14-Day Chile: Culture, Desert & Wild Patagonia
Trip Highlights
☑️ Home-made welcome dinner in Santiago
☑️ Mapuche ceramics workshop with a local female artist, Santiago
☑️ Guided stroll through Valparaíso’s colourful streets
☑️ Cordillera de la Sal desert drive
☑️ Visit to Toconao salt flats and flamingo lagoons
☑️ Atacama stargazing experience
☑️ Andean lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques
☑️ El Tatio Geysers at 4,300 metres
☑️ Meet locals at the Andean village of Machuca
☑️ Eberhard Fjord walk, Puerto Natales
☑️ Meet the ranch families of Patagonian estancia
☑️ Torres del Paine National Park – glacial lakes, rivers and wildlife spotting
☑️ Glacier excursion to Patagonian fjords
Trip Details
| Dates | Price AUD (per person twin share) |
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$3,010 AUD
Private Supplement: +$744
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Price
- 30-day cooling-off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
- Private supplement available: max 6 spots.
Extend your Chile trip with our 4-Day Add-On.
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Trip length
14 days, 13 nights
Meeting point
Hotel Torremayor, Santiago De Chile, Chile
Ending point
Holiday Inn Santiago Airport, Santiago de Chile, Chile
Group size
Maximum 14
Participation requirements
Please see our “Is this trip right for you?” section under the Participation Tab.
Included
- Arrival transfer ONLY
- Meals: 13 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 2 dinners
- Flight and & private vehicle transportation
- 13 nights accommodation
- A top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leader
- All listed activities and more!
Not included
- Departure Transfer
- International Flights
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and other personal expenses
- Tip kitty (See FAQs for more information)
Click the tabs to find out more
Day 1 – Santiago: Where the City meets the Mountains
¡Bienvenidos a Chile! After landing in Santiago, your driver will meet you at the airport and take you straight to your hotel.
The Chilean capital sits between the Andes mountains and the Pacific coast, and while today is all about settling in, the views alone already make a strong first impression. Stretch your legs with a short walk around the neighbourhood, grab your first empanada or simply rest after the flight.
In the evening, you’ll join your fellow Patchies for a welcome dinner at a local home. There’s no better way to set the tone for the adventure ahead than sharing a traditional meal and some great local wine with your new friends as night falls over Santiago.
Accommodation: Hotel Torremayor (or similar), Santiago de Chile
Included: Dinner
Day 2 – Santiago Through History and Craft
Today you’ll explore Santiago’s historic centre and get a feel for the rhythm of daily life in the Chilean capital. Wander through busy plazas, colonial streets and landmarks while learning about the country’s layered history.
Later, visit the pre-Columbian museum where the vibrant ancient cultures of Chile and South America come to life through ceramics and textiles. Then, you’ll continue your exploration of Chilean art in a hands-on way during your ancestral Mapuche ceramics workshop led by a local female artist.
Roll up your sleeves and get ready to learn traditional techniques and create your own piece inspired by the pieces you saw earlier in the day. It’s a relaxed, creative afternoon and a chance to connect more deeply with one of Chile’s Indigenous cultures.
Accommodation: Hotel Torremayor (or similar), Santiago de Chile
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 3 – Valparaíso
Today you’ll head towards the coast to explore Valparaíso, Chile’s oldest and most significant port city. Built across steep hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Valparaíso is creative, a little chaotic and full of personality. Colourful houses spill down narrow streets while murals and street art cover just about every corner of the city.
You’ll discover Valparaíso through its art and learn how the city’s port history shaped its culture. Between old funiculars, hidden alleyways and sweeping ocean views, there’s something to see at every turn.
By evening, return to Santiago for one final night in the capital with your Santiago guide, before tomorrow’s flight north.
Accommodation: Hotel Torremayor (or similar), Santiago de Chile
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 4 – Into The Atacama Desert
Fasten your seatbelts! It’s time to fly north to San Pedro de Atacama, the gateway to the oldest and driest desert on Earth and directly into the arms of your local expert guide.
You’ll immediately recognise the dramatic scenery change: dusty red landscapes, distant volcanoes and endless open skies replace the busy streets of Santiago. Enjoy a bumpy but oh-so-scenic drive through the Cordillera de la Sal where wind and time have shaped the rocks into such unusual formations.
As the day cools down, head out for sunset at a special desert location. The changing colours of the Atacama at dusk are difficult to describe properly: gold, orange, pink and deep red all shifting within minutes as the sun disappears behind the mountains. You’ll have to see it for yourself and hope your camera can capture even just a bit of its splendour!
Accommodation: Cumbres (or similar), San Pedro de Atacama
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 5 – Salt Flats and Stargazing
Fuel up on breakfast the way locals do: just a quick cup of coffee and a marraqueta sandwich before you set off towards Toconao. The area is home to some of Atacama’s most beautiful landscapes, so be prepared for a truly stunning day.
Expect salt flats where bright white crusts stretch across the desert beneath snow-capped volcanoes and highlighter-pink flamingoes gathered in the shallow lagoons.
The contrast between dry desert, still water and mountains makes this part of Chile feel incredibly quiet and remote. You’ll feel small yet deeply connected to the universe – and that’s before you even get to tonight’s stargazing!
Far from city lights, here are some of the clearest night skies in the world. Explore the indigenous constellations and hear how ancient cultures relied on the stars above them.
Accommodation: Cumbres (or similar), San Pedro de Atacama
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 6 – Miscanti and Miñique
Today takes you deeper into the Andean lands surrounding San Pedro de Atacama.
You’ll travel up into the high-altitude desert to visit the Altiplano lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques, framed by volcanoes and wide open plains. It’s the kind of landscape that will make you and your fellow Patchies stop talking and just to take it in properly. The awed nods you’ll exchange are not on the itinerary but we’re sure they’re bound to happen.
Back in San Pedro and hungry from your day of exploring, you’ll bite into another side of Atacameñan culture: the food. Learn about local ingredients, traditional cooking methods and how communities here have adapted their cuisine to life in one of the driest places on Earth.
Accommodation: Cumbres (or similar), San Pedro de Atacama
Included: Breakfast & Packed Lunch
Day 7 – El Tatio and Machuca
It’s an early start today, but being up before the sun is absolutely worth it. Bundle up and get ready to travel high into the Andes to reach El Tatio Geysers at over 4,300 metres above sea level.
As the morning temperatures sit below freezing, steam rises dramatically from the geothermal field while the first light hits the mountains around you and lures you into a contemplative silence. Later, descend towards the village of Machuca where the locals live their lives in this remote environment. The people here have adapted to the altitude, dry climate and isolation for generations, and their resilience becomes clear the moment you arrive.
Accommodation: Cumbres San Pedro (or similar), Taichung
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 8 – Back To Santiago
Today you’ll say goodbye to the near-overwhelming remoteness of the Atacama Desert and your local guide to fly back to Santiago.
After days spent exploring high-altitude landscapes, salt flats and volcanoes, this is a slower-paced day designed for rest and recovery. Take the afternoon to recharge however you prefer: catch up on naps, organise your desert photos, or enjoy a lap or two of the indoor pool.
Tomorrow, the scenery changes all over again.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Santiago Airport (or similar), Santiago de Chile
Included: Breakfast
Day 9 – Welcome To Patagonia
Can you believe it’s day-nine already? From city streets to desert skies, you’ve been travelling the spine of the Andes – and now it leads you to its most dramatic chapter: Chilean Patagonia.
Your specialist local guide will be waiting when you land and after checking into your hotel, you’ll head out for a walk along the Eberhard Fjord. Yep – that’s that incredible watery view just beyond your hotel! It’s important you know that the weather plays a huge role in this part of your journey. Conditions in Patagonia can change quickly and just like the locals, the Patchies’ plans may switch depending on it. Being ready to adapt is simply part of the experience in one of the wildest regions of South America – so grab your coat on the way out the door – you never know if the rain’s hiding just behind the nearest mountain, or if a wind so strong it could blow you off your feet, is just around the corner.
Accommodation: Indigo Patagonia by Noi (or similar), Puerto Natales
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 10 – Life On A Patagonian Estancia
Today you’ll travel across the Patagonian steppe.
Your destination is an estancia, a working Patagonian ranch where families continue to live and work in one of the most remote regions of Chile.
You’ll spend the day learning about the realities of the estancieros’ life: harsh winters isolation and working with livestock. You’ll soon sense the reliance on community that’s needed to make life here possible. Meals today are simple, hearty and deeply connected to the region. Expect good conversation, exposed open landscapes and a much slower life than Santiago.
Accommodation: Indigo Patagonia by Noi (or similar), Puerto Natales
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 11 – Torres del Paine National Park
Today is dedicated to exploring Torres del Paine National Park, one of Patagonia’s most spectacular landscapes.
You’ll leave Puerto Natales early and spend the day moving steadily through the park with plenty of time for stops, short walks and photos. There’s no rigid schedule here, as your guide adapts your day to the conditions, wildlife sightings and the changing light.
What’s a given are unforgettable scenes of rivers that roar, gnarly forests and glacial lakes.
Accommodation: Indigo Patagonia by Noi (or similar), Puerto Natales
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 12 – Fjords and Glaciers
You’ll be bouncing out of bed this morning because today is glacier time The scale of the ice formations are difficult to grasp until you see them in person. Huge walls of blue ice rise directly from the water and climbing up rocky ravines. Every so often, chunks break away with a spine-tingling crack, echoing across the fjords.
It’s one of Patagonia’s most memorable experiences and a powerful reminder of how untouched much of this region still is.
Back in Puerto Natalese is your farewell tonight. You may find yourself replaying the scenery in your head or with your Patchie mates. You’ve shared so much together on your Chilean adventure – raise a glass to cheers and cling to each other in a group hug!
Accommodation: Indigo Patagonia by Noi (or similar), Puerto Natales
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13 – Goodbye Patagonia
It’s time to leave Patagonia behind and fly back to Santiago. Flight schedules can be unpredictable, and Chilean flights are rarely direct, so we’ve kept the day aside for your transfer. Tonight you’ll stay near the airport, making tomorrow’s departure easy and relaxed.
For some Patchies, the journey ends here. For others, the story continues. From the spine of the Andes, out into the Pacific Ocean – all the way to Rapa Nui (Easter Island).
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Santiago Airport (or similar) Santiago de Chile
Included: Breakfast
Day 14 – Towards Rapa Nui
Today marks the end of the adventure for some Patchies, with onward flights home from Santiago.
For those continuing to Rapa Nui, the journey takes a remarkable turn.
Remote even by island standards, Rapa Nui feels truly unlike anywhere else in Chile. The 5-hour flight takes you so far back towards Australia, even the time zone changes! Together, the volcanic hills, grassy coastlines and towering sacred stone figures fill this place with mystery and intrigue.
Your local guide is on hand to help you settle into your hotel. Take things slow for the rest of the day. The island moves at its own pace, and there’s no rush to do anything except enjoy being here.
Accommodation: Ohana Hotel (or similar), Rapa Nui
Included: Breakfast
Trip Map
Is This Trip Right For You?
You love travel but don’t like being herded around B-grade attractions… just the mere idea of joining a ‘big bus’ tour makes you want to run for the hills.
You also know, however, that some places are worth the wait.
You’re open-minded and open-hearted. You try to embrace the little things. You understand that even in the best vehicles, the air-con sometimes breaks. This is just part of the adventure, and you choose to be gracious.
You also love the idea of living a day fully, and then returning to unique, interesting accommodation!
You enjoy trying new food, visiting new places, and making new friends. You make a great travel buddy and you love to share experiences with others. You understand that to fit in with local cultures, sometimes that could involve trying something you haven’t tried before, or sitting on the floor to eat with a nomad family.
If that sounds like you, you’d make a great Patchie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:USD exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD: 0.71 USD
A deposit of 25% is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 30 days. (Applicable to all bookings made at least 120 days before trip departure.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 120 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
This is the most frequently asked question we get!
Nearly everyone is in their 50s and 60s, with some people above and below (but of course, everyone is welcome!)
Most Patchies come alone and are matched with a room-mate. Remember, you don’t need to pay for a single supplement if you come solo. We will place you with a similarly-aged roommate.
The typical Patchie has travelled a LOT, is a well-seasoned adventurer, and is not easily thrown by small things. However, many Patchies tell us that this is their first ever group tour. Many of our guests have avoided tours to this point as they’re not attracted to being herded around in large groups.
Level 2 or Moderate
You’ll need a moderate level of fitness for this trip. If you can walk 3 – 4 hours at an easy pace on undulating and uneven ground, you’ll be fine. There will be days where you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet and times when you’ll need to get on and off different types of transport, including boats. You may need to occasionally sit on the floor and from time to time, you must be ok with using a squat toilet – we do our best to accommodate what you’re used to (all hotel rooms have sit down toilets) but when you’re on-the-road, sometimes it’s the only choice available.
There are no planned hikes or strenuous activities on this trip, there are several full days spent walking and exploring. The Atacama Desert portion of the itinerary is also at high altitude.
For the first two days in Atacama, the altitude of all visited locations is approximately the same as San Pedro de Atacama (2,400 m).
Other altitude details:
Day 6: Miscanti and Meñiques Lagoons – 4,200 m
Day 7: El Tatio Geysers – 4,300 m
Activities are optional, meaning that if you don’t feel like it, you can skip it, but it will be impossible to enjoy your trip if you’re not able to do a walking tour for a full afternoon. Unfortunately, this tour cannot accommodate people requiring walking aids.
Aussies and Kiwis do not need a visa to enter the country.
Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf.
We’ll be updating this section with the tipping amount and how it’s distributed, soon.
This trip begins and ends in Santiago de Chile, Chile. We recommend flying into Santiago International Airport, where your hotel transfer will be waiting for you upon arrival. On the final evening of the trip, you will stay at a conveniently located airport hotel, providing a comfortable and relaxing end to your journey. The following morning, Santiago International Airport is just a short walk away, making your departure easy and stress-free. Therefore, the departure transfer is NOT INCLUDED.
Try to arrive before midday on the start day, although earlier is recommended. If possible, come one day early to settle in. We can organise additional hotel nights for you at cost.
Your arrival transfer will be waiting for you at the airport. The departure transfer is not included, as your final hotel is located at the airport within walking distance of the departures hall.
The opportunity to do laundry during your trip is possible and best left for stays that are for more than one night. Your guide will be able to assist with recommendations during your trip.
In the unlikely event of a health or security related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
