Ultimate Patagonia: Santiago, Puerto Natales, El Calafate & El Chaltén - 15 Days

Day 2: Day Trip to Valparaíso via Casablanca Valley Wine Tour

Today you'll head to the Chilean coastal city of Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the country's most romantic and artistic city. En route, stop at an organic winery in the Casablanca Valley for a guided tour and tasting session, where you'll try four different wines paired with Chilean cheeses and chocolates. Later, delve into the colorful, well-preserved seaport of Valparaíso. The city is a throwback to the turn of the 20th century when electric trolleys coasted along the waterfront, and funicular elevators carried passengers to the city's highest points.

Travel by trolley between Plaza Sotomayor and Plaza Aníbal Pinto, then board the Reina Victoria Funicular for aerial views. Ramble through hilly neighborhoods like Cerro Alegre, Cerro Concepción, and Cerro Florida, with their brightly-painted houses, old churches, and cobbled squares. To finish, you have the option of dining on some of the best seafood in South America. Then, hop back in the minivan for the return to Santiago.

Day 3: Day Trip to San José Volcano & Andes Mountains

Today, explore the Cajón del Maipo (Maipo Canyon), a picturesque place near the city of Santiago. Here, you can enjoy outdoor activities and immerse yourself in the nature of the Andes Mountains. On the way, make a stop for a 25-minute walk to a majestic waterfall. Continue following the Maipo River until you arrive at El Cabrerio, where you'll begin your trek into the heart of the mountain range.

During the three-hour roundtrip trek, discover the 19,213-foot (5,856-m) high San José Volcano. Learn about the area's environment, natural history, flora, and fauna, as you take in the breathtaking landscape of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The hike will lead you to La Engorda Valley, where you'll be treated to a panoramic view. Take a moment to relax, enjoy a sandwich, snap some photos, and connect with nature. Then start your walk back to the van and return to Santiago, recharged by the energy of the mountains. 

Day 6: Boat Tour to Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers

This morning, head to the dock near Puerto Natales and hop on a boat bound for Balmaceda Glacier, located at the southern end of Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. The park is only accessible by foot or by boat, and this 7-hour day tour follows the Última Esperanza Sound from Puerto Natales to the glacier. 

Keep your camera close during this scenic boat ride, where you'll be treated to vast, panoramic views of native forests composed of coihue, canelo, and lenga beech trees. You're also likely to spot sea lions as you head north toward the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers. Disembark and take the opportunity to enjoy views of these enormous ice structures from the land. After a short hike, you'll reach a ranch where you can enjoy a traditional Patagonian barbecue. In the afternoon, return by boat to Puerto Natales.

Day 8: Full-Day Tour of Torres del Paine National Park & Surroundings

Begin today's adventure at the Cueva del Milodón, located 15 miles (24 km) north of Puerto Natales. Cueva del Milodón is the largest of a network of caves and houses a life-size replica of a mylodon, a giant prehistoric sloth. German explorer Hermann Eberhard discovered the well-preserved remains of a mylodon here in 1895, giving the cave its name. En route, pass by the Silla del Diablo (Devil's Chair), a rock formation shaped like a seat that is the subject of numerous local legends. Afterward, continue north along the road to Torres del Paine National Park.

Soon, you'll see the Cuernos del Paine and reach a fork in the road which leads to Grey Lake. Once you arrive at the lake, take a pleasant walk along its shores, stopping at the Grey Lake Viewpoint if the weather is favorable. When you've finished with this nature trek, enjoy a break and picnic lunch in the park. Later, head to the Salto Grande Waterfall and the dazzling Lake Nordenskjöld Viewpoint. Continue to enjoy scenic views on a winding route that gradually brings you closer to the Laguna Amarga (Bitter Lagoon). Then return to Puerto Natales, passing by the Lake Sarmiento Viewpoint on the way back.

Day 9: Transfer to El Calafate & Perito Moreno Glacier Tour

In the morning, meet your driver for a transfer to El Calafate, across the border in Argentine Patagonia. On the way, stop for a tour of the Perito Moreno Glacier, composed of over 96 square miles (249 km²) of solid ice. As you enter Los Glaciares National Park, you'll catch your first glimpse of this majestic natural formation. Extending out from the Andes, the formation ends in a shimmering wall of blue ice that curves around Lake Argentino.

Three miles of wooden walkways carry visitors all around the glacier and feature many lookout points. As you stand at one of these viewing areas, you're likely to witness "calving," an event where great chunks of ice break off from the glacier wall and crash into the waters below. You can also join a short cruise across the lake to get an even closer view of the glacier. The boat will take you right up alongside Perito Moreno's massive ice wall, which reaches heights of 240 feet (73 m) in places. In the evening, head onward to your hotel in El Calafate to enjoy a relaxing dinner.  

Day 10: Free Day in El Calafate

Take today to enjoy El Calafate however you choose. You can book a luxurious spa treatment, go horseback riding on a nearby ranch, or embark on a kayaking trip on Lake Argentino. You could also tour the Reserva Laguna Nimez, a protected area 15 minutes walking distance from town. The reserve is home to many native species of birds, such as black-necked swans, upland geese, and Chilean flamingoes. Otherwise, simply while away the day shopping, hanging out in a café, or trying some local treats, like artisanal chocolates and products made with El Calafate berries.  

Day 11: Guided Tour from El Calafate to El Chaltén

Early this morning, meet your guide in your hotel lobby. After traveling about 19 miles (30 km) to the east, head north on Argentina's famous Route 40, the longest highway in the country. Skirt the eastern shore of Lake Argentino and the Santa Cruz River until you reach La Estela Ranch, located near the La Leóna River. Make a stop here to learn about the history of the La Leóna Hotel, and enjoy a snack of tea and cakes. Continue on to El Chaltén, bordering Lake Viedma. On the way, stop to enjoy the Andean landscape and panoramic views of the Viedma Glacier and the Chaltén (Fitz Roy) and Torre peaks.

At around 11 am, park rangers from Los Glaciares National Park will welcome you and provide an informative talk about El Chaltén, the "National Capital of Trekking." Soon after, prepare to start the day's outdoor activities, including an optional hike to the Laguna Capri. Let the forest embrace you on this moderate 4-mile (7 km) trek, which takes approximately two hours. Once arrived, take a lunch break as you enjoy the magnificent views of the Torre, Chaltén, and Guillaumet hills, as well as the Madre and Hija lagoons. Later, return to El Chaltén, where a bus will be waiting to bring you back to El Calafate.

Day 13: El Chaltén Free Hiking

Use today to discover additional hiking trails around El Chaltén at your own pace. Beginner hikers could try an easy, 2-3 mile (3-5 km) roundtrip trek to Mirador de los Cóndores, or a one-hour hike to the Chorrillo del Salto Waterfall. A more challenging option is to hike to the Huemul Glacier, located about an hour outside of El Chaltén and named after a local deer species. This moderately strenuous journey will take you through some of the most gorgeous scenery in the area, including rivers, streams, and pristine forests. A nice reward is the view of Cerro Torre and Mount Fitz Roy from the top.

Day 14: Return to Santiago 

After an early breakfast, check out of your hotel and hop on a bus for the three-hour ride back to El Calafate. Once arrived, board a southbound bus headed for Puerto Natales. This journey typically takes five hours or more, depending on the traffic conditions at the Argentina-Chile border. Later in the day, prepare for your return to Santiago. Based on flight schedules, a driver will bring you either to the bus terminal for a ride to the airport in Punta Arenas or to the local Puerto Natales airport if there is a direct flight available. 

Day 15: Day of Leisure in Santiago & Depart Chile

Spend the last day of your trip exploring Santiago at your leisure. You could stroll the cobblestone streets of trendy Barrio Bellavista, wander into the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, or visit the Palacio de la Moneda, Chile's opulent presidential palace. For lunch or dinner, be sure to enjoy a culinary adventure in the city. In recent years, Santiago has emerged as a global foodie destination. You can find great restaurants and wine bars not only in Bellavista but also in the revitalized historic neighborhoods of Yungay and Italia.

When your flight time arrives, it's time to say goodbye to beautiful Chile. Return to your hotel and meet your driver, who will bring you to Santiago's international airport for your flight back home.

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