- 4.9/5 350 Latest reviews
- Destination: Chile
- Duration: 10 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Adventure
About This Trip
Featuring deep blue alpine lakes, winding rivers, snow-covered volcanoes, and lush temperate forests, Chile’s Lake District is one of South America’s best-kept secrets. This 10-day journey begins in the capital city of Santiago and leads you through the scenic Lake District, including a visit to the legendary island of Chiloé and a kayaking experience along the Reloncaví Fjord in Puerto Varas. Before concluding the tour in Temuco, you will hike to a glacier on Villarrica Volcano and explore the rich temperate rainforest of Huerquehue National Park near Pucón.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 2
Santiago
Casablanca Valley Wine Tour, Emiliana Winery, Coastal Valparaiso
3 - 4
Castro
Chiloe National Park, Punta Pirulil Short Hike, Muelle del Alma
5
Ancud
Fuerte San Antonio, Ancud's Regional Museum, Plaza de Armas, Nearby Islets Boat Tour
6
Puerto Varas
Reloncavi Fjord Kayaking, Traditional Family Farm Visit with Lunch
7 - 9
Pucón
Glacier of the Villarrica Volcano, Huerquehue National Park, Tinquilco Lake Kayaking & Trelling
10
Temuco
Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Welcome to Santiago, Chile
Arrive in Chile, a fascinating country known for its striking and diverse landscapes, ranging from brilliant blue glaciers and snow-dusted volcanoes to the world’s driest non-polar desert. Your journey begins in Santiago, the nation’s capital, before continuing to the lesser-explored wonders of the Chilean Lake District, renowned for its crystal-clear lakes, winding rivers, volcanic peaks, and lush temperate forests.
Upon landing in Santiago, you will be met and transferred privately to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to relax and recover from your travels.
- Santiago
- Day 2: Santiago – Casablanca Valley Wines & Valparaíso Discovery
After breakfast, depart your hotel for a wine-tasting excursion in the Casablanca Valley, a region that gained recognition in the mid-1980s for its excellent white wines. Your visit takes you to Emiliana Winery, known for its commitment to organic and sustainable viticulture. Tour the vineyards and production areas before sampling a selection of organic wines paired with local cheeses and chocolates.
Later, travel onward to the coastal city of Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled between rolling hills and the Pacific Ocean. Famous for its vibrant hillside neighborhoods and artistic spirit, the city is often regarded as Chile’s cultural capital. Begin at the harbor, ride a tram between Plaza Sotomayor and Plaza Aníbal Pinto, then take the Reina Victoria funicular to explore the upper districts. Wander through the open-air museum, where colorful street art and striking murals decorate the city’s walls at every turn.
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- Santiago
- Day 3: Flight to Puerto Montt & Journey to Chiloé Island
This morning, take a flight from Santiago to Puerto Montt, the main access point to the legendary island of Chiloé. Shrouded in mist and folklore, the island is famous for age-old tales of ghost ships, mermaids, and witches that have been passed down through generations.
From the airport, enjoy a picturesque drive through gentle green hills, thick forests, and farmland mosaics as you make your way to Castro, the capital of Chiloé Island.
After checking in, if energy permits, head out to explore the town and admire its charming wooden houses, painted in bright, cheerful colors that line the streets.
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- Castro
- Day 4: Castro – Chiloé National Park Exploration
Beyond its iconic wooden homes, Chiloé is known for its striking scenery that shifts from rugged coastline to pristine native forest. Travel across the island to Ptolaya Rahue and set out on a short hike to the renowned Punta Pirulil. Reaching the hilltop rewards you with expansive views over the lush shoreline and the vast Pacific Ocean. Nearby, the symbolic Muelle del Alma (“Pier of the Soul”)—a wooden walkway extending from the grasslands toward the island’s western edge—offers an exceptional spot for photography.
Afterward, enjoy a traditional Chilean lunch at the home of the Quilque indigenous community before continuing to Chiloé National Park. Characterized by thick forests and coastal dunes, the park is rich in wildlife and natural beauty. A gentle walk along wooden pathways leads you deep into the park’s tranquil environment, surrounded by impressive temperate rainforest scenery.
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- Castro
- Day 5: Ancud Discovery & Journey to Puerto Varas
Before departing Chiloé for Puerto Varas, take time to explore Ancud, the island’s northernmost city and its second-largest after Castro. A leisurely walk through town offers a rewarding introduction to the area’s culture and history.
Visit Fuerte San Antonio to see the historic cannons from Spain’s final stronghold in Chile, then stop by the Ancud Regional Museum to learn more about the island’s past and traditions. Wander through the municipal market and Plaza de Armas for a glimpse into everyday local life. The day also features a boat excursion to nearby islets, where you can observe Magellanic and Humboldt penguins in their natural habitat.
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- Puerto Varas
- Day 6: Puerto Varas – Kayaking in Reloncaví Fjord
Reloncaví Fjord, where the fresh waters of the Petrohué River blend with the Pacific Ocean, marks the northern gateway to Patagonia. Exploring this scenic region by kayak offers a unique and immersive way to experience its natural beauty.
After a full safety briefing and practice session, begin paddling from the fjord’s mouth toward the village of Cochamó. Along the route, admire the snow-covered peaks of Yate and Hornopirén volcanoes while keeping watch for seabirds and possible sightings of sea lions, dolphins, or penguins. The excursion includes a visit to a family-owned farm set on a small peninsula with a sheltered cove and lush green fields. Enjoy a traditional lunch with freshly brewed coffee and take a short walk through the surrounding woodland before continuing your journey.
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- Puerto Varas
- Day 7: Puerto Varas to Pucón – Scenic Drive
Today, enjoy a scenic four-hour drive to Pucón, a lively town widely regarded as Chile’s “Adventure Capital.” Upon arrival, check in and take time to relax and recharge, preparing yourself for the exciting outdoor activities planned over the next few days.
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- Pucón
- Day 8: Pucón – Hike to Pichillancahue Glacier
Pucón offers a wide range of outdoor adventures, from rafting and kayaking to horseback riding and trekking. Among the most popular experiences is a rewarding hike to Pichillancahue Glacier, one of the easiest-access glaciers on Villarrica Volcano.
Unlike classic ice-covered glaciers, this one is layered with volcanic ash, giving it a unique appearance. The journey itself is just as impressive, following a well-marked trail through native araucaria forest, passing a striking 30-meter-high waterfall, and offering panoramic 360-degree views of surrounding volcanoes. After completing the hike, return to your hotel to rest and unwind.
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- Pucón
- Day 9: Pucón – Full-Day Exploration of Huerquehue National Park
Today’s adventure takes you to Huerquehue National Park, located about 35 km from Pucón. This protected reserve spans more than 30,000 acres of pristine forest and showcases stunning natural landscapes, including verdant valleys, crystal-clear lakes, and peaceful lagoons. The park is also home to protected wildlife such as condors and the rare pudu deer.
A network of trails allows you to fully experience the park’s beauty. One of the most popular activities combines kayaking across Tinquilco Lake with a scenic hike through the surrounding forest, where you can observe the region’s unique plant and animal life up close. At the end of the excursion, paddle back across the lake and return to the starting point.
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- Pucón
- Day 10: Pucón to Temuco & Departure
Your unforgettable journey through southern Chile comes to a close today. Enjoy a scenic drive of approximately 1.5 hours to Temuco Airport, where you will board your flight to Santiago. From there, connect with your international departure flight as you bid farewell to Chile and head home.
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