En route to Santiago, drive through the Casablanca Valley, one
of Chile's most important wine-producing areas. Continue to
picturesque Valpara?so, famous for its labyrinthine hills, covered
with colorful old houses and accessible only by a steep climb or by
funicular railway. The city's historic quarter was recently named a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue along the coast to Quintay,
a former whaling port, for lunch and a stroll along the beach.
The Hotel Ritz-Carlton (Santiago) B L
Days 1-2: USA or Canada/Santiago, Chile
Board a morning flight to Puerto Montt in the Lake District.
During an orientation tour, stop to look for bargains at the
Angelmo handicraft market. Continue to Puerto Varas and your
hotel. After lunch, briefly visit the town and take a photograph
across the waters of the Llanquihue to the mighty Osorno Volcano.
Pause in historic Frutillar to visit the Pioneers Museum, featuring a
collection of 19th-century antiques, clothing and artifacts gathered
from various immigrant German families around the area.
Hotel Meli? Patagonia B L
Day 3: Santiago/Valpara?so/Santiago
Enjoy one of the many available outdoor activities. Raft through
Class III rapids, ride horseback through the native forest, trek in
Chile's oldest National Park or go on a photo safari to the Osorno
Volcano. Later, visit the Petrohue rapids, one of Chile's most
beautiful and exciting glacial rivers.
Hotel Meli? Patagonia B L
Day 4: Santiago/Puerto Montt
Once a booming port city and haven for big clipper ships, Punta
Arenas lost prominence with the opening of the Panama Canal.
After a brief tour of the city's highlights, continue to Puerto
Natales, stopping en route at a typical farm for a sheep-shearing
demonstration and a barbecue lunch.
Hotel Costaustralis B L D
Day 5: Chilean Lake District
Arrive at your exclusive lodge in the heart of Torres del Paine. Built
on the shores of Lake Peho?, the lodge is architecturally one of
the most remarkable in South America. Enjoy a welcome cocktail
before your guide explains activity options for the next few days.
Explora en Patagonia Lodge B L D
Day 6: Puerto Montt/Punta Arenas/Puerto Natales
Spend three full days choosing from a variety of activities and
explore the area's magnificent beauty.
Explora en Patagonia Lodge B L D
Day 7: Puerto Natales/Torres Del Paine National Park
Return to Punta Arenas to board your flight to Santiago. Later this
evening connect with your homebound international flight.
B
Days 8-10: Torres Del Paine National Park
Days 11-12: Torres Del Paine National Park/Punta Arenas/Santiago/USA or Canada