Highlights of Chile: Santiago, Patagonia & Wine Country - 10 Days

Day 1: Welcome to Santiago de Chile!

Welcome to Chile! Upon arrival at Santiago International Airport, a driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. You'll have the rest of the day to explore the city at your leisure. Nestled in the foothills of the Andes, Chile's capital of Santiago is a modern and bustling metropolis with pockets of historic ambiance scattered throughout its historic center. Stroll the cobblestones of Barrio Bellavista, visit the 16th century Plaza de Armas, or hike to the top of Cerro San Cristóbal for magnificent views.

For dinner be sure to get out of the hotel and enjoy a culinary adventure in the city. In recent years Santiago has emerged as a global foodie destination. Chilean chefs are reinventing traditional dishes like empanadas and cazuelas (stews) with ingredients harvested from the northern deserts and southern Patagonian regions. You can find great restaurants and wine bars not only in the Bellavista neighborhood but also in the revitalized historic barrios of Yungay and Italia.

Day 2: Santiago Half-Day Walking Tour

Today is devoted to discovering Santiago on foot, with a half-day guided tour of the city's iconic sights. Along the way, you'll tour the grand Plaza de Armas, located in the city's historic center, and discover the incredible history within the four corners of this expansive stone plaza, founded back in 1541. Nearby sits the impressive Catedral Metropolitana, a neoclassical church circa 1748, with towering twin bell towers dominating the north side of the plaza. Continue to the central street of La Alameda, see the famous Cerro San Cristóbal, and explore the Bohemian neighborhood of Bellavista. The tour comes to a close with a visit to the eastern parts of the city to admire the modern buildings that have shaped a new and modern Santiago.

Day 3: Fly Puerto Natales, Patagonia

After breakfast today, you'll be transferred to the airport to catch a flight south to the Patagonian city of Puerto Natales. Upon arrival, a transfer takes you to your hotel, and the rest of the evening is yours to relax and explore the town. This small port city is the main base for excursions into Torres del Paine National Park. It's far less touristic than many other Patagonian hubs, and thus, retains its small-town tranquility. Puerto Natales offers simple pleasures, like strolling its waterfront promenade, which sits on the Ultima Esperanza Sound. Facing north, spot the peaks of Cerro Benitez and Cerro Toro for a phenomenal sunset view.

Day 4: Torres del Paine National Park Full-Day Excursion

Early this morning, you'll depart Puerto Natales for a tour of the Milodon Cave National Monument, which is located 15 miles (25 km) to the northwest. This is one of the oldest and most important archeological and paleontological sites in southern Patagonia, so much so that it was declared a historical monument in 1968. Evidence of a human presence dating back to 11,000 years BCE has been found in this network of caves, as have the remains of prehistoric animals like the mylodon, a bear-like herbivore that went extinct about 5,000 years ago.

Then, continue to Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most beautiful protected areas on the planet. This 700-square-mile parcel of Patagonian beauty is more than just a UNESCO World Heritage Site—it's also a prime trekking destination. Greeting you at the entrance to the park are panoramic views of the famous Paine Massif: three impressive granite peaks that jut into the sky like giant fingers. 

On today's extensive, full-day tour, you'll visit some of the park's main attractions, such as the Amarga Lagoon. Nearby, find the iconic peaks of the Horns of Paine (part of the Cordillera Paine), the glacially-fed Grey Lake, and the thundering waterfalls of Salto Grande. At noon, enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the park before continuing towards the vast Grey Glacier. Along the way, you'll have the chance to observe the park's varied and unique wildlife, such as guanacos, rheas, and condors. 

At the end of the day, return to Puerto Natales for the evening.

Day 5: French Valley Full-Day Hike

Today, you'll hike into the heart of the park to visit another iconic area of Torres del Paine: the French Valley. After breakfast, meet your guide and transfer to the Pudeto Ranger Station, located on the shore of Lake Pehoé. From here, it's a half-hour catamaran cruise across to the lake to arrive at the trailhead and begin your trek.

The first part of the trail is relatively flat and leads along the north side of Lago Skottsberg to Refugio Italiano, which is located at the bottom of the French Valley. Here, break for water and snacks. Afterward, you can continue deeper into the French Valley along a steep trail through the lenga forest. Roughly 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from Italiano, you'll reach a viewpoint near the Horns of Paine that affords spectacular wide views of the French Glacier hanging down from Mount Paine Grande. From here, begin the journey back to the hotel, where you can spend the remainder of the day relaxing.

Day 6: Porteria Sarmiento Full-Day Hike

In the morning you'll venture out on a full-day excursion to the east side of the park. First, you'll arrive at a viewpoint looking out over Lago Sarmiento, the second-largest lake in Torres del Paine. It's the perfect spot to snap epic photos of the mountain landscapes as well as the guanacos that live in the area. It's also prime hunting land for the area's largest predator—the puma. 

You'll then arrive at Laguna Amarga, notable for the alkaline waters that result in its surface being so glassy and attractive. Also here is a stunning view of the Paine Massif. You'll stop nearby at Laguna Blanquillos, a natural habitat for endemic birds like ducks, black-necked swans, and geese. The hike continues to a rocky outcropping where you can see 20 cave paintings that date back about 6,000 years. 

After about two hours of walking, you'll reach the main access route to Torres del Paine National Park: the Laguna Amarga porter's lodge. Here you'll return to the vehicle and drive to the Paine Waterfall, where enjoy a box lunch and a peaceful respite from the day's exertions. The journey continues towards Cañadón Macho, where you can observe large groups of guanacos. At the end of the trek, you'll be transferred back to your hotel in Puerto Natales for a well-earned rest.

Day 7: Boat Excursion to Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers 

Early this morning, you'll head to the dock at Puerto Natales and hop on a boat bound for Mount Balmaceda, located in the southern end of Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. The park is only accessible by foot or by boat, and this nine-hour day tour follows the Ultima Esperanza Sound from Puerto Natales to the mountain (in other words, keep your camera close for a day full of breathtaking views and diverse wildlife). 

On the boat ride, you'll be treated to vast, panoramic views of native forests comprised of coihue, canelo, and lenga trees. You're also likely to spot sea lions and possibly even Magellanic dolphins as you head north towards the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers. You’ll then disembark and have an opportunity to enjoy views of these glaciers from land. After a short hike, you’ll then reach a local ranch, where a typical Patagonian barbecue will be served. 

In the afternoon, return by boat to Puerto Natales.

Day 8: Fly to Santiago, Transfer to the Casablanca Valley

Bid Patagonia farewell today as your driver takes you to the Puerto Natales airport to catch a flight back to Santiago. Upon arrival in the capital, you'll be picked up for an hour's drive west into the famous Casablanca Valley. Cradled between mountains and the Pacific coast, this fertile valley is one of Chile's top wine-growing regions. 

 

Your base for the next two nights is the Viñedo Matetic, a premier winery that also offers luxurious accommodations onsite at La Casona, a traditional colonial country house. After getting settled in, you'll be welcomed with a four-course lunch and wine pairing, and spend the rest of the day at your leisure before dinner is served. 

Day 9: Explore Viñedo Matetic & the Casablanca Valley

After a leisurely breakfast, the rest of the day is devoted to enjoying your surroundings in this wine lover's haven. Embark on a winery tour to learn more about the growing and harvesting process of Viñedo Matetic, enjoy a tasting flight of the vineyard's premium vintages, and explore the Rosario Valley with a guided excursion by horseback, bicycle, or van. After an afternoon lounging by the pool, toast your final day in Chile over a celebratory dinner.

Day 10: Transfer to Santiago & Departure

It's time to say goodbye to the Casablanca Valley and Chile! After enjoying a final breakfast among the vines, your driver will pick you up for a transfer to Santiago International Airport, where you'll catch your departing flight. ¡Buen Viaje!

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