Best of Patagonie
From Lake Llanquihue to Patagonian fjords, a Chilean odyssey between snow-capped volcanoes and thousand-year-old glaciers
Duration
12 days
From
€2,810/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
Discover the south of Chile, its capital and the legendary port of Valparaiso. You will stay in Puerto Varas on the shores of a deep blue lake surrounded by mountains with snow-capped peaks. Then, you will board a cruise where from your boat you can observe the wildlife and magnificent landscapes before reaching Puerto Natales, the gateway to Patagonia. You will visit the world-renowned Torres del Paine National Park, and take another voyage to get close to two glaciers.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Chile
Upon your arrival at Santiago, Chile airport, you are welcomed by your Spanish-speaking driver, who ensures your transfer to your hotel. You then meet your English-speaking guide at the hotel to discover the Chilean capital, using local public transportation, including the metro and bus. An authentic way to explore this modern metropolis, whose historic neighborhoods still bear witness to its past.
Your visit begins at the Palace of the Mint Palacio de La Moneda, before continuing on foot through the pedestrian streets of the historic center to the Plaza de Armas, in the heart of Santiago, Chile. You then head to Mercado Central, a lively traditional market, appreciated for its local atmosphere. You can have lunch there in a restaurant specializing in fish and seafood, particularly popular with locals.
To conclude this discovery of Santiago, take the cable car up Cerro San Cristóbal to reach its summit, at over 300 meters high. Enjoy a panoramic view of the Chilean capital and its surroundings.
Return to your hotel around 6:00 PM.
Transport: Private with Spanish-speaking driver
Excursion: Private with English-speaking guide
Note: the cable car is closed on Mondays.
Petrohué Falls and Osorno Volcano Excursions
After breakfast, you head to Punta Arenas airport, located just two minutes from your hotel. We recommend checking in at the airline counter at least 1h30 before departure.
Flight to Puerto Montt (included), then welcome on arrival and transfer to your hotel in Puerto Varas.
In the afternoon, you head towards the majestic volcano Osorno, which peaks at over 2,600 meters. Along the way, you will skirt the shores of Lake Llanquihue, offering superb scenery.
Once at the foot of the volcano, you enjoy exceptional panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and lakes. It is possible to take a chairlift to reach an even more spectacular viewpoint (option not included).
Return to your Puerto Varas hotel at the end of the day.
Private transfer.
Group excursion with English-speaking/Spanish-speaking guide.
Chiloé Island Visit
Departing from your hotel in Puerto Varas, take the road heading toward Pargua, where you board a ferry to cross the Chacao Channel, which separates the continent from the large island of Chiloé. During the crossing, keep your eyes open: you may have the opportunity to observe sea lions, pelicans and different species of seabirds characteristic of this region of Chile.
Upon your arrival in Chacao, continue your route towards Ancud, a city marked by its historical heritage. Discover the San Antonio fort, built at the end of the 18th century and located on the heights of the city. It bears witness to the Spanish presence and ranks among the last fortifications built during this period. Your visit continues with heritage churches, the Plaza de Armas and the municipal market, where gastronomic specialties and local craftsmanship come together. Then resume the Pan-American highway towards Dalcahue on Chiloé Island, a small town located facing the island of Quinchao. On its waterfront, discover its traditional gastronomic market, where you can appreciate the local atmosphere and enjoy a view of the surroundings.
Your excursion continues towards Castro, capital of the great Chiloé island. Make a first stop to admire the famous palafitos, these colorful houses built on stilts, characteristic of local architecture. You then visit the San Francisco church, before heading to the Gamboa viewpoint, which offers a panorama of the stilt houses and allows you to take beautiful photographs.
At the end of the day, return to your hotel in Puerto Varas.
Group excursion with Spanish-speaking or English-speaking guide.
Cruise Boarding
Transfer at 09:30 to the Puerto Montt embarkation port. Check-in and baggage registration between 9:30 and 12:30 (Angelmó no. 1735). Boarding the boat at 15:00.
Lunch suggestion: San Angelmó is a small port market with several restaurants offering seafood specialties, located 200m from the boat. Welcome speech from the Captain and safety video, route presentation at 16:30.
Departure at 17:00 to begin our navigation.
Dinner at 19:30. Film at 21:00. Pub opens at 22:00 (music).
The Seno de Reloncaví is a bay located in the Los Lagos Region, in southern Chile, which marks the end of the Central Valley and constitutes the area where the Intermediate Depression descends into the Pacific Ocean following glacial erosion that occurred thousands of years ago. Chileans consider that the entire geography of Patagonia began at this location.
Cruise day 2
After breakfast at 8 a.m., attend a briefing at 9:30 a.m. to discover the program for this day of navigation through the channels of Chilean Patagonie.
Your boat continues along the Pérez Norte and Pérez Sur channels, heading to Melinka, a village located in the Aysén region, in southern Chile. As you navigate, you will have the opportunity to observe colonies of sea lions and cormorants, which inhabit the coasts of this region.
You then continue your crossing through the Brieva and Peñón Blanco passages, before reaching the Pelluche channel, also located in the Aysén region. Take advantage of this navigation to admire the coastal landscapes and dense vegetation that borders the channels.
In the afternoon, your boat gradually leaves the channels to reach the waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Throughout the day, several lectures and activities on board allow you to deepen your knowledge of the nature and landscapes of Patagonie.
Activity schedule on board:
8:00 a.m.: Breakfast
9:30 a.m.: Briefing
11:00 a.m.: Lecture on wildlife and flora, in Spanish
11:30 a.m.: Lecture on wildlife and flora, in English
12:30 p.m.: Lunch
3:30 p.m.: Lecture on glaciation, in Spanish
4:00 p.m.: Lecture on glaciation, in English
6:00 p.m.: Documentary screening
7:30 p.m.: Dinner
9:00 p.m.: Film screening
9:30 p.m.: Pub opening with music
Group excursion with Spanish-speaking or English-speaking guide.
Cruise day 3
After the briefing at 9:30 a.m., continue your navigation through the channels of Chilean Patagonia, heading towards the Messier Channel, one of the main navigable routes in the region.
This long channel is named after French astronomer Charles Messier. For approximately 6,000 years, and until the end of the 20th century, it was traveled by the Kawésqar, an indigenous people who lived on its shores. Your crossing continues through the Angostura Inglesa passage, then through the Bajo Cotopaxi sector.
You then reach Puerto Edén, a small locality located in the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic region, in the Última Esperanza province. A shore excursion is scheduled at 11 a.m. for some passengers.
In high season, navigation also allows you to admire the Pío XI Glacier, also called Brüggen or Ana María Glacier. With an area of approximately 1,263 km², it is considered the largest glacier in South America. An opportunity to discover the glacial landscapes characteristic of Chilean Patagonia.
On board, also enjoy lectures dedicated to Torres del Paine National Park, before ending the day in a friendly atmosphere with closing entertainment.
Activity schedule on board:
9:30 a.m.: Briefing
11:00 a.m.: Disembarkation at Puerto Edén for some passengers
12:30 p.m.: Lunch
4:00 p.m.: Lecture on Torres del Paine, in Spanish
5:00 p.m.: Lecture on Torres del Paine, in English
7:30 p.m.: Dinner
9:30 p.m.: Bingo and closing party
Day 4 Cruise
After breakfast at 8 a.m., enjoy your final moments on board as your boat continues navigating through the Chilean Patagonie channels. Your itinerary first takes the White channel, then the Última Esperanza channel, located in the Magallanes region, south of Chile. This final stage allows you to admire the landscapes of the Puerto Natales region, notably the Serrano and Balmaceda glaciers, which characterize this natural environment.
At 10 a.m., you return your cabin keys before arriving in Puerto Natales around 11 a.m., weather permitting. Upon disembarkation, your driver will greet you to arrange your private transfer to your hotel in Puerto Natales.
Enjoy the rest of your free day to relax or explore Puerto Natales at your own pace.
Discovery of Torres del Paine National Park
After breakfast at your hotel, set off for a full day excursion to discover the Torres del Paine national park, in the heart of Patagonia. The departure time will be confirmed to you later.
Your first stop takes you to the natural monument Cueva del Milodón, a prehistoric site where the remains of a mammal that lived approximately 12,000 years ago were discovered.
You then continue towards Cerro Castillo, a border post with Argentina, where a coffee break is scheduled before heading to Torres del Paine national park. As you approach, the characteristic silhouettes of the Cuernos del Paine gradually emerge in the landscape.
Throughout your journey, keep your eyes open to observe the wild fauna of Patagonia, notably guanacos, foxes and condors that inhabit this region.
Your discovery of the park continues through several emblematic natural sites: Amarga lagoon, Nordenskjöld and Pehoé lakes, then Salto Grande, from where you will be able to admire the Cuernos del Paine massif and the surrounding landscapes.
A lunch break is then scheduled at a restaurant in the park (meal not included).
In the afternoon, set off on a short hike through a forest, which will allow you to see Grey Glacier, another characteristic landscape of this Patagonia region.
At the end of the day, head back to Puerto Natales, where your return is expected around 7:30 PM.
Practical information:
Group excursion with English-speaking guide.
Lunch not included.
Entrance fees to Torres del Paine national park and Cueva del Milodón not included, to be booked and paid at aspticket.cl.
Visit to Isla Magdalena
From your hotel, enjoy a private transfer with a Spanish-speaking driver to Punta Arenas, where you join your hotel. The departure time will be confirmed to you later.
You then benefit from a transfer from your hotel to the Punta Arenas boarding dock, to set off on an excursion to Magdalena Island, located in the Strait of Magellan, approximately 35 kilometers off the coast.
This crossing allows you to discover the natural monument Isla Magdalena, a protected natural space in the heart of the Strait of Magellan.
After your excursion, you take the boat back to Punta Arenas.
Practical information:
Private transports with Spanish-speaking driver.
Transfer times to be confirmed.
Excursion subject to weather conditions.
In case of cancellation of the excursion due to bad weather, it will be fully refunded to you.
From Punta Arenas to Santiago, Chile
From your hotel in Punta Arenas, enjoy a private transfer to the airport, scheduled two hours before your flight departure. You will then fly to Santiago de Chile, the Chilean capital.
Upon arrival at Santiago airport, your driver welcomes you and provides your private transfer to your hotel, where you can settle in after your journey.
Private transport with English-speaking driver.
Discovery of Valparaíso and the Pacific Coast
At 9 a.m., meet your English-speaking guide and driver at your hotel to head towards the Chilean Pacific coast, to discover Valparaíso, a port city renowned for its historical heritage and colorful neighborhoods.
On the way, cross the agricultural valley of Curacaví, then the wine valley of Casablanca, two regions that showcase the diversity of landscapes in central Chile.
Upon arrival in Valparaíso, discover several emblematic places in the city, including the Congreso Nacional, O'Higgins Plaza and Italia Plaza. You continue with a visit to La Sebastiana, the former home of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, now open to visitors (closed on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays).
Then set off for an approximately one-hour walk on Cerro Concepción, one of the characteristic hills of Valparaíso. Along your stroll, discover Paseo Atkinson, Paseo Gervasoni and Paseo Yugoslavo, walks that allow you to appreciate the architecture and landscapes of this city built on the heights.
You then take a funicular to descend towards Plaza Sotomayor, before reaching Muelle Prat, the quay of the port of Valparaiso.
Your discovery continues with another funicular ride up to Paseo 21 de Mayo, which offers a view of the city and its port surroundings.
During your visit, you also catch sight of Iglesia Matriz de Valparaíso, the Stock Exchange, the El Mercurio de Valparaíso newspaper building and Plaza Victoria.
Weather permitting, you continue your excursion to Viña del Mar, a neighboring city located on the Pacific coast.
Private excursion with English-speaking guide.
Departure from Santiago, Chile
According to your flight schedule, your driver will pick you up from your hotel in Santiago, Chile, four hours before departure, to ensure your transfer to Santiago airport.
Your trip to Chile ends with this final transfer.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights.
- Entrance fees to parks and museums.
- Assistance and repatriation.
- Meals not mentioned and beverages.
- Tips.
- Personal expenses.
Included
- Domestic flights.
- Airport-hotel-airport transfers.
- Accommodation with breakfast.
- Private and group excursions with local English-speaking or Spanish-speaking guides.
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Patagonie (Argentine et Chili) dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer en Argentine et au Chili, votre passeport doit être valide pendant toute la durée de votre séjour. Il est toutefois fortement recommandé qu'il reste valide au moins six mois après la date d'entrée dans le pays, et qu'il comporte au moins une page vierge pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Séjour touristique sans visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques en Argentine et au Chili.
En Argentine, cette exemption permet un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 90 jours, renouvelable une fois sur place pour une durée équivalente. Au Chili, l'exemption autorise également un séjour jusqu'à 90 jours, non renouvelable sans quitter le territoire.
Les autorités peuvent demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,
une adresse d'hébergement sur le territoire.
Passage de frontière entre l'Argentine et le Chili
La Patagonie s'étendant sur les deux pays, de nombreux voyageurs sont amenés à franchir plusieurs fois la frontière terrestre entre l'Argentine et le Chili au cours de leur séjour. Chaque entrée sur l'un ou l'autre territoire donne lieu à un nouveau contrôle d'immigration et à l'attribution d'un nouveau délai de séjour autorisé.
Certains postes-frontières terrestres sont situés dans des zones reculées et peuvent avoir des horaires d'ouverture limités. Il est conseillé de vérifier les conditions de passage avant votre départ.
Il est strictement interdit d'importer des produits alimentaires frais (fruits, légumes, viande, produits laitiers) d'un pays à l'autre, sous peine de confiscation et d'amende.
Santé et vaccins
Aucun vaccin n'est obligatoire pour entrer en Argentine ou au Chili. Cependant, certaines recommandations sanitaires sont à prendre en compte :
La mise à jour des vaccins de routine (diphtérie, tétanos, poliomyélite, rougeole) est recommandée.
La vaccination contre l'hépatite A peut être conseillée selon votre profil et votre itinéraire.
En Patagonie, les conditions climatiques peuvent être extrêmes (froid, vent, UV intenses) : une préparation physique et un équipement adapté sont indispensables.
Nous vous recommandons de consulter un médecin ou un centre de vaccination avant votre départ pour un avis personnalisé.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide couvrant la durée du séjour.
Lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un ou les deux parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence, ainsi qu'une autorisation parentale notariée traduite en espagnol pour certains contrôles aux frontières argentines ou chiliennes.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat d'Argentine et du Chili de leur pays de résidence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed to enjoy your trip with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Patagonia spans across Argentina and Chile. In both cases, no visa is required for tourist stays. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. Before booking your itinerary, check the specific rules applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of each country.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 220 and 380 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and guide. International flights (1000-1500 euros return) are additional. Patagonia is expensive (remote lodges, domestic flights, nature excursions) but unforgettable.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to travellers' profiles. For families, we prioritise relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, educational and fun activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget, and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You fine-tune every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Lake Region
Guide to Patagonia's Great Horizons, based in Santiago
Patagonia gives a rare sense of freedom. We travel there as much for the landscapes as for what they awaken within us.
— Sarah
