Explore Chile’s Diverse Landscapes on a Tailored 21-Day Family Journey
For the family there is nothing better than a mix of nature and activities and that is what Chile has to offer. The capital, Santiago, is full of museums in the city center and the colorful hills of Valparaíso are a must visit, with its strange and colorful streets full of nooks and crannies to explore. The world’s driest desert, the Atacama, is another must see, with geysers, a salt flat and even flamingos. Further south in the beautiful region of Patagonia, families can explore the glaciers and national parks on foot or by boat, getting up close and personal with nature and lots of wildlife, including pumas, guanacos and even dolphins. The southern region of Chile is home to many beautiful lakes, some active volcanoes and is the perfect place for families who want to have lots of adventures in a safe and beautiful environment that will fill your family with curiosity and bring you all closer together.
What's included
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Santiago Airport, your private transfer will greet you and escort you to your hotel. In the afternoon, embark on a guided tour of Santiago’s historic downtown, including La Moneda, Plaza de Armas, the Metropolitan Cathedral, City Hall and the Post Office Headquarters. Then, explore East Santiago with its modern architecture, offices, shopping centers and restaurants. Return to your hotel for your first overnight stay, enjoying the charm of Chile’s vibrant capital.
After breakfast, depart for a full-day excursion to Chile’s coastal gems: Viña del Mar and Valparaíso. Travel through the scenic Curacaví and Casablanca valleys en route. In Viña del Mar, admire the Quinta Vergara Amphitheater, San Martin and Peru Avenues and the iconic Flower Clock. Continue to Valparaíso and explore its colorful hillside streets, Victory Square and historic corridors such as Yugoslav and Atkinson. Return to Santiago for overnight stay.
Enjoy a morning breakfast before heading to Maipo Valley for a half-day winery tour. Learn about Chile’s 150-year winemaking traditions while tasting local wines surrounded by scenic vineyards. Return to your hotel in Santiago and enjoy an evening at leisure, with the option to explore the city’s dining and nightlife.
Transfer to Santiago Airport for your flight to Calama, then journey along the Domeyko Mountain Range to the village of San Pedro de Atacama. Settle into your hotel before exploring Moon Valley, with its dramatic sand dunes, amphitheater and natural salt monument 'Las Tres Marias'. End the excursion with a breathtaking sunset over the valley and return to your hotel for the evening.
After breakfast, explore the high-altitude lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques, followed by a visit to the Atacama Salt Flat. Observe flamingos in the Flamingos National Reserve, one of only six flamingo species in the world. Stop in Toconao to visit San Lucas Church and the Campanario Tower before returning to San Pedro for overnight stay.
Rise early to witness sunrise at El Tatio Geysers, the world’s highest geyser field. Explore the geothermal landscape on foot, then enjoy breakfast amidst the steaming fumaroles. You have the option to visit and relax in the nearby thermal pools, if you want to. Visit Machuca village to see adobe and cactus wood buildings, browse local handicrafts and soak in traditional Andean culture before returning to San Pedro.
Travel through the Domeyko Mountains to visit Hierbas Buenas with its ancient petroglyphs. Continue to Matancilla, known as the Valley of the Rainbow, for its vibrant mineral-rich landscapes. Take a short walk to enjoy the colorful scenery before visiting the village of Rio Grande. Return to Calama for your flight back to Santiago and transfer to your hotel.
Fly from Santiago to Temuco, then transfer to Pucon, passing scenic valleys and lakes. Catch your first glimpse of the active Volcán Villarrica, which may emit smoke or a red glow at night. Explore Pucon at your leisure in the afternoon, including a walk along the lake or a coffee at a local café.
Discover the natural beauty around Pucon, including Caburgua and Los Ojos de Caburgua waterfalls. Relax on the black sand beach of Caburgua Lake and visit the Mariman river rapids. In the evening, enjoy the therapeutic waters of Pucon’s hot springs surrounded by natural boulders.
Take a hike through the beautiful Huerquehue National Park and see the amazing century-old Araucaria trees up close. As you walk along the trails, you'll have the chance to swim in some of the pristine lakes and take in the stunning native natural life. After a day of exploring, head back to your hotel in Pucon, where you can rest and relax overnight, getting ready for your next adventure.
Today, you spend your day in Pucon at a leisurely pace. Take a stroll through the town, relax on the beach by the lake or stop by the casino. As the day comes to a close, grab a Kunstmann beer at a local pub and savor your last evening in this beautiful town, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere that Pucon has to offer.
Start your day with breakfast, then head out on a beautiful bus ride to Puerto Varas. When you get there, check into your hotel and take some time to relax. You can spend the evening taking in the stunning views of the lake and admiring the quaint German-style buildings that give the town its charm.
Spend the day exploring Ensenada and the breathtaking Petrohue River Falls, nestled in the heart of Vicente Perez Rosales National Park. As you hike to the majestic Osorno Volcano, take in the awe-inspiring views of its volcanic landscapes. After a day of adventure, head back to Puerto Varas and enjoy a leisurely evening, the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable experience.
Take the ferry across Chacao Channel to Chiloe Island. Explore Castro, famous for its colorful UNESCO-recognized stilt houses and rich maritime history. Sample the world-renowned local salmon and enjoy the island’s unique cultural heritage before returning to Puerto Varas.
After breakfast, fly to Punta Arenas, the gateway to southern Patagonia. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the city’s small-town charm and Patagonian sunsets along the boardwalk by the Strait of Magellan.
Head to Magdalena Island on a boat trip to see the huge group of Magellanic penguins that live there. You'll get to know about the animals that live in the area and take lots of pictures. Then, go back to Punta Arenas and move to Puerto Natales, where you'll stay for the night. This is a great chance to learn about the local wildlife and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Head to Torres del Paine National Park, making a stop at the Cave of Milodon along the way. Once you're in the park, be sure to check out Nordenskjold and Pehoe Lakes and take a moment to marvel at the Salto Grande waterfall. The mountain views in the park are simply breathtaking, so take some time to soak them in before heading to your lodge. You'll have plenty of opportunities to take in the stunning vistas and get a feel for the park's unique landscape.
Explore the famous trails of Torres del Paine with a hike to the base of the Torres. You'll walk through valleys, Lenga forests and cross suspension bridges. It's all worth it for the amazing views of the stone towers and the animals that live there. It´s going to be a fascinating experience!
Take a trip on a zodiac boat along the Serrano River and you'll get to see the amazing Southern Ice Field and the Paine Mountains. When you get to Toro Port, you'll have the chance to hike through some beautiful forest trails to the Serrano Glacier. After working up an appetite, you can enjoy a traditional Patagonian lunch, which is a great way to experience the local culture. Then, it's time to head back to Puerto Natales, bringing back some fantastic memories of your adventure. The scenery is just breathtaking, with the ice field and mountains making for a really unforgettable experience.
Travel from Punta Arenas to Santiago by plane. When you get to Santiago, go to your hotel and check in. You can then spend the rest of the day doing whatever you like. Feel free to go shopping, visit any sights you missed earlier or have a nice dinner at a local restaurant where they play traditional music. It's a great way to end your trip and relax before heading home.
As you finish your breakfast, a private transfer will be waiting to take you to Santiago Airport, where you'll depart from Chile. Take a moment to think about the amazing things you've seen and done over the past three weeks. The stunning landscapes, the incredible wildlife and the unique cultural experiences. You'll be leaving Chile with memories that will stay with you forever, memories that will make you smile and remember the good times you had with your family in this beautiful country.
