Explore the Atacama Desert the Chilean Lake District and Patagonia
The 12-Day Guided Atacama Desert, Lake District and Torres del Paine Tour invites you to witness Chile’s most majestic natural wonders all in one adventure. Exploring the Atacama Desert, the Chilean Lake District, and Patagonia – this all-encompassing tour immerses you in some of Chile’s most stunning natural landscapes.
Accompanied by your local guide, you’ll explore brilliant landscapes and find yourself welcomed by two of Chile’s indigenous peoples. Each day brings extraordinary adventures as you hike in famous National Parks, explore lively cities, meet fascinating local communities and jet-set your way across Chile’s expansive landscapes.
This incredible tour seamlessly combines the exploration of Chile’s best natural wonders with its fascinating cultures, and incredible history.
Highlights of the Guided Atacama Desert, Lake District and Torres del Paine Tour
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Guided Atacama Desert, Lake District and Torres del Paine Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival to Santiago
Upon arrival at Santiago airport, a transfer will take you to your hotel to drop off luggage and meet your fellow travelers. You’ll then embark on a city tour to catch a glimpse of Chile’s metropolitan capital Santiago: visiting Santa Lucia Hill, the Buenas Artes National Museum, and the central market with its colorful hustle and bustle. You’ll also take in the Plaza de Armas, the presidential palace “La Moneda”, the church San Francisco and the district Lastarria.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Santiago
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Travel to the Atacama Desert
After breakfast, a transfer takes you back to the airport to board a northbound flight to the mining city of Calama in the Atacama Desert. Upon arrival, you’ll make your way directly to the charming oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama. During leisure time in the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to explore its lively streets at your own pace.
Overnight Location: Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Atacama Salt Flats and Moon Valley
After an invigorating breakfast, you’ll visit the Atacama Salt Flats and Chaxa Lagoon. On the way, you’ll stop in the indigenous village of Toconao, where you’ll visit the beautiful plaza and church.
Later, arrive at the Salar de Atacama, Chile’s largest salt flat, which originated millions of years ago by the upheaval of the Andes and the Domeyko cordillera. The octagonal salt crusts in the middle of the world’s driest desert are truly an impressive sight. Here you can also observe three different species of flamingos, which feed on salt brine.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Moon Valley. It is located about 18km (11 mi) west of San Pedro de Atacama and part of the nature reserve Los Flamencos, which is co-administered by indigenous communities. This surreal place, one of the most spectacular in the Atacama Desert, owes its name to the unique geological formations that resemble a lunar landscape. Explore this beautiful natural wonder of Chile and visit the strange creatures that nature has created from salt and clay.
Overnight Location: San Pedro de Atacama
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Meet Atacameño Indigenous Communities
On the outskirts of San Pedro de Atacama, there are several small villages of Atacameño indigenous communities (in their language they are called the Lick-Antay). These villages are also referred to as Ayllus – meaning an organized structure of neighborhood assistance based on the land rights of common ancestors, which emphasizes the importance of community cooperation.
Today you’ll visit the municipality Ayllu de Coyo, where you can get to know two Atacameño families as they guide you along their traditional paths. You’ll witness the local irrigation system, animal husbandry and the production of their typical handicrafts.
In the afternoon, a unique experience awaits: the traditional caravan of the Atacameño people. This walk with llamas allows you to relive this centuries-old way of transport in the desert, while your guide tells you all about this symbolic Andean animal.
Overnight Location: Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 5 Free Day in San Pedro de Atacama
This day is at leisure, allowing you to relax or visit other attractions in the area. A visit to the geysers of El Tatio comes highly recommended!
Overnight Location: Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Drive to Puerto Varas via Calama
After breakfast, a transfer takes you back to Calama Airport, from where you’ll fly via Santiago to Puerto Montt in the Chilean lake region, more than 2000km (1200 mi) further south. From here, you’ll continue your journey to the “City of Roses” Puerto Varas.
Beautifully situated on the shores of Llanquihue Lake, this touristic town has started booming in recent years.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Puerto Varas
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a scenic ride along Llanquihue Lake to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. Here, you’ll visit the famous rapids of the Petrohué River, one of the wildest in Chile. Roaring loudly, the river rushes through its uneven bed, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
It is then time to continue to nearby All Saints Lake, (“Todos Los Santos”) located at the foot of Osorno Volcano. With its emerald-green water, many visitors consider it the most beautiful lake in all of Chile. After a walk along the lava beach, you’ll move on to the small village of Las Cascadas. Here you’ll meet a German immigrant family that has maintained its customs and language skills for five generations. We indulge in a typical rural lunch and discover the eventful history of this family and the German immigrants in the 19th century.
In the afternoon, you’ll continue your exploration of the area and reach the charming lakeside village of Frutillar, offering spectacular views of the volcanoes. Here, you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere emanating from the traditional painted houses, lively gardens, tearooms, and the modern Teatro del Lago. The open-air museum of German immigration allows you to learn even more about the area’s colonization.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Puerto Varas
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 8 Meet the Huilliche Indigenous People in San Juan de la Costa
Today you’ll travel to the homeland of the Huilliche indigenous people, the southern brother tribe of the Mapuche natives. In the coastal area of San Juan de la Costa, you’ll learn about their local traditions while enjoying beautifully pristine coastal landscapes.
After lunch with a local family, enjoy a hike through the ancient native Valdivian rainforest, which has been preserved in good conditions. Here you’ll meet the family of Lonko (tribal leader) Carlos Paillamanque and learn more about the cosmovision and way of life of the Huilliche and Mapuche. In the afternoon, make your way back to Puerto Varas.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Puerto Varas
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Flight to Punta Arenas
In the morning, a transfer takes you to the airport in Puerto Montt. After a two-and-a-half-hour flight, you’ll land in Punta Arenas, one of the most southern (and at the same time windiest) cities in the world! The afternoon at leisure is a good opportunity for exploring the city’s main points of interest.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Punta Arenas
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Explore Patagonia: Torres del Paine National Park
Today you’ll embark on a journey into the Patagonian heartland. The route takes you through the typical pampa landscape of the Magallanes region, past huge Patagonian estancias (sheep farms). In the afternoon, you’ll reach the stunning Torres del Paine National Park, undoubtedly, an absolute highlight of every Chile vacation! It is here, where the vastness of the Patagonian steppe meets the steep peaks of the South Cordillera, that nature shows its most breathtaking side.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Torres del Paine National Park
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 Torres del Paine National Park and Drive to Puerto Natales
Today is dedicated to exploring Torres del Paine National Park, one of South America’s most impressive natural attractions. 2000-meter-high peaks rise out of the vast steppe abruptly; huge glaciers, deep blue lakes and wind-blown, gnarled southern beeches paint and unforgettable picture. Thundering rivers flow into the valley as waterfall and the primeval wilderness is a unique refuge for rare animals such as guanacos, Andean foxes, flamingos and condors. On a short hiking trail, you’ll reach the viewpoint at Grey Lake, where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the eponymous glacier.
Your tour finishes in Puerto Natales, where you’ll spend one final night and can enjoy a delicisous meal to celebrate the adventure, now come and gone.
Note: As an alternative, it is possible to do a challenging hike today to the Paine Towers base (the “Torres”) independently. Guided hikes can be organized with a supplement.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Puerto Natales
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 Departure from Punta Arenas
After breakfast, you’ll return to the airport in Punta Arenas, where it’s time to say goodbye. From here, it is possible to take a flight back home (via Santiago) or continue with your onwards travels.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Guided Atacama Desert, Lake District and Torres del Paine Tour Price and Dates
This guided tour is run either as a mixed group on a scheduled departure. Private departures are available on request.
Prices below are per person:
Accommodation on Guided Atacama Desert, Lake District and Torres del Paine Tour
This tour is based in 2-3-star hotels that offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Standard rooms are of double occupancy and those willing to have single rooms will need to pay a supplement of $720 USD.
Standard Hotels
Hotel Loreto in Santiago ★★★
A relaxed 3-star hotel in Santiago that provides a great base for exploring the lively capital.
La Casa de Don Tomas in San Pedro de Atacama ★★★★
A casual hotel featuring an outdoor pool, perfect for cooling off after a day spent exploring the desert.
Hotel Cabañas del Lago in Puerto Varas ★★★★
This upscale hotel invites guests to enjoy a home away from home and superb views over Lake Llanquihue during their stay. An outdoor pool and great breakfast are among the top features here.
Hotel Isla Rey Jorge ★★★★
Guests will enjoy their stay at this charming Georgian-style villa located near the city center.
Hotel Las Torres in Torres del Paine National Park ★★★★
This rustic hotel located in Torres del Paine National Park grants sensational views in all directions and is the perfect base for Patagonian adventures.
Hotel Aquaterra in Puerto Natales ★★★
Located in the heart of Puerto Natales, this cozy, small hotel features a warm atmosphere and casual restaurant serving local dishes.
What’s Included in the Chile’s Deserts Lakes and Peaks Tour?
Meals
11 breakfasts and 2 lunches are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 11 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes all the land transfers mentioned in the itineraries. Flights on this tour are not included (including the flight between Puerto Varas and Punta Arenas on day 9. Please note that in Patagonia transfers take place on public transport.
Also Included
- German or English-speaking guide services
- All entrance fees
Not included
- Meals not noted as included
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
Optional Extras
- Extra nights before or after the tour
Frequently Asked Questions about Guided Atacama Desert, Lake District and Torres del Paine Tour
In Andes Nativa, their name says it all. Their highest priority are authentic travel experiences in Chile, where the mighty Andes Mountains are a steady companion. NATIVA represents the pristine and fragile, worthy of protection.
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