Highlights
- Sample modern Chilean cuisine in Santiago's best restaurants
- Enjoy views of the snowcapped Andes while trekking near the Osorno volcano
- Meet colonies of Magellanic and Humboldt penguins on Isla Chiloé
- Hike around mountain lagoons in Alerce Andino National Park
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Santiago, Explore the Chilean Capital | Santiago |
| Day 2 | Day Trip to Cajón de Maipo | Santiago |
| Day 3 | Fly to Puerto Montt, Transfer to Puerto Varas & the Patagonian Lake District | Puerto Varas |
| Day 4 | Trek to Osorno Volcano & Paso Desolación | Puerto Varas |
| Day 5 | Explore Isla Chiloé & Puñihuil Penguins National Reserve | Puerto Varas |
| Day 6 | Hike in Alerce Andino National Park | Puerto Varas |
| Day 7 | Kayak La Poza Lagoon, Fly to Santiago, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Santiago, Explore the Chilean Capital
Welcome to Chile! You'll arrive in Santiago, a dynamic capital city that has everything you could want in a Latin American metropolis: Spanish colonial landmarks, bohemian and trendy neighborhoods, and a great dining scene. At the airport, a driver will pick you up for the ride to the Singular Santiago, a 5-star luxury hotel in Santiago's historic Lastarria neighborhood. After checking in, you can relax in your suite or enjoy a massage at the hotel spa.
The rest of the day is yours to explore the city. Snap photos of the Palacio de la Moneda, Chile's opulent presidential palace, a short stroll from the Plaza de Armas. Next, stroll the cobblestone streets of Barrio Bellavista to see colorful houses, vibrant street art, and an eclectic array of eateries and bars that are great for people-watching.
For dinner, enjoy a culinary adventure in the city. In recent years, Santiago has emerged as a global foodie destination as Chilean chefs reinvent traditional dishes, like empanadas and cazuelas (stews), with ingredients sourced from the Atacama Desert and the southern Patagonian region. You'll find great restaurants and wine bars in the Bellavista neighborhood and the revitalized historic districts of Yungay and Italia. Head back to your hotel to get some rest before tomorrow's day trip to the countryside.
Day 2: Day Trip to Cajón de Maipo
Today's adventure will take you on a private day trip outside the city of Santiago and into the neighboring Maipo Valley. As you navigate the winding roads into the valley, you'll see why Cajón del Maipo is known as the adventure capital of the larger Santiago area. Throughout the year, the region attracts outdoor enthusiasts for cycling, trekking, rafting, and camping.
Stop in the small town of San José del Maipo, where you'll have the chance to walk around this historic settlement and get a feel for the local population. Throughout the day, your guide will lead you to different spots in the area for short hikes, visits to small villages, and scenic lookout points. At the end of the tour, you'll stop near a beautiful waterfall for a picnic lunch before returning to the city.
Day 3: Fly to Puerto Montt, Transfer to Puerto Varas & the Patagonian Lake District
Leave Santiago behind this morning as you catch a flight south to Puerto Montt and Chile's Patagonian Lake District, where snowcapped volcanoes meet forested islands dotted with shimmering lakes. On arrival, your driver will take you 30 minutes north to Puerto Varas, which sits on the deep blue Lago Llanquihue.
You'll be staying right on the lakeshore just outside of town at Casa Molino. This 4-star hotel offers cozy themed rooms, each with queen beds and jaw-dropping views out over the lake to the snowcapped Osorno volcano beyond. Before the start of each adventurous day, fortify yourself with the hotel's decadent buffet breakfast, then unwind at the end of each afternoon as you enjoy the sunset from the terrace with a glass of nice Chilean red.
For now, drop your luggage off at the hotel, savor a leisurely lunch, and then explore the village. Puerto Varas is known for its Germanic heritage, visible in its 19th and early 20th-century architecture. Stroll along the waterfront, viewing the snowcapped Andean peaks in the distance. You'll venture out to discover the surrounding landscapes tomorrow, but for now, settle in for a relaxed evening in Puerto Varas.
Day 4: Trek to Osorno Volcano & Paso Desolación
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Today's private excursion leaves from Puerto Varas, traveling along Lago Llanquihue and continuing northeast toward the Osorno volcano. Along the way, you'll pass the mouth of the Río Pescado (Fish River) and the villages of La Poza and Los Riscos. Head toward the base of the volcano to begin today's six-hour hike.
The trek starts on the trail that leads to Lake Todos Los Santos. During the 7.5-mile (12 km) walk, take in spectacular views of the Tronador and Puntiagudo volcanoes, the snow-covered summits of the Andes, and the lake's emerald waters. The name of this trail, Paso Desolación (Desolation Path), refers to the low-lying vegetation of lichens and shrubs that frame panoramic views along the route. Return to Puerto Varas and your hotel later in the afternoon for some well-earned rest.
Day 5: Explore Isla Chiloé & Puñihuil Penguins National Reserve
In the morning, your driver will take you to nearby Puerto Montt, then continue up the Panamericana 5 Highway to the port of Pargua. Here, you'll set off on a 30-minute boat ride across the Chacao Channel to Isla Chiloé. This striking archipelago showcases dense forests, rolling green hills, and caves steeped in legends. Stop in the town of Ancud to visit its museum and market, then soak up the view from Cerro Huaihuen, which features landmarks like Fuerte San Antonio, an early 19th-century Spanish fort that played a significant role in the wars for independence.
Next, head to the Caulín Bird Sanctuary, a haven for over 60 migratory bird species that gather off its pebbly beach, including black-necked swans, flamingoes, and herons. The bird theme continues with a trip to a penguin colony in nearby Puñihuil, the only place in the world where Magellanic and Humboldt species coexist. In the late afternoon, return to Puerto Varas and treat yourself to a relaxing evening in town.
Day 6: Hike in Alerce Andino National Park
Today, you'll get another early start for a full day of privately guided trekking. After breakfast, you'll depart Puerto Varas for the 30-minute journey to Puerto Montt. Then, it's another 30 minutes south to the coastal town of Lenca, the gateway to Alerce Andino National Park.
Today's trek follows a route that runs along the edge of the Río Chaicas. The scenery in this part of Chile's Lake District is nothing short of spectacular. You'll pass through great swaths of unique, temperate forests abounding with mañio, tepa, arrayán, and alerce trees. Take breaks at Lagos Chaiquenes and Triangulo, a pair of glassy mountain lagoons that are excellent spots for bird-watching. At the end of the trek, you'll return to Puerto Varas.
Day 7: Kayak La Poza Lagoon, Fly to Santiago, Depart
It's your final day in Chile—though there's just enough time to sneak in one last excursion. Meet your private kayaking guide in the morning and transfer to Laguna La Poza, a small lagoon connected to Lago Llanquihue by a skinny channel. Weeping willows and volcano views abound in this hidden gem, and you'll spend the morning paddling through the hanging willow tunnels, bird-watching, and enjoying total peace and tranquility before reality beckons you home.
Later, return through the channel to Lago Llanquihue and disembark. A driver will be waiting to transfer you back to the airport in Puerto Montt, where you'll catch a flight to Santiago and your onward connection. Safe travels!
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