Crossing Chile from North to S...

Crossing Chile from North to South

18 days
Astronomy
Guided tour
Wild nature

Discover Chile on an unforgettable journey, from San Pedro de Atacama to Torres del Paine. Explore the cultural richness of Santiago, the bohemian art of Valparaíso, and the spectacular scenery of the Atacama Desert. Admire the lakes in Puerto Varas, then immerse yourself in Patagonia at Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales as you set off by the majestic peaks and glaciers of Torres del Paine

Vertical escape
from the Ice Desert

Embark on an 18-day escape through Chile on a completely private trip, designed just for you. From the immensity of the Atacama Desert to the peaks of Torres del Paine, each stage reveals a new face of this country of remarkable contrasts. Explore the lunar valleys and bubbling geysers of San Pedro, then enjoy the tranquility of the volcanic lakes of Puerto Varas. Continue your exclusive journey to the southern reaches of Punta Arenas, the starting point of Patagonia, before marveling at Puerto Natales. Back in Santiago, you will carry with you the indelible imprint of an authentic Chile, in the intimacy of a journey shaped to your measure.

You will love

Live the celestial experience of stargazing in the Atacama Desert

Watch the spectacle of the Tatio geysers projecting jets of sulfur steam at sunrise

Navigate between icebergs drifting on Grey Lake to approach the 4-kilometre-wide glacier of the same name

An expert behind every idea

Chloé
Chloé

From San Pedro de Atacama to Punta Arenas, via Easter Island, the wine valleys and the Chiloé archipelago, Chloé's discerning eye discerns the finest experiences, to craft an exceptional stay.

Itinerary

Recommendation: fully customizable to your preferences

Day 1 Santiago de Chile

The Chilean adventure begins!

Upon arrival at the airport, your private driver greets you and takes you to your hotel. Once settled, you will explore the capital with an English-speaking guide, nestled at the foot of the Andes.

Head to the historic heart of Santiago: the Plaza de Armas and its emblematic buildings, including the Presidential Palace, La Moneda, Casa Colorada and the San Francisco Church, the oldest building in the city. You then cross the Santa Lucía Park, perched on a hill, to enjoy a superb panoramic view. A detour to the central market is a must, the ideal place to discover the richness of local products, fish and seafood in particular.

To end the day, there are several options: the lively atmosphere of Bellavista, the refined restaurants of Lastarria or the trendy and intimate setting of the Italia district, perfect for a convivial first evening.

Day 2 Valparaíso

Your second day begins with a private transfer to Valparaíso. Accompanied by a local English-speaking expert, you will immerse yourself in the history and soul of this iconic port city. On the program: the Plaza Sotomayor, the Naval Museum, the Reina Victoria elevator and the house-museum of Pablo Neruda, a key figure in Chilean literature.

The bohemian atmosphere, street art and coastal gastronomy are what make Valparaíso so charming. At the end of the afternoon, let yourself be carried away by the unique atmosphere of its colorful streets before returning to your hotel for an evening lulled by the waves of the Pacific.

Valparaíso
Valparaíso
Valparaíso
Valparaíso
Valparaíso
Valparaíso
Valparaíso
Day 3 San Pedro de Atacama

Early departure for a private transfer to Santiago airport, followed by a flight to Calama, the gateway to the Atacama Desert. Upon arrival, a private driver will take you to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama.

After a little rest, set off at your own pace to discover this unique village, where the adobe buildings and the singular atmosphere create a timeless setting. Take advantage of your free afternoon to stroll through the lively alleys, between restaurants, cafes, boutiques and art galleries.

In the evening, enjoy a celestial experience with stargazing, guided by a French-speaking astronomer. The Atacama sky, one of the purest in the world, provides ideal conditions, far from any light pollution. The evening begins with an introduction to the history of our perception of the universe, before exploring the wonders of the southern sky with the help of very high precision telescopes.

San Pedro de Atacama
Day 4 Valleys of the Moon and Arcoíris

Accompanied by an English-speaking driver-guide, your adventure of the day begins with the discovery of the Valley of the Moon, perched at an altitude of 2,550 meters. This emblematic site, with its many rock formations sculpted by time, reveals an almost unreal mineral landscape.

In the afternoon, head for the Arcoiris Valley, at an altitude of 3,500 metres. Its multicoloured reliefs, tinted by erosion and minerals, create a décor in shades of red, green, orange and purple.

On the way, stop at the village of Matancilla and the site of Yerbas Buenas, famous for its ancient petroglyphs.

Day 5 Lagoon Route

This day immerses you in the natural wonders of the Atacama Desert. Accompanied by your English-speaking guide, you will start with a visit to the village of Toconao, with its white volcanic stone houses that give it a special charm.

Then, head to the Chaxa Lagoon, where you'll have the opportunity to admire a colony of Andean flamingos and James in their natural habitat. Along the way, you'll pass through Socaire, an ancestral village, known for its terraced irrigation systems.

The day will end with a visit to the Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons, perched at an altitude of more than 4,300 metres in the Los Flamencos National Reserve. These lakes, surrounded by impressive volcanoes, give postcard landscapes: the turquoise water stands out beautifully against the arid background of the mountains.

Lagoon Route
Lagoon Route
Lagoon Route
Lagoon Route
Lagoon Route
Lagoon Route
Lagoon Route
Lagoon Route
Day 6 Chilean Altiplano

After breakfast, you will join your English-speaking driver-guide for an expedition that begins along the Paso de Jama International Route.

First stop at the foot of the majestic Licancábur volcano, a perfect sentinel cut out of the high sky. The journey continues to the Kipillaco Lagoon, where you can enjoy this turquoise gem in peace. Then discover the natural sculptures of La Pacana, shaped by erosion and the powerful winds of the Altiplano. Further on, the "cathedral" stands out for its improbable rock shapes.

To end this journey, cross the Salar Aguas Calientes before reaching Ciudad de Piedra, a natural viewpoint that gives a breathtaking view of the immensity of the Salar de Tara.

Day 7 Geysers del Tatio

Set off early in the morning, around 5 a.m., for a French-language excursion to the Geysers del Tatio, at 4,300 meters above sea level. The spectacle is sublime: the geysers spew sulphurous water vapour, creating a mystical atmosphere.

On the way back, keep an eye out for local wildlife, from viscacas to vicuñas, guanacos, llamas, suris and gray foxes, as you make your way through the valley. Before concluding the tour, take a break at Chiu Chiu Village, an ancient trading center in the Atacamean region.

In the afternoon, you will reach Calama airport in the direction of Santiago.

Geysers del Tatio
Day 8 Puerto Varas

After a flight to Puerto Montt, your private driver is waiting to take you directly to Puerto Varas. Once you've settled into your hotel, explore this charming town nestled between snow-capped volcanoes and the sparkling waters of Lake Llanquihue.

As you walk, admire the German heritage that is revealed in the wooden houses with colorful roofs. Then, walk through the shady streets lined with flower gardens that give the city its nickname "the City of Roses". Continue your walk along the lake where you can enjoy spectacular views of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes.

To end the day on a high note, head to the Pablo Fierro Museum where a collection of artifacts tells you about the history and local traditions.

Day 9 Vicente Perez Rosales Park

Today, discover with your English-speaking guide the Vicente Pérez Rosales Park and the Osorno volcano, following the shores of Lake Llanquihue to Ensenada. The journey continues on the slope of the volcano to the ski resort. Here you can take a chairlift, offering panoramic views of Lake Todos Los Santos.

Then, continue to the slope of the Osorno volcano, from where you will once again enjoy the view of the emerald waters of the lake, surrounded by forested hills and dominated by the snow-capped peaks of the nearby volcanoes.

On the way back, make a stop at the Petrohué Falls, where the turquoise waters rush down forcefully through volcanic gorges. This natural spectacle, where lush vegetation and black rock formations mix, creates a striking contrast.

Day 10 Frutillar and Puerto Octay

Head for Frutillar, a Bavarian pearl nestled on the shores of Lake Llanquihue. An English-speaking guide accompanies you and tells you all about the history of this place. Admire the elegant houses with sloping roofs and the elaborately manicured gardens, living witnesses of the German influence.

Your route naturally leads you to the Alemán Colonial Museum, where you walk through its doors to explore the daily life of the Germanic colonists of the 19th century. Sepia photographs, period objects and faithful reconstructions tell the epic story of these families from Europe who shaped the regional identity.

Frutillar and Puerto Octay
Frutillar and Puerto Octay
Frutillar and Puerto Octay
Frutillar and Puerto Octay
Frutillar and Puerto Octay
Day 11 Punta Arenas

In the morning, a private driver will take you to Puerto Montt airport, for a flight to Punta Arenas. You're then dropped off via a second private transfer to your hotel, giving you free time to explore the city and its port, one of the southernmost in mainland South America.

Punta Arenas blends colonial culture with maritime history, with European-style buildings, museums illustrating its trading past and docks, and magnificent panoramic views of the Strait of Magellan.

Day 12 Penguin watching in Magdalena

In the early morning, you follow your guide and embark on a cruise through the Strait of Magellan, following the routes taken by legendary explorers such as Magellan, Drake, and Darwin.

The route then takes you to Magdalena Island, classified as a Natural Monument, where the largest colony of Magellanic penguins is settled in Chile. More than 60,000 pairs nest there, offering an impressive spectacle. Upon arrival, a short guided walk allows you to discover their territory. Between the nests scattered in the steppe and the ballet of seabirds, you can observe these fascinating creatures up close.

In the afternoon, you're free to wander around town at your own pace, or you can board a zodiac to observe toninas, these astral dolphins, in their natural habitat.

Penguin watching in Magdalena
Penguin watching in Magdalena
Penguin watching in Magdalena
Penguin watching in Magdalena
Penguin watching in Magdalena
Day 13 Puerto Natales

In the morning, explore Fort Bulnes and follow the history of the Strait of Magellan. Your guide sheds light on how the landscape was formed by melting glaciers, as well as the relationships between Indigenous peoples and settlers. An essential introduction to better understand this mythical region.

After the tour and a short rest at your hotel, you will head north on a private transfer to Puerto Natales. This port city captivates with its colorful houses, cobbled streets and peaceful atmosphere. To deepen your discovery, don't miss its main museum, which traces the history of the region.

Day 14 The Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers

Set off on a cruise through the Seno Última Esperanza fjord towards the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers. Aboard a boat, you will sail along the rugged coastline that allows you to observe the local fauna: cormorants nesting on the cliffs, sea lions basking on the rocks and condors flying over the peaks. Accompanied by a guide, you make a first disembarkation that leads you to the Serrano glacier. A short walk allows you to admire the subtle nuances of the ice melting into the waters of the fjord.

On the way back, a second stop at an estancia offers you the opportunity to enjoy a typical lunch, with lamb cooked over a wood fire, accompanied by alternative options to suit all tastes.

The Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers
Day 15 Torres del Paine Park

A new day of exploration begins alongside your English-speaking guide, for the Torres del Paine National Park. Classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, this park stands out for its varied fauna and the emblematic granite towers that dominate the landscape. Throughout the crossing, several stops are planned at viewpoints offering spectacular panoramas of mountains, lakes and valleys.

In the afternoon, you reach the Grey sector, for a short hike or if you prefer, to enjoy the lookouts facing the glacier. On the way, a stop is planned at the Milodón Cave, where the remains of this prehistoric animal that once inhabited the area were discovered.

Day 16 Approach to Grey Glacier

Embark on an unforgettable sail on Lake Grey to discover its monumental glacier, one of the largest on the planet. Aboard a boat, you cross the milky waters of the lake, bordered by towering mountains.

As you sail, your guide shares their knowledge of the glacial landscapes as huge bluish-hued icebergs drift slowly away from this gigantic mass of ice. Nearly four kilometres wide at its front and plunging to a depth of more than 600 metres, the Grey Glacier is part of the world's third-largest continental ice sheet.

Aboard a small icebreaker, you get as close as possible to this ice cathedral, observing the slow work of time on its sculpted walls. After a few hours of wonder, return to Puerto Natales with a private driver, where you enjoy a free evening to relax after this intense day.

Approach to Grey Glacier
Approach to Grey Glacier
Approach to Grey Glacier
Approach to Grey Glacier
Approach to Grey Glacier
Approach to Grey Glacier
Approach to Grey Glacier
Approach to Grey Glacier
Day 17 Return to Santiago

The adventure in Patagonia is coming to an end. A private transfer takes you to Puerto Natales Airport for a flight to Santiago. Upon arrival, a private driver will be waiting to escort you to your hotel.

Take advantage of your last day to explore other facets of the Chilean capital. Beyond the emblematic sites, let yourself be surprised by lesser-known places, such as the Barrio Concha y Toro, the Parque Bicentenario for a break by the lagoons, the Museum of Fine Arts nestled in a superb neoclassical building, or the hill of San Cristóbal, offering a privileged view of the city and the Andes Mountains.

Return to Santiago
Day 18 Return flight

After a final Chilean breakfast, your private driver accompanies you to Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, according to your flight schedule.

We hope that this trip has offered you unforgettable moments and that the desire to go on an adventure will accompany you for a long time to come!

Estimated budget

There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all price, and everything depends on your wishes, the season and the level of comfort you require.
This initial estimate gives you a rough idea, and the final quote is 100% personalized!

from 5 855 € per person

(based on US$6,895 at the exchange rate of $/€1.18)

INCLUDED IN THIS TRAVEL IDEA
  • 17 nights' accommodation in a double room, breakfast included
  • All domestic flights mentioned in the program
  • Private transfers on days 1, 2, 3, 8, 11, 13, 16, 17 and 18
  • Half-day private tour of Santiago with English-speaking guide on day 1
  • Half-day private tour of Valparaiso with English-speaking guide on day 2
  • Star-gazing excursion with an English-speaking astronomer on day 3
  • Half-day excursion to the Luna Valley in private service with English-speaking guide on day 4
  • Half-day excursion to the Arcoiris Valley in private service with English-speaking guide on day 4
  • Day trip to the Atacama Salar in private service with English-speaking guide, including picnic lunch, on day 5
  • Day trip along the salar route in private service with English-speaking guide, including picnic lunch, on day 6
  • Half-day excursion to the Geysers del Tatio in private service with English-speaking guide on day, including picnic breakfast on day 7
  • Half-day excursion to Vicente Perez Rosales Park in private service with English-speaking guide on day 9
  • Half-day excursion to Frutillar and Puerto Octay in private service with English-speaking guide on day 10
  • Boat trip to Magdalena Island to observe a colony of Magellanic penguins on day 12.
  • Half-day excursion to visit Fort Bulnes on day 13
  • Sailing to discover the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers, including a typical Patagonian lunch on day 14
  • Day trip to Torres del Paine Park, private service with English-speaking guide on day 15
  • Boat trip to see Grey Glacier on the morning of day 16
  • All admissions to national parks and museums mentioned in the program
  • A travel guide on your arrival, containing a wealth of useful information (day-by-day program, selection of personalized addresses, etc.).
  • Access to your stay on our mobile application, which allows you to geolocate all your hotels, activities and personalized addresses. It also works offline
  • 24/7 on-site telephone assistance with a French contact person
  • Our on-site concierge service
  • Internet access during your trip: an international mini-router or a local SIM card enabling you to connect to your various electronic devices (phone, tablet, computer).
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
  • International flights
  • Entrance fees to parks and museums not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Meals and beverages during and outside the meals mentioned in the tour
  • Liability, medical, repatriation, cancellation and baggage loss insurance

Custom Selection

Our wide choice of à la carte experiences means you can put together a stay that’s just right for you.

(Sur mesure) Caminata en hielo glaciar Grey

Hike on Grey Glacier

Equipped with crampons, you explore a world of ice with reflections. Guided by passionate experts, move between glittering crevices and natural sculptures.

Ebike dans le désert d'Atacama

Ebike in the Atacama desert

Enjoy an unforgettable escape through the arid expanses of the Salar de Atacama. At the end of this mineral crossing, the Cejar lagoon awaits you: a turquoise saltwater pool, nestled in the heart of the desert.
Testimonials

They did this itinerary with us

Santiago, Valparaiso and the Southern Route
Sylvia and Bernard
Publié le 03/2025
Sylvia and Bernard

Santiago, Valparaiso and the Southern Route

Publié le 03/2025

Very good organization throughout the route, with guides and drivers always on hand.

An experience worthy of our second trip with the Korke agency.

Sylvia and Bernard
Exemples de circuits

Inspirez-vous de nos idées de parcours

Profitez de notre connaissance approfondie du terrain pour vous inspirer de nos idées de voyages conçues avec soin. Laissez-vous guider à travers des paysages époustouflants, notre équipe d’experts locaux est là pour vous accompagner à chaque étape pour vous promettre des expériences inoubliables!