Hotel Awa in a double room with breakfast included


  • Two-night stay in Punta Arena at the Hotel Altiplanico Sur in a double room with breakfast included


  • Overnight stay in Punta Arenas at Hotel La Yegua Loca in a double room with breakfast included


  • Three-night stay in Torres del Paine Park at Hotel Lago Grey in a double room with breakfast included


  • Overnight stay in Puerto Natales at The Singular in a double room with breakfast included


  • Overnight stay in Santiago at The Singular Lastarria Santiago Hotel in a double room with breakfast included


  • Half-day private tour of Santiago with an expert guide


  • Half-day private tour of the Matetic vineyards followed by a tasting, with guide and translator


  • Half-day private tour of Vina del Mar and Valparaiso, with expert guide


  • Half-day private tour of Castro, with a guide




  • Local mobile phone available


  • Our app, loaded with your itinerary, hotel details and recommended places to visit


  • Our local Concierge service

100% tailor-made holidays

Understanding Your Needs

Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday

Personalisation

We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities

Our Services

All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges