Discover Santiago & Chilean Patagonia - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Santiago, Guided Tour of Three City Parks

Welcome to Santiago, Chile's vibrant capital, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Andes. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in and get ready for a tour of three of the city's parks. Start at Parque Forestal, set along the banks of the Río Mapocho. Follow your guide down the tree-lined walkways, passing manicured gardens and sculptures before continuing to the bohemian neighborhood of Bellavista to board the Teleférico Santiago, a cable car that's part of the city's public transport system. Disembark at the Parque Metropolitano de Santiago, Chile's largest urban park.

Inside the park, you'll find the Zoológico Nacional de Chile, a charming Japanese garden, and numerous viewpoints overlooking the city. Your final stop is Parque Bicentenario, home to a number of art installations and monuments, such as Monumento a Los Heroes, honoring those who fought in the War of the Pacific. After the 3.5-hour tour, return to the hotel or grab dinner on your own. Head to Plaza de Armas, a bustling square surrounded by landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral. Sit down at one of the restaurants and enjoy your meal while soaking in the historic architecture and lively atmosphere.

Day 2: Day Trip to Viña San Esteban & Quintessence Alpacas

Leave the capital behind for the day as you transfer 1.5 hours to Viña San Esteban, a picturesque winery nestled in the heart of Chile's wine country. Learn about the meticulous winemaking process, from the careful cultivation of grapes to the art of fermentation, as you tour the vineyard and cellars. Then, sample the winery's renowned varietals, including one white reserve, one red reserve, and one red signature paired with nuts and cheeses. After the tour, sit down for a picnic in the vineyard featuring gourmet sandwiches, seasonal fruits, cookies, and juice.

When you're done eating, continue to the nearby Quintessence Alpacas, a farm that focuses on breeding and caring for alpacas. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by the sight of fluffy alpacas grazing peacefully while knowledgeable staff share insights about these beloved creatures. Approach the alpacas to take pictures and feed them. Before transferring back to the capital, visit the on-site shop to purchase unique products made from alpaca wool, such as scarves, blankets, and crafts.

Day 3: Fly to Punta Arenas, Bus to Puerto Natales, Free Time

Day 4: Full-Day Tour of Torres del Paine National Park 

Spend the day exploring Torres del Paine National Park, famous for its granite peaks, turquoise lakes, and sprawling glaciers. On the one-hour transfer, you'll stop at Cueva del Milodón Natural Monument, which features three main caverns once home to the giant mylodon, a herbivorous mammal that roamed the region during the last Ice Age. You'll also see Silla del Diablo, an impressive rock formation resembling a saddle. Once in the park, head to a viewpoint overlooking Lago Grey and enjoy panoramic views of the glacial waters with the jagged peaks of the Cordillera Darwin range in the background.

Then, cross over Serrano Bridge for a closer look at the lake as you walk along its shores and stop at another viewpoint. Return to the car and transfer to a local restaurant for lunch before continuing to the Salto Grande sector, where you can admire the turquoise waters of Lago Nordenskjöld. As you make your way to Laguna Amarga, stop at Cascada del Río Paine and watch the melting glaciers of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field cascade dramatically over the rocks. Your last stop before returning to Puerto Natales is a viewpoint overlooking Lago Sarmiento for one more glimpse of the national park.

Day 5: Half-Day Tour of Parque Bahia Esperanza

Day 6: Fly to Santiago, Explore the Capital at Leisure

After spending three days exploring Chilean Patagonia, it's time for a three-hour flight back to Santiago. Upon arrival, meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in. The rest of the day is free for you to explore more of the capital at your own pace. A good place to start is atop Cerro San Cristóbal for panoramic views of the city. You can ride the Funicular de Santiago or hike the 1.5-mile (2.5 km) trail to get to the top. When you arrive, you'll be greeted by the 72-foot-tall (22 m) statue of the Virgin Mary, built in 1908, and uninterrupted views of the sprawling cityscape surrounded by Andes.

Ride the funicular back down the hill and wander through Bellavista to admire the colorful street art and La Chascona, one of Pablo Neruda's houses. Step inside to learn more about Chile's Nobel Prize-winning poet as you peruse his eclectic collection of art, books, and maritime artifacts. As darkness falls, make your way to Pío Nono, a bustling street lined with restaurants, bars, and food stands. Sit down at a local restaurant or grab an empanada (pastry stuffed with various fillings like meat, cheese, or seafood) before returning to your hotel.

Day 7: Depart Santiago

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel, then venture out to experience a bit more of the capital on your own before your flight home. If you want to shop for souvenirs, visit Vega Central de Santiago, a bustling market overflowing with fresh produce, colorful flowers, and traditional Chilean goods, like woven blankets, delicate pottery, and wooden crafts. Grab one last empanada before returning to the hotel to meet your driver and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!