Chile: Santiago to Patagonia

Throw yourself into a land of colossal natural wonders on this active 10-day Chile escape – the very definition of adventure

What's included

Accommodation in twin rooms
Arrival transfer included
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
3 domestic flights
Experienced Pack Leader with you throughout the trip
Max 16 travelers per group

Flashpackers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

About your trip

An often-overlooked destination that’s just as wondrous as its well-trodden neighbours (we’re looking at you, Argentina); Chile offers a more intimate, yet-no-less adventurous, take on the wilds of Patagonia. It’s a place that will bare its soul to those bold enough to take on its mighty landscapes. Sound like you? You’re in luck.

We’ve crafted this epic journey for travellers willing to push themselves in the shadow of soaring Patagonian peaks, returning home with a deep sense of accomplishment. Accomplishment for having trekked by horseback with true gauchos. For conquering the roaring rapids of the Petrohue River and building lasting friendships by the firelight of remote estancias. All this and you’ll still have time to feast on asado mountain barbecues and sip world-class wine in Casablanca? This might be the adventure of your life.

NOTE: due to the limited off-grid experiences, inclusion of internal flights and breathtaking low-capacity accommodation (hello, Patagonian mountain lodge); it can be difficult (though definitely not impossible) for us to secure spots on this itinerary for latecomers. Rather avoid the stress of not knowing if you’re ‘in’? Then we strongly advise booking early.

Watch the adventure

Bienvenidos, Chile

Touch down in Santiago, Chile’s vibrant capital, where a private Flash Pack transfer will whisk you to your boutique hotel in one of the city’s coolest neighbourhoods
Get your bearings with a sunset walking tour through the backstreets of bohemian Lastarria, full of boutique bars and boho cafes
Spend a fun-filled evening sampling local tapas dishes and learning how to mix a signature pisco sour; raise a toast with your group

Wines of Casablanca

Take a cycling tour of Santiago’s highlights, including Forestal and Bustamente parks, the GAM Cultural Centre, Santa Lucia district and La Moneda presidential palace
Pedal through the stunning vineyards of the Casablanca Valley, stopping for a picnic lunch packed with local specialities, accompanied by plenty of wine tasting
Hike through the hills of Valparaiso, a Unesco-listed site famous for its kaleidoscopic houses, vertiginous stairway and abundance of street art

The City of Roses

Fly south from Santiago to Puerto Montt and check in at your hotel in Puerto Varas, the ‘City of Roses’, by glistening Lake Llanquihue
Take a walking tour through the picturesque streets lined with traditional German-style architecture and backed by still-active snow-capped volcanoes
Sit down for a southern style “tea”, a Chilean twist on the tradition brought over by the British in the 19th century

Petrohue river rapids

Tackle swirling class III and IV rapids on an adrenaline-filled whitewater rafting adventure down the Petrohue River, complete with stunning Andean vistas
Enjoy an asado-style barbecue feast in a lakeside restaurant, feasting on marinated anticucho skewers and shish kabobs, cooked on a traditional parilla grill

Epic trekking

Lace up your hiking boots and prepare for your full-day trek through Alerce Andino National Park, framed by fiery volcanoes, serene icy-blue lakes and native larch forests
Keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife, including colocolo opossum, pudú deer, grey fox and the chingue (hog-nosed skunk) as you trek through the Patagonian wilderness
Rest your weary legs and enjoy a free evening to relax at your lakeside hotel in Puerto Varas

Hello, Patagonia

Fly south and travel to Puerto Natales on the Strait of Magellan; this colourful seafaring town has long been a jumping-off point for exploring the Patagonian fjords
Soak up some maritime history on a walking tour of the city, stopping at a trattoria for a hearty local dinner; seafood is a speciality here

Gaucho living

Saddle up for your horseback trek to remote Pingo Salvaje ranch, riding through breathtaking landscapes of waterfalls, towering rocks and beech forests
Embrace the freedom of gaucho life as you spend a day in the saddle alongside these real-life cowboys, learning about traditions of cattle farming, sheep herding and more
Round off your day with a mate masterclass (a traditional gaucho drink) and typical Patagonian barbecue feast

Las Torres Base Lookout

Take a challenging 10-hour hike through Unesco-protected Torres del Paine National Park, a dazzling world of towering peaks, azure lakes, glaciers and pampas
Enjoy a picnic box filled with local treats, ending your journey with a well-deserved view of Las Torres Base Lookout, an iconic landmark on the world hiking list
Refuel with a traditional dinner, raising a toast with your fellow Flashpackers to your epic achievement

Back to Santiago

Fly back to Santiago for a farewell dinner in Chile’s buzzing capital city; celebrate your final evening with tapas and cocktails, raising a toast to the adventures you’ve shared

Hasta La Próxima, Chile

Say farewell to your fellow Flashpackers and make your way to the airport for your onward flight home; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange a local taxi
And then, just like that, you’re home. Except, you’ve changed. The drama, the intrepid adventures and endless accomplishments, the wonder and the friendships, all marking you for a lifetime. If you can hike, climb, raft, feast and dive into the unknown like you’ve done here, you really can achieve anything

Where you'll be staying

We often feature these unique hotels on this trip, with final options confirmed a month before departure. We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.

Cumbres Lastarria, Santiago

This avant-garde boutique hotel takes up residence in one of the capital’s most artistic neighborhoods, captivating guests with its geometric exterior, rooftop restaurant and infinity pool overlooking the Andes.

Pampa Lodge, Patagonia

Tear yourself away from the incredible views here, and you’ll notice minimalist Scandi design notes that only serve to hero the landscape of rivers, forest and cloud-tinted peaks.

Cumbres Puerto Varas

Echoing the inviting ambience of rural Chilean homesteads, Cumbres Puerto Varas integrates indigenous woods with animal hides, antler wall hangings and floor-to-ceiling windows. With commanding views of Lake Llanquihue, the hotel’s offerings centre on relaxation with a heated pool, sauna and gym.

Praise for our Pack Leaders

Meet Francisco, a Pack Leader in Chile

Adventure FAQs

Why is it best to book this adventure in advance?

Due to the complex nature of this itinerary – two internal flights, limited off-grid experiences and small, unique accommodation – it can be difficult (though not impossible) for us to secure spots for latecomers. If you’d prefer to avoid the stress of not knowing if you’re ‘in’, booking early will give you the guarantee you need.

Which airport do I need to fly into and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into and out of Santiago International Airport (SCL).

What time should my flight arrive in time for the welcome meeting?

Ideally no later than 2pm. Check-in at the hotel is from 3pm and the welcome meeting will start at 5pm.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

You can depart at leisure on the last day as there are no activities. Check-out of your hotel will be at 11 am.

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.

Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.

We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. We will offer you support with finding a local taxi.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalized medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialized health information.
Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:

Pack Leader: 20 USD per day
Drivers: 15 USD per day
Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, restaurants, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.

However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.

What fitness levels do I need for this trip?

This is one of our more challenging trips due to the amount of hiking involved. Due to the degree of effort and difficulty for the hiking excursions, we do not recommend this trip to pregnant women or anyone unfit, or with severe health problems.

We recommend having a read through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.

What are the transfer times like?

Chile is a huge (and particularly long) country so long travel days are to be expected. They are, however, exceptionally scenic and we’ve added some great stops along the way to break up longer drives. There are also three domestic flights included, which may require early starts on flight days.

Will my itinerary change?

Due to seasonality, there are a few scheduled changes to this itinerary worth noting.

If departing on 27/28 April or 4 May, on Day 5 you’ll go trekking in the stunning Lahuen Ñady Natural Monument as the Alerce Andino National Park will be closed to the public. Also, if Day 1 of your adventure falls on a Sunday, rather than a walking tour of Lastarria, you’ll enjoy the bohemian delights of Santiago’s Bellavista neighborhood.

If departing on our 9 November 2024, please note that you’ll be staying three nights in Puerto Natales instead of two nights in Puerto Natales plus one night in Torres del Paine, due to limited availability within the national park.

Please be aware that other elements of the itinerary, activities and hotels are also subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control. From time to time we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh.

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