Ultimate Chile Tour Experience: From Deserts to Glaciers in 13 Days
Overview
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Chile, exploring its most iconic landscapes from north to south. This 13-day adventure takes you from the vibrant streets of Santiago to the otherworldly Atacama Desert, through the lush forests and volcanoes of the Lake District, and into the breathtaking glaciers of Patagonia.
Start in Santiago, Chile’s dynamic capital, before heading to San Pedro de Atacama, home to geysers, flamingo-filled lagoons, and Mars-like valleys. Continue to the Lake District, where you’ll sail through pristine fjords and witness the majestic Osorno Volcano.
Your adventure concludes in Patagonia, where you’ll explore the awe-inspiring Torres del Paine National Park, navigate to the Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers, and witness the raw beauty of Chile’s southernmost landscapes.
This itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking a mix of adventure, nature, and culture, with expert-guided tours, seamless transfers, and carefully selected accommodations.
🔹 Discover Chile’s natural wonders from the Atacama Desert to Patagonia
🔹 Explore the Andes, volcanic landscapes, and breathtaking fjords
🔹 Visit UNESCO World Heritage cities like Valparaíso
🔹 Experience top-rated excursions, including Torres del Paine & Balmaceda Glacier
📍 Limited availability! Secure your spot today and experience the best of Chile in just 13 days!
13 DAYS CHILE TOUR
Places to visit:
Santiago, Viña del Mar, Valparaíso, Atacama Desert (Altiplanic Lagoons, Red Rocks, Tatio Geysers, Moon Valley), Chile’s Lake District (Puerto Varas, Peulla, Osorno Volcano, Frutillar), and Patagonia (Torres del Paine National Park, Milodon Cave, Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers).
Accommodation:
Mix of hotels in Santiago.
Trip starts in:
Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ)
Physical Level:
Low: Santiago city tour, Viña del Mar & Valparaíso, Moon Valley, Ahu Akivi, Anakena Beach, Orongo.
Flights included:
No, flights are not included
Meals:
Breakfast included at all hotels Lunch included on the Altiplanic Lagoons tour Lunch included on the Peulla Navigation tour Box lunch included on the Torres del Paine tour Lunch included on the Balmaceda & Serrano Glacier tour Other meals and drinks are not included
Places to visit:
Travel without worries, our team will pick you up at the airport in Santiago Chile
Places to visit:
All our guides are English speaking professionals. Say goodbye to the fear of not knowing what "Che" means..
Places to visit:
This tour ensures that you will see 24 attractions or tourist sites in Chile. The most complete tour to Chile of all!
ITINERARY: Ultimate Chile Experience: From Deserts to Glaciers in 13 Days
Day 1: Arrival in Santiago – Welcome to Chile!
Welcome to Santiago, Chile’s vibrant capital! Upon arrival at Santiago International Airport (SCL), you will be greeted and transferred to your selected hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the city at your own pace. Overnight in Santiago.
Day 2: Santiago – HD Panoramic City Tour
After breakfast, set out on a half-day panoramic tour of Santiago, a city where colonial charm meets modern skyscrapers. Highlights include:
- La Moneda Palace – Chile’s presidential palace
- Plaza de Armas – the historic heart of Santiago
- Santa Lucía Hill – the site where Santiago was founded
- Central Market – a lively spot to see fresh seafood and Chilean gastronomy
We’ll also visit a lapis lazuli store, where you can admire (or purchase) unique Chilean handcrafted jewelry.
Overnight in Santiago.
Day 3: FD Viña del Mar & Valparaíso – Coastal Beauty & Bohemian Charm
Enjoy a full-day tour to the stunning coastal cities of Viña del Mar & Valparaíso (lunch not included).
- Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its colorful houses, street art, and funicular elevators.
- Viña del Mar, known as the Garden City, boasts lush green parks, beautiful beaches, and elegant promenades.
Key stops include the Flower Clock, Fonck Museum, Quinta Vergara, and Playa Los Cañones. This day offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and ocean views.
Overnight in Santiago.
Day 4: Santiago – Calama – San Pedro de Atacama
After breakfast, transfer to Santiago Airport for your flight to Calama, the gateway to the Atacama Desert. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama, an oasis town surrounded by surreal landscapes.
Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama.
Day 5: FD Altiplanic Lagoons & Red Rocks – A Natural Wonderland
Embark on a full-day excursion to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Atacama:
- Los Flamencos National Reserve, home to majestic pink flamingos
- Miscanti & Miñiques Lagoons, high-altitude lakes with a stunning backdrop of volcanoes
- Red Rocks, where the striking colors of oxidized volcanic lava create an otherworldly panorama
This tour offers unforgettable views and deep insights into the region’s geology and wildlife. Lunch included.
Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama.
Day 6: FD Tatio Geysers & Machuca – HD Moon Valley
Early morning departure to the Tatio Geysers, one of the highest geothermal fields in the world. Here, over 70 fumaroles release massive columns of steam, creating an unforgettable sunrise spectacle.
On our way back, visit Machuca, a small Andean village known for its traditional adobe houses and local handicrafts.
In the afternoon, visit Moon Valley, a surreal desert landscape with dramatic rock formations, salt flats, and sand dunes. As the sun sets, watch the landscape turn golden and crimson—a true photographer’s dream.
Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama.
Day 7: San Pedro de Atacama – Calama – Puerto Montt – Puerto Varas
After breakfast, transfer to Calama Airport for your flight back to Santiago, then connect to Puerto Montt, the gateway to Chile’s Lake District. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Puerto Varas, a charming town on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, with breathtaking views of the Osorno Volcano.
Overnight in Puerto Varas.
Day 8: Peulla Navigation – A Journey Through the Andes
Set sail across the Todos los Santos Lake, admiring the Petrohué Waterfalls and the stunning Osorno, Puntiagudo, and Tronador Volcanoes.
Arrive in Peulla, a hidden eco-village deep in the Andes, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, optional activities (not included) like canopy tours, horseback riding, jet boat excursions, or 4×4 safaris are available.
Overnight in Puerto Varas.
Day 9: HD Osorno Volcano – HD Frutillar
Start the day with a visit to Osorno Volcano, where you can hike, photograph glaciers, or take an optional ski lift to panoramic viewpoints.
In the afternoon, explore Frutillar, a picturesque town founded by German immigrants, famous for its colonial architecture, music festivals, and stunning lake views.
Overnight in Puerto Varas.
Day 10: Puerto Varas – Puerto Montt – Punta Arenas – Puerto Natales
Transfer to Puerto Montt Airport for your flight to Punta Arenas, followed by a scenic 3-hour bus ride to Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park.
Overnight in Puerto Natales.
Day 11: FD Torres del Paine & Milodon Cave – Patagonia’s Crown Jewel
Embark on a full-day exploration of Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders.
- Milodon Cave, where remains of a prehistoric giant sloth were discovered
- Nordenskjöld Lake, Cuernos del Paine, Grey Glacier & Salto Grande Waterfall
- Panoramic views of Torres del Paine’s granite peaks
This adventure-packed day includes a box lunch and plenty of opportunities for incredible photography.
Overnight in Puerto Natales.
Day 12: FD Balmaceda & Serrano Glacier Navigation – A Journey Through Ice
Set sail through the Última Esperanza Fjord, a breathtaking Patagonian waterway leading to the Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park.
- Spot sea lions, Andean condors, and cormorants
- See the Balmaceda Glacier from the boat
- Disembark for a 20-minute hike to Serrano Glacier
A delicious lunch is included on this unforgettable expedition into Chilean Patagonia’s untouched landscapes.
Overnight in Puerto Natales.
Day 13: Puerto Natales – Punta Arenas – Departure
At the scheduled time, transfer to the Puerto Natales Bus Terminal to board a regular bus to Punta Arenas Airport (3-hour journey), where you will take your return flight.
End of Services.
Ultimate Chile Experience: From Deserts to Glaciers in +10 Days Chile Incusions
BELOW, WE OUTLINE WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE +10-DAY CHILE TOUR
INCLUSIONS
- Santiago Airport / Hotel Transfer
- HD Santiago City Tour (AM)
- FD Viña del Mar & Valparaíso
- Hotel Santiago / Santiago Airport Transfer
- Calama Airport / San Pedro de Atacama Hotel Transfer
- HD Moon Valley (entry included)
- FD Altiplanic Lagoons & Red Rocks (entry and lunch included)
- FD Tatio Geysers (entry included)
- Stargazing Tour
- San Pedro de Atacama Hotel / Calama Airport Transfer
- Easter Island Airport / Easter Island Hotel Transfer
- HD Ahu Akivi
- FD Anakena Beach (box lunch included)
- HD Orongo
- Easter Island Hotel / Easter Island Airport Transfer
- Peulla Navigation (Entry to Petrohué Waterfalls & Lunch Included)
- HD Frutillar
- Bus Ticket: Punta Arenas → Puerto Natales
NOT INCLUDED
- Airfare tickets.
- Meals and beverages not specified in the program.
- Voluntary tips.
- Cable car/lift tickets at Osorno Volcano
WHAT TO PACK FOR SANTIAGO CHILE 10 DAY TOUR
SANTIAGO CHILE
Documentation and Money
- Passport and/or National ID: Ensure they are valid.
- Visa (if necessary): Check if your country requires a visa to enter Chile.
- Copies of Important Documents: Keep both physical and digital copies.
- Cash and Cards: Carry some Chilean pesos and verify that your cards work in the country.
Clothing
- T-shirts and Shirts: Bring both short-sleeved and long-sleeved options depending on the temperature.
- Pants and Jeans: Comfortable for walking and exploring the city.
- Formal or Dress Clothes: If you plan to attend events or special dinners.
- Underwear and Socks: Enough for the duration of your trip.
- Sportswear: For any outdoor activities or exercise.
- Jacket or Coat: Santiago can get chilly at night, especially in autumn and winter.
- Sweater or Cardigan: Extra layers for when temperatures change.
Footwear
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: Essential for touring the city and visiting tourist spots.
- Sandals or Lightweight Shoes: If you’re visiting during the summer.
- Hiking or Sports Shoes: For excursions outside the city.
Accessories and Other Essentials
- Sunglasses and Sunscreen: The sun can be strong, even on cloudy days.
- Hat or Cap: To protect yourself from the sun.
- Umbrella or Raincoat: Particularly useful if you visit during the rainy season.
- Day Bag or Backpack: To carry your essentials while exploring.
- Chargers and Adapters: Chile uses plug types C and L, and the voltage is 220 V.
- Mobile Phone with Maps and Guide Apps: For navigation and local information.
- Camera or Smartphone with a Good Camera: To capture memories and the beautiful landscapes.
- Personal Hygiene Items: Toothbrush, deodorant, soap, etc.
- Basic Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, or any personal medication you might need.
+10 DAYS SANTIAGO CHILE TOUR
Pricing Policies
PAYMENT
To confirm the agreed travel contract, a non-refundable pre-payment of 30% of the costs per person must be paid. The remaining balance must be paid no later than 60 days before departure of the tour for all mainland tours in Ecuador and 90 days before departure for all travel to the Galápagos Islands and mainland tours in a South American destination except Ecuador.
If the client concludes his travel arrangements with RT less than 60 days before the departure date for mainland travel in Ecuador, or 90 days for the Galápagos Islands or a mainland tour in any South American destination except Ecuador, the tour must be paid in full immediately.
If a client fails to pay for his/her tour in full before the agreed final payment dates (60 days before departure for mainland travel in Ecuador and 90 days before departure for Galápagos Island or a mainland travel in South America except Ecuador) the client risks losing his/her tour. Equally, by failing to make the full payment before the due date, the client will lose his/her deposits for all travelers included in the reservation.
If the tour fee has not been paid in full before the arranged travel start, RT will be released from its service obligations and may require the customer to pay any appropriate resignation costs.
RESIGNATION BY THE CUSTOMER
The customer can withdraw from the contract at any time before beginning the tour however this must be done in writing.
Refunds can only be made under the following cancellation guidelines, as pre-tour costs will be incurred and cannot be recuperated by RT.
Cancellation Fees may vary for certain custom itinerary tours; your Responsible Travel Specialist consultant will specify cancellation fees before making your reservation.
Therefore, the following refunds can be given for cancelled tours:
a) For mainland tours in Ecuador which do not include boat trips / cruises:
60 days or more before departure:
Full refund, excluding the nonrefundable prepayment of 30%.
From 59 to 21 days before departure:
Refund of 60% of the travel price
From 20 to 10 days before departure:
Refund of 50% of the travel price
From 9 to 5 days before departure:
Refund of 20% of the travel price
From 4 days until departure;
0% will be refunded
b) For journeys that include boat trips / cruises (Galapagos), the following conditions apply:
90 days or more before departure:
Full Refund excluding the nonrefundable prepayment of 30%.
From 89 to 60 days before departure:
Refund of 50% of the travel price
From 59 to 40 days before departure:
Refund of 40% of the travel price
From 39 to 31 days before departure:
Refund of 30% of the travel price
From 30 days until departure date:
0% will be refunded
Important: Please note that for Galápagos Charters, the cancellation fees can vary according to the chosen boat and therefore will be confirmed individually.
c) For mainland tours in a South American destination (excepting Ecuador):
90 days or more before departure:
Full Refund excluding minimum cancellation fee of USD $50 per person
From 89 to 31 days before departure:
Refund of 80% of the travel price
From 30 to 10 days before departure:
Refund of 50% of the travel price
From 9 to 5 days before departure:
Refund of 20% of the travel price
From 4 days until departure:
0% will be refunded
