Chile Explorer: Atacama to Patagonia
Embark on an epic 13-day multi-sport adventure through Chile’s diverse landscapes, from the arid Atacama Desert to the icy realms of Patagonia, blending adventure with cultural immersion.
Experience the wild contrasts of Chile on this expertly-curated, two-week active travel itinerary that traverses the country’s dramatic latitudes. Designed for travelers who crave variety, this immersive expedition offers an unparalleled blend of natural wonders, active exploration, and rich cultural experiences.
Start in the vibrant capital of Santiago before pedaling through the world-class vineyards of Casablanca Valley. Journey north to wander the otherworldly terrain of the Atacama Desert, from steaming geysers to high-altitude lagoons. Then, shift gears as you raft and hike through the lush, volcano-studded Lake District. Finally, cap it all off with three days of guided trekking, wildlife viewing and sightseeing in Torres del Paine National Park.
Along the way, stay in handpicked boutique hotels and lodges that reflect the local character and offer thoughtful comforts. From sampling some of Chile’s best white wines to watching condors soar over the Andes as you hike to some of Patagonia’s most iconic landscapes, this is a dynamic, once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Trip Highlights
What to Expect
Itinerary & Map
Itinerary at a Glance
We pride ourselves in running a relaxed and flexible schedule. Every Chile Explorer trip is different depending upon the group, other trips in the area, and sometimes the weather. The following is a sample of what your trip might be like:
Day 1
Discover Santiago
Welcome to Chile! Upon arrival in Santiago, you’ll be picked up at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the Las Condes district to relax. In the afternoon, you’ll meet up with your guide and fellow travelers to set off on a guided city tour through Santiago’s historic core, including the grand Plaza de Armas, the neoclassical Metropolitan Cathedral, and the stately La Moneda Palace. Venturing down the Almadea we’ll continue to Cerro Santa Lucía, the lush hilltop park where Santiago was founded. To end the day, we’ll visit San Cristobal Hill, accessible by funicular and cableway. for its breathtaking panoramic view of the sprawling metropolis backed by the Andes. You’ll be returned to your hotel after the tour.
Meals: All meals are on your own today
Day 2
Bike, Sip & Savor in Casablanca Wine Valley
Today we’ll meet at 9 a.m. to venture into the verdant Casablanca Valley, one of Chile’s premier white wine regions, for a leisurely bike tour. We’ll pedal along tree-lined roads through some of central Chile’s finest vineyards, stopping along the way to learn about Chile’s fascinating wine heritage, the unique terroir of this cool-climate valley, and sample some of the area’s superb wines. We’ll cap off the experience with lunch at Casas del Bosque’s restaurant Tanino, which has been recognized as one of top 20 best winery restaurants in the world. After a gourmet Chilean meal, we’ll return to the hotel. The evening is yours to rest, explore on your own, and soak in the culture of this lively city. Dinner is on your own.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
*Please note that the winery bike tour is only available Monday through Friday. Weekend visits are done by vehicle due to traffic and safety reasons.
Day 3
Fly North to the Atacama Desert
After breakfast, we’ll head to the airport for a short, scenic flight to Calama in northern Chile. From there, we transfer through the rugged Cordillera de la Sal to the high-desert outpost of San Pedro de Atacama, a lively village filled with adobe buildings, artisan shops, and desert charm. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to settle into the hotel, acclimatize and explore the town on foot, perhaps visiting the whitewashed San Pedro Church or sampling local empanadas and pisco cocktails at a courtyard café.
Meals: Breakfast, Snack
Day 4
Sunrise at El Tatio Geysers & San Pedro de Atacama
It’s an early start, but the reward is unforgettable. At dawn, we’ll arrive at El Tatio, the third-largest geyser field in the world, where towering steam plumes rise dramatically into the icy morning air. We’ll enjoy a hot breakfast at the site and then take a walk among the geothermal pools, bubbling mud pots, and fumaroles. On our drive back to San Pedro, enjoy magnificent views of Sairecabur and Tocorpuri Volcanoes. Back in town, the afternoon is yours to rest, or continue exploring.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5
Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons, Socaire & Moon Valley
This morning, we’ll explore the high-altitude Puna south of San Pedro, visiting surreal landscapes shaped by ancient volcanic activity. Highlights include the stunning blue waters of Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons, set beneath towering peaks in Los Flamencos National Reserve. We’ll also visit the village of Socaire to get a glimpse of the traditions of Atacameño communities and their terraced agriculture. In the afternoon, we head to the Mars-like Moon Valley to view the wind-sculpted canyons and dunes before returning to the hotel for some downtime.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6
Chile’s Lake District: Puerto Varas
Today, we leave the stark beauty of the Atacama Desert behind as we fly from the Calama airport south to the green, lake-dotted landscapes of Chile’s Los Lagos Region. After a connection in Santiago, we arrive in Puerto Montt and drive to Puerto Varas, a charming town nestled on the shores of Lake Llanquihue. Known for its strong German heritage, Puerto Varas offers striking views of Osorno and Calbuco Volcanoes and is a hub for outdoor adventures. Settle into the hotel and then spend the evening strolling the town’s scenic waterfront and sampling local seafood.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7
Rafting the Petrohué River
Get ready for an adrenaline rush on the emerald waters of the Petrohué River, located in the heart of Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. After meeting our expert rafting guides, we’ll suit up with the essential gear (wetsuit, helmet, splash jacket and PFD) and paddle approximately 8 miles through thrilling Class III rapids beneath snowcapped volcanoes and along forested riverbanks. Between rapids, take in views of the park’s lush temperate rainforest, waterfalls, and the dramatic silhouette of Osorno Volcano. Enjoy a snack riverside before returning to Puerto Varas for a relaxing evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8
Trek to Panoramic Views Over Todos Los Santos Lake
Today, we lace up our hiking boots for a scenic trek within Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. On the way, we’ll stop to admire the waterfalls at Ensenada and Saltos de Petrohué.
Once on the trail, our path winds through dense forest, past lava flows, waterfalls, and alpine meadows as we ascend three hours toward an overlook for exquisite views of the Andes and the sapphire waters of Todos Los Santos Lake. From the top, soak in sweeping vistas of Osorno, Tronador, and Puntiagudo volcanoes, all rising above the lake’s glacial waters. Keep an eye out for native birds like the chucao tapaculo or Magellanic woodpecker along the way.
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch
Day 9
Journey to Torres del Paine National Park
Your travels continue to southern Patagonia, flying to either Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales (depending on your preferred flight). From either airport, you’ll be driven to EcoCamp Pagatonia, in the heat of Torres del Paine National Park. The journey through the vast Patagonian landscape, dotted with guanacos, rheas, and the occasional Andean condor, is scenic and highly atmospheric.
For guests coming from Punta Arenas, we’ll stop in Puerto Natales, a small town on the shores of “Seno de Ultima Esperanza,” to enjoy a hearty local lunch.
The day ends with our arrival at our basecamp, known for its sustainable geodesic domes and unforgettable views of the iconic Paine Massif. With summer sunsets around 11 PM, you’ll have plenty of daylight to settle in and admire the awe-inspiring surroundings.
Meals Breakfast, Dinner
Days 10 – 11
Torres del Paine National Park
The next few days offer a variety of excursions to choose from, each delivering you to a magnificent destination revered by trekkers and nature enthusiasts around the world. Daily activities range from easy nature walks to demanding treks that take all day.
Spend three full days discovering the iconic landscapes and wildlife of Torres del Paine. Each day, choose from a menu of guided excursions tailored to your interests and activity level—from half-day nature walks to full-day hikes like the Towers Trek.
We’ll hike, travel by boat and maybe even bike to reach the edge of enormous glaciers, some clinging to high ridge lines and others calving-off into the lake just meters from the boat. Nature abounds as we seek out wild horses, gliding condors, graceful guanacos and great grebes along the way.
Featured destinations include:
- The Towers
- Pehoe Lake & French Valley
- Lake Sarmiento
- Western Lakes & Cerro Ferrier
- Grey Lake & Glacier
- Cerro Ferrier
- Laguna Inge & Cuernos Pass
- Salto Grande & Condor Outlook
Each day will start with a hearty breakfast, the opportunity to pack a lunch to take with you and will end with time to enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow travelers at EcoCamp’s Community Dome before enjoying a multi-course dinner highlighting the cuisine of the region.
* The trip is based on a 4 day/3 night stay in Torres del Paine that provides two full days of activities. Please contact us for pricing to extend your stay in Torres del Paine.
Day 12
Return to Santiago
Today, we begin the return journey across Patagonia, watching the rugged peaks of Torres del Paine fade in the distance. Travel by vehicle to Punta Arenas, in time to catch the evening flight back to Santiago. A private transfer will return you to your hotel in Las Condes for a final evening in the capital and some well-deserved sleep.
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch
Day 13
Return Flights Home
After breakfast, you’ll check out of the hotel and head to the airport via private transfer for your return flight home. Hasta la próxima Chile!
Meeting Time & Place
Location
Santiago, Chile (airport)
Meeting time
Morning of Day 1
Return
Depart anytime Day 13
Trip Map
Dates & Prices
Book this adventure and earn a 5% rebate, redeemable on select adventures throughout the American West + see below for more ways to save!
Daily departures from September – May; please call to discuss your preferred dates and to check availability.
September 2025 – May 2026 Departures
Low Season: Sept. 6 – Oct. 31 & April 1 – May 3
High Season: Nov. 1 – Dec. 14 & Jan. 15 – March 31
Peak Season: Dec. 15 – Jan. 14
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Low Season | from $4,990 |
| High Season | from $5,910 |
| Peak Season | from $6,160 |
Price per person based on double occupancy. See Additional Costs below for details.
Deposit
$20% of trip cost
ADDITIONAL COSTS
• Per person based on double occupancy in a Standard Dome for a 4 day/3 night stay in Torres del Paine. Please call for pricing and availability for a longer stay in Torres del Paine, Superior and Suite Domes at the EcoCamp and single, triple, and quadruple occupancy.
• 4 one-way domestic national flights
• Mandatory emergency medical & evacuation coverage
The Need-to-Know Info
Trip Details
Included in Your Trip Cost
Not Included in Your Trip Cost
- Round-trip international and four one-way domestic national flights
- Meals and beverages not detailed in the itinerary (including beverages from the bar at basecamp)
- Single supplement fee
- Ground transport service outside of scheduled times and private transfers
- Insurance of any kind, including a travel protection plan or mandatory emergency medical & evacuation coverage
- Gratuities
Nights 1 – 2 & 12: 45 by Director, Santiago (or similar)
Start and end your journey in style at this elegant urban retreat in Santiago’s upscale Las Condes neighborhood. 45 by Director offers sleek, spacious suites with king beds, fast Wi-Fi, and all the modern comforts, including a gym and 24-hour business center. The hotel is just a short walk from the Costanera Center, Latin America’s tallest building, surrounded by world-class shopping, dining, and vibrant city life.
Nights 3 – 5: Hotel Kimal, San Pedro de Atacama (or similar)
A charming adobe-style lodge that blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Earth-toned rooms are thoughtfully appointed with private bathrooms, minibars, and cozy touches like local textiles and warm wood finishes. Enjoy fresh, locally inspired dishes at the onsite restaurant and relax by the pool or under the stars after a day of high-altitude exploration.
Nights 6 – 8 – Hotel Casa Kalfu, Puerto Varas (or similar)
Hotel Casa Kalfu offers a cozy, boutique stay just steps from Lake Llanquihue in Puerto Varas. Guests enjoy a warm atmosphere with spacious rooms featuring central heating, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and private bathrooms. Mornings begin with a locally inspired breakfast buffet, and evenings can be spent relaxing in the shared lounge or enjoying light bites from the on-site bar.
Nights 9 – 11: EcoCamp Patagonia, Torres del Paine
EcoCamp Patagonia is a geodesic dome hotel powered by renewable energy and known for its eco-conscious ethos. Choose from Standard Domes with shared facilities to fully equipped Suite or Loft Domes with private bathrooms and wood heat. All domes are immersed in nature, resistant to the Patagonian elements and have ceiling windows to look up at the starry night sky.
EcoCamp also features communal domes for dining, relaxing, and connecting with fellow travelers after a day on the trail.
Dome options:
- Suite Loft Dome – 389 sq.ft.; wood & propane heat; king and twin beds; private bathroom
- Standard Dome – 108 sq.ft.; no heat source; queen or two twin beds; shared bathroom (no power source, available in community dome)
- Superior Dome – 250 sq.ft.; propane heat; queen or two twin beds; private bathroom
- Suite Dome – 300 sq.ft.; wood & propane heat; king and/or twin beds; private bathroom
All meals outlined in the itinerary are included, but travelers will often be on their own for lunches and dinners depending on the day’s activities.
Throughout this multi-sport adventure through Chile, you’ll savor a rich and diverse culinary landscape shaped by the country’s varied geography and cultural influences. In the north, expect traditional Atacameñan fare with indigenous roots, including dishes made with quinoa, corn, and goat cheese. Central Chile brings bold flavors and renowned wines, with fresh seafood, empanadas, and Chilean staples like pastel de choclo and cazuela. In the Lake District, German-influenced pastries and hearty stews reflect the region’s European heritage. And in Patagonia, meals often highlight locally sourced meats like lamb, paired with fresh vegetables and Chilean wines—all served with warm hospitality and stunning views.
During your stay at EcoCamp Patagonia, all meals are included. The basecamp provides tasty, innovative high quality meals using locally-sourced ingredients, fusing Chilean, Altiplanic, Patagonian and international food. Groups eat together in Community domes and meals are a very social affair.
We need to know as soon as possible about any dietary restrictions we must consider in planning your trip. If you have food allergies or necessary restrictions, we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
The Climate in Chile
Chile’s diverse geography means that travelers can expect a variety of climates as they journey from the arid north to the windswept south. From September through April, conditions are generally favorable for travel, with spring (September–November) and fall (March–April) offering milder temperatures and fewer crowds, while summer (December–February) brings warmer weather and longer daylight hours—especially in Patagonia, where sunsets can stretch past 10 PM. The Atacama Desert is reliably dry and sunny year-round, while the Lake District features temperate weather with the possibility of occasional rain. In Patagonia, the climate is famously unpredictable, with strong winds and rapid weather shifts, so layers and waterproof gear are essential.
Average Temperature Ranges by Region (September–April)
| Region Average | High °F | Average Low °F |
|---|---|---|
| Atacama Desert | 70-80° | 40-50° |
| Central Chile / Lake District | 65-75° | 45-55° |
| Patagonia | 50-65° | 30-45° |
Before booking your trip with OARS, there are a few important considerations we’d like you to know about.
Reservations and Deposits
A deposit of 20% of the trip cost is required at the time of booking with final payment due 90 days before departure. Accounts on which final payment has not been received 80 days before the departure date will be canceled.
Payments can be made by check, money order, eCheck, wire transfer, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover. Prices are in US Dollars, and all payments must be made in US Dollars. Payment of the deposit establishes your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions. Individual departures and trip capacity are strictly limited by the managing agency. Your payment is fully refundable for 7 days, less a 3% processing fee, after making a reservation when you reserve a trip 7 days or more prior to the final payment due date.
Cancellations and Refunds
Canceling your trip after your deposit is processed will incur cancellation fees because OARS has absorbed costs on your behalf and will turn others away who would like to book the spaces we’re holding for you. If you must cancel your reservation after the rescission period described above, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the schedule below.
| Date of Cancellation | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| 90 or more days before your trip | Deposit |
| 89 to 60 days or less before your trip | 50% of trip cost |
| 59 days or less before your trip | Full fare |
A one-time request to change your departure date is possible if 60 days or more prior to the departure and is subject to any rate change if moving to another season or accommodation type.
We regret we cannot make exceptions to the cancellation policy for any reason, including foul weather, poor air quality, wildfire activity, acts of terrorism, civil unrest, or personal emergencies. For these reasons, we strongly urge you to consider purchasing a travel protection plan.
Canceled Trips
OARS International and the outfitter Cascada Expediciones reserve the right to cancel any trip due to insufficient registration or other factors that make the trip impractical to operate. Do not make nonrefundable travel arrangements unless you have spoken to your Adventure Consultant regarding the status of your trip.
If a trip must be canceled or postponed due to force majeure (factors outside the control of OARS), OARS will provide full credit for payments made toward future travel, or a refund less a 5% service fee plus any nonrefundable payments made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers. OARS will make good faith efforts to recover deposits made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers, however we can’t guarantee recovery of any or all of the advance payments made. OARS is not responsible for expenses incurred by participants in preparation for a canceled trip
Medical
Under most circumstances, if you are of an adventurous spirit and in reasonably good health, you should have no problem enjoying this trip. People with medical conditions, including pregnancy, should have a physician’s approval before taking an adventure travel trip.
Our Chile Explorer trip is run by an affiliate company and arranged through O.A.R.S. International, Inc.
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