Chilean Patagonia
Glacier hiking and iceberg navigation in the heart of Torres del Paine
Duration
12 days
From
€2,929/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
This 12-day itinerary offers a unique and unforgettable experience for nature lovers and those seeking wide open spaces.
You will start by discovering the capital, Santiago, before flying to Patagonia for an immersion in wild and abundant nature during two superb boat excursions to discover whales, penguins and other marine wildlife.
You will continue with navigation through the Última Esperanza fjord where you will get close to glaciers, then proceed to visit the famous Torres del Paine park, where you will travel through exceptional fauna and flora.
You will complete four days of free trekking at your own pace surrounded by postcard-worthy landscapes.
You will have the opportunity to undertake a unique trek on the impressive Grey Glacier and navigate among icebergs on the crystal-clear waters of Lago Grey.
You will finish in style with a day at a typical Patagonian ranch, a rich and authentic experience.
You will spend a wonderful journey in comfortable hotels (3 and 4*) and lodges during the treks.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Santiago – guided city tour
Upon your arrival at Santiago airport in the morning, you are greeted by your driver and your English-speaking guide, who accompany you to your hotel.
You then set off to discover the capital with your guide, starting with La Moneda Palace, the current workplace of the president. You then walk to the Plaza de Armas (800m), at the heart of the historic center.
Next, you head towards the famous Mercado Central de Santiago, a traditional and lively place. You can stroll between the fish and seafood stalls and, if you wish, have lunch at this venue in a local restaurant.
Finally, you will gain some altitude by enjoying the panoramic view offered by San Cristóbal Hill in Santiago (+ 300m). After the funicular ride up, you will walk a few minutes to reach the summit, before coming back down by cable car.
You will be back at your hotel around 6 p.m.
Private transport and tour with English-speaking guide
Santiago – Punta Arenas
Your driver accompanies you to Santiago airport, heading to Patagonia.
Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, one of the southernmost cities in the world, you will be welcomed by your driver and transferred to your hotel.
In early afternoon, you will set out to discover the fauna and flora of the Strait of Magellan during a half-day navigation*.
After 45 minutes by boat, you will reach the Magdalena Island (Monumento Natural Los Pingüinos). Once on the island, you will explore the largest colony of Magellanic penguins in Chili.
Then join the nearby Isla Marta, where you will discover many marine animals and birds.
Along the way, with a bit of luck, you will spot dolphins and sea lions.
You will return to your hotel in the evening.
*Navigation available only from November to end of March
Private transfers and excursion with a Spanish-speaking guide and grouped with a Spanish-speaking/English-speaking guide.
Punta Arenas – Puerto Natales
Early in the morning, you depart for a full-day boat excursion* to discover whales.
You will begin by exploring the Strait of Magellan, a whale migration route.
You will then pass by Cape Froward, the southernmost point of the continent, before arriving in Francisco Coloane Marine Park. This area is known for its great variety of wildlife: humpback whales, cormorants, dolphins, albatrosses, sea lions and other species.
You will also observe the two impressive glaciers of Santa Ines Island.
You will return in late afternoon to Punta Arenas, then transferred to Puerto Natales.
*excursion available only from mid-February to end of March
Private transfer and excursion with English-speaking guide and group with English-speaking/anglophone guide
Puerto Natales – Glaciers – Torres del Paine
You will leave early in the morning for a full day of navigation on the Última Esperanza fjord.
You will be able to observe the Balmaceda glacier from the boat, then, further north, you will take a short trail to reach the foot of the impressive Serrano glacier.
Throughout the excursion, you will discover the incredible Patagonian fauna and flora: waterfalls, canelos, birds, sea lions, sea wolves…
A typical meal will await you at the Hosteleria Monte Balmaceda.
You will go up the río Serrano in a zodiac with spectacular views of the Campo de Hielo Sur glacier and the endemic Patagonian forest, to reach the Serrano sector of the National Park Torres del Paine
A driver will pick you up at the Serrano Base and take you to the park entrance to begin your independent trekking at your own pace from the Torres Base.
You will walk approximately 4km to reach the El Chileno Refuge.
Group excursion with Spanish-speaking/English-speaking guide
Trekking Base Torres (22 km)
Early in the morning, you will pick up your lunch box at Refuge El Chileno and set off for your first day of discovery in the park on foot.
You will walk approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach the mirador de las Torres, from where you will have one of the most impressive views of the park.
You will be able to observe '' Los Cuernos'' Paine (3 granite towers that gave their name to the park).
Throughout the hike, you will have the opportunity to observe the rich fauna and flora of the park, as well as Lake Nordenskjöld.
You will stay at Refuge Los Cuernos.
Trekking French Valley (25km)
Mirador Base Las Torres → Vallée du Français
You will pick up your lunch box at Refuge Los Cuernos.
You start the hike along the magnificent lago Nordenskjöld, then you begin the ascent from Campamento Italiano to the Mirador du Glacier Francés crossing the Vallée du Français.
The walk continues to Mirador Británico, from where you will enjoy a panoramic view worthy of a postcard.
The return is made by the same trail to Campamento Italiano, then to Lago Pehoé, where Refuge Paine Grande is located.
Ice Hiking
Vallée du Français → Grey Glacier
After breakfast, you will collect your lunch box at Paine Grande Refuge and walk along Lago Grey, heading towards Refuge Grey.
Then in early afternoon, you will set off by zodiac to Islatak Island for ice trekking.
After walking for an hour on the island, you will begin trekking on the Grey Glacier while observing the crevasses, the rivers, the lagoons and the tunnels.
You will be back at the refuge in the afternoon.
Group excursion with Spanish-speaking/English-speaking guide
Glacier Grey
You will pick up your lunch box at Refuge Grey and start the day with a kayaking excursion on the crystalline waters of lago Grey.
You will navigate between the icebergs until you approach the glacier and admire the incredible beauty of the place.
In the afternoon, you will continue with a boat excursion on the lake, towards the impressive Glacier Grey.
You will also observe Cerro Paine Grande. An unmissable spectacle!
You will disembark on the other side of the lake, next to the Grey hotel, where you will spend the night.
Torres del Paine – Cerro Dorotea - Puerto Natales
Accompanied by your driver and guide, you will make a final visit to the park by car.
Then, you will head towards the Cerro Dorotea.
You will walk for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to reach the viewpoint, from where you will have a splendid panoramic view of the Última Esperanza fjord, the Almirante Montt gulf and the Argentine Patagonian steppe.
You will be back at your hotel in the late afternoon.
Private excursion with English-speaking guide
Estancia Peninsula
You will set off in the morning to discover one of the most beautiful Patagonian estancias.
You will start by sailing from Puerto Natales to the Antonio Varas peninsula.
Then, throughout the day you will have the opportunityPuerto Natales to learn more about how a Patagonian ranch operates, surrounded by wild and exceptional landscapes.
You will taste a typical barbecue, you will learn how sheep shearing and the wool selection process are carried out, you will have the opportunity to ride on horseback, on foot or by 4x4.
An authentic and unforgettable experience!
Group excursion with Spanish-speaking guide
Puerto Natales – Punta Arenas – Santiago
Your driver will pick you up at your hotel to take you to the airport in Punta Arenas (03:00).
Direction Santiago(3h40 flight).
You will stay at the airport hotel.
Private transfer with English-speaking driver
Return to France
Your trip comes to an end, you will go to the airport, located a two-minute walk from your hotel.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Included
- Domestic flights
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Chile for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend that you verify the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Chile, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. However, it is strongly recommended that it remains valid for at least six months after the date of entry into the country and that it contains at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in Chile.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days upon entry into the territory. An extension of 90 additional days can generally be requested on site from the Department of Foreigners and Migration (Departamento de Extranjería y Migración).
The authorities may also request:
a departure ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of the stay.
Tarjeta de Turismo (tourist card)
Upon arrival in Chile, travelers are issued a Tarjeta de Turismo (tourist card) by the Chilean immigration services.
This document is essential and must be carefully kept throughout the duration of your stay. It will be requested when leaving the territory:
it certifies your status as a tourist in good standing
it states the authorized length of stay
its loss may cause complications at departure and require administrative procedures with the Chilean authorities
Health
No vaccination is required to enter Chile from the EEA, Switzerland or Canada. However, it is advisable to update your routine vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A and B) before departure.
For travelers going to forested or rural areas, particularly in the south of the country, precautions against hantavirus, transmitted by certain rodents, are recommended. It is advisable to consult a doctor or an international vaccination center before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence. The Chilean authorities may also request a notarized parental authorization for minors traveling without both parents.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Chile in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be covered for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, please follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy document detailing all coverage and claims declaration procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy document with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To stay in Chile, a valid passport for the duration of your stay is required. A visa is not mandatory for tourist stays, provided you respect the maximum duration authorized according to your nationality. A reciprocity tax, previously required for certain nationalities, has been abolished. Entry conditions may vary depending on your nationality. Before booking your trip, consult the consular authorities or the Chilean embassy in your country of residence to find out the rules that apply to you.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 180 and 300 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and guide. International flights (1000-1500 euros round trip) are additional. Chile's distances (4,300 km from north to south) require domestic flights.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to the profile of travelers. For families, we prioritize a relaxed pace, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and depart with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Southern Patagonia
Chilean southern lands explorer, based in Santiago
Chile is a country of distances and contrasts. What I love is helping travelers find the right pace to feel its full power, without just passing through it.
— Yann
