Signature Patagonia: Highlights of Patagonia
13 days from £7,700
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
Santiago is set in a broad valley between ranges of the Andes, with majestic snow-capped peaks, and a smaller coastal range with a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Upon arrival at the airport our local representatives will meet you for the onward 2-hour transfer to the Pacific port of Valparaiso.
Chile’s principal port is in effect two towns. The cramped lower part, with narrow streets facing the bay, with heavy, Victorian architecture reflecting its past importance, acts as the business centre. Above, covering the hills, there is an agglomeration of fine mansions, tattered and multicoloured houses and shacks reached by a combination of steps, funicular railways and winding lanes. Galleried walkways and look-out points provide panoramic views of the city.
Once neglected and even shabby, Valparaiso has undergone a facelift in the past few years, as elegant 19th and early 20th century houses and mansions are converted into boutique hotels to accommodate increasing numbers of visitors drawn to this atmospheric port city.
Zero is one of these: a converted residence on a quiet street with wonderful views over the harbour. It has a great mixture of classic and contemporary styles: the outside is vibrantly painted in baby-blue with white-painted shutters. Inside, stylish furnishings and bold colour schemes blend with high ceilings, wooden floors and lovely old bay windows.
The nine individually-decorated rooms are furnished with Egyptian cotton linen, LCD cable television and private bathroom. It is within easy walking distance of numerous places to eat and drink. Meanwhile the hotel’s breakfast room has super views of Valparaiso, its wooden floors, and glass-top tables adding to a bright and airy feel. A restaurant opened in early 2018 and serves dinner every day except Wednesday. Outside are beautiful patios, wooden walkways and sun-decks, with comfy wicker furniture and terrace gardens.
There’s a guided walking tour of the city so you can understand its multi-layered character. It begins at the pier continuing to the adjacent Plaza Sotomayor with its historical buildings and the Monumento a los Héroes de Iquique, an underground mausoleum paying tribute to Chile’s naval martyrs. Go up the El Peral funicular elevator, just one of 15 ascensores which lead up the hills to the meandering little streets of upper Valparaiso.
Continue to Cerro Concepcíon, one of the city’s most lovely neighbourhoods with its colourful corrugated iron buildings with pitched roofs. After further explorations take the Artilleria elevator, which enjoys outstanding views over the city, back down to sea level and numerous arts and handicraft shops.
Once neglected and even shabby, Valparaiso has undergone a facelift in the past few years, as elegant 19th and early 20th century houses and mansions are converted into boutique hotels to accommodate increasing numbers of visitors drawn to this atmospheric port city.
Zero is one of these: a converted residence on a quiet street with wonderful views over the harbour. It has a great mixture of classic and contemporary styles: the outside is vibrantly painted in baby-blue with white-painted shutters. Inside, stylish furnishings and bold colour schemes blend with high ceilings, wooden floors and lovely old bay windows.
The nine individually-decorated rooms are furnished with Egyptian cotton linen, LCD cable television and private bathroom. It is within easy walking distance of numerous places to eat and drink. Meanwhile the hotel’s breakfast room has super views of Valparaiso, its wooden floors, and glass-top tables adding to a bright and airy feel. A restaurant opened in early 2018 and serves dinner every day except Wednesday. Outside are beautiful patios, wooden walkways and sun-decks, with comfy wicker furniture and terrace gardens.
Transfer to Santiago airport and fly to Puerto Montt in the lake district, northern Patagonia (2hrs). It seems that each of the royal blue lakes in this region of chocolate-box prettiness is overlooked by its own snow-dipped volcano. On the lake shores are resort towns with an Alpine flavour and traditional villages of neat wooden cottages. The region is carpeted with pine forests and studded with youthful streams.
A short drive to Puerto Varas on the shores of Lake Llanquihue. The town was colonised by Germans at the turn of the 20th century and its architecture and sedate style reflects this, but it is now a fast-growing tourist resort. Its main attraction is an alpine green lake framed by tree-clad hills and beyond, one of the most perfectly shaped snow-capped volcanoes in the world – Osorno. If you’re lucky enough to be in Puerto Varas on a clear and still evening, the sunsets over Osorno’s snowy mantle can be magical.
This well-regarded hotel commands glorious panoramic views from its position on a hillock overlooking Lake Llanquihue and Osorno volcano in Chile’s idyllic lake district.
Built in typical Patagonian style of wood and stone with a pitched roof, it’s only 5 minutes’ walk from central Puerto Varas along the lakeshore.
Well-equipped rooms are furnished with neutral colours, local wood and décor of a regional ambience. Some have balconies and large windows make the most of the views.
There’s a wonderful lounge with open fires, sheepskin rugs, sofas and huge windows overlooking the lake. The adjacent restaurant has similar views, and offers a range of specialities. There is also a small indoor swimming pool on the top floor.
Full day guided discovery of Chiloe Island. Drive via Puerto Montt (1hr) for the ferry ride through the Chacao Channel to the emerald isle of Chiloé. Ancud is a lively fishing port which was the Spanish Crown’s last possession in South America. Here you visit the fortress of San Antonio, where the treaty was signed for the withdrawal of the Spanish from Latin America. From Huaihuén Hill there are sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
Drive inland, through a landscape of valleys and rolling green pastures towards the island’s rugged west coast with its deserted beaches, quiet farmlands and coastal forest. Visit the penguin colony of Puñihuíl, the only place in the world where Humbolt and Magellanic penguins nest side by side. Stops are also made at the sweepingly beautiful bay at Mar Brava, on the extreme north of the island and Caulin, a small village of colourful fishermen’s’ houses which is known for its oysters.
This well-regarded hotel commands glorious panoramic views from its position on a hillock overlooking Lake Llanquihue and Osorno volcano in Chile’s idyllic lake district.
Built in typical Patagonian style of wood and stone with a pitched roof, it’s only 5 minutes’ walk from central Puerto Varas along the lakeshore.
Well-equipped rooms are furnished with neutral colours, local wood and décor of a regional ambience. Some have balconies and large windows make the most of the views.
There’s a wonderful lounge with open fires, sheepskin rugs, sofas and huge windows overlooking the lake. The adjacent restaurant has similar views, and offers a range of specialities. There is also a small indoor swimming pool on the top floor.
Travel through the most scenic Andean pass of them all to Argentina’s lake district. It’s a stunning 12hr journey with plenty of variety and stops to transfer between forms of transport.
Travel along the southern shore of Lake Llanquihue until you reach Petrohue river and take the 2hr ferry journey to Peulla. Lago Todos los Santos, also known as the Emerald Lake, lives up to its name with its almost preternatural colour contrasting with darker hues of the tree clad hills. Marking the horizon is the snow-capped peak of Osorno Volcano and the Puntiagudo and Tronador mountains. From Peulla, continue by bus to Puerto Frias. Cross the border and continue by boat. A comfortable catamaran makes the final crossing to Puerto Pañuelo, a 30min drive along the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi to Bariloche.
We love La Cascada’s setting, perched high above the shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi in Argentina’s lake district, and there’s a rather English familiarity to its appearance which makes one soon feel at home.
The hotel is conveniently located a short drive from downtown Bariloche, yet feels pleasantly secluded. La Cascada’s style is traditional, without quirky design features or boutique pretentions, and guestrooms are cosy and comfortable. For a lake view you should book a superior room, but everyone can enjoy splendid views from the hotel’s terrace and restaurant.
There’s an attractive indoor pool, and the lakeshore is just a short, steep walk down from the hotel.
The lake district is a popular yet unspoilt region of sleeping snow-stifled volcanoes, dark sapphire lakes fringed by dense forests, small Alpine-style towns and scenic drives. Its multitude of national parks offer outdoor activities from hiking to fishing and cycling to horse riding. There’s a European-style cuisine of fondues, creamy cakes and cool blond Bavarian-inspired beers.
San Carlos de Bariloche is the main town in Argentina’s lake district, on the southern shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi. The town is a centre for skiing in winter (July and August), and walking in summer – set against a stunning backdrop of glacial green-blue lakes framed by the mountains of the Andes.
Set out on a guided adventure to Tronador mountain and the Nahuel Huapi National Park. Follow the road along the lakeshores of Lago Gutierrez and Lago Mascardi, the so-called ‘Lake of the Seven Colours’. Beyond, the road emerges from a dark forest to reach Ventisquero Negro composed of black rock and ice. The cacophony of sound that accompanies ice and rockslides is where the ‘Thunderer’ (Cerro Tronador) gets its name.
Continue to the base of the mountain, the highest peak in the Nahuel Huapi National Park at 3,554m. Head past scenic lakes, waterfalls and rushing rivers, culminating in an uphill walk to reach the viewpoint of the Cascada La Alerces.
We love La Cascada’s setting, perched high above the shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi in Argentina’s lake district, and there’s a rather English familiarity to its appearance which makes one soon feel at home.
The hotel is conveniently located a short drive from downtown Bariloche, yet feels pleasantly secluded. La Cascada’s style is traditional, without quirky design features or boutique pretentions, and guestrooms are cosy and comfortable. For a lake view you should book a superior room, but everyone can enjoy splendid views from the hotel’s terrace and restaurant.
There’s an attractive indoor pool, and the lakeshore is just a short, steep walk down from the hotel.
Transfer to airport to fly to El Calafate in southern Patagonia. Transfer to your hotel in this resort town on the southern shore of turquoise Lago Argentino. Tourism in the last twenty years has transformed it into a bustling entrepôt for access to the nearby scenery of glaciers, lakes and impossibly steep peaks. It still has a bit of a frontier feel, though it is very busy in summer.
A leisure brand of the international Wyndham group, Esplendor hotels are known for their unusual, occasionally outlandish interior design, lending an element of fun and individuality to these mid-range properties. Esplendor El Calafate is no exception: the theme is unmistakably Patagonian from the moment you enter. Perched above the centre of El Calafate, the hotel has impressive views of Lago Argentino from the panoramic windows of its warm and welcoming public areas. Driftwood, stone-work and muted tones reflect the tawny steppes of Patagonia, whilst animal hides drape the soft furnishings. The theme continues through to the guest rooms, where the distinctive ceiling lights are made of antlers – and of course you’ll also find the essentials such as heating and internet. Although you’re just outside the centre of El Calafate here, the bar and restaurant are sufficiently inviting if you’d rather not walk the 10 minutes or so into town where there’s a great range of typical Patagonian eateries and watering holes.
Guided excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier. It’s an early morning departure from El Calafate to Los Glaciares National Park, a 90 min drive to the walkways and viewing platform overlooking the glacier. The thundering shards of falling ice are a breathtaking spectacle as you pass at a safe distance along the walkway in front of the Canal de los Tempanos, which separates Brazo Rico from the main part of the lake.
The Glacier is five kilometres wide and stands 60m above the surface of the lake. Its ice masses are fed by the southern continental ice field from the west, and from other smaller surrounding glaciers. After lunch (not included) in the nearby cafeteria, board the Safari Nautico or Moreno Fiesta for an hour-long cruise on the lake beneath the glacier, with a commentary. Alternatively, you can just walk and contemplate, away from the other visitors.
A leisure brand of the international Wyndham group, Esplendor hotels are known for their unusual, occasionally outlandish interior design, lending an element of fun and individuality to these mid-range properties. Esplendor El Calafate is no exception: the theme is unmistakably Patagonian from the moment you enter. Perched above the centre of El Calafate, the hotel has impressive views of Lago Argentino from the panoramic windows of its warm and welcoming public areas. Driftwood, stone-work and muted tones reflect the tawny steppes of Patagonia, whilst animal hides drape the soft furnishings. The theme continues through to the guest rooms, where the distinctive ceiling lights are made of antlers – and of course you’ll also find the essentials such as heating and internet. Although you’re just outside the centre of El Calafate here, the bar and restaurant are sufficiently inviting if you’d rather not walk the 10 minutes or so into town where there’s a great range of typical Patagonian eateries and watering holes.
It’s a wonderful scenic drive on a lonely road across the border to Chile and Torres del Paine National park. The drive to the border crossing at Cancha Carrera takes about four hours across the vast Patagonian grasslands, remote and sparsely populated. Wildlife to look out for includes guanaco and the ostrich-like rhea. Pass immigration and drive into Chile. Continue to majestic Torres del Paine National Park, a further two hours along an unpaved road.
The park is dominated by a granite massif of smooth rock towers and icy pinnacles. Milky blue and gem-sharp emerald lakes, sinuous rivers, glaciers and wind-scoured steppes have created a remarkable and unique environment. Declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, the area is a natural habitat of over 150 species of birds (flamingos, condors, eagles and ostriches) and 25 species of mammal (including guanacos, armadillos, silver foxes and pumas).
Hotel Las Torres is a lodge and former cattle ranch just below the dramatic, vertical ‘towers’ of the Torres del Paine massif – there is no more iconic location in Patagonia. It is very well run and organised, operating packages with meals, excursions and road transfers all included.
The cosy rooms are furnished in light wood and have a warm color palette.There is a spacious lounge area with large picture windows to fully take advantage of the mountain scenery. Wood-burning stoves provide heating and the central focal point for chilly evenings. There is also a restaurant which uses ingredients from the lodge’s own vegetable garden and a small spa offering sauna, massage, reflexology and mud therapy.
You have a choice of guided excursions to explore this wonderful wilderness environment from the camp. Some are more energetic than others, but all are immensely rewarding. You might choose to walk uphill to the base of the dizzying perpendicular “torres” or towers, hike to the jade green Laguna Verde or to one of a number of scenic look-out points. You might visit the beach at Lago Grey and survey the steep walls of the Grey Glacier, from which blue-tinged icebergs the size of motor launches break off and drift around in the icy waters.
Hotel Las Torres is a lodge and former cattle ranch just below the dramatic, vertical ‘towers’ of the Torres del Paine massif – there is no more iconic location in Patagonia. It is very well run and organised, operating packages with meals, excursions and road transfers all included.
The cosy rooms are furnished in light wood and have a warm color palette.There is a spacious lounge area with large picture windows to fully take advantage of the mountain scenery. Wood-burning stoves provide heating and the central focal point for chilly evenings. There is also a restaurant which uses ingredients from the lodge’s own vegetable garden and a small spa offering sauna, massage, reflexology and mud therapy.
Transfer back to Punta Arenas airport (5hrs) and fly to Santiago (4hrs).
The popular chain hotel Holiday Inn Santiago Airport is conveniently located right at the airport, directly in front of the arrivals area. While a functional choice, it’s more than agreeable and surprisingly quiet. Rooms are comfortable with all the amenities to make for a pleasant and restful stay. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, sauna, gym, hot tub and outdoor swimming pool.
Breakfast is included this morning before check out and making your own way to the international departures terminal.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Chile - Santiago and the vineyards
Snow-capped Andean peaks overlook cosmopolitan neighbourhoods, historic plazas and sun-drenched vineyards in Santiago Chile – the country’s sophisticated capital and its surrounding wine country. Combining urban culture with world-class wineries, Santiago and vineyards nearby give you the perfect introduction to Chile.
Chile - Valparaiso and Vina del Mar
Colourful hillside neighbourhoods, world-famous street art and Pacific Ocean views combine with elegant seaside charm in two of Chile’s most distinctive coastal destinations. Valparaíso’s bohemian energy and Viña del Mar’s relaxed atmosphere create the perfect complement to a visit to Santiago and Chile’s wine country.
Chile - Chilean Lake District (south)
Snow-capped volcanoes, blue lakes, ancient forests and lakeside towns with a distinct Bavarian streak: the southern Chilean Lake District is one of the country’s most beautiful regions, and one of the most rewarding to explore. Chilean Lake District holidays combine spectacular scenery with outdoor adventure, and local culture.
Argentina - Argentinian lake district
Hike through southern beech forest to a mountain refuge, drive the Seven Lakes Road between snow-topped peaks and end the day with hot chocolate in an alpine town. Set around Bariloche and Argentina’s oldest national park, the Lake District is northern Patagonia at its most beautiful, and its most active.
Argentina - El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park
Stand on the boardwalks as house-sized blocks of ice crack from the Perito Moreno glacier, strap on crampons to walk on the ice itself, and cruise Lago Argentino past floating bergs to the glaciers beyond. Gateway to Argentina’s greatest ice fields, El Calafate is where Patagonia turns blue and white.
Chile - Torres del Paine National Park
Spiralling granite towers, serrated massifs and turquoise lakes define one of the most spectacular national parks, where grasslands give way to glacial valleys, rivers and glassy lagoons. Torres del Paine is Chile’s flagship natural destination, and Torres del Paine holidays remain one of South America’s finest options for hiking, wildlife watching and immersive wilderness experiences.
This is a comprehensive Patagonia highlights holiday exploring the indigo lakes, ancient woodland and snow-capped volcanoes of the lake district. Further south are the ice caps, glaciers, jagged mountains and lakes at the tip of the Andes in Chile and Argentina. This adventure includes a visit to the cathedral-high Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina, and Torres del Paine National Park, Chile’s best loved and well-established reserve.
While the lake district in northern Patagonia has lakeside resorts and many visitors in summer, there are little seen fairyland forests and lonely roads carving their way through a virgin landscape. The south is, in parts, a true wilderness, where just a few rough roads cut through a frost-bitten landscape of glaciers, lagoons, icy pinnacles and steppe, Patagonia is nevertheless readily accessible to visitors.
Hannah Donaldson
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Summary of Nights
13 days, 12 nights: Valparaiso 2; Puerto Montt 2; Bariloche 2; El Calafate 2; Torres del Paine 3; Santiago 1.
- Accommodation
We use a mix of hotel standards from mid-range upwards, choosing accommodation we think is great value, comfortable, well-located and which showcases a touch of local character. Properties will vary in heritage from colonial style, to modern, purpose-built developments, but will all be well-equipped with rooms that have private bathrooms. All accommodation is flexible and can be tailored to meet your specific preferences and requirements.
- Transport
Three flights (longest 3.5hrs); 2 scenic road journeys (longest 2.5hrs); 1 boat and bus lake crossing (10hrs).
- Meals
Breakfast daily, lunch day 4; dinner day 9; full board days 10, 11.
- Guides
Our local, trusted and carefully selected partners understand the expectations of our customers very well, and their staff and guides are consistently singled out for praise by clients on their return. On this holiday, you will be joined by different guides for each activity and or region, ensuring you benefit from specialised expertise and knowledge, often from someone local to the area.
- Optional Excursions
As well as any included activities, this Private Journey includes some free time for optional excursions. As optional excursions are often subject to availability, we recommend you discuss and arrange them with your Travel Expert as early as possible before you depart.
- Do I need a visa to visit Argentina?
British passport holders don’t need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the start of your trip. If you’re routing through the US, you’ll need an ESTA in advance. Always check the latest entry requirements before you travel, as rules can change.
- How do I get to Argentina from the UK?
British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow to Buenos Aires in about 13.5 hours. There are also connecting routes via Madrid, São Paulo and other hubs, taking roughly 16 to 17 hours depending on the routing. We arrange all flights and transfers, and can quote them separately based on your dates.
- What’s the best way to travel around Argentina?
The country’s size makes domestic flights the most practical way to cover long distances, and most routes connect through Buenos Aires. Within regions, we arrange private transfers and guided excursions, while self-driving works well in the Lake District, Mendoza and parts of Patagonia, where the roads are good, and the scenery is spectacular.
- What currency does Argentina use?
The official currency is the Argentine peso. US dollars are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, and it’s worth carrying some. ATMs are available in cities and larger towns but can have low withdrawal limits, and credit cards are taken in hotels and restaurants in the main destinations. We’ll advise on the latest currency situation before you travel.
- How long should I spend in Argentina?
Two weeks works well for a first trip, pairing Buenos Aires with Iguazú and Patagonia, or with Mendoza and the lake district. To go further and add the northwest, Península Valdés or an estancia stay, allow three weeks or more. We’ll help you build an itinerary that makes the most of your time.
- What language is spoken in Argentina?
Spanish is the official language, spoken with a distinctive Argentine accent and plenty of Italian influence. English is widely spoken in hotels and tourist areas, less so beyond them, so a few basic Spanish phrases go a long way.
- Is Argentina safe for travellers?
Argentina is generally safe for visitors, especially in the main tourist areas. As in any large city, take sensible precautions in Buenos Aires: keep an eye on your surroundings, avoid flashy valuables, and use licensed taxis or ride apps. Our Travel Experts will advise on anything specific to the regions you’re visiting.
- What can I combine with Argentina?
Argentina pairs naturally with Chile, crossing the Andes from Mendoza, taking the lake crossing from Bariloche or linking a Patagonia trip across both countries. Brazil is a popular add-on to Iguazú Falls; Uruguay is a short ferry ride from Buenos Aires; and Peru pairs well with a broader South America itinerary. Our Travel Experts can design a multi-country trip around you.
- Do I need a visa to visit Chile?
British passport holders don’t need a visa for tourist visits. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the start of your trip. If you’re routing through the US, you’ll need an ESTA in advance. Always check the latest entry requirements before you travel, as rules can change.
- How do I get to Chile from the UK?
British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow to Santiago, taking around 14.5 hours. There are also connecting routes via Madrid, Paris and other European hubs. We arrange all flights and transfers, and can quote them separately based on your dates.
- What's the best way to travel around Chile?
The country’s length makes domestic flights the most practical way to cover long distances, with most routes connecting through Santiago. Within regions, we arrange private transfers and guided excursions. For scenic stretches like the Lake District or the Carretera Austral, overland travel is part of the experience.
- What currency does Chile use?
The official currency is the Chilean peso. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, and ATMs are available in most towns. Carry some cash for tips, smaller purchases and rural areas. We’ll advise on the latest currency situation before you travel.
- What's the altitude like in Chile?
Most of Chile sits at low to moderate altitude, but parts of the Atacama, including Lauca National Park and areas around San Pedro, reach over 3,000m. Altitude can cause headaches, dizziness and breathlessness, so it’s important to acclimatise gradually, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol on arrival. We plan all itineraries with altitude in mind.
- How long should I spend in Chile?
Two weeks works well for a single focus, such as the Atacama with a few days in Santiago, or Torres del Paine with time in the lake district. To cover Chile’s full range, from desert to Patagonia, allow three weeks or more. We’ll help you build an itinerary that makes the most of your time.
- Do I need vaccinations for Chile?
There are currently no mandatory vaccines for UK travellers visiting Chile, but we always recommend checking the most up-to-date requirements well before travelling. You can do this by visiting TravelHealthPro and FCDO travel pages. Alternatively, you can contact us and speak to one of our experts who can advise on any current considerations for the areas you’re visiting.
- What countries can I combine with Chile?
Chile pairs naturally with Argentina, crossing the Andes from Santiago to Mendoza, or the lakes from Puerto Varas to Bariloche. Bolivia is an easy add-on from the Atacama, with routes through the Salar de Uyuni salt flats. Our Travel Experts can design a multi-country trip around you.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Take a stroll through the artistic enclave of Valparaiso with its brightly painted streets and eccentric charm.
Take the scenic route between Argentina and Chile by floating along the waterways of the northern Patagonian lake district.
Breathe in the majesty of Patagonia on foot on a choice of rewarding hikes to natural beauty spots.
See one of the key highlights of Torres del Paine National Park from the water.
Admire a true marvel of nature from panoramic viewing platforms and up close on a short lake cruise.
Take a day trip to unspoilt Chiloé island to see its colourful villages and visit a unique penguin colony.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort
Elegant mansion converted into a boutique property with wonderful views over the Pacific Ocean.
Remote lodge on a cattle ranch just below Las Torres themselves – the iconic granite ‘towers’ of the Torres del Paine massif. Offers inclusive packages combining accommodation, meals, excursions and transfers.
If there’s somewhere you particularly want to go that isn’t included in this tour, we can add on an extension to take you there.
Atacama
The Atacama’s inhospitable desert landscape is harsh and rugged, but it echoes the legacy of its pre-Columbian inhabitants, while the volcanoes and geysers hiss into life. Oases splash the tawny landscape with vigorous vegetation. A few days here will give you a surprisingly varied experience of desert life. Day 1: Fly from Santiago to Calama…
Easter Island
Polynesian Easter Island (Rapa Nui) lies 3,790km off the Chilean coast in the remote sub-tropical South Pacific. Windswept and grassy on one side, lushly vegetated on the other, and with a benign climate, it is famous for the clusters of huge enigmatic stone heads standing starkly against an azure skyline. Experience the unique atmosphere and…
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Papagaio
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