Chile Tours Across Desert, Wine Country and Patagonia

Chile Tours from Santiago to Atacama and Patagonia

Chile runs 4,300 kilometers from the driest desert on Earth to the glaciers of Patagonia, and the things to do split neatly into three bases. Santiago is the hub and the gateway to the coast and wine valleys. San Pedro de Atacama, a two-hour flight north, is for geysers, salt flats and the clearest night skies anywhere. Puerto Natales, three hours south, is the base for Torres del Paine.

Santiago Day Trips to Valparaíso and the Casablanca Valley

The most booked activity in Chile is the day trip to Valparaíso, Viña del Mar and the Casablanca Valley. It combines the painted hills and funiculars of Valparaíso, the beachfront of Viña and a winery tasting on the way back, all in about ten hours from a Santiago hotel pickup.

Atacama Desert Tours from San Pedro

The Tatio geysers at sunrise mean a 4 a.m. start and sub-zero temperatures at 4,300 meters, with breakfast served among the steam vents. The Valley of the Moon sunset tour is the gentle counterpart in the afternoon. After dark, the stargazing experience uses telescopes under skies so clear that the Milky Way casts a shadow. The triple tour of the Red Stones, highland lagoons and Chaxa Lagoon adds flamingos and altiplano lakes for a full day.

Torres del Paine Tours and Patagonia Day Trips

From Puerto Natales, the full-day van tour reaches the viewpoints, lakes and waterfalls of the park for travelers who do not want to hike. The Base of the Towers day hike is the serious option: around 20 kilometers and 15 hours door to door, ending at the lake beneath the three granite towers. The Grey Glacier boat tour sails to within meters of the ice wall.

Chile Travel Tips: Altitude, Weather and Distances

Patagonia is best from November to March; the Atacama works year-round but nights are cold. Altitude affects most visitors in San Pedro, so take the first day easy. Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead.