Discovering Chile: From Desert Landscapes to Patagonian Wilderness

Chile offers travellers an extraordinary range of experiences, from the otherworldly Atacama Desert in the north to the dramatic peaks of Patagonia in the south. With carefully planned itineraries, visitors can explore this diverse nation's most spectacular destinations while maximizing their time and travel efficiency.

Santiago to Patagonia: The Complete Chilean Experience

The comprehensive 12-day "Santiago to Patagonia" journey showcases Chile's highlights across 638 kilometres. Travellers begin in the vibrant capital of Santiago, exploring the city's heart and ascending to scenic viewpoints that reveal its bohemian character. The itinerary includes visits to renowned Chilean wine valleys before venturing north to the magnificent Atacama Desert. Here, visitors discover the surreal Moon Valley and witness the stunning salt flats with their colourful lagoons. The adventure concludes with a flight to Chilean Patagonia, where travellers explore Torres del Paine National Park, tackle the challenging Base Torres Trek and visit the historic Mylodon Cave. 

A traveler exploring Torres del Paine National Park (photo via Chile)

Carretera Austral: A Seven-Day Journey Through Patagonia

For those seeking an epic road trip experience, the seven-day Carretera Austral adventure begins in Hornopirén, the gateway to Chile's remote southern highway. After flying into Puerto Montt and driving through scenic Ruta 7, including a ferry crossing over the Reloncaví Estuary, travellers explore the Río Blanco trail and its stunning waterfall. The journey continues to Pumalín National Park near Chaitén, where visitors can choose between hiking to Volcán Chaitén or the Cascadas trail. In Puyuhuapi, relaxing Ventisquero Hot Springs provide the perfect respite amid breathtaking landscapes. The highlight comes at Queulat National Park, where a 90-minute hike leads to the spectacular Hanging Glacier Falls viewpoint. The route includes stops at Laguna Chiguay, Cuesta del Diablo viewpoint and the haunting Bosque Muerto landscape before reaching Puerto Río Tranquilo. The adventure culminates with a boat tour to the famous Marble Chapels, where turquoise waters reveal stunning rock caverns carved by nature over millennia.

San Pedro de Atacama: Desert Adventures

Adventure seekers can immerse themselves in the Atacama Desert with a focused four-day, 510-kilometre itinerary from San Pedro de Atacama. This journey includes visits to the ancient Pukará de Quitor fortress, relaxing Puritama Hot Springs, pristine altiplano lagoons and the dramatic Tatio Geysers.

Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams: The End of the World

For the ultimate southern experience, travellers can venture to "the end of the world" with a six-day exploration of Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams, including visits to penguin colonies and the scenic Beagle Channel.

These carefully crafted itineraries demonstrate Chile's incredible diversity, offering something for every type of traveller throughout the year.

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