Santiago, the Chilean Lake District, and Torres del Paine
11 Days/9 Nights
From $5,429 per person
(Dbl. Occupancy, Not Incl. Airfare)
Daily Departures from October to April
Overview
Discover the Chilean Lake District and Southern Patagonia on this fascinating tour of Chile. You will begin in Santiago with a city tour and winery visit, and continue on to the Lake District. You will cross All Saints Lake by catamaran to Peulla, and explore the Island of Chiloe. The last part of your trip will be Torres del Paine National Park, one of the best parks for outdoor enthusiasts in all of South America, with campgrounds, vast hiking trails, and a spectacular natural setting.
Lodging and Meals: This tour includes accommodations for 8 nights (2 nights in Santiago, 3 nights in Puerto Varas, and 3 nights in Torres del Paine), and 15 meals (8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners).
Best Time to Go: October-April.
Destinations: South America, Chile, and Patagonia.
Interests: Adventure, All-Inclusive Properties, Culture & History, and Wine Tasting.
Places Visited: Santiago, the Chilean Lake District, and Torres del Paine National Park.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Santiago.
Depart to Santiago via overnight flight.
Day 2: Santiago.
After passing through immigration and customs, proceed to the reception area, where our inbound services representative will be holding a sign with your name on it. You will be greeted and then transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Santiago.
Note: Check-in time is 2:00 PM. We can request early check-in but cannot guarantee it.
Day 3: Santiago-City Tour-Winery Tour.
In the morning, you will have a panoramic city tour of Santiago, which will include Parque O’Higgins, Plaza de Armas (the city’s historic center), Palacio de la Moneda, ex-National Congress, Mapocho Station Cultural Center, Santa Lucia Hill, the place of Santiago’s founding in 1541,and the Bohemian district of Bellavista. In the afternoon, you will visit your choice of one of the following vineyards around Santiago (included in price): Concha y Torro, Cousino Macul, and Undurraga. Overnight in Santiago. (B)
Day 4: Santiago-Puerto Montt-Puerto Varas-City Tour.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Puert Montt. Upon arrival, you will have a panoramic city tour of Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas. Puerto Montt is the main transportation hub for travelers to Chiloe, Chilean Patagonia, and the Lake District. You will drive through the downtown area, passing the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral, and then along Av Angelmo to the small fishing village and ferry port of Angelmo, where you can visit the fish and crafts markets.
The tour continues to the city of Puerto Varas, on the southern shore of Lake Llanquihue. Puerto Varas was founded by German immigrants, and has the feel of a European village. You will drive through the center of town, passing the Plaza de Armas, the Municipal Casino, and historic private residences. The tour finishes at Philippi Hill, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city, Lake Llanquihue, and Osorno Volcano, before being taken to your hotel. Overnight in Puerto Varas. (B)
Day 5: Puerto Varas-Petrohue River Falls-All Saints Lake-Boat to Peulla.
Beginning in Puerto Varas, you will drive by bus along the southern shore of Lake Llanquihue with magnificent views of Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes, past Ensenada, to Petrohue River Falls. You’ll have an opportunity to walk around and take photos. The tour continues by bus to Petrohue on the western shore of All Saints Lake. At Petrohue, you will board a catamaran and ride across the breathtaking All Saints Lake to the village of Peulla. In Peulla, you will lunch at Hotel Natura, and can observe Tronador Volcano and walk around the village. Return by catamaran to Petrohue and by bus to Puerto Varas. Overnight in Puerto Varas. (B,L)
Day 6: Puerto Varas-Island of Chiloe-Ancud.
Depart to Puerto Montt for the ferry ride across the Chacao Channel to the Island of Chiloe. Chiloe is known for its unique architecture (wood-shingled churches and palafitos – houses built on stilts), mythological creatures (the mermaid La Pincoya, and the troll, El Trauco), and delicious seafood (especially curanto, a potato and seafood stew). You will visit Ancud, the Island’s largest city, which was founded by the Spaniards in 1767 to protect Chile’s coastline from foreign invaders. Stops include Fort San Antonio, a walk-through of the fish market, Museo Chiloté, which hosts the island’s history and mythology, and Huaiquen Hill for a panoramic view of the city, the channel, and the Island of Cochino. Overnight in Puerto Varas. (B)
Day 7: Puerto Varas-Puerto Montt-Punta Arenas.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Punta Arenas. (B)
Day 8: Punta Arenas-Torres del Paine.
Transfer from your hotel to the lodge in Torres del Paine. For Hotel Las Torres (3/4 Star accommodations), en route (after traveling for two hours), you will visit the Cerro Negro cattle ranch and see first-hand the lifestyle of the settlers at the end of the world and roam around the beautiful colonial house. Depending on the time of arrival, the visit will include a traditional Magallanes-style barbeque. Overnight in Torres del Paine. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Torres del Paine.
Choose from one full-day or two half day optional excursions (included in the cost of the tour). Overnight in Torres del Paine. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Torres del Paine.
Choose from one full-day or two half day optional excursions (included in the cost of the tour). Overnight in Torres del Paine. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Torres del Paine-Punta Arenas-Santiago.
Transfer from Torres del Paine to the airport in Punta Arenas for your return flight to Santiago and your final destination. (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
What's Included
Price Includes
- South American Vacations’ expert pre-departure planning services and documentation.
- Airport/hotel transfers including baggage handling.
- Hotel accommodations including taxes and service charges.
- Excursions as indicated on the itinerary including all applicable entrance fees.
- Meals as indicated on the itinerary.
- Local, English-speaking tour guides.
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare.
- Domestic airfare.
- Meals not indicated on the itinerary.
- Gratuities to tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
- Gifts and personal items.
- Travel insurance.
We will be happy to quote the cost of airfare and travel insurance and to make these arrangements for you.
Accommodations
Santiago
Puerto Varas
Torres del Paine
Additional Details
Group Private: All airport/hotel transfers are private, and the city tour of Santiago, vineyard tour, city tour of Puerto Montt/Puerto Varas, and the excursion to Chiloe are private for 4 Star, 5 Star, and Deluxe accommodation levels. All services in Punta Arenas and Torres del Paine are operated on a small group basis.
Elevations: Santiago is 1,700 feet above sea level, Petrohue is 810 feet, and Torres del Paine National Park elevations can reach 4,000 feet or more, depending upon your itinerary.
Passport/Visa: U.S., Canadian, UK, and EU citizens require a valid passport for at least six months from the date of entry, sufficient funds, and a return ticket. Upon entry, you will be issued a Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo) valid for up to 90 days which you can extend for another 90-day period by paying $100 USD at the Chilean Immigration Office. You must return the Tourist Card upon departure. Citizens of other countries are advised to contact the Chilean embassy in their country before traveling.
Travel Insurance: In order to protect your travel investment from unforeseen circumstances that may arise before or during your trip, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. We offer Allianz Global Assistance’s Classic Comprehensive and other plans. The Benefits and Coverage Limits are summarized on our Travel Insurance page. Call your travel counselor if you have any questions or to purchase a plan.
To Book This Trip: For 3 and 4-Star accommodations, we require a non-refundable deposit of $1,400 in single occupancy, $1,200 per person in double occupancy, and $1,100 per person in triple occupancy. For 5 Star and Deluxe accommodations, we require a non-refundable deposit of $3,200 in single occupancy, $1,800 per person in double occupancy, and $1,700 in triple occupancy. The balance of the trip cost is due 60 days prior to departure.
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