Chile is a narrow strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes mountains, but has all of the major climate zones of the world. On this trip you’ll hike through jaw-dropping landscapes, get to know the rich culture of the Mapuche people, try some of the best wine in the world, and visit the most important landmarks in Santiago and the cultural capital, Valparaiso.
Dates: Available year-round, but warm weather from November to March. Contact for private group information.
Itinerary
Day 1 (-,L,D): Tour the the capital, Santiago, with visits to important sites, including the Presidential Palace, where a coup in 1973 shook the world, the cathedral, and the Museum of Memory and Human Rights, dedicated to preserving the history of the abuses committed during the military dictatorship in Chile. Head to the top of one of the tallest hills in the city for an unforgettable sunset. Dinner in Santiago’s trendy Bella Vista neighborhood.
Day 2 (B,L,D): Journey to the Casablanca Valley, a region famous for its wine, to visit the largest organic winery in the world. Enjoy an educational tour, a delicious lunch, and some time to relax and enjoy the biodinamic farm, complete with lamas. Travel to the cultural capital of Chile, Valparaiso.
Day 3 (B,-,D): Tour the bohemian port city of Valparaiso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to learn about its role in the California gold rush, and Chile’s growth. Ride several funiculars on the tour to take in the expansive views of the colorful city, reminiscent of San Francisco. Admire amazing street art on the way to the former residence of Chile’s greatest poet, Pablo Neruda. Catch the sunset at impressive sand dunes just outside the city and have a fresh seafood dinner a stone’s throw from the sea.
Day 4 (B,-,D): Travel Temuco, the capital of the Araucania region, and onward to the small village of Curarrehue, to be greeted by Mapuche host families. Stay in small groups in different families, but eat dinner together as one group, sharing stories with the hosts.
Day 5 (B,L,D): Learn about Mapuche culture in a traditional fire heated straw-roof house. Visit a farm that raises bees and makes natural soap and beauty products based on knowledge of local medicinal plants. In the afternoon take a short hike up to a beautiful overlook.
Day 6 (B,L,D): Visit a medicinal herb garden and a traditional Mapuche weaving workshop. In the afternoon stroll through a reforestation project for native tree species to learn about the local ecosystem.
Day 7 (B,L,-): Depart Curarrehue for one of the oldest German towns in Chile, Osorno. Stroll the city center and try authentic German food. Then travel to Puerto Montt for a flight to Punta Arenas, the comercial capital of the Chilean Patagonia.
Day 8 (B,L,D): Travel to Puerto Natales, gateway to Chile’s biggest attraction: Torres del Paine National Park. Drive through the park to take in some of the most stunning scenery in the world. Bright turquoise lakes surrounded by tall jagged peaks. Time permitting, hike to a beautiful overlook. Take a quick ferry across one of the lakes to a rustic lodge with an unforgettable view. Relax at the lodge.
Day 9 (B,L,D): Take a moderately strenuous hike to Grey Glacier and lodge. You’ll pass some spectacular scenery of icebergs, tall peaks, and soaring condors. Relax at the lodge upon arrival.
Day 10 (B,L,D): Take a catamaran to the head wall of the spectacular Grey Glacier to admire the frozen river. You’ll try the locals’ favorite cocktail, pisco sour, with millennial ice. Spend a few hours visiting other parts of the park including the namesake, Towers of Paine. After returning our gear in Puerto Natales, Try lamb barbecued at the stake, the traditional Patagonian way on the way to lodging at a working sheep ranch and restored colonial house.
Day 11 (B,L,-): Enjoy the morning at the unique rural hacienda learning the history of the farm and the area and seeing live sheering! Then travel back to Punta Arenas.
Day 12 (B,-,D): Head out early in the morning to an island famous for its giant penguin colony. You’ll be able to see the flightless birds from up close and disembark to take photos. Travel back to Santiago for a farewell dinner and an overnight flight back to the US.
*This itinerary is subject to change.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Amenities
Mid-range hotel (5 nights), private cabin or room in Mapuche home stay (3 nights), family-run sheep farm (1 night), rustic lodge in the national park (2 nights).
Flights
We recommend overnight travel to and from Chile.
Visas
US Citizens receive a free tourist visa upon arrival.
“It appears that nothing can be more improving to a young naturalist, than a journey in distant countries.”
