Chilean Escape: Santiago, Puerto Natales & Torres del Paine

Upon arrival to Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago, pass through Customs, collect your baggage and proceed through the Arrivals exit. Here you will find a local representative holding a sign with your name on it. After meeting this representative, you will be directed to an awaiting vehicle and transferred to your hotel. Approximate transfer time is 40 minutes.

The balance of your day is at leisure to relax, refresh and explore the Chilean capital at your own pace.

One of the best ways to experience Santiago is through its historical development. Today's excursion begins with your private guide escorting you to Santa Lucia Hill, where the Spanish conqueror Pedro de Valdivia founded the city. From here you will continue to Plaza de Armas, the main square, which is surrounded by the Cathedral, the main post office, the National Historic Museum and the municipality of the city. You will also visit Constitución Square and see the government palace, La Moneda. Your next stop of the day will be the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art. Created to guard, study and spread the artistic legacy of all pre-Columbian people of America, it is an excellent addition to any tour of Santiago. Later, continue onward to the Central Market, where you will visit a typical seafood restaurant to enjoy a tasty lunch (not included, to be paid for on-site). Afterwards, you will drive through Barrio Bellavista with its many cultural activities, art galleries, theaters and restaurants, and finally, you will make a last stop at the San Cristóbal Hill, a very well-known recreational area with a fantastic view of the city. After visiting San Cristóbal Hill you will be returned to your hotel in Santiago.

When visiting a big city many travellers want to get a taste for local activities and have a glimpse into local life. This evening, you will be picked up at your hotel and visit some of the most interesting bars in Santiago, the perfect city if you are looking for some active nightlife. Sample local craft beer, some of Chile's famous wine, perhaps some pisco sour and of course some delicious snacks. Over the course of this 4-hour tour, you will visit 3 unique venues and, after a night of fun, will be returned to your hotel.

In the early 1980’s, and thanks to the climatic features of the area, the Casablanca Valley became the most suitable place for the Chilean winemaking industry. After meeting your private guide, your first stop will be the William Cole Vineyard; here you will participate on shared walk through the facilities to learn about the history of William Cole and about the winemaking process. Before you leave, you will be invited to taste some of the vineyards best wines. You will continue our tour through the valley towards another nearby vineyard, Viñamar. This place is located in the high part of Casablanca and it was founded with the purpose of producing the most exceptional red, white and sparkling wines in the country. Here you will have the opportunity to visit every corner of the vineyard on another shared experience to learn the secrets of their products and taste their specialties: sparkling wine (Brut), Chardonnay, special reserve Merlot and a glass of Cabernet and Carmenere blend. Afterwards, visit the vineyards restaurant to enjoy a lunch accompanied by, of course, a glass of wine. After this amazing day full of delicious wine and food, you will be returned to your accommodation in Santiago.

Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Patagonia (flight not included). Upon arrival to Puerto Natales, collect your baggage, and look for a local representative holding a sign with your name on it. After meeting this representative, you will be directed to an awaiting vehicle and transferred to your hotel. Approximate transfer time is 15 minutes.

Starting close to the Plaza de Armas in Puerto Natales, set out on a shared biking tour through the city and its main attractions, visiting various monuments, streets and avenues along the way. Stop at the waterfront, overlooking the Ultima Esperanza Sound, with magnificent views of the Andes in the background, including Paine Grande Mountain. Explore the city and see some of the original homes of its pioneers. Finish the tour after passing the craft village, Ether Aike, the Braun Blanchard Pier, and returning to the Plaza de Armas. This is the perfect way to explore Puerto Natales for those who would like to spend an extra day in town, before or after exploring Torres del Paine.

Your adventure at EcoCamp Patagonia begins with a transfer from Puerto Natales to the lodge. You will begin with a transfer from the hotel to Puerto Natales bus station, then board a shared transfer to EcoCamp Patagonia, operated by the lodge. Upon arrival to EcoCamp Patagonia, you will be warmly welcomed by local staff, and brought to your dome. After taking in the spectacular sights surrounding you, you will be invited to a brief orientation where you will learn about all the activities on offer throughout your stay.

At EcoCamp Patagonia, every day you are able to select from a range of excursions that appeal most to you. From traditional treks to expedition's off-the-beaten path, your unique interests will shape your adventures. In the evening, settle in for a delicious dinner and drinks; all food and drinks are included throughout your stay.

While your daily activities are subject to availability based on local conditions (primarily the weather), the general schedule is as follows. On Mondays and Saturdays, an easy hike of Sarmiento and the Sarmiento Chico Lakes is offered, as well as the challenging Towers Base Trek, and a combination tour featuring a boat ride on Pehoe Lake followed by a difficult hike of the French Valley. On Tuesdays and Fridays, you'll typically find that a navigation of Grey Glacier is on offer, in addition to a hike of Cerro Ferrier or Lazo Weber. On Wednesdays you're again invited to set out on the Towers Base Trek, or hike Laguna Inge and Cuernos Pass, or to enjoy an estancia day featuring horseback riding. No matter what you choose, you're sure to enjoy a wonderful day accented by tasty meals and incredible scenery.

Continuing your adventure into the week, you'll find that on Thursdays, EcoCamp Patagonia typically invites guest to explore Sarmiento Lake along what is known as the Fauna Trail, to tackle the Towers Base Trek, or to set out on a navigation of Pehoe Lake followed by the challenging French Valley hike. On Sundays, you will likely be invited to Salto Grande and the Condor Lookout, to track wild Patagonian horses, or to hike Laguna Inge and Cuernos Pass.

With your adventure at EcoCamp Patagonia winding down, it is time to pack up and prepare for your onward transfer. Though the timing of your return transfer will depend on your flight from Puerto Natales (flight not included), prepare to depart from EcoCamp Patagonia in the morning. With a collection of memories in mind, your time in Patagonia is sure to be revisited for years to come. Please note, EcoCamp Patagonia also provides alternative transfers to Punta Arenas or El Calafate; ask your Destination Specialist for more information if you plan to return to either destination. 

Upon arrival to Santiago, collect your baggage and make your way to the Holiday Inn Airport Hotel, located directly outside of Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago.

Following breakfast, collect your belongings and prepare for your onward travels.