Chilean Patagonia's National Parks & Outdoor Highlights - 14 Days

Day 5: Return to Puerto Varas

Day 6: Trek to Osorno Volcano & Paso Desolación

Today's excursion leaves from Puerto Varas, traveling along Lago Llanquihue and continuing northeast toward the Osorno volcano. Along the way, 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 Lago 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 for the evening. 

Day 7: Hike in Alerce Andino National Park

Today, you'll get another early start for a full day of 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 8: Fly to Puerto Natales

Today you'll catch a two-hour flight to the small port city of Puerto Natales, formerly a fishing port and now the main base for excursions into Torres del Paine National Park. The town is set on the Seno Última Esperanza (Last Hope Sound), offering scenic views across the water to the mountains beyond. Facing north from here, you'll see the peaks of Cerro Benitez and Cerro Toro, and the sight is especially phenomenal at sunset.

Depending on your arrival time, you might take a stroll around town and stop for a drink at one of the town's many bars and cafés. Try a traditional seafood stew in a family-run restaurant before you get some rest at your hotel. More adventures in Patagonia's landscapes await tomorrow!

Day 9: Trek to Las Torres Lookout Point

Today you'll enter the national park (the drive takes about two hours) and hike up Mount Almirante Nieto to enjoy views of the Asencio Valley and Lago Nordenskjöld. The round-trip hike is about 11 miles (18 km) in total. You'll begin by walking through ancient forests, taking breaks along the way as needed. The next part is a challenging steep ascent for 45 minutes until you reach the top, known as Mirador Base Torres.

This section of the mountain, with the Torres del Paine (torre is "tower" in Spanish) looming over a green lagoon, offers one of the best views in the park! You can also marvel at the towering peaks of nearby Torre Sur, Torre Central, Torre Norte, Condor's Nest, and Glacier Torre, all set amid the sweeping backdrop of the Patagonian highlands. Break for a picnic lunch before you start making your way back down the mountain. You'll return to Puerto Natales to spend the night.

Day 10: Transfer to Torres del Paine, Private Guided Tour 

Transfer from Puerto Natales back to Torres del Paine National Park this morning. You'll arrive at the Laguna Amarga main entrance and register with the park office. On this full-day guided tour, you'll explore Torres del Paine's unique ecosystem and impressive viewpoints at your own pace with a knowledgeable guide. Throughout the day, visit the park's four ecological zones: the Andean desert, the Magellanic subpolar, the shrubland, and the Patagonian steppe.

Along the way, you'll spot plenty of local wildlife, which might include cougars, foxes, guanacos, and birds of prey. Take in stunning landscapes, from the park's distinctive horn-shaped peaks to glacial lakes. Enjoy a few short hikes and a picnic lunch with a view. You'll finish with a ride to your lodgings in the park, where you'll have dinner and spend the night. 

Day 11: Hike & Kayak at Grey Glacier 

After a restful night and an energizing breakfast, begin a four-hour hike through a small forest along Lago Grey. Most days, this section of the park is very windy due to the open landscapes around the lake, Grey Glacier, and the Southern Ice Field. After two hours of hiking, you'll get your first glimpse of Grey Glacier. You'll continue hiking for two more hours until you arrive at Refugio & Camping Grey, where you'll spend the night. If you like, you can go on a three-hour kayaking excursion on the lake this afternoon, paddling past large floating icebergs. 

Day 12: Ice Hike on Grey Glacier & Boat Tour, Return to Puerto Natales

Make your way to the Bigfoot Basecamp this morning to begin an ice hiking excursion. First, take a boat to the island of Islatak, where you'll start a one-hour hike up the glacial moraine. After an hour of hiking, arrive at the ice to gear up and learn about the basics of ice hiking. Prepared with an ice ax, crampons, helmet, and harness, you'll start your ice hiking adventure, walking for around 2.5 hours onto the Grey Glacier as you traverse cracks, rivers, lagoons, and tunnels.

Return to camp for lunch. In the afternoon, board a catamaran to see Grey Glacier from another perspective. The boat will cruise across the lake and stop close to the glacier, allowing passengers to snap photos of its massive ice walls. At the end of the day, you'll leave the park behind and return to Puerto Natales.

Day 13: Day Trip to a Patagonian Estancia

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll set off for the beautiful Estancia La Peninsula on the Antonio Veras Peninsula. This sprawling sheep and cattle ranch is surrounded by glaciers, mountains, beech forests, and the Seno Última Esperanza—a body of water you'll have to cross by boat to arrive. The scenic 40-minute ride is part of the fun! 

When you arrive at this working wool farm, you'll get an overview of the grounds. Possible activities include horseback riding, wildlife viewing, hiking, bird-watching, and more. Your schedule for this part of the trip depends on your interests. In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional Patagonian asado (barbecue) prepared by the staff and attend the daily sheepshearing demonstration. You'll boat back to Puerto Natales in the late afternoon.

Day 14: Depart Puerto Natales

Your two-week Patagonian adventure has come to an end. After breakfast, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the airport to catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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