Santiago, the Chilean Lake District, and Torres del Paine

Depart to Santiago via overnight flight.

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.

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)

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)

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)

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)

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Punta Arenas. (B)

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)

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)

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)

Transfer from Torres del Paine to the airport in Punta Arenas for your return flight to Santiago and your final destination. (B)