9 Days • 8 Nights
Chilean Patagonia: Torres del Paine
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The iconic granite towers of Torres del Paine
- The Cuernos and turquoise glacial lakes
- A cruise to the Grey Glacier
- Guanacos, condors, foxes and pumas
- A Magellanic penguin colony
- Patagonian fjords and wilderness
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 9-day journey.
Welcome to Patagonia. You are met at Punta Arenas airport, on the Strait of Magellan, and transferred to your hotel, with a welcome dinner of Patagonian lamb.
You travel north across the Patagonian steppe to Torres del Paine, watching for guanacos and rheas, and settle into your lodge with your first views of the dramatic peaks.
A full-day hike towards the base of the iconic granite towers, one of the world's great treks, through forests and glacial valleys to a jaw-dropping viewpoint (with gentler alternatives available).
A day exploring the west of the park, a boat cruise to the calving face of the Grey Glacier among floating icebergs, and walks along the lakeshore beneath the Cuernos.
A day of further exploration, a hike into the French Valley or the Nordenskjold lookout, or a wildlife-focused day tracking guanacos, condors and, with luck, pumas.
A free day to explore more of the park at your own pace, a gentle walk, a horseback ride, or simply the scenery, soaking up Patagonia's wild grandeur.
You travel back across the steppe to Punta Arenas, with time to explore the city's Magellanic history and waterfront.
A boat trip to Magdalena Island in the Strait of Magellan, home to a vast colony of Magellanic penguins, walking among thousands of the charming birds, a wonderful finale.
After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight, having explored the wild heart of Chilean Patagonia.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 8 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner, full board at the Patagonia lodge and a trek picnic
- Airport and internal transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert English-speaking guides
- Domestic flights as specified
- National park and attraction entry fees as per itinerary
- guided Torres del Paine trekking, a Grey Glacier cruise, a Magdalena Island penguin trip and transfers
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities, including UK, US, EU, Canadian and Australian passport holders, do not need a visa for tourism and receive up to 90 days on arrival; a passport valid for at least six months is required. We confirm details for your nationality
- Currency: The currency is the Chilean Peso; cards are widely accepted in cities and resorts, but carry cash for markets, small vendors and remote areas such as the Atacama and Patagonia. We advise on current money matters
- Vast distances: Chile is extraordinarily long, over 4,000 km, so itineraries rely on domestic flights between regions such as Santiago, the Atacama and Patagonia; these are arranged and included where specified
- Seasons reversed: Chile is in the southern hemisphere, so summer (December to February) is warm and ideal for Patagonia and the Lake District, while the Atacama and the wine country are wonderful year-round
- Atacama altitude: San Pedro de Atacama sits high (around 2,400 metres) with excursions much higher, so allow time to acclimatise, ascend gradually, stay hydrated and take it easy on the high-altitude days
- Patagonia weather: Patagonia is famously windy and changeable even in summer, so pack warm, waterproof layers, a hat and sturdy footwear; the best season for trekking is roughly October to April
- Getting around & tipping: Cities are walkable with taxis and rideshares; tipping around ten percent is customary in restaurants and appreciated by guides and drivers. Spanish is the language, though English is common in tourism
- Health & power: No vaccinations are required for most travellers; bring strong sun protection for the desert and high altitude, and warm layers for Patagonia and cold desert nights. Power is 220V with type C and L plugs, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to do the full 'W' trek?
Not at all — while we can arrange the famous multi-day 'W' trek for keen hikers, this itinerary is based in comfortable lodges with a choice of day walks, from challenging hikes to the towers to gentle strolls, so it suits a range of fitness levels.
What are the chances of seeing a puma?
Torres del Paine is one of the best places in the world to see wild pumas, especially on dedicated tracking excursions with expert guides in the cooler months, though sightings can never be guaranteed. Guanacos, condors and foxes are commonly seen.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner, a wine-country lunch or full board at remote lodges in the Atacama and Patagonia. Other meals are left free with our recommendations.
Are domestic flights included?
Yes — the domestic flights between regions specified in your itinerary, such as Santiago to the Atacama or Patagonia, are arranged and included, along with all airport and hotel transfers, so your journey is seamless.
Do I need a visa for Chile?
Most nationalities do not need a visa for tourism and receive up to 90 days on arrival with a passport valid for at least six months. We confirm the requirement for your nationality when you book.
When is the best time to visit Chile?
It depends on the regions, summer (December to February) is best for Patagonia and the Lake District, while the Atacama desert and the wine country are wonderful year-round. We advise on the best timing for your route.
How do we manage the altitude in the Atacama?
San Pedro de Atacama is high, with excursions higher still, so we pace the itinerary to aid acclimatisation and schedule the highest sites for later in your stay. You should rest, hydrate and take it easy; we advise fully.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of desert, Patagonia, wine and cities, add Easter Island or the Lake District, change the pace and tailor hotels to your interests and budget.
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