New Year's Getaway in Chilean Patagonia - 7 Days

Highlights

• See the highlights of Santiago on a city tour
• Visit the coastal gems of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar
• Embark on outdoor adventures in Torres del Paine

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Santiago, Private City Tour

Welcome to Chile! This long, narrow strip of a country on South America's west side boasts countless natural wonders. Many of the most awe-inspiring sites are in Patagonia, a region of Chile that spans approximately 240,000 square miles (620,000 sq km) along its southern end. You'll see some of Patagonia's most famous highlights soon enough; for now, the adventure begins in the capital, Santiago. 

Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will take you to The Singular, 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. Don't get too comfortable because soon you'll leave on a guided city tour. Your guide will take you from the hotel to Palacio de la Moneda, Chile's opulent presidential palace. Then it's a short walk to Plaza de Armas, the city's main square. It's home to the Palacio de la Real Audiencia (Palace of the Royal Court), built in 1808, which houses the National History Museum of Chile.

Then you'll hike up Cerro Santa Lucía, a lovely park and remnant of an ancient volcano. Conquistadores used this hill as a lookout in the 16th century, and it was here that Pedro de Valdivia officially founded Santiago in 1541. After stopping by other famous landmarks, like the Museum of Fine Arts, you'll continue across the Río Mapocho to the trendy and bohemian Bellavista neighborhood. The tour ends in the new city center, whose highlights include the sprawling Bicentennial Park. Afterward, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 2: Full-Day Valparaíso & Viña del Mar Tour

After enjoying the 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 tour. It's a 1.5-hour drive west from Santiago to Valparaíso, one of the most unique cities in the world. During this scenic journey, you'll pass the hills and vineyards of the fertile Casablanca Valley, home to many top wineries.

Eventually, you'll reach the coast and the historic port city of 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 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 drive a short way to the adjacent town of Viña del Mar, which couldn't be more different in style than its neighbor. Whereas Valparaíso is a retro artistic haven, Viña is a modern seaside hotspot with sleek shopping centers and upscale restaurants. You'll pass some interesting heritage buildings on your way to the golden sands of Playa Reñaca, a popular beach destination for tourists and locals. Here, you can enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant before returning to Santiago later.

Day 3: Fly to Puerto Natales, Transfer to Torres del Paine

In the morning, your driver will transfer you to the airport, where you'll catch a three-hour flight south into Patagonia and Puerto Natales. This small port city on the Seno Última Esperanza (Last Hope Sound) is famous as the base for excursions to nearby mountains, lakes, glaciers, valleys, and more. At the airport, another driver will take you 1.5 hours north to Torres del Paine, the crown jewel of Chile's national parks. This legendary protected area covers 700 square miles (1,810 sq km) and is renowned for its circuit treks. On the way, you'll stop at a local estancia (ranch) for a traditional barbecue lunch.

Upon arrival in the park, you'll check into Hotel Las Torres Patagonia, a 4-star wilderness lodge set against the backdrop of the iconic Paine massif. While the lodge's 85 rooms are spacious and well-appointed, travelers come here for excursions, guided hikes, horseback rides, and tours. You'll do the same, each morning embarking on a new outdoor adventure. For now, though, take it easy. Perhaps enjoy a massage before dining at the hotel restaurant, which serves regional dishes using ingredients fresh from its garden. Then maybe have a signature cocktail from the bar before retiring early. 

Day 4: Full-Day Lakes Trail Hike

Wake early and strap on your hiking boots because you're off on a 9.3-mile (15 km) trek around the park's famous lakes. It begins with a 2.5-hour transfer by van to Sarmiento, the second-largest lake in Torres del Paine. From there, you'll embark on the full-day hike, during which you'll pass through native lenga forests, walk along shimmering lagoons, and even stop at a local estancia for a break.

As you continue hiking, you'll be amid exotic Patagonian flora and fauna. Be on the lookout for guanacos, orchids, owls, woodpeckers, and other wildlife. The last leg of the hike will take you up to a summit offering panoramic views of the Paine massif to the north and Lago del Toro and prairies to the southwest. At the end of the day, you'll return to the vehicle and transfer back to your hotel.

Day 5: Base Torres Combined Horseback Riding & Hiking

You're in for a treat, as this morning, you'll embark on a full-day combined horseback riding/trekking adventure. Start the day in the stables at Hotel Las Torres. There, you'll receive a safety briefing, hop in the saddle, and hit the trail. The start of this 5.7-mile (9.2 km ride) ride will take you through the Patagonian flatlands and prairies of the Ascencio Valley. Then you'll follow the trail up the mountain to Refugio & Camping Chileno.

Leave the horses behind at the camping lodge and continue on a 6-mile (9.6 km) hike up the mountain. The last leg of this trek is a 45-minute hard scramble to the top and Mirador Base Torres. In this spot, three granite pillars jut out of the ground over a silver lagoon and make for the best view in the park. You'll also see the towering peaks of nearby Torre Sur, Torre Central, Torre Norte, Condor's Nest, and Glacier Torre. Here, you'll be able to take a break and enjoy lunch amid the ice-blue lagoon at the base of the towers. Afterward, you'll hike back down the mountain to the hotel.

Day 6: Optional Activities: Rock Climbing & Waterfall Hike

Today you can choose between a couple of half-day activities/tours. The first is a rock-climbing adventure at Puma Cave, a large rock formation with routes for beginner, experienced, and expert climbers. For aspiring climbers (or those who just want to brush up on their skills), the day starts with an in-depth tutorial followed by some time on one of the many beginner routes. Once you get the hang of things, you can move up in classes of difficulty.

Or, if you can't wait to explore more of the park, opt for a half-day trek around some of the most stunning landscapes in Torres del Paine. This excursion beings early with a 1.5-hour transfer by van to Pudeto, located in the heart of the park's lake district. From there, it's a short walk to Salto Grande, a raging aquamarine cascade that channels water between lakes Nordenskjöld and Pehoé. The rest of the tour involves a 3.7-mile (6 km) hike around a great panorama of landscapes featuring the mountains of Los Cuernos and Paine Grande with its French Glacier hanging down.

Day 7: Return to Santiago, Maipo Valley Tour & Depart

It's another early start, as now you'll prepare for the journey home. Meet your driver at the lodge and make the transfer  back to Puerto Natales. There you'll board a flight back to Santiago. When you arrive, there may be time for one last adventure. If so, meet your driver for the 30-minute drive outside the city to the famous Maipo Valley, one of Chile's most famous viticulture regions.

Once here, you'll stop at Viña Undurraga, a famous winery dating to 1885. On an hour-long tour, you'll stroll the vineyard, visit the barrel room, and enjoy a tasting. You'll also visit a small Indigenous heritage site called Aliwen to learn about Chile's native Mapuche people. After the half-day tour, your driver will transfer you to the airport in Santiago, where you'll catch your flight home. Safe travels!