Compare Torres del Paine National Park by Epic Private Journeys vs Best of Chile Itinerary 14 Days by Say Hueque

Day 1: Arrive In Santiago

With an early departure from Santiago you will have a 3.5 hour flight to Punta Arenas arriving in the mid afternoon. Upon arrival a private van will be waiting for you to transfer you Tierra Patagonia. The drive is approximately 5 hours. Along the way you will have the opportunity to stop at a Penguin Colony at Otway Sound. After 3 hours you will arrive at Puerto Natales. You will have time to stretch your legs, grab coffee and visit the town before finishing the 2 hour drive to Tierra Patagonia

Day 2: Patagonia

Today will be a full day at Tierra Patagonia relaxing at the resort after a long day of travel. The resort offers a world class spa and onsite activities that can be enjoyed at your leisure.

Day 3: Torres Trek

The hike begins with four miles to Refugio Chileno crossing at the Rio Ascensio. Here you will unload your gear, have lunch, and prepare for your afternoon trek up to view the Torres. You will continue on up the western slope of the gorge gradually rising away from the river. Crossing several streams on log bridges and stepping stones the trail will lead up to the base of a large moraine field. After your viewing you will make your way back to Tierra Patagonia for a well-deserved hot dinner.

* There is an option to go for an alternative hike in the park as well as ride horseback for half of the trail.

Day 4: Hike To Los Cuernos

Today you will head back into the Park and hike towards Lago Nordenskjold. Your hike will meander along the Lake with beautiful views of the Cuernos in the distance. The hike can be modified depending on ability level and can also be taken on horseback. You will have lunch on the trail before making your way back to Tierra Patagonia for a night in this modern architecturally unique property.

Day 5: Kayaking With The Glaciers

Today you will head back into the park and take the Lago Pehoe Catamaran across the cerulean Lago Pehoe. Upon arrival at Paine Grande Lodge you will embark on an 11 KM trek towards Glacier Grey.

Day 6: Ice Hiking On Glacier Grey

After breakfast at Refugio Lago Grey, you will depart at 8:00 AM on a boat towards Glacier Grey. After a 30 minute ride and brief by your guide you will begin trekking on Glacier Grey. You will hike for approximately 3 hours on the Glacier experiencing how fluid this massive wall of actually is. After your trek you will be picked up by the Grey II and transfer across the Lake to meet up with your private transfer and head back through the park to the Singular Hotel.

Day 7: Horseback Riding

Travel to estancia "Pingo Salvaje" located in Sofia Lake, 25 kilometers from Puerto Natales. You will start your day at Estancia Laguna Sofia, there you will meet your horses, check your saddles, and get everything packed to begin your ride to La Olla, famous formation located in Sierra Señoret with an altitude of 1350 meters. During the ride you will pass through beech forest, waterfall, rivers and rock formations. Once arriving to the highest and safest point you will let the horses rest. From this point you will have a panoramic view of Laguna Sofia and surroundings. At lunch time, typical Patagonia barbecue "Asado al Palo" will be served. Return to Puerto Natales.

Day 8: Heli Fly Fishing

You will be picked up out front of the hotel and board a BO 105 CB-S for a scenic 30 minutes flight to the Azul River. This river is located inside Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. You will enjoy 5-6 hours of world class fly-fishing in this magical place close to Balmaceda Glacier. Afterwards you will return to Puerto Natales with a scenic look at Torres del Paine National Park.

* This day has been selected for the heli-fly fishing in the event of inclimate weather there will still be another day on the trip to have this experience.

Day 9: Depart Chile

Today you will depart Puerto Natales and make your way back to Punta Arenas to catch your return flight. Epic suggests a midafternoon flight arriving into Santiago by 7:00 PM. Most international departures leave late in the evening providing enough time to transfer to the international terminal with plenty of time to clear customs.

Day 1: Welcome to Your 2-Week Travel Itinerary to Chile - Puerto Varas

Transfer from Puerto Montt airport to Puerto Varas – Day at leisure

Upon arrival in Puerto Montt, the lakeside gateway to Chilean Patagonia, you’ll travel by land to Puerto Varas, which is just 30 min. away. Welcome to Puerto Varas, the first stop in your 2-week travel itinerary to Chile!

This beautiful lakeside town, better known as the “City of Roses”, is the gateway city to the Chilean Lake District, and faces the great Osorno Volcano.

First inhabited by German immigrants, Puerto Varas has kept most of its traditional architecture; wooden houses, alerce trees, and German Jesuit churches can be seen all over the place, as well as rose bushes covering every street.

On your first evening in Puerto Varas, visit the rose bushes in Plaza de Armas, or go to Parque Phillipi’s viewpoint to admire Lake Llanquihue from above, walk the different pathways inside the park, and zipline from one treetop to another in the adventure activity center of the park.

Day 2: Osorno Volcano & Petrohue Falls - Puerto Varas

Visit Osorno Volcano and Petrohué Falls

Start the day with a pick-up at your hotel in Puerto Varas and begin your route to the town of Ensenada, visiting the enchanting Laguna Verde, Spanish for “Green Lagoon,” at the foot of Osorno Volcano within Vicente Perez Rosales National Park. From Ensenada, your ascent to the Osorno Volcano Ski Center will begin.

Take a moment to enjoy the amazing views; the snow-capped summit of the volcano, the nearby ancient glaciers and volcanoes (like Calbuco), and the teal-colored vastness of the Pacific Ocean.

Then, it’s time to hike in the Vicente Rosales National Park, the oldest National Park in Chile, which is known for its hot springs, and Todos los Santos Lake, one of the most crystalline lakes in southern Chile.

Near this beautiful lake, you’ll reach the Petrohúe Falls, an obligatory stop if you’re in Vicente Rosales National Park. These amazing waterfalls, formed by ancient lava traces, are surrounded by the incredible Osorno volcano and the Valdivian forest, two natural wonders of Chile that you’ll enjoy in this 2-week travel itinerary. At the end of the visit, we’ll drive you back to your hotel in Puerto Varas.

Day 3: Day at Leisure - Puerto Varas

Day at leisure in Puerto Varas – Optional tour Paso el Solitario hike
This is your free day in Puerto Varas; you have no activities scheduled for today!

But… if you still want to get active, we recommend that you add an optional day tour to experience the “Paso el Solitario “ hike, starting at the base of Osorno Volcano.

Accompanied by your local guide, you’ll reach the base of the volcano and start a moderate-difficulty trek (called Paso el Solitario) that will last about 3 hours, crossing lush woods of native vegetation, like the Ulmo and Cohiue trees.

Enjoy the amazing views of Osorno and Calbuco Volcanoes while walking at your own pace over an irregular, though not challenging, terrain. The valley of Petrouhúe River and Llanquihué Lake (the second largest in Chile) will suddenly appear in the picture, and you’ll make a stop to eat your boxed lunch in the wild. Finally, reach the lava fields left by the last eruption of Osorno Volcano. At the end of the trail, we’ll be waiting to take you back to Puerto Varas.

Day 4: Bike City Tour - Puerto Natales

Transfer to Puerto Varas airport – Transfer to your hotel in Puerto Natales

Today, you’ll fly to Puerto Natales on Patagonia Chilena, the gateway city to the famous Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most important natural preserves in the world. You’ll be transferred from your hotel in Puerto Varas to your hotel upon arrival in Puerto Natales.

Bike city tour in Puerto Natales

To discover the city, you will explore it actively. Join your biking group at the meeting point downtown and meet your guide for the following 3 hours. Ride along beautiful streets, and spot important monuments. Continue to the renewed waterfront, and reach the Braun Blanchard Pier. Finally, visit the famous Arturo Prat main square and dig into the culture of Puerto Natales.

Day 5: Day at Leisure - Puerto Natales

Optional tour to Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers

You have no tour scheduled for this day, but Balmaceda and Serrano’s navigation is our recommendation! Take a fully-equipped boat to sail the Last Hope Channel for about 3 hours.

See different natural highlights from your boat (like a hidden waterfall) while enjoying a hot coffee on board. Spot wildlife like the toninas (Magellanic dolphins), and seal lions in Punta Lobos.

Reach El Toro Port and entrail a 1-hour guided hike through forest and lagoonshore to Serrano Glacier. End the day with a tasty Patagonian lunch and a whiskey toast in Perales Ranch. Finally, return to Puerto Natales.

Day 6: Day-Trip to Torres del Paine National Park

Full-day trip to Torres del Paine National Park

Today we’ll pick you up early at your hotel to take you to the first stop of this 10-hour adventurous trip: Milodon Cave. This natural monument, located 15 miles north of town, is composed of three caverns and a rocky conglomerate called Silla del Diablo (Devil’s Chair), due to its chair-like shape.

Before getting to the cave, we will pass by La Silla del Diablo and learn about its mysterious legend…a story told by the oldest man in Patagonia who believed that the Devil appeared to those who came to look for him on nights.

We’ll keep on traveling to Torres del Paine National Park, and on the way, you’ll get to see Sofia Lagoon, Prat Range, Porteño Lake, and the stunning Grey Lake viewpoint. You’ll go over Serrano Bridge and continue to the Grey Lake sector, where you’ll have time to walk along the shore. Once you return to the parking lot, we’ll take you to a restaurant to rest and have lunch (lunch is not included in our service).

After lunch, we’ll head to the Salto Grande sector. You’ll visit the Nordenskjold Lake viewpoint before continuing on a sinuous route to the Amarga Lagoon area. We’ll also make a stop at Paine’s turquoise waterfall, whose waters come directly from the Paine River.

Heading back to Puerto Natales, we’ll stop at Sarmiento Lake viewpoint to take one last picture of the stunning Torres del Paine.

Day 7: Continue Your Travel Itinerary to Chile - Santiago de Chile

Transfer to Puerto Natales airport

Today, a shuttle will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Puerto Natales airport, where you’ll catch your flight to Santiago, the modern and vibrant capital of Chile.

One-night stop in Santiago de Chile

This is only a stop in your journey! You’ll spend this night at our selected hotel inside the airport (walking distance from the disembarking area) because tomorrow you’ll fly to Calama, the gateway to San Pedro de Atacama, the jumping-off city to visit the Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth.

Day 8: Cejar Lagoon Tour - Arrive at San Pedro de Atacama

Flight to Calama and transfer to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama

After breakfast, take your flight to Calama where, upon arrival, you’ll be driven to your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama, just 2 hours away.

This city of little adobe houses, unpaved streets, and cozy restaurants, is the base to begin exploring one of Chile’s most spectacular environments. You are beginning an adventurous journey that involves multicolored moon-type landscapes, incredible geysers, and huge volcanoes!

Visit Cejar and Tebenquiche Lagoons

In the afternoon, take your first tour in Atacama and visit the Cejar and Tebenquiche Lagoons, inside the great Atacama Salt Flats, where you’ll be able to bathe in their clear turquoise waters with an amazing volcano backdrop.

Then, step into the heart of the salt flats and visit the “Ojo del Salar” (Salt Flats’ Eyes), two round freshwater wellsprings in the middle of the desert, where you’ll enjoy a delicious appetizer next to the impressive Andes Mountain Range.

At the end of this relaxing trip, we’ll drive you back to San Pedro de Atacama to enjoy the rest of the evening eating a pastel de choclo (a corn-based cake) at one of the cozy restaurants on Caracoles Street (the main road). Be bold in this secluded corner of the globe, and mingle with locals while you explore on the unpaved roads.

Day 9: Visit the Highland Lakes - San Pedro De Atacama

Discover the Highland Lakes

Today, you’ll travel 40 miles to the north of Atacama Salt Flats, one of the most exciting destinations in your travel itinerary to Chile! Start the day by visiting the Chaxa Lagoon, one of the best places to see flamingos inside the natural reserve. Discover the salt crusts, produced by the evaporation of water, which cover the land from North to South as you move your way through the desert to reach the Highland Lakes, at an altitude of 14,000 feet.

Miscanti and Miñiques, better known as the Highland Lakes, are two neighboring lagoons formed by the eruption of the Meñique Volcano, which can be seen in the background of these pristine waters. Take a lovely picture next to the Meñique Lagoon, which is shaped like a giant blue heart!

Continue your journey by visiting the village of Socaire, where you can taste the best Atacamenian cuisine, and the town of Toconao, an oasis in the middle of the Atacama Desert. Fruits and vegetables grow freely in this village which is made entirely from volcanic stone (known as ‘liparita’ stone). After exploring these interesting examples of the culture of Atacamenians, we’ll drive you back to San Pedro de Atacama.

Day 10: Tatio Geysers and Moon Valley - San Pedro de Atacama

Visit Geysers del Tatio geothermal fields

This morning, you’ll see two highlights of the Atacama region: Geysers del Tatio and The Moon Valley. This is a full-day experience and your last day in Atacama!

First, you will travel to where the crevices of the Earth exhale their millenary breath. At about 4 a.m., we’ll pick you up to take you 60 miles away from San Pedro de Atacama into the Andes to see the geothermal field of Geysers del Tatio (the highest in the world).

Here, you’ll see 40 geysers and 70 hot springs fighting against the super low temperatures of the first morning hours (their waters can reach up to 185 °F). Take the most impressive photos, swim in the Tatio Spring’s rich mineral waters, and enjoy a complete breakfast with this magnificent backdrop.

On your way back, visit the quaint village of Machuca (at 13000 f.o.s.l), with barely 20 adobe houses and a traditional church that locals visit daily to ask the Virgin to give them water. This is the perfect opportunity to get closer to the inner mountain culture of the region, and to try one of the best sopaipillas in Chile (a fried tortilla)!

Visit to Moon Valley in the afternoon

In the afternoon jump on a 4-hour adventure in the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), an out-of-this-world place. Driving straight to the desert, we’ll start noticing mysterious forms of salt and clay as we get closer to the “Three Marias”.

These statues are the female guardians of this cosmic desert, so don’t forget to bow and make a wish for these beautiful monuments. The Atacama Desert is one of the world’s driest and most hostile zones.

After this first encounter, take a winding and hidden path to the Salt Caves, and discover the peculiar salt gemstones that have formed over centuries from the lack of humidity and the altitude of this zone.

The highlight of your adventure will appear at sunset when all the colors of this incredible landscape change their palette. The forbidding Licancabur Volcano will turn pink while the valley awaits the rise of its lunar mother. After the excursion, you will be dropped off in downtown Atacama, and from there you can make your way back to your hotel on your own.

Day 11: Continue Your Travel Itinerary to Santiago - Santiago de Chile

Transfer to Calama airport / Transfer to your hotel in Santiago
Today we’ll take you to Calama airport for your flight to Santiago, the bustling capital of Chile. Upon arrival, you’ll be driven to your accommodation for the next 3 days.

Between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this modern city offers all kinds of attractions for curious travelers. From different viewpoints in the city, you can see the natural beauties surrounding Santiago; the snow-capped mountains, and the beautiful Valle del Maipo, where the best Chilean wine is produced.

Santiago de Chile is known as the home of Pisco Sour, the delicious Cabernet Sauvignon, and the “Sanhattan” district, which is a stylish fusion between Manhattan and Santiago, and heaven on earth for enthusiastic shoppers.

Day 12: Viña del Mar & Valparaiso Tour - Santiago de Chile

Full-day visit to Viña del Mar and Valparaiso

Today, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and take you on a full-day visit to Valparaíso, the most important port of Chile. Why visit Valparaiso? This unforgettable city, constructed on the steep slope of a hill, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and shows off the unique art and culture of Chile.

Starting in Plaza Victoria, covered by Peruvian sculptures, we’ll continue to explore downtown and Plaza Sotomayor, until finally reaching the Prat port. From there we’ll take our first gondola of the day and head to the beautiful Palacio Baburizza, constructed in 1916. Pass by the colorful houses that stare down from above the city and the bay, and descend once again by taking another gondola.

Leaving Valparaiso, we’ll head to Viña del Mar, the favorite Chilean summer vacation destination. Enjoy a relaxing evening walking on the coast and the pier which extends into the Pacific Ocean, and visit the beautiful “Reloj de Flores”, a giant clock that is entirely made of flowers. At the end of the day, we’ll drive you back to your hotel in Santiago de Chile.

Day 13: Day at Leisure - Santiago de Chile

Day at leisure – Optional visit to a winery

You don’t have any scheduled activities for today… but, we recommend that you keep on exploring! Santiago de Chile is an exciting city, full of history and architectural treasures.

If you want to add an optional day tour, we highly suggest that you take a full day to explore Santiago de Chile and tour the Concha y Toro Winery, one of the most famous wine producers in the area.

It would go like this… First, we’ll pick you up from your hotel to discover the Palacio de la Moneda (a governmental building) where Salvador Allende, the popular socialist president, killed himself just before the last military coup in 1973, and Santiago’s Cathedral, the main Catholic bastion of Chile. After finishing this urban exploration, we’ll leave the city and head to the countryside to visit a time-honored bodega (winery) called Concha y Toro (30 miles to the south).

Wander around ancient vineyards, which have seen several generations of the Concha y Toro family, try delicious wines, and choose which is your favorite. This immersive experience will end at the wine bar, where you’ll be free to taste all the beverages you would like, and we’ll drive you back safe and sound to your hotel in Santiago.

Day 14:  The End of Your 2-Week Travel Itinerary to Chile

Transfer from your hotel to Santiago de Chile’s airport
Time to go home, but not empty-handed! At the appropriate time, we’ll take you to the airport to take your flight back home.

Is there still a place that you missed visiting? Maybe a traditional dish you couldn’t taste, or a hill you couldn’t hike? Don’t fret… because we have many more trips to South America to recommend.