Chilean Adventure from City Lights to Starry Nights - 15 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Santiago, Explore Chile's Capital at Leisure

Welcome to Santiago, Chile's lively capital nestled in a valley surrounded by the Andes mountains. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in. The rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish, so you could relax at the hotel or venture out to explore the area on your own. A good place to start is the National Museum of Natural History in the heart of the city. Explore the connections between nature and science as you peruse impressive displays of native flora and fauna and fascinating exhibits on the country's geological formations. 

Just across the street from the museum is Parque Forestal, an expansive urban park that stretches alongside the Mapocho River. Go for a leisurely stroll along the well-maintained paths lined with lush trees, colorful flower beds, and charming sculptures. Then, make your way to Bellavista, a lively neighborhood known for its nightlife, artistic vibe, and numerous restaurants. Visit a local restaurant for dinner to indulge in traditional food like asado (Chilean barbecue) or cazuela (a hearty stew made with meat, potatoes, corn, and other vegetables).

Day 2: Fly to Balmaceda, Drive to Puerto Río Tranquilo, Kayak Tour

After a restful night in the capital, meet your driver and transfer to the airport for a 2.5-hour flight to Balmaceda, a small village located in northern Patagonia's Aysén region. Upon arrival, pick up your rental car and set off on a four-hour drive to Puerto Río Tranquilo, a charming town on the shores of Lago General Carrera. The scenic drive takes you along Carretera Austral, a winding road that passes through rugged mountains, deep valleys, and lush forests. You'll also pass Reserva Nacional Cerro Castillo, the turquoise Laguna Chiguay, and the Río Murta.

When you arrive, check in at your hotel and get ready for a kayak tour in the Capillas de Mármol, located along the lake's shores. Jump in your kayak and explore the series of caves, tunnels, and columns carved out of solid marble by thousands of years of wave erosion. Get a close-up look at the intricate patterns and swirling colors of the marble—ranging from whites and grays to blues and greens—which contrast with the blue and turquoise waters of the lake. As you paddle through the calm waters, you'll also see sunlight filtering into the caves, creating an almost surreal atmosphere as it highlights the polished rock surfaces.

Day 3: Boat Tour of the San Rafael Glacier

Depart bright and early on your two-hour transfer to Bahía Exploradores, situated at the western end of Valle Exploradores. The entire valley is known for its temperate forests, glacier-fed rivers, and exotic wildlife, including pumas and pudus. When you arrive, complete a safety briefing, then board a boat to explore the area from the water. Enjoy breakfast as you cruise through the delta of the Río Exploradores, surrounded by lush vegetation, towering mountains, and pristine waters that shimmer in various shades of blue and green.

The delta is a vital ecosystem rich with wildlife, so you may spot birds such as Magellanic woodpeckers and Andean condors, as well as seals basking on the shores. After about 2.5 hours, you'll reach the San Rafael Glacier within Parque Nacional Laguna San Rafael. Admire the massive ice formations and listen for the sounds of cracking ice as chunks of the glacier break off and plunge into the lagoon. Then, enjoy a boxed lunch and a glass of whiskey chilled with ice from a nearby glacier. Later in the afternoon, return to the pier in Bahía Exploradores, and transfer back to Puerto Río Tranquilo in time for dinner.

Day 4: Marble Caves Boat Tour, Drive to Balmaceda, Fly to Punta Arenas

Before you drive back to Balmaceda to catch another flight, get one more look at Capillas de Mármol on a leisurely boat tour. Glide across the turquoise waters, passing through narrow openings, past smooth pillars, and under marble arches. Watch the sunlight illuminate the marble's swirling patterns of whites, blues, and grays. After the cruise, drive to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight to Punta Arenas, the southernmost city in Chile located on the shores of the Strait of Magellan. Depending on flight schedules, you might have a layover in Puerto Montt in the Lakes District.

Day 5: Kayak Excursion in the Strait of Magellan, Horseback Ride by the Strait

Day 6: Visit the Penguin Colony on Isla Magdalena, Bus to Puerto Natales

Today's half-day tour begins bright and early as you transfer to a pier on the Strait of Magellan for a 1.5-hour boat ride to Isla Magdalena. This small island is home to one of Chile's largest colonies of Magellanic penguins, with up to 170,000 of these charismatic birds nesting there. When you arrive, disembark and spend one hour on shore, where you can walk along designated paths to an old lighthouse that offers sweeping views of the strait. Along the way, you'll get a close-up look at the penguins waddling around their burrows, building their nests, catching fish, and preening their feathers.

Besides penguins, you might spot other wildlife, such as seagulls and cormorants. Depending on weather conditions, you may pass Isla Marta on your way back to the mainland to see the resident South American sea lions on its rocky shores. You can often watch these playful animals basking in the sun, swimming in the strait, or engaging in social interactions with each other. After admiring the sea lions, transfer to the bus terminal for a three-hour ride to Puerto Natales, known as the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park.

Day 7: Hike the Base Torres Trail to Mirador Las Torres

Lace up your hiking boots and stretch your legs for today's 12-mile (19 km) hike to Mirador Las Torres along the Base Torres Trail. This challenging full-day hike takes you through a variety of landscapes, starting with a steady ascent through a valley surrounded by lush lenga forests and towering mountains. Along the way, you'll cross glacial rivers and catch glimpses of cascading waterfalls, adding to the serenity of the landscape. As you ascend, the scenery shifts dramatically, revealing panoramic views of the park's granite peaks and sprawling valleys.

The final stretch presents a challenging climb as you have to scramble across medium-sized rocks, but it will be well worth the effort once you reach the viewpoint. Look out at the towering granite spires known as the Torres del Paine, which rise dramatically above a glacial lake. Surrounding the towers are the Paine Massif peaks, often capped with snow. The stark contrast between the rugged grey rock and the vibrant turquoise waters makes for the perfect photo opportunity to commemorate your accomplishment. After taking in the view, trek back to the starting point along the same trail.

Day 8: Boat Tour of the Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers

Today you'll spend the day exploring the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, Chile's largest national park, by boat. The park spans over 3,500 square miles (9,000 sq km), so you'll only get a glimpse of it today as you cruise to the southern end to see the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers. Keep your camera close during this scenic boat ride as you'll be treated to panoramic views of native forests composed of coihue, canelo, and lenga beech trees. You're also likely to spot sea lions, cormorants, and dolphins as you make your way toward the glaciers.

Disembark and look out at these enormous ice structures from the land, shimmering in shades of blue and white. Listen for the sound of cracking ice as the glaciers shift, and if you're lucky, you may even witness chunks of ice breaking off into the waters below. After a short hike, you'll reach a ranch, where you can enjoy a traditional Patagonian barbecue. In the afternoon, return to Puerto Natales by boat.

Day 9: Full-Day Tour of Torres del Paine National Park & Surroundings

Spend a full day exploring Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Chile's second-largest national park. On the two-hour transfer, you'll pass Silla del Diablo, an armchair-like rock formation, and stop at Cueva del Mylodon. Inside the series of impressive caves, you'll find a life-sized replica of a mylodon, a giant herbivore that became extinct in the late Pleistocene era. Back in the car, pass rolling hills, shimmering lagoons, and towering peaks before arriving at the national park.

Head straight to Mirador Lago Grey for panoramic views of Grey Glacier, the Paine Massif mountain range, and Lago Toro in the distance. A couple of miles farther on, you'll see Cuernos del Paine, iconic granite peaks named for their distinctive horn-like shape. From here, you'll enjoy a leisurely walk around Lago Grey, and if the weather permits, you'll stop at the Mirador del Península Grey for uninterrupted views of the lake.

After the trek, enjoy a break and picnic lunch in the park before continuing to Salto Grande, a dramatic cascade where the Río Paine flows swiftly over a series of rocky cliffs. Then, make your way to Mirador Lago Nordenskjöld and take in views of the turquoise waters and surrounding peaks. Your last stop is Laguna Amarga, a striking lagoon known for its captivating shades of blue and green. After admiring the picturesque scene, return to Puerto Natales for the night, passing by Mirador Lago Sarmiento on the way back.

Day 10: Fly to Calama, Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, Stargazing Tour

Bid farewell to Puerto Natales this morning as you transfer to the bus terminal for a three-hour ride to Punta Arenas. From there, you'll catch a 4-5-hour indirect flight to Calama, where a driver will be waiting to transfer you 1.5 hours to San Pedro de Atacama, a remote town in the heart of the Atacama Desert, known as the driest place on Earth. Check in at your hotel and get ready for a stargazing tour on the Altiplano, also known as the Andean Plateau, surrounded by towering volcanoes.

Start the tour with an astronomy lesson before heading into the desert. The plateau's high altitude and minimal light pollution make it an ideal place for stargazing. Your guide will help you identify constellations and teach you about local celestial phenomena, like ancient Inca star maps. After admiring the stars with your naked eye, use a high-powered telescope and/or binoculars to spot an array of celestial objects, including planets, binary stars, and spherical clusters.

Day 11: E-Bike Ride to the Cordillera de la Sal, Buggy Safari in the Desert

Get ready for another active adventure as you start your morning with an 18.6-mile (30 km) e-bike ride to the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountain Range). Complete a safety briefing and grab your helmet and gloves before setting off. The electric bike allows you to effortlessly navigate the rugged terrain while soaking in the view of the surrounding canyons and mesmerizing rock formations carved by wind and water over millennia. When you arrive, admire the striking salt flats, where crystallized salt forms intricate patterns that glisten in the sunlight.

After three hours on the e-bike, switch to a buggy for a deeper exploration of the desert. Your expert local guide will navigate steep mountains, riverbed crossings, and hulking dunes, all while entertaining you with facts about the area's history and ecology. Be sure to pack your camera, as there'll be plenty of photo opportunities of the lunar-like landscape along the way.

Day 12: Guided Tour of the Lagunas Baltinache or Waterfalls Trek

Start your day with a visit to the Lagunas Baltinache, seven striking saltwater lagoons set against the backdrop of the rugged desert. The lagoons are renowned for their vivid turquoise and deep blue hues, a result of their high saline content. Go for a dip in two of the serene, mineral-rich lagoons that make floating effortless. The lagoons may be closed for swimming to protect the delicate ecosystems, so your guide will take you on a waterfall trek instead.

Despite the Atacama Desert being the driest place on Earth, it's home to five notable waterfalls, three of which you'll see today. Walk through canyons and native vegetation, including a cactus valley, along the Vilama River. Admire each cascade, the tallest being 26 feet (8 m), and stop for a refreshing dip in the oasis-like setting before returning to your hotel around 7:00 pm.

Day 13: Tour of El Tatio, Transfer to Santiago

Wake before first light and bundle up in warm clothes for the 1.5-hour transfer to El Tatio, one of the world's highest geyser fields set at an altitude of 14,173 feet (4,319 m). Along the way, you can watch one last sunrise over the Atacama Desert. When you arrive, walk through the field past bubbling hot springs, boiling mud pools, and over 80 active geysers releasing pillars of steam that can reach up to 30 feet (10 m) into the air.

Savor a scenic breakfast overlooking the otherworldly landscape. Then, transfer back to San Pedro de Atacama, looking out for llamas and flamingoes from the nearby marshlands. Upon arrival, you'll meet your driver for a 1.5-hour transfer to the airport in Calama. Catch a two-hour flight back to the capital, and simply walk across the street to your airport hotel.

Day 14: Santiago City Tour, Private Dinner

Your penultimate day in Chile takes you on a tour of its capital, starting at Mercado Central to wander the aisles, engage with vendors, and sample traditional Chilean dishes like ceviche, empanadas, and grilled fish, all prepared with the freshest ingredients. Then, head to Plaza de Armas, a lively plaza surrounded by the Museo Histórico Nacional (National Museum of History), Correo Central (Central Post Office), and Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral), a neoclassical church with imposing columns, twin bell towers, and arched windows. 

Your last stop is either Cerro Santa Lucía or Cerro San Cristóbal, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city's urban sprawl, historic architecture, and landmarks like Gran Torre Santiago, Latin America's tallest building. In the evening, enjoy a private dinner to commemorate your final night in Chile. The meal will feature delicious Chilean dishes prepared with a regional twist and paired with a selection of wines or fresh fruit juice. The chef will try to accommodate special requests, so don't hesitate to ask about meal options. You might also have a chance to hear live music with traditional instruments and Chilean songs.

Day 15: Day Trip to Valparaíso & Wine Tour, Depart

After breakfast, head to the coastal city of Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the country's most romantic and artistic city. On the 1.5-hour transfer, stop at an organic winery in the Casablanca Valley for a guided tour and tasting session, where you'll try several different wines. Once you arrive in the colorful port city, jump on a trolley and travel between Plaza Sotomayor and Plaza Aníbal Pinto. Check out the colorful murals, historic buildings, and lively waterfront before riding the Ascensor Reina Victoria to the top of Cerro Alegre, one of the city's many hills. 

Continue to two more of these hills: Cerro Concepción and Cerro Florida, with their brightly painted houses, old churches, and cobbled squares. Then, indulge in some of the best seafood in South America, as the city's proximity to the Pacific Ocean means it's super fresh. Following your meal, you'll make your way back to your hotel in Santiago to grab your bags, meet your driver, and transfer to the airport in time for your flight home. Safe travels!