Magic of Chile Self-drive Tour - 12 days
DAY 1: SANTIAGO
Upon your arrival to Santiago a driver will be waiting to escort you (private service) to your hotel accommodation where you will receive your welcome package. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to get to know the highlights of this important capital during a city tour. Overnight in Santiago.
DAY 2: SANTIAGO – CALAMA – SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA (101 KM / 63 MI) + MOON VALLEY
After breakfast a private transfer will take you to the airport of Santiago for your connecting flight to Calama. Once having arrived, you will need to pick up your rental vehicle at the airport or at the car rental office in Calama. From there your adventurous journey starts as you head to San Pedro de Atacama; once center to the Paleolithic culture. Impressive rock fortresses on steep mountains encircle the green valley, making it truly a unique and stunning sight to visit. Taking full advantage of being in San Pedro, a visit to the well-known Moon Valley is a must, boasting various stone and sand formations which have been carved by wind and water. It has an impressive range of colors and textures, looking somewhat similar to the surface of the moon. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama. (B)
DAY 3: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA AND SURROUNDINGS
You will have the entire day at leisure to explore your surroundings and the town of San Pedro. You may also want take a brief drive to reach the 3,000 year old pre-Columbian village of Tulor. The archaeological remains that can be viewed there constitute the oldest evidence of human settlement of the valley. After your visit you can then continue to the Pukara de Quitor a fortress, which has seen many battles. In the afternoon visit Toconao: a village where white volcanic stone sculptures are made by locals. Also a must see is the Atacama Salt Flat; an inland sea formed millions of year ago and an impressive sight dominated by rock formations and crystalized salt. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama. (B)
DAY 4: ALTIPLANIC LAGOONS / EL TATIO GEYSERS
Today, tour the twin blue-black lagoons Meñiques and Miscanti that are surrounded by an edge of white salt and imposing volcanoes. Located in the highlands at an altitude of 4,200 m.a.s.l they offer spectacular views and impressive contrasts. In addition they are home to a variety of wildlife including the elegant vicuñas and a large number of birds. Another option for the day (which is highly recommended to be done with a guide) is a visit to El Tatio Geysers. There, situated at 4,300 m.a.s.l you will be able to observe powerful spurts of steam that shoot out from various geyser blowholes and steaming ponds. This is the highest geothermal field in the world with spectacular scenery. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama. (B)
DAY 5: CALAMA – PUERTO MONTT – PUERTO VARAS (20 KM / 12 MI)
Today you will leave behind the vast desert landscapes and immerse yourself in the evergreen forests of the Lake District. Hand in your vehicle at the car rental office in Calama and then catch your flight to Puerto Montt. Upon arrival to this new destination pick up your automobile at the airport and commence your scenic 30 minute drive to Puerto Varas. Also known as the City of Roses, this town is located on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, Chile's second largest lake, with the volcanoes Osorno and Calbuco reflected in the crystal clear water. Overnight in Puerto Varas. (B)
DAY 6: PUERTO VARAS AND SURROUNDINGS
Take the day to explore Puerto Varas or sightsee one of the nearby national parks Alerce Andino and / or Vicente Pérez Rosales, both offer interesting hiking trails. Another great option is to take a drive around the Llanquihue Lake to the charming villages of Frutillar and Puerto Octay. You may also choose from a wide variety of activities, including crossing the Todos los Santos Lake to Peulla or visiting the waterfalls of the Petrohué River. Overnight in Puerto Varas. (B)
DAY 7: PUERTO VARAS – CHILOÉ ISLAND – PUERTO VARAS (434 KM / 270 MI)
Depart for Pargua and cross the Chacao Channel by ferry to reach the Island of Chiloé. After arriving, you can visit the town of Ancud famous for its museum, the San Antonio Fortress and the local market featuring a wide range of seafood and handmade crafts. Afterwards we recommend continuing your trip to the penguin islands (only from November to March) to see the only nesting grounds in the world where Humboldt and Magellan breed side by side. You may also want visit one of the 16 UNESCO World Heritage churches on Chiloé or drive through the countryside to the capital of Castro. In this town you will be able to observe the emblematic “palafito” stilt homes and the San Francisco wood church, also a world heritage site. Overnight in Puerto Varas. (B)
DAY 8: PUERTO MONTT – PUNTA ARENAS – PUERTO NATALES (249 KM / 155 MI)
In the morning drop off your rental car at the Puerto Montt Airport and then board your flight to Punta Arenas. After arrival to this polar destination pick up your car at the airport or downtown car rental office in Punta Arenas. This city is the largest and most important municipal of Chilean Patagonia. It is located on the western side of the Strait of Magellan and its inhabitants come from a mix of cultural backgrounds including English sheep ranchers and Portuguese sailors. Here we recommend you to stroll along the coast line and the famous Roca Street before moving on to your destination of the day. Overnight in Puerto Natales. (B)
DAY 9: PUERTO NATALES– TORRES DEL PAINE (60 KM / 37 MI)
Explore one of the most remarkable national parks in the world due to its unique wildlife and dramatic scenery encompassing mountains, glaciers, lakes, and rivers. Its main attraction is the Torres del Paine peaks of the mountain range, Cerro Paine. They extend 3,050 meters above sea level, and are joined by the Cuernos del Paine, making for a dramatic and breathtaking sight. Additionally there are several hiking trails available varying in length and difficulty. Overnight in Torres del Paine National Park. (B)
DAY 10: TORRES DEL PAINE – PUNTA ARENAS (305 KM / 190 MI)
In the morning enjoy the peace and quiet of this privileged location or try a captivating excursion such as the navigation to Grey Glacier. On the way back to the city of Punta Arenas, make sure to visit the Mylodon Cave where archaeologists found the 12,000 year old remnants of a giant sloth. Overnight in Punta Arenas. (B)
DAY 11: PUNTA ARENAS - SANTIAGO
After dropping of your car in Punta Arenas proceed with your flight to Santiago. This metropolis shows great contrasts between modern skyscrapers and old adobe buildings dating back from the early 18th century; the perfect backdrop for your final night in Chile. Overnight in Santiago. (B)
DAY 12: SANTIAGO
Having resumed your extensive journeys private transportation will take you to the international airport for your departure flight. (B)
Upon your arrival to Santiago a driver will be waiting to escort you (private service) to your hotel accommodation where you will receive your welcome package. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to get to know the highlights of this important capital during a city tour. Overnight in Santiago.
DAY 2: SANTIAGO – CALAMA – SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA (101 KM / 63 MI) + MOON VALLEY
After breakfast a private transfer will take you to the airport of Santiago for your connecting flight to Calama. Once having arrived, you will need to pick up your rental vehicle at the airport or at the car rental office in Calama. From there your adventurous journey starts as you head to San Pedro de Atacama; once center to the Paleolithic culture. Impressive rock fortresses on steep mountains encircle the green valley, making it truly a unique and stunning sight to visit. Taking full advantage of being in San Pedro, a visit to the well-known Moon Valley is a must, boasting various stone and sand formations which have been carved by wind and water. It has an impressive range of colors and textures, looking somewhat similar to the surface of the moon. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama. (B)
DAY 3: SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA AND SURROUNDINGS
You will have the entire day at leisure to explore your surroundings and the town of San Pedro. You may also want take a brief drive to reach the 3,000 year old pre-Columbian village of Tulor. The archaeological remains that can be viewed there constitute the oldest evidence of human settlement of the valley. After your visit you can then continue to the Pukara de Quitor a fortress, which has seen many battles. In the afternoon visit Toconao: a village where white volcanic stone sculptures are made by locals. Also a must see is the Atacama Salt Flat; an inland sea formed millions of year ago and an impressive sight dominated by rock formations and crystalized salt. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama. (B)
DAY 4: ALTIPLANIC LAGOONS / EL TATIO GEYSERS
Today, tour the twin blue-black lagoons Meñiques and Miscanti that are surrounded by an edge of white salt and imposing volcanoes. Located in the highlands at an altitude of 4,200 m.a.s.l they offer spectacular views and impressive contrasts. In addition they are home to a variety of wildlife including the elegant vicuñas and a large number of birds. Another option for the day (which is highly recommended to be done with a guide) is a visit to El Tatio Geysers. There, situated at 4,300 m.a.s.l you will be able to observe powerful spurts of steam that shoot out from various geyser blowholes and steaming ponds. This is the highest geothermal field in the world with spectacular scenery. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama. (B)
DAY 5: CALAMA – PUERTO MONTT – PUERTO VARAS (20 KM / 12 MI)
Today you will leave behind the vast desert landscapes and immerse yourself in the evergreen forests of the Lake District. Hand in your vehicle at the car rental office in Calama and then catch your flight to Puerto Montt. Upon arrival to this new destination pick up your automobile at the airport and commence your scenic 30 minute drive to Puerto Varas. Also known as the City of Roses, this town is located on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, Chile's second largest lake, with the volcanoes Osorno and Calbuco reflected in the crystal clear water. Overnight in Puerto Varas. (B)
DAY 6: PUERTO VARAS AND SURROUNDINGS
Take the day to explore Puerto Varas or sightsee one of the nearby national parks Alerce Andino and / or Vicente Pérez Rosales, both offer interesting hiking trails. Another great option is to take a drive around the Llanquihue Lake to the charming villages of Frutillar and Puerto Octay. You may also choose from a wide variety of activities, including crossing the Todos los Santos Lake to Peulla or visiting the waterfalls of the Petrohué River. Overnight in Puerto Varas. (B)
DAY 7: PUERTO VARAS – CHILOÉ ISLAND – PUERTO VARAS (434 KM / 270 MI)
Depart for Pargua and cross the Chacao Channel by ferry to reach the Island of Chiloé. After arriving, you can visit the town of Ancud famous for its museum, the San Antonio Fortress and the local market featuring a wide range of seafood and handmade crafts. Afterwards we recommend continuing your trip to the penguin islands (only from November to March) to see the only nesting grounds in the world where Humboldt and Magellan breed side by side. You may also want visit one of the 16 UNESCO World Heritage churches on Chiloé or drive through the countryside to the capital of Castro. In this town you will be able to observe the emblematic “palafito” stilt homes and the San Francisco wood church, also a world heritage site. Overnight in Puerto Varas. (B)
DAY 8: PUERTO MONTT – PUNTA ARENAS – PUERTO NATALES (249 KM / 155 MI)
In the morning drop off your rental car at the Puerto Montt Airport and then board your flight to Punta Arenas. After arrival to this polar destination pick up your car at the airport or downtown car rental office in Punta Arenas. This city is the largest and most important municipal of Chilean Patagonia. It is located on the western side of the Strait of Magellan and its inhabitants come from a mix of cultural backgrounds including English sheep ranchers and Portuguese sailors. Here we recommend you to stroll along the coast line and the famous Roca Street before moving on to your destination of the day. Overnight in Puerto Natales. (B)
DAY 9: PUERTO NATALES– TORRES DEL PAINE (60 KM / 37 MI)
Explore one of the most remarkable national parks in the world due to its unique wildlife and dramatic scenery encompassing mountains, glaciers, lakes, and rivers. Its main attraction is the Torres del Paine peaks of the mountain range, Cerro Paine. They extend 3,050 meters above sea level, and are joined by the Cuernos del Paine, making for a dramatic and breathtaking sight. Additionally there are several hiking trails available varying in length and difficulty. Overnight in Torres del Paine National Park. (B)
DAY 10: TORRES DEL PAINE – PUNTA ARENAS (305 KM / 190 MI)
In the morning enjoy the peace and quiet of this privileged location or try a captivating excursion such as the navigation to Grey Glacier. On the way back to the city of Punta Arenas, make sure to visit the Mylodon Cave where archaeologists found the 12,000 year old remnants of a giant sloth. Overnight in Punta Arenas. (B)
DAY 11: PUNTA ARENAS - SANTIAGO
After dropping of your car in Punta Arenas proceed with your flight to Santiago. This metropolis shows great contrasts between modern skyscrapers and old adobe buildings dating back from the early 18th century; the perfect backdrop for your final night in Chile. Overnight in Santiago. (B)
DAY 12: SANTIAGO
Having resumed your extensive journeys private transportation will take you to the international airport for your departure flight. (B)
Price per person in US$, valid until April 30, 2023:
hotel / car type |
1 person |
2 people |
3 people |
4 people |
sgl supp |
Mitta G - Toyota Rav 4 or Nissan X-Trail or similar |
$3560 |
$2502 |
$2150 |
$1975 |
$1315 |
Mitta J - Toyota Hi Lux or Mitsubishi L200 or Nissan NP300 or similar |
$3485 |
$2466 |
$2127 |
$1956 |
$1315 |
Price per person in US$, valid from Oct. 1, 2023-April 30, 2024
hotel / car type |
1 person |
2 people |
3 people |
4 people |
sgl supp |
Mitta G - Toyota Rav 4 or Nissan X-Trail or similar |
$3844 |
$2702 |
$2322 |
$2131 |
$1421 |
Mitta J - Toyota Hi Lux or Mitsubishi L200 or Nissan NP300 or similar |
$3764 |
$2662 |
$2296 |
$2112 |
$1421 |
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Notes: Based on sharing Half Twin. The single supplement also applies for 1 Person.
hotels we use in this program: Hotel Torremayor Lyon (Superior Room), Altiplanico San Pedro (Superior Room), Puelche (Executive Room), Costaustralis (Standard City Room), Pampa Lodge (Standard Room), Cabo de Hornos (Standard Room) Included: - 11 overnights with breakfast. Meals according itinerary (D=Dinner, L=Lunch, LB=Lunch box). - Services with English speaking guide. - Entrance fees. - Car rental including unlimited free mileage. - Local tax. - Full CDW coverage with deductible (for details see rental contract). - Roadmap and descriptions. Not included: - Flights. - Beverages. - Porters. - All other expenses and Chile car rental companies charge an additional airport service fee (Hertz rate: appr. USD 8.00 per day) at the time of vehicle pickup at the airport. This service charge is not included in the rates above, it has to be paid upon returning the car. |
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