Get behind the wheel for this classic self-drive tour of Chile from vibrant Santiago and its neighbouring vineyards to the famed Lake District for outdoor adventure and vistas of pure beauty. Sample world-class wines, admire crystal clear lakes and the backdrop of impressive volcanoes and explore the native rainforest of Huilo Huilo.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Duration
- 14 daysStarts
- SantiagoEnds
- Puerto MonttTour Guide
- Yes - for all included sightseeingMeals included
- Breakfast: 13, Dinner: 2Group Size
- Min 2 / Max N/AHotel Rating
- Standard (superior and deluxe available on request)Arrival Transfer
- YesDeparture Transfer
- YesRange
- Private ToursMinimum age
- 5 yrs, accompanied by an adultGuiding Style
- Partially GuidedThis tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert local guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Country
- ChileTour Pace
- MediumA balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
- EasyA moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
- Private ToursCountry
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private Tours
Passengers
$4,735.00
$2,120.00
Bienviendos a Chile! Once you’ve arrived in Santiago you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Encircled by snow-capped Andean peaks, the city of Santiago enjoys a particularly spectacular setting. This morning join a scheduled city tour taking in the Metropolitan Cathedral, the La Moneda Presidential Palace and the Plaza de Armas where artists randomly appear to make theatrical performances. Jump on the metro for a short ride to the magnificent Santa Lucia park and its unique castle. Continue to the Lastarria neighbourhood to marvel at the neoclassical architecture and make the most of the many restaurants, coffee shops and green parks.
In the afternoon head 35 minutes out of town to the Cousiño Macul Vineyard on a scheduled tour. Producing high quality wines in exclusive amounts, this vineyard is an excellent introduction to the wine production process and how technology is used alongside artisan traditions.
Santiago – Santa Cruz. After breakfast collect your rental car and drive to Santa Cruz in the Colchagua Valley. Known as the Valle de Colchagua in Spanish, the valley sits in the centre of one of Chile’s finest wine-making districts and is home to many of the country’s world-class wines. Spend the next two days independently touring the wineries in the valley, sampling as much wine as you can handle. It’s also worth checking out the Museo de Colchagua, boasting a well-designed and diverse collection of exhibits housed in a grand colonial hacienda.
Santa Cruz – Chillán. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in your hotel before following Route 5 to the lively city of Chillán. Upon arrival and hotel check in why not spend the remainder of your day exploring the vast handicrafts market of Feria de Chillán? Filling the Plaza de la Merced and offering everything from fresh produce to knitwear and leather goods, this daily market is a souvenir hunter’s paradise. Wandering around the city will also reveal a fascinating collection of Mexican murals.
Chillán – Pucón. Stretching from Temuco in the north and Puerto Montt in the south, Chile’s Lake District is spattered with dozens of crystal clear lakes, snow-capped mountains and dense forest. After a morning’s drive you reach Pucón, your base for the next three nights and the ideal place from which to explore the region’s natural gems. The outdoor activities on offer here are staggering – raft the Río Trancura rapids, hike in the secluded wooded corners of Parque Nacional Huerquehue, fish in the pristine rivers or rest your bones in the local thermal spas.
No trip to the region would be complete without visiting Parque Nacional Villarrica and its centrepiece, the smouldering Volcán Villarrica. Lined by lush forest and sharply ascending into a black waste of lava, the volcano is a dominating sight and it’s possible to hike to the gaseous crater with a local tour guide. The national park is also home to two other volcanoes, spectacular waterfalls and remote hiking trails.
Pucón – Huilo Huilo Reserve. A short drive this morning brings you to the gorgeous Huilo Huilo Reserve. Nestled in 100,000 hectares of lush, native forest, the private reserve supports a diverse range of ecosystems rich in endemic species. In the distance the unspoiled white tip of Volcán Choshuenco looms large. Spend the next two days partaking in the many activities offered by your rainforest lodge. Trek along scenic walking trails, explore the reserve on horseback, take a jeep expedition to one of the beautiful lagoons, walk the rainforest canopy, mountain-bike, kayak, try your hand at fly fishing or simply relax in one of the natural thermal baths.
Huilo Huilo Reserve – Puerto Varas. Departing your rainforest lodge this morning drive further south to the elegant little town of Puerto Varas. Serving as an introduction to Patagonia, Puerto Varas has a wealth of tourist facilities and with wide streets, green parks and stunning views of the Osorno and Calbuco, it’s the ideal spot to base yourself. Food in this region is excellent so make sure you finish your day with a hearty meal at a restaurant in town.
With Puerto Varas as your base, spend the next two days independently exploring the surrounding area. Surrounded by gently rolling pastures with the perfectly symmetrical Volcán Osorno as its backdrop, Lake Llanquihue could easily swallow a day of your holiday. Visit the little villages that dot the pastures looking for stalls selling German pastries and smoked trout or head to the black-sand beaches of Frutillar Bajo, a popular holiday resort with several traditional wooden structures. You could also venture further afield to the Saltos de Petrohué, a series of steaming rapids created by a hard layer of lava eroded into small channels that connect with the stunning Lago Todos los Santos.
Today marks the end of your Chilean adventure. After breakfast and hotel check out, drive to airport in Puerto Montt to return your hire car and connect with your onward departure flight.
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Twin/Double and Single prices are per person and based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.
Prices shown are based upon 'Standard' accommodation. An upgrade to 'Superior' and 'Deluxe' accommodation is available upon request. Prices are indicative and may vary depending on hotel and room availability. If you wish to travel on a date not listed please contact us for pricing. High season supplements will apply for travel during local festivals, Easter, Christmas and New Year dates. Discounts will apply if there are 4 or more people in your travelling party, since fixed costs like transportation and guiding are shared across the group.
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