Chile Tour From Santiago

Arriving in Santiago de Chile in the morning, you’ll be met and greeted by your guide at the airport. On the way to your hotel, we’ll take a city tour through Santiago, Chile’s bustling capital.

We’ll begin on Alameda, Santiago’s colourful main avenue, where important buildings like the San Francisco Church and the Santa Lucia Hill perch among red, yellow and blue street murals. Then, we’ll continue towards the famous Plaza de Armas in the heart of the city and to the Pre-Colombian Museum. Here, you’ll discover fascinating stories of the indigenous communities and oldest inhabitants of Chile.

Admire the bright city colours and modern architecture as you drive back to your hotel, where the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Start with an early breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a journey west. We’ll pass the main square again and get a closer view of the war memorials.

Today, you’ll explore the UNESCO listed Valparaíso - a charming port city on the coast, dotted with colourful cliff top houses, pretty cobblestone streets and old cable cars. Then, you’ll take the coastal highway to Viña del Mar (fondly known to Chileans as The Garden City), a coastal city with luxury beach resorts and immaculate botanical gardens.

We’ll see the pretty Flower Clock with its three meter rotating hands, atop a hill overlooking the Pacific, a symbol to commemorate the World Cup held in Chile. We’ll end the tour in the city’s main square, Plaza Vergara. Enjoy the green surroundings or go for a stroll and stumble upon little shops selling trinkets and handmade artefacts.

On day three of our Classic Chile Tour, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and accompanied to Santiago Airport, where you’ll fly to Calama.

Once you arrive at Calama, you’ll be welcomed and driven to your hotel in San Pedro. Enjoy the rest of your day at your own pace, rest and get ready for a packed day tomorrow.

The day starts with a trip to Atacama Salt Lake, the third largest salt flat in the world, and surrounded by the majestic Andes Mountains. It’s millions of years old and is home to one of the largest lithium reserves in the world. Spot the colonies of three different breeds of brightly coloured flamingos here, as well as various species of wild birds.

The day comes to an end in Toconao, a traditional colonial village dating back 12,000 years. You’ll visit the famous Bell Tower, a historic 18th century icon in the centre of the town built from volcanic rocks. In the main square, find stands and stalls selling mini trinkets and alpaca textiles.

Day five of our Classic Chile Tour starts with an early dawn rise to watch the sunrise in one of the most beautiful geothermal fields in the world. At ‘El Tatio’ Geysers, we’ll enjoy breakfast with views of the endemic wildlife venturing out from their hiding spots in search for breakfast.

After breakfast, we’ll head to the nearby Machuca, a small Andean village made up of just 20 houses. Spot local wildlife like llamas, alpacas and flamingos in the wetlands and pick up some handmade handicrafts to take home. We also recommend trying the local favourites, empanadas, before you go.

As the afternoon draws to a close, it’s time for a drive to Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) to watch the striking sunset. This remote place is a mesmerising sight - snow-capped volcanoes surround the areas and the sky shines multicoloured hues of oranges, reds and purples. It’s the perfect end to the day.

It’s day six of our Classic Chile Tour and it’s time to journey on to Puerto Varas. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to the airport in Calama, where you’ll take a local flight to Puerto Montt through Santiago.

Once you arrive at Puerto Varas, you’ll be met and greeted at the airport and accompanied to your hotel. After a packed day yesterday, enjoy today at your leisure. Unwind at your hotel or explore the area, ready for tomorrow.

Today starts with a beautiful scenic drive through lush countryside on the way to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. This protected area in the southern Lake District is best known for Petrohué Falls, a huge tumbling waterfall which cascades down volcanic rock chutes. Visit the emerald waters of Lake Todos Los Santos and take in the views of the snow covered Osorno Volcano.

Among white mountain views, enjoy lunch at the foot of the volcano in the Ensenada village. Then, venture towards the ski centre for views of the black sand shores of Llanquihue Lake. For more dramatic views from above, book an optional ride in a chairlift and soar above the second largest lake in Chile.

After an early breakfast, it’s time for a drive along the Llanquihue Lake to reach the western village of Frutillar. Known as the German town of Chile, you’ll discover the heritage through the architecture of the homes, shops, cafés and restaurants. For a taste of local life, try the Kuchen (a German cake), which can be found in every café and restaurant in the town. Visit the German Colonial Museum and discover the long history of the German settlers in Puerto Varas.

Leave Puerto Varas behind and take a 30 minute ferry ride to Chiloé Island, where a handful of villages await. Spend the morning discovering the towns’ old folklore, myths and legends. Stroll along the “palafitos” - typical seaside houses painted in bright reds, yellows and greens perched on the water.

Next, we’ll head north to Dalcahue and then to Ancud for more historical discoveries dating back centuries.

This morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Puerto Varas and driven to the airport in Puerto Montt for a short flight to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and accompanied to your hotel, with a city tour along the way.

Once you arrive at your hotel, take a breather, unwind and regroup for the last five days of your Classic Chile Tour.

Set off from your hotel in Punta Arenas, where you’ll be met and accompanied to your hotel in Puerto Natales. 

On day 12, you’ll take a full day boat tour on the Seno Ultima Esperanza and set sail for Chile’s biggest national reserve, the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. Discover majestic mountains and striking glaciers, including famous Serrano and Balmaceda. Venture inwards to the unspoiled Patagonian Forest for stunning views of glacier carved fjords and peaks.

It’s almost the end of your Classic Chile Tour but not before a visit to one of the most spectacular scenic locations of the region - Torres del Paine National Park. In this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site, we’ll come face to face with soaring mountains, electric blue glaciers, shimmering lakes and tumbling waterfalls. Discover the home of 26 different species of mammals, including the South Andean Deer and over 115 bird species.

Today you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Puerto Natales and driven to the airport in Punta Arenas for a short flight back to Santiago. You’ll be welcomed at the airport and accompanied to your hotel in Santiago. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

It’s the last day of your Classic Chile Tour. After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to Santiago Airport for your flight home.