Your Trip at a Glance
Embark on an unforgettable 15-day adventure through Chile’s iconic national parks. Begin in Santiago, the vibrant capital, where you’ll savor cultural highlights and fine dining. Next, head to Chile’s northern reaches to explore Lauca National Park, a realm of towering volcanoes, high-altitude landscapes, rare wildlife, and ancient cultures. Then, immerse yourself in the surreal beauty of the Araucaria region, with its ancient forests, shimmering lakes, and volcanic peaks in Conguillío and Villarrica National Parks. Finally, venture to Patagonia’s Torres del Paine, where glaciers, sweeping valleys, and abundant wildlife abound. A perfect blend of nature, culture, and breathtaking landscapes awaits you!
Welcome to Santiago, a cosmopolitan center framed dramatically by the Andes. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and seamlessly transferred to your luxurious, centrally located hotel. Spend the day exploring at your leisure or indulge in a half-day private tour tailored to your interests—whether art, culture, or history. In the evening, savor an exquisite dinner overlooking the city, framed by mountains. Return to the comfort of your hotel, where a restful night awaits, preparing you for the exciting adventures ahead.
Begin your day in Santiago with a ride on the Funicular de Santiago, which offers sweeping views of the city as it ascends Cerro San Cristóbal. At the summit, enjoy the traditional Chilean drink, mote con huesillo, and explore the surrounding parks and gardens. After descending, savor lunch in the vibrant, art-filled Bellavista neighborhood. Then head to the tallest building in South America—Gran Torre Santiago, and observe the city from its observation deck. End your day with dinner in Providencia or Las Condes.
Craft a day tailored to your preferences. In winter, retreat to a nearby ski resort just 45 minutes from Santiago, where you can enjoy the slopes and relax with hot cocoa in a cozy lodge. Alternatively, visit Cajón del Maipo, a stunning mountain valley with a turquoise reservoir, ideal for hiking, horseback riding, or soaking in the Baños Colina hot springs. Prefer a coastal escape? Take a day trip to Valparaíso, exploring its colorful streets and vibrant art scene. Or, immerse yourself in Santiago’s museums and neighborhoods.
Journey deep into the Andes to explore Lauca National Park in Chile’s far north, near the borders of Peru and Bolivia. This remote location promises incredible Andean views, volcanic landscapes, and diverse wildlife (including the ostrich-like suri). You’ll stay in the town of Putre at 3,500 meters (11,483 ft) above sea level. Spend your first afternoon relaxing and adjusting to the altitude. At these high elevations, your exploration will be gentle, centering on wildlife viewing, soaking in breathtaking landscapes, and learning about indigenous culture.
After breakfast, journey to Lauca National Park at 4,500 meters (14,764 ft) above sea level. Begin with the bofedales, magnificent high-altitude wetlands. Continue to Lake Chungará, one of the world’s highest lakes, where the Parinacota and Pomerape volcanoes are beautifully mirrored in its reflection. This serene setting is alive with vicuñas, flamingos, adorable viscachas, and Andean foxes. Next, explore the Cotacotani Lagoons, a surreal network of volcanic and glacial lagoons framed by the Andes. Finally, visit Parinacota Village to see its ancient, fresco-adorned Aymara church before returning to Putre.
For your second day in the park, start at the Lluta River Nature Reserve, a wetland habitat where you can enjoy birdwatching. Continue to see ancient petroglyphs, offering a glimpse into the area’s mystical past. Then, visit the charming villages of Poconchile and Socoroma. Here, enjoy a picnic, sip coca tea, and immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and local culture. Conclude your day at the hot springs Termas de Jurasi, where the mineral-rich waters offer rejuvenation after a day of high-altitude exploration.
Arrival in the Heart of Araucaria
Rise early to begin your journey to Pucón, a charming lakeside town cradled by mountains. Pucón offers prime access to the next stops on your adventure: Conguillío and Villarrica National Parks. You will explore the Araucaria Region, home to the ancient, iconic monkey puzzle trees—true living fossils that stand as guardians of the land’s rich biodiversity. This region has an enduring culture of the indigenous Mapuche people. Upon arrival, settle into your accommodations, relax, and prepare for the breathtaking adventures in Villarrica and Conguillío National Parks.
Today you’re off to Villarrica National Park for an unforgettable exploration amid its three majestic volcanoes: Villarrica (one of the most active in South America), Quetrupillán, and Lanín. Adventurous hikers can even summit Villarrica in 4-6 hours to peer into its steaming crater. Tailor your day to your interests, focused on wildflowers, glaciers, volcanic caves, panoramic viewpoints, or skiing (season dependent). Afterward, unwind at the Termas Geométricas hot springs, where enchanting wooden walkways lead you through nature’s soothing waters. Return to Pucón for dinner and rest.
Take a 2.5-hour morning drive to Conguillío National Park, a stunning natural sanctuary renowned for its turquoise lakes, dense Araucaria forests (home to ancient monkey puzzle trees), and impressive volcanic landscapes. The park’s centerpiece is Llaima Volcano, Chile’s second most active volcano, standing tall amid ancient lava flows. Discover trails suited to your interests, leading through pristine lakes, volcanic peaks, and diverse ecosystems rich in unique flora and fauna. After a day of exploration and awe, return to your hotel in Pucón for a well-deserved rest.
For your final full day in the breathtaking lake town of Pucón, dive into a world of thrilling activities! This is the only spot in South America where you can experience hydrospeeding—bodyboarding down a rushing river. Or, choose from white-water rafting, canyoneering, mountain biking, kayaking, skydiving beside a volcano, horseback riding through scenic valleys, paddleboarding, or touring stunning waterfalls. For a more relaxed pace, simply unwind by the lake. After dinner, relax and savor the excitement, preparing for your journey to the southern tip of Chile tomorrow.
Set off for Patagonia and the start of an unforgettable adventure! After connecting in Buenos Aires, fly to Punta Arenas, the colorful, historic city known as the gateway to the wild beauty of Torres del Paine. Breathtaking landscapes, rugged peaks, and remarkable wildlife await in the days to come. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the city’s unique charm as you settle into your accommodations. Tonight, relax and savor the anticipation—your Patagonian exploration is just beginning, and tomorrow holds the promise of awe-inspiring vistas and discovery.
After breakfast, set off on a scenic drive to Torres del Paine National Park, where adventure awaits! Along the way, keep your eyes open for guanacos, flamingos, and other wildlife that call the Patagonian plains home. Upon arrival, check into your cozy lodge nestled amidst the breathtaking scenery. In the afternoon, take a leisurely hike to the powerful Salto Grande Waterfall, where cascading water is framed by majestic mountains and shimmering lakes. After a day of exploring, return to the lodge and enjoy a delicious dinner surrounded by nature.
Today you are headed to Laguna Amarga for an exciting wildlife safari. For the best chance to spot the elusive puma, depart early, as this is when they are most active. Along the way, keep an eye out for condors soaring above, herds of guanacos, and colorful flamingos. Choose from a full-day wildlife adventure or, in the afternoon, head to Grey Lake, where stunning icebergs float against the backdrop of the mighty Grey Glacier. For an unforgettable experience, take a boat ride to get up close to these ice giants.
Begin your day with an exhilarating 4×4 tour through the rugged landscapes of Torres del Paine, exploring hidden trails and taking in breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. After the adventure, drive back to Punta Arenas, taking a detour to King Penguin Park via ferry. Here, witness the iconic King penguins in their natural habitat, a truly incredible sight. Along the way, stop at photogenic spots for memorable photos. Once in Punta Arenas, relax at your hotel and enjoy a dinner of fresh Patagonian seafood.
All good things must come to an end, even Chilean adventures! We’ll arrange a seamless transfer to the airport for your flight to Santiago, where you’ll connect internationally. As you journey home, reflect on the incredible experiences you’ve had in Chile: from vibrant Santiago to magnificent high altitude landscape of Lauca National Park, the surreal beauty of the Araucaria region, and the thrilling wildlife and glacier views of Torres del Paine. An amazing journey through Chile that you will cherish forever!
I had such a great time with View! I went on this adventure with my parents and sister, feeling slightly intimidated by the idea of the hike.
Adrian was extremely helpful, always available to answer our questions and share his local perspective. He was so friendly and made us feel comfortable and well-prepared throughout the trip. Read more
We had an outstanding adventure thanks to View Signature Travels. The communication prior to our trip was very helpful for setting up hotels, day excursions from Cusco and knowing what to expect on the Inca Trail. Read more
We took this trip as a group of 7 friends celebrating our passing 50; it was an amazing trip from an experiential perspective starting from the moment we booked until the time it ended. Read more
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