Luxury Lakes & Mountains of Chile: Santiago, the Lake District & Patagonia - 14 Days

Highlights

• Dine at some of the best restaurants in Chile, from Santiago to Patagonia
• Go road-tripping to Valparaíso and enjoy wine tastings in the Casablanca Valley
• Trek up to glaciers and waterfalls in the Lake District and Torres del Paine
• Go kayaking and take boat trips on fjords, rivers, and lakes in Patagonia

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Santiago, Dinner at Bocanariz

Welcome to Chile! This small nation on the edge of South America is often overlooked by travelers, much to their detriment. Besides its long, scenic coastline and world-class cities, Chile also features diverse natural wonders, most notably the southern Patagonia region. You'll be treated to both metropolitan fun and rugged outdoor adventures during your tenure here, plus enjoy comfort and luxury each step of the way. Begin in style with your arrival at the airport in the capital of Santiago, a chic metropolis nestled high in the Andes mountains and fringed by towering, snowcapped peaks.

Your driver will meet you at the airport 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. Or, stretch your legs on a self-guided tour around the neighborhood. You aren't far from major landmarks like La Moneda, Chile's opulent presidential palace. Also, don't miss Plaza de Armas, the main square. It's home to the 19th-century Palace of the Royal Court and the Catedral Metropolitana, a neoclassical building that dates to 1753.

Then, in the evening, you'll enjoy your maiden dinner in Chile—a memorable dining experience at Bocanariz. This intimate eatery in Lastarria offers a great (and romantic) environment to indulge in Mediterranean-inspired dishes featuring local ingredients. Highlights include crab linguine, Wagyu ossobuco, and conchiglioni with prawns, bacon, and grana padano cheese. The pièce de résistance, however, is Bocanariz's 300-strong wine list, each bottle curated to complement each dish perfectly.

Day 2: Day Trip to Valparaíso & Casablanca Valley

After enjoying an a la carte breakfast from the hotel's gourmet restaurant, you'll meet a local guide in the lobby and hit the road on a full-day private tour. It's a 1.5-hour drive west from Santiago to Valparaíso, a port city as imaginative as it is historic. During the scenic road trip, you'll pass the hills and vineyards of the fertile Casablanca Valley. More than that, there will be time to stop at a premium winery to taste the fruits of Chile's most famous viticulture region. During a tasting tour, you'll sample a few flagship wines, including Chile's signature varietal carménère.

Later, you'll arrive in Valparaíso. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its colorful hillside neighborhoods, winding stairways, and abundance of street art. It's a well-preserved snapshot of a time when electric trolleys coasted through downtown in front of Art Nouveau buildings. On a tour, you'll visit famous landmarks, such as Plaza de la Victoria and the Naval Academy, and ride a funicular elevator up into the hills to enjoy panoramic vistas of the Pacific. A real highlight is the former home of Chile's Nobel Prize-winning poet, Pablo Neruda. Afterward, you'll transfer back to Santiago.

Day 3: Day Trip to Cajón del Maipo & Trekking 

It's an early start as today, you'll embark on a memorable journey to the heart of the Cajón del Maipo, a gorge and valley featuring some of the most beautiful scenery around Santiago. Not only does this region serve as a natural reserve for Chile's endemic flora and fauna, but its Embalse de Yeso reservoir is also a crucial source of drinking water for the capital.

Your adventure begins before dawn as your driver picks you up at the hotel for the trip south out of the city into the Andes. Upon entering the Cajón del Maipo, there will be a stop for coffee before continuing to the southernmost end of the region, where numerous glaciers and towering peaks await. At the foot of the mountains, you and your private guide will grab your hiking equipment and set off on a nature trek across snowy and rocky terrain.

After about an hour, you'll reach the flourishing Engorda Valley, which lies beneath the iconic peaks of Cerro Marmolejo and the San José volcano. Throughout the hike, your guide will share insights into the valley's ecosystem and the surrounding hills. A real treat is a picnic lunch on the mountain amid views of surrounding glaciers and peaks. After eating, you'll make your way back down the mountain and transfer back to Santiago.

Day 4: Fly to Pucón, Glacier & Waterfall Trek

Say goodbye to the capital this morning, as you'll return to the airport and board a 1.5-hour flight south into Chile's gorgeous Lake District and the city of Temuco. The Lake District is known as the gateway to Chilean Patagonia, but it's also a famous vacation destination in its own right. Filled with glassy lakes dotted with postcard villages and surrounded by volcanic peaks, the hiking here is just as epic as what you'll find farther south in Patagonia.

Upon arrival, a driver will transfer you 1.5 hours south to Pucón. This idyllic town on Lago Villarrica is a base for water activities as well as excursions to the nearby Villarrica volcano. You'll be staying outside of town at andBeyond Vira Vira, a luxury lodge on a 54-acre (22 ha) organic farm next to the Río Pucón and surrounded by evergreen forests. Settle into your luxury suite or villa with local Indigenous art and huge windows overlooking the river. The sprawling grounds include a working farm, vegetable garden, and boutique cheese factory that supplies the restaurant's farm-to-fork menu. 

Then, meet a local guide for a full-day adventure. Head east of Pucón deep into Villarrica National Park and a trailhead. There, embark on a 5-mile (8 km) private hike up through native lenga and araucaria forest. This is the Pichillancahue Glacier trail to the namesake glacier, which is stained black by volcanic ash. Once there, you'll break for a picnic lunch amid views of the glacier and the snowcapped cone of the Villarrica volcano. The return journey takes you back on the same route, but there will be another stop at Salto del León, a waterfall that plunges over 164 feet (50 m) in the forest. 

Day 5: Day Trip to El Cañi Reserve & Hot Springs

Embark upon another private trekking tour today, complete with a soak in healing hot springs. After breakfast, your guide will take you 13 miles (20 km) out of Pucón to Santuario El Cañi, a 1,500-acre (607 ha) private reserve beloved by hikers for its diverse scenery.

Follow trails through the Andes, ascending past glittering lagoons, mountain flora, and forests of giant araucaria trees, some up to 2,000 years old. Your guide will be on the lookout for wildlife such as foxes and pudus, the world's smallest species of deer. Admire views from a 5,085-foot (1,550 m) lookout showcasing the area's hulking volcanoes and topaz lakes. 

You'll break for a leisurely picnic lunch at a scenic area in the park. Then, head back down the trail and transfer to a nearby hot spring for a nice long soak in steaming geothermal pools. After letting the soothing waters work their magic on your tired muscles, you'll transfer back to Pucón for dinner, followed by a good night's rest. 

Day 6: Transfer to Puerto Varas, Dinner at Mesa Tropera

In the morning, a driver will pick up up for the four-hour transfer south to Puerto Varas, located on the shores of Lago Llanquihue. Named "the City of Roses" after the flowers that line its streets, Puerto Varas offers a mix of German colonial architecture and Indigenous Mapuche culture.

Head straight to Hotel AWA, a lavish lakeshore retreat devised by architect-owner Mauricio Fuentes. The contemporary hotel combines concrete and volcanic rock walls with cozy lounges lit by flickering fireplaces and features rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal views of the lake and the massive cone of the Osorno volcano. If you like, spend the rest of the day relaxing by AWA's heated pool and snacking at the on-site gourmet restaurant.

Save some room for dinner because you'll head into town in the evening for a fun night out at Mesa Tropera. Located in a waterfront factory space converted into the coolest eatery on the lake, this is the place to come for New York-style pizza and pasta dishes washed down with a craft beer or a local pisco sour. Enjoy your meal amid prime views of the lake from the restaurant's floor-to-ceiling windows.

Day 7: Alerce Andino Trek, Rafting the Río Petrohué

It's another early start today, as you'll leave on a 4-6-hour trekking excursion. After breakfast, depart Puerto Varas for the 30-minute journey to the city of Puerto Montt. Then, it's another 30 minutes south to the coastal town of Lenca, the gateway to Alerce Andino National Park.

Today's privately-guided 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 swathes 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, transfer to the town of Ensenada and a rafting base on the RÍo Petrohué. Here, you'll receive a safety briefing from your guides and learn basic paddling techniques before embarking on a rafting adventure. During this half-day river journey, which mixes calm waters with Class III rapids, you'll pass along the region's lush forests and peaceful scenery. At the end of the ride, enjoy a snack on the riverbank before transferring back to Puerto Varas.

Day 8: Full-Day Río Petrohué Fly Fishing

Today's outing on the Río Petrohué is a bit more subdued, as fly fishing is a great way to relax and commune with nature. This full-day activity begins with a transfer from your hotel in Puerto Varas back to Ensenada and the river, where a special boat awaits. Along with your private guide, you'll cruise along pristine waters abounding with fish, including various types of trout.

Throughout the day, you'll stop at the best, most secluded spots to try and reel in such fish. Even more spectacular than the fishing, however, is the Lake District and river scenery, which includes views of the surrounding forests and Osorno volcano. Enjoy a relaxing lunch on the riverbanks (beer included), then continue fishing for a couple more hours before returning to your hotel in Puerto Varas.

Day 9: Kayaking on Reloncaví Estuary, Dinner at La Marca

Leave bright and early on a return trip to Ensenada. But rather than another river adventure, today you'll enjoy a half-day private kayak trip around Lago Llanquihue and the Lake District's beautiful fjords. After a safety briefing, hop in your kayak and set off on the lake, paddling to the village of Ralún. From there, continue on to the Reloncaví Estuary, known for its glassy waters and surrounding mountain scenery. Pull up on shore and break for a traditional farm-style meal with locals, followed by a short nature walk.

After the hike, get back on the water and paddle around the fjord at a leisurely pace. This area is a haven for wildlife, and as you go, there will be plenty of opportunities to spot birds, from pelicans to cormorants, as well as sea lions and penguins. The trip ends at the village of Cochamó, a scenic spot between the Andes and the Pacific. From there, you'll transfer back to Puerto Varas, arriving just in time for a well-deserved dinner.

Tonight's meal is another special experience, as you'll be dining at La Marca. One of the gastronomic stars of Puerto Varas, this renowned eatery earned its accolades for its flame-grilled beef, which is some of the best in the region. And while this is a steakhouse of the highest caliber—one occupying a cozy lodge, no less—it also offers lighter regional fare and vegetarian options. Be sure to try the salmon ceviche and fava bean salad with almonds and avocado. Wash it all down with a glass of fine Chilean red, and perhaps order a plate of decadent churros to share for dessert.

Day 10: Fly to Punta Arenas, Transfer to Torres del Paine

It's time to go deeper into Chilean Patagonia! The journey starts in the morning with a private transfer to the airport at Puerto Montt, where you'll catch a flight to Punta Arenas, a city located near the tip of Chile's southernmost Patagonia region. Due to its location on the Strait of Magellan, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, Punta Arenas is often used as a base for excursions to the surrounding wilderness and Antarctica.

That's exactly what you'll be doing when, upon arrival, meet a driver for the 3.5-hour ride north from the airport to Torres del Paine. One of South America's most impressive national parks, Torres del Paine, is named after the soaring granite pillars that rise over 6,562 feet (2,000 m) above the Patagonian steppe. This pristine wilderness is home to turquoise lakes, gushing rivers, glaciers, dramatic peaks, and dense forests and extends across roughly 700 square miles (1,813 sq km).

You'll stay right in the park at Hotel Lago Grey. Sitting on the shores of the eponymous lake, it's also located near other famous landmarks, like the thundering Salto Chico waterfall and the turquoise Lago Pehoé. The property is surrounded by forests, mountain peaks, glaciers, and rivers, which you can see from the window of your superior room. These spacious and comfy rooms offer mod-cons, like satellite TV and central heating to keep you toasty during those chilly Patagonian nights. Upon arrival, enjoy dinner at the elegantly rustic gourmet restaurant, followed by a nightcap at the hotel bar.

Day 11: Day Hike Around Lago Grey

After a restful night and an energizing breakfast, lace up your hiking boots yet again for a thrilling full-day hike through Torres del Paine. Today's adventure begins early with a 1.5-hour transfer by car from your hotel to Laguna Verde, where you'll meet your private guide. Then, the 8-mile (13 km) hike begins, taking you alongside lagoons and through native forests home to various birds, including finches, woodpeckers, and the majestic Andean condor. 

Later, you'll reach a prime viewpoint overlooking Lago Toro. Then, it will be time to break out the trekking poles as you descend a steep trail. Eventually, you'll arrive at the trailhead, where a vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel.

Day 12: Lago Grey Wildlife Safari & Trekking

Today's excursion into Torres del Paine focuses on the park's wildlife. It's a one-hour drive from the hotel to the trailhead, where you'll immediately see herds of guanacos (a relative of the llama) milling about. Then, set off on a brisk 6-mile (10 km) hike, during which it's possible to witness native Patagonian wildlife, including the South American gray fox, condors, and even pumas. If you're really lucky, you might spot endangered species like huemuls (South Andean deer).

Another highlight of the journey is a stop to see ancient Indigenous cave paintings. The private excursion ends on the shores of Lago Sarmiento, where you'll catch a transfer back to your hotel.

Day 13: Boat Trip to Grey Glacier

For your penultimate day in Patagonia, you'll head out on another boating excursion! This time, you'll board the Grey III catamaran and travel to Grey Glacier, a massive ice floe located in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field that feeds Lago Grey. Cruise across the lake until you get close to the glacier, where you'll have fantastic views of its massive ice walls (a prime photo opportunity!).

Following the boat tour, you'll take a short guided hike along a windswept beach and through the forest. Then, return to the hotel, where you'll have the afternoon free to relax or go on another hike in the area. Enjoy a relaxing dinner and rest up for tomorrow's journey home.

Day 14: Fly to Santiago, Depart

It's time to bid a fond farewell to Patagonia and Chile. In the morning, meet your driver for the transfer from Torres del Paine to the airport in Punta Arenas, where you'll catch a flight to Chile and continue home or onward to the next adventure. Safe travels!

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