Explore some of South America's most astonishing landscapes on this 11-day nature tour of Chile. First, head north to Atacama to ride e-bikes and buggies through the desert, watch the sunrise over steaming geysers, and gaze at stars through powerful telescopes. Then, go south to the glacial terrain of Patagonia to spend several days climbing and hiking through lakes, forests, and peaks in Torres del Paine National Park.
Highlights
- Go on a stargazing tour in the Atacama Desert
- Watch the sunrise over the active Tatio Geysers
- Do the popular Base Torres hike in Torres del Paine National Park
- Spend a day rock climbing in Patagonia
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Santiago, Free Afternoon | Santiago |
| Day 2 | Fly to San Pedro de Atacama & Stargazing in the Desert | San Pedro de Atacama |
| Day 3 | E-Bike through the Salt Mountain Range & Buggy Safari | San Pedro de Atacama |
| Day 4 | Sunrise at Tatio Geysers & Valley of the Moon Tour | San Pedro de Atacama |
| Day 5 | Hike the Summit of Toco Mount | San Pedro de Atacama |
| Day 6 | Fly to Puerto Natales via Santiago | Puerto Natales |
| Day 7 | Hike in Torres del Paine National Park | Puerto Natales |
| Day 8 | Rock Climbing in Patagonia | Puerto Natales |
| Day 9 | Cross Torres del Paine from End to End | Puerto Natales |
| Day 10 | Trek to the Peak of Mount Ferrier | Puerto Natales |
| Day 11 | Return to Santiago, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Santiago, Free Afternoon
Later on, ride the cable car to the top of Cerro San Cristóbal for spectacular sunset views, or head to the bohemian Bellavista neighborhood to take your pick of the city's best restaurants, cafés, and wine bars.
Day 2: Fly to San Pedro de Atacama & Stargazing in the Desert
At night, head out to the altiplano, a plateau ideal for stargazing. Learn how to identify constellations with the help of your guide. Even with the naked eye, the stars here are incredibly vivid. Gaze through high-powered telescopes and binoculars to spot an array of celestial objects, including planets, binary stars, and spherical clusters—all with a glass of Chilean wine in your hand.
Day 3: E-Bike Through the Salt Mountain Range & Buggy Safari
Then, embark on an exciting buggy ride through the various terrains of the Atacama Desert. Buggies are the perfect vehicles for traversing steep mountains, riverbed crossings, and hulking dunes. An expert local guide will drive you up thrilling trails, entertaining you with facts about the area's history and ecology. There'll be plenty of spectacular photo opportunities along the way.
Day 4: Sunrise at Tatio Geysers & Valley of the Moon Tour
Plan your trip to Chile
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
In the afternoon, continue discovering the geological wonders of the Atacama Desert. You'll visit the Cordillera del Sal's unique salt caves and stone formations like the Three Marias, which have been carved by salt and wind over millions of years. Catch the sunset over the desert as it paints the mountains in shades of red, with the mighty Licancabur Volcano looming overhead.
Day 5: Hike the Summit of Toco Mount
Since you leave very early in the morning, you'll be back at your hotel in the afternoon. Rest and recover before heading out to town. There isn't very much to do in this remote village, but take this as an opportunity to go to local eateries, buy souvenirs, and make some friends. At night, don't forget to look up, enjoying the region's spectacularly dark skies.
Day 6: Fly to Puerto Natales via Santiago
This evening, rest and leisurely explore the town, which looks as if it were imported from Europe. Walk around the town center, enjoy local food, and breathe in the region's impossibly fresh air.
Day 7: Hike in Torres del Paine National Park
Enjoy views of beautiful scenery every step of the way, comprised of rivers, native forests, mountain peaks, and narrow valleys. Keep a close watch for local bird species, like condors and black eagles. The route is strenuous, but once you're staring up at the nearby Cuernos del Paine formation jutting into the sky, it'll all be worth it.
Day 8: Rock Climbing in Patagonia
As a warm-up, start with the easier routes. If you feel confident in your skills, you're welcome to move on to paths with increasing difficulty levels. Once you're back in Puerto Natales, walk around the pretty town, taking in the views of snowcapped mountains from its port.
Day 9: Cross Torres del Paine from End to End
Join an excursion through lesser-known parts of Torres del Paine National Park. Enter through Sarmiento Lake, hiking for an hour to see a series of 6,000-year-old cave paintings made by the first settlers of Patagonia. Continue toward Blanquillos Lagoon, a nesting and feeding place for different species of endemic birds, such as caiquenes and black-necked swans.
Walk for another two hours to reach Amarga Lagoon gate, the main access to the park. Rest before driving to an off-beat sector known as the Paine Waterfall for a tranquil lunch with full views of the granite towers. The day continues to Cañadón Macho, where it's possible to see guanacos, gray foxes, condors, Mora eagles, and other species. As the sun starts to come down, head back to Puerto Natales.
Day 10: Trek to the Peak of Mount Ferrier
You'll go through a powerful river and into a beautiful forest of lenga trees. Here, you can enjoy a spectacular panorama of Grey Glacier and the icebergs floating on Lago Grey. Toro Lake, Pingo Glacier, and other wonders of nature will also be on full display. After taking it all in, descend and ride back to Puerto Natales to enjoy your last night in town.
Day 11: Return to Santiago, Depart
More Great Chile Itineraries
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