Excursions by Exotrav

Chile Tour

Wonders of Patagonia

Trip Duration:

15 days

Recommended season:

November – March

Chile - Trip Summary

A customized 15-day journey through Chile invites you to discover the country’s most breathtaking natural wonders, vibrant towns, and remote corners of Patagonia. Begin in Santiago, Chile’s dynamic capital, nestled between the Andes and the Pacific. From there, fly south to Pucón, a charming town set beneath the smoking Villarrica Volcano, where you’ll explore national parks, kayak across mountain lakes, and soak in the region’s volcanic landscapes.

Continue your journey through Chile’s stunning Lake District, with visits to Frutillar and Puerto Varas before venturing off the beaten path along the legendary Carretera Austral. Discover the remote beauty of Hornopirén and Chaitén, hike through Pumalín National Park, and soak in natural hot springs with views of active volcanoes. Explore Queulat and Coyhaique, where hanging glaciers and misty forests await, followed by an unforgettable kayak tour to the Marble Caves on General Carrera Lake.

Fly further south to Punta Arenas, gateway to Patagonia’s southern frontier. Cruise to Magdalena Island to see thousands of Magellanic penguins before heading to the awe-inspiring Torres del Paine National Park. Here, granite towers rise over turquoise lakes and sweeping pampas, home to guanacos, condors, and waterfalls.

With a mix of private transfers, expert English-speaking guides, and optional shared excursions, this immersive journey reveals Chile’s untamed beauty — from lush rainforests to icy peaks, and from seaside villages to soaring Andean summits — all crafted to match your style and pace.

Nature Reserves • Glaciers and Waterfalls • Wildlife 

Day 1

Day 1: Arrival - Santiago de Chile

Upon arrival in Santiago, the capital of Chile, you will be greeted at the airport by our local representative and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel.
Santiago is nestled in a valley surrounded by the Andes and the Chilean Coastal Range. As the country’s cultural, political, and financial center, the city offers a unique mix of colonial charm and modern dynamism, with a vibrant culinary scene and impressive mountain views.
Overnight in Santiago.

Day 2

Day 2: Santiago – Temuco – Pucón

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to the airport for a domestic flight to Temuco. Located in the heart of Chile’s Lake District, Temuco serves as a regional hub for the surrounding Mapuche Indigenous communities, who bring their goods to the city’s colorful markets.
Upon arrival, you will be met by our local representative and begin a scenic two-hour drive (approximately 70 miles) to the charming lakeside town of Pucón, nestled on the shores of Lake Villarrica.
Pucón is a picturesque small town known for its breathtaking views of the snow-capped Villarrica Volcano, one of Chile’s most active volcanoes. The town has become a vibrant hub for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure travelers, offering a wide array of activities such as horseback riding, trekking, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, fishing, and climbing. You’ll also find cozy cafés and inviting restaurants throughout the town.
Overnight in Pucón.

Day 3

Day 3: Pucón – Villarrica National Park – Pucón

After breakfast, set out on a private or shared excursion to Villarrica National Park, a stunning natural reserve in Chile’s Lake District. The park is home to the iconic Villarrica Volcano — one of the country’s most active volcanoes — and offers a dramatic landscape shaped by recent volcanic activity over the past several decades.
During the tour, you’ll explore scenic trails, observe native flora and fauna, and gain insight into the region’s unique geology and volcanic history, all set against the backdrop of snow-covered peaks and lush forest.
In the afternoon, return to Pucón and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Pucón.

Day 4

Day 4: Pucón – Huerquehue National Park – Puerto Varas

After breakfast, we begin a private or shared half-day tour to explore the natural beauty surrounding Pucón. Our main stop is Huerquehue National Park, located southeast of the town. Covering over 5,000 acres, this pristine reserve is known for its temperate rainforests, cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and panoramic mountain views.
The park is a haven for birdwatchers, home to a rich diversity of species, including the Magellanic woodpecker — the largest in the world — and the majestic Andean condor, famous for its impressive wingspan.
Following the tour, we begin a scenic drive of approximately 3.5 hours (about 150 miles) to Puerto Varas, a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Llanquihue.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Overnight in Puerto Varas.

Day 5

Day 5: Puerto Varas – Puerto Montt – Puerto Varas

After breakfast, embark on a private day trip to Puerto Montt, one of the most important cities in southern Chile. Founded by German settlers in the mid-19th century, the city retains a strong Central European influence, evident in its architecture — including sloped roofs, wood-shingled façades, decorated balconies, and the sequoia-wood cathedral in the main square, which dates back to 1856 and is the city’s oldest building.
We’ll visit Angelmó, a colorful handicrafts market that also features a lively seafood section with fresh fish and shellfish. The visit continues with a panoramic tour of the city’s key landmarks.
In the afternoon, return to Puerto Varas and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Puerto Varas

Day 6

Day 6: Puerto Varas – Frutillar – Hornopirén

After breakfast, depart on a private full-day journey to Hornopirén, located approximately 82 miles (132 kilometers) south of Puerto Varas. The route combines a scenic drive with a short ferry crossing, passing through stunning lake and forest landscapes.
Along the way, we stop to visit the charming town of Frutillar, nestled on the shores of Lake Llanquihue with views of the snow-capped Osorno Volcano. Frutillar is known for its German heritage, well-preserved colonial architecture, and its status as Chile’s capital of classical music festivals.
We continue south to Hornopirén National Park, part of the Southern Andes Temperate Rainforest Biosphere Reserve. The park is characterized by ancient forests, dramatic mountain scenery, rivers, and lakes — a haven for nature lovers and hikers.
After the visit, transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Hornopirén.

Day 7

Day 7: Hornopirén – Chaitén (via Ferry) – Pumalín National Park

After breakfast, we depart on a private journey of approximately 6 hours (about 88 miles / 142 kilometers), combining a scenic drive and ferry crossing to reach the remote town of Chaitén, located along the Carretera Austral.
Upon arrival, we’ll visit Pumalín National Park, one of Chile’s most important conservation areas. This vast reserve is part of the Patagonian rainforest and features dense forests, rivers, waterfalls, and spectacular views of snow-capped volcanoes.
Later, we’ll enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs of Amarillo, surrounded by native vegetation and open views toward the impressive Chaitén Volcano — a powerful reminder of the region’s geologic past.
After the excursion, transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Chaitén.

Day 8

Day 8: Chaitén – Puyuhuapi – Queulat National Park

After breakfast, we begin a private drive of approximately 3 hours (about 128 miles / 206 kilometers) to Puyuhuapi, a peaceful and picturesque fishing village located on a scenic fjord along the Carretera Austral. Surrounded by lush forest and misty mountains, Puyuhuapi is known for its tranquility and connection to the sea, providing a livelihood for many local fishermen.
Upon arrival, you’ll check in and have time to freshen up before heading out to visit Queulat National Park.
The highlight of the park is a scenic walk to the famous Ventisquero Colgante — the Hanging Glacier — which cascades down steep cliffs into the valley below. Along the trail, you’ll enjoy stunning views of native forests, waterfalls, and dramatic Andean landscapes.
Overnight in Puyuhuapi.

Day 9

Day 9: Puyuhuapi – Coyhaique – Coyhaique National Reserve

After breakfast, embark on a private scenic drive of approximately 4.5 hours (about 190 miles / 305 kilometers) to Coyhaique, the capital of Chile’s Aysén Region and one of the most important cities in northern Patagonia. The town is beautifully situated at the confluence of the Coyhaique and Simpson Rivers, surrounded by mountains and dramatic valleys.
Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walk through the Coyhaique National Reserve, a peaceful park offering panoramic views, native forests, and opportunities to spot local wildlife such as condors and foxes.
After the visit, transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Coyhaique.

Day 10

Day 10: Coyhaique – General Carrera Lake – Marble Caves – Coyhaique

After breakfast, set out on a shared full-day excursion to the stunning General Carrera Lake, the second-largest lake in South America, known for its striking turquoise waters and dramatic landscapes.
The highlight of the day is a kayaking adventure to the famous Marble Caves (Capillas de Mármol), a series of intricate, naturally sculpted rock formations that rise out of the crystal-clear water. These surreal caves, with their swirling patterns and glowing colors, are a true geological wonder.
Following the kayak tour, enjoy light hiking along the lake’s edge, soaking in the beauty of the surrounding Patagonian wilderness.
Return to Coyhaique in the afternoon.
Overnight in Coyhaique.

Day 11

Day 11: Coyhaique – Balmaceda Airport – Punta Arenas

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Balmaceda Airport for your flight to Punta Arenas, the largest city in southern Chilean Patagonia.
Located on the shores of the legendary Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas historically served as a key supply base for ships navigating around the tip of South America. However, following the opening of the Panama Canal, maritime traffic decreased significantly, reducing the city’s prominence as a port. Today, it remains active mainly as a departure point for fishing vessels heading to the Drake Passage and for expeditions to Antarctica.
In recent decades, the discovery of oil in the region has led to rapid development, transforming Punta Arenas into a growing hub for energy and logistics. The city is home to around 115,000 residents.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel.
Overnight in Punta Arenas.

Day 12

Day 12: Punta Arenas – Magdalena Island – Torres del Paine National Park

After breakfast, embark on a shared boat excursion to Magdalena Island, located in the Strait of Magellan. The island is home to one of the largest colonies of Magellanic penguins in southern Chile. Walk along designated trails as you observe thousands of penguins in their natural habitat — nesting, socializing, and waddling across the rocky terrain.
Following the excursion, continue on a shared transfer for approximately 4 hours (about 180 miles) to Torres del Paine National Park — widely regarded as one of the most breathtaking national parks in the world.
Located in southern Chilean Patagonia and part of the larger “Glacier Park” region, the park spans hundreds of thousands of square miles. It was established in the late 1950s and named after its iconic granite spires, the “Torres,” which rise dramatically above the surrounding landscape and serve as the park’s symbol.
Torres del Paine is home to an incredible variety of wildlife and birdlife. Expect to see species such as the mighty Andean condor (the world’s largest raptor), Darwin’s rheas, caracaras, flamingos, and numerous waterfowl. Among the mammals, guanacos — camelid relatives of the llama — and large Patagonian hares are commonly spotted.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your lodge or hotel inside or near the park.
Overnight in Torres del Paine.

Day 13

Day 13: Torres del Paine National Park – Full-Day Exploration

After breakfast, enjoy a private or shared full-day excursion through Torres del Paine National Park — one of the most iconic landscapes in South America. The park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a paradise for nature lovers, offering a striking combination of jagged granite peaks, expansive glaciers, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and dense forests.
The highlight of the park is the trio of granite towers (Torres del Paine) that rise dramatically over 6,500 feet (2,000 meters) above the Patagonian steppe. These monumental rock formations are capped with layers of dark metamorphic stone, creating a dramatic contrast against the sky and surrounding wilderness.
Throughout the day, you’ll explore different areas of the park on foot and by vehicle, experiencing its diverse ecosystems and stunning panoramic viewpoints. Expect to encounter native wildlife, including guanacos, foxes, and a variety of bird species.
Overnight inside or near Torres del Paine National Park.

Day 14

Day 14: Torres del Paine – Punta Arenas – Santiago

After breakfast, depart on a private transfer for a scenic 4-hour drive (approximately 180 miles) to Punta Arenas Airport for your domestic flight back to Santiago.
Upon arrival in Santiago, you will be met by our local representative and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel.
Overnight in Santiago.

Day 15

Day 15: Santiago – Airport Departure

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred by private vehicle to Santiago International Airport for your return flight home.

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