Through Volcano Valleys to National Parks
Itinerary
Days 1-3 – Take a break amongst the vineyards
From Santiago you’ll travel to the Maipo Valley: a wine valley about an hour’s drive from the capital. We’ll arrange for a transfer to take you directly to your simple but cosy B&B with its own swimming pool and views of the Andean peaks. There are no tours planned during your stay, so you can do as you please. Cycle through the vineyards or book a wine tour to sample some of the local produce.
Days 3-8 – Zigzagging through volcano valleys
After breakfast today you’ll be collected from your hotel and driven back to Santiago. From here you’ll catch a roughly 90 minute domestic flight south to Temuco, booked along with your international ticket. Shortly after landing at the area’s small airport, you’ll collect your car and 30 minutes later you’ll see your first colossal volcano. The whole reason why we schedule car pick-ups in Temuco is so that you can experience the same feeling of awe we experienced whilst driving here. After a 1.5 hour drive you’ll reach Pucon: a touristy but charming, German-influenced town.
Chile’s roads are easily accessible, clearly marked with road signs and the route from Temuco to Puerto Montt is especially nice to drive along. From Temuco you’ll drive off to Pucon, a town nestled between Villarica volcano and a volcanic lake. You’ll stay in a guest house outside the town centre and the next day you’ll join a small group of international travellers on a hike round the volcano.
The journey to Puyehue will be a long day, but also one of the most memorable. Our driving directions will take you to small towns, past lakes and volcanoes. Once you reach Puyehue, you’ll receive a warm welcome and dinner served with an incredible view of the volcano. The following morning, when it’s time to leave, you’ve only got a 4-5 hour drive to Puerto Varas. You’ll stay in a cosy guest house just 5 mins from the centre of Puerto Varas. Most of the following day is free time to see and do what you want.
Days 8-10 – Penguins at the edge of the world
Next, you’ll drive roughly an hour to Puerto Montt airport, drop off your hire car and check in for your 2 hour flight to Punta Arenas, the southernmost point of this Chile itinerary. Punta Arenas town has a rugged sea port atmosphere, brightly coloured houses and a fascinating history. On arrival you’ll be met and transferred to your next hotel. This Chile trip will take you to the southernmost tip of Chilean Patagonia in search of penguins. During your stay you’ll go on a boat trip to see a huge colony of Magellanic penguins.
Days 10-13 – Dramatic Torres
You’ll make your way to the bus station in Punta Arenas to catch the bus to Puerto Natales. Stock up on a few snacks before you leave as the journey takes around 4 hours. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel where you will spend the night. You’ll collect your hire car the following morning. In Torres del Paine you’ll find yourself in the middle of the rugged and pristine landscapes of Patagonia where you can take a tough hike to the iconic granite pillars that dominate this vast landscape, or a light trek to freezing glaciers. Hop in your hire car and discover the dramatic beauty of this magical place, where you can experience three seasons in the space of a day.
Days 13-16 – Bohemian hills of Valparaíso
Today you’ll drive back to Punta Arenas airport, drop off your hire car and then catch a flight up to Santiago de Chile. Today’s flying time usually takes around 3 and a half hours, direct. On arrival in Santiago you’ll be transferred to the bus station from where you’ll set out on a 90 minute bus trip west to the coastal town of Valparaiso. On arrival you’ll make your own way to your cosy guest house. The maze of cobbled streets and colourful buildings give Valparaiso an endearing, bohemian charm. Climb up the steep hillsides and absorb the impressive vistas laid out before you. During your stay we’ll arrange for an English-speaking guide to take you round the city by foot and public transport. You’ll stay in a small hotel, a converted house, in the hills above the port.
Today you’ll say goodbye to this charming port city as your Chile holiday comes to an end. After a last, leisurely morning, you’ll be transferred to Santiago airport in time to catch your international flight back to the UK.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
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For the locations included in this itinerary we have alternative options available in terms of comfort. Our In Style options can be more luxurious, offer something unique or offer a more comfortable transport option – all with that local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your itinerary select our In Style option below.
