Discover Chile's deserts, lakes, volcanoes and glaciers on foot
Chile offers a fantastic range of environments for trekkers, from the Atacama Desert in the north to the stark glacial landscape of the Torres del Paine National Park in the south. The trip includes day walks through ancient forests on the slopes of picture-perfect volcanoes in the Chilean Lake District. We will also hike down remote cactus-lined canyons and to glistening salt lakes in the northern desert. In Patagonia, there are stunning views of the magnificent glaciers which flow from the world's largest ice field. Free time is left for other optional activities which make the most of these varied regions, including rafting, horseriding and exhilarating boat trips.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Start Santiago; optional city tour. 2 Fly to Temuco, transfer to Pucon. 3 Full-day Huerquehue hike or optional white-water rafting or Villarica Volcano climb. 4 Public bus to Puerto Varas. 5 Good weather: incredible views as we hike around the Osorno Volcano. Bad weather: Alerce Andino N.P. rainforest trek. 6 Transfer to Puerto Montt, fly to Punta Arenas. Transfer to Puerto Natales. 7 Full day trekking to the base of the Towers of Paine. 8 Visit Lago Grey; hike to viewpoint to view three separate glaciers. 9 Free day in Torres del Paine for hiking or optional horseriding; transfer to Puerto Natales 10 Fly to Calama; transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. 11 Morning free. Afternoon trekking in Cornizas and Moon Valley. 12 Full day at black altiplano lagoons, plus Atacama salt lake. Chance to see llama and vicuna. 13 Optional trip to El Tatio Geyser; trekking at Puritama-Guatin; afternoon visit museum at San Pedro. 14 Transfer to Calama; afternoon flight back to Santiago 15 End Santiago.
Mode of travel: 8 days walking. Altitude maximum 4500m, average 1000m.
Group size: Min 8, max 16, plus leader and appropriate local staff.
Accommodation: 14 nights hotels.
Food: 13 breakfasts and 6 lunches included.
Trip Reference: TAW
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
