Patagonia round trip & cruise - contrasts on land & water

The best time to travel to Patagonia is between October and April, or in the high season between December and February. The mild temperatures average around 20°C, making it the perfect climate to enjoy outdoor activities. Also, there are about 14 to 17 hours of sunshine a day during this time.

In the winter months between March and September, many roads in the Patagonia region close. If you wish to visit during this time, you should prepare yourself for all eventualities in Patagonia, as the area has a particular climate.

Welcome to Chile's capital, Santiago! As you approach the country in your plane, you can already marvel at the breathtaking Andes that tower directly behind Santiago. Your guide will meet you and take you to your first hotel.

Soak in the first impressions of the 5.9 million populated capital. There are hardly any skyscrapers but instead vast settlements that give the city its spacious character. Can you feel its European charm? The city culturally orients toward Europe, especially in the middle and upper classes.

It’s the city of contrasts because of its mix of modern high-rise buildings, colonial-style architecture, and trendy cafés that mingle with the ubiquitous Andes on the outskirts.

During a city tour, get to know the exciting destination! Drive past Club Hipico, a racecourse in a traditional residential area. Afterward, go past Parque O’Higgins and the Palacio Cousino, a magnificent city palace built in 1878. Continue along the Alameda, the main street that leads directly into the city center. On the way, you’ll see La Moneda Government Palace, Universidad de Chile, San Francisco Church, the National Library, and Santa Lucia Hill, where Santiago was founded in 1541. Once you arrive in the city center, visit the main square’s cathedral and old post office.

Afterward, visit the Pre-Columbian Museum, where you can get an insight into Chile’s history. After these exciting insights, the path leads you to Mercado Central, the main market for fish and seafood. Continue down the Alameda and cross the Rio Mapocho to reach the bohemian and nightlife district of Bellavista. For incredible views, visit Cerro San Cristobal lookout to see an indescribable view over the never-ending sea of houses and the fantastic backdrop of the nearby high cordillera. Round off your first discovery tour with a visit to the modern residential areas Vitacura, Las Condes, and the Providencia business and shopping district.

Driving time Santiago de Chile airport - Santiago de Chile hotel: approx. 20 minutes / approx. 18 km

2 nighs incl. breakfast, Santiago de Chile, Chile

After a hearty breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion to Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. These two port cities exude a unique atmosphere, especially for Valparaiso. Would you like to get to know this city that nestles on the wide bay’s 42 hills? Today’s city tour will take you to Plaza Sotomayor, the main center of Valparaiso. You will discover the monument to the heroes of the 1879 naval battle of Iquique. In the southern part of the city, you will find the famous old inclined elevators, 15 of which have rattled up the hills of Valparaiso on black rails since the mid-19th century. After the leisurely drive, you will have an incomparable view of the harbor and the bay.

Drive along the coast road with a beautiful view of the sea and to the neighboring town of Vina del Mar, the country’s most popular seaside resort. Did you know that this city is also called Garden City? The name derives from the numerous well-kept parks and private gardens that you can discover here. Since you’re in a coastal town, you can look forward to Con-Con Beach’s many fish stalls that sell a variety of seafood. Also, in Vina del Mar, you’ll find a large market square called Vergara. Stroll around and browse in the shops for a memorable souvenir. Afterward, drive back to Santiago.

A transfer will take you to your hotel after a domestic flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas. Puerto Natales is a coastal town on the Ultima Esperanza Sound, which translates to “Last Hope Bay.” This city is an ideal starting point for trips to the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park.

Flight duration Santiago de Chile - Punta Arenas: approx. 3.5 hours

2 nights incl. breakfast in Puerto Natales, Chile

Good morning from Puerto Natales! Today you can choose whether to set your alarm clock early or not because you can select the day’s activities. Get to know the city and discover its boutique beer, wine tasting, and outdoor shops. You will soon learn that this destination is also known as the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Today, the city stays afloat mainly from tourism. Although modernity has taken hold, you can still find old, cozy lodges that have prevailed for centuries.

Today is all about Skorpios III. This four-star cruise ship has a capacity for around 100 passengers who are accommodated in 45 luxurious cabins. All ships of this kind focus around the concept of “outstanding service.”

In the afternoon, the Spanish-speaking driver will take you by private transfer to the port of Puerto Natales, where you will receive a warm welcome and cocktail upon arrival. You will check-in around 16:00 and between 17:00 and 18:00, the ship will set off.

Find your way around on board and discover the unique views from the deck. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner at the onboard restaurant.

3 nights on Skorpios III with 3x breakfast, 2x lunch, and 3x dinner, Chile

Get up early, so you don’t miss the sunrise views of the unique nature. Around 08:00, you’ll already reach the Amalia Glacier. Experience this natural spectacle up close and take unforgettable photos from this breathtaking panoramic view. You’ll stay here for about an hour while you enjoy your breakfast against this backdrop. Shortly after, around 11:00, you’ll reach the El Bujo Glacier.

Are the glaciers already taking your breath away? Then the Calvo Fjords will impress you even more! Around 14:30, Skorpios III will reach the outskirts of the fjord. Here, you will disembark and go on an excursion through the fjords in motorboats. Visit the Fernando, Capitan Constantino and Alipio glaciers. The imposing masses of ice have reared up over several decades and today form a breathtaking ice wall.

As darkness begins to fall around 18:30, you’ll be back onboard the Skorpios III to the Montanas fjords, where a mystical atmosphere prevails.

There are countless natural spectacles in Chile, and this morning, we will take you to one of them! Around 09:00, you’ll reach the Montanas Fjord and its incomparable landscapes. Five small glaciers fall from the Sarmiento Mountains and into the sea, creating a breathtaking surrounding you’ll never forget. An hour later, disembark and visit the Bernal Glacier, where you can go on an easy hike to its base. Depending on the tide, it might be possible to see the Herman Glacier, which contrasts with gray stones and ends in a turquoise pool.

The Alsina and the Paredes Glacier are also worth seeing. In the bay, you can observe the magnificent glaciers and impressive mountains surrounding them. Around 17:00, the darkness begins to blanket the sky, and you will hop back onboard your ship. Cross the Kirke Strait and notice its spectacular views of the countryside. Use the time on board to prepare for the evening because around 21:00, a farewell party awaits! As you party the night away, you’ll gradually pull into the Skorpio Terminal port in Puerto Natales.

In the morning, you’ll disembark and take a transfer to your hotel in Torres del Pain. An exciting excursion to the Milodon Cave awaits you today! It is known for its ancient, giant sloth that once lived here. The cave’s climate makes it possible to perfectly preserve the skin and bones of the sloth, which Captain Eberhard discovered in 1896. Today, there’s a life-size animal replica at the entrance, and the fur pieces are in the museum. Head to Cafeteria La Caverna for a beverage and beautiful views of the Seno de Ultima.

You can see Torres del Paine from afar, where granite pillars rise almost vertically over the Patagonian steppe. Shimmering turquoise lakes, rushing rivers, cascading waterfalls, expanding glaciers, dense forests, and abundant wildlife will amaze. The national park is 2424 hectares, has a vast network of hiking trails, and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Torres del Paine National Park is an absolute highlight of every trip to Chile. Here, the expanse of the Patagonian steppe and the soaring peaks of the Southern Cordillera meet and offer an incomparable view of the most beautiful side of nature. The diversity and contrasts of a vast steppe with massive glaciers, deep blue lakes, and wind-swept, gnarled southern beeches. The untouched wilderness is a unique refuge for rare animals such as guanacos, Andean foxes, flamingos, and condors.

Driving time Puerto Natales - Torres del Paine National Park: 123 km / approx. 2 hours

3 nights incl. 3x breakfast, 2x lunch, and 3x dinner in Torres del Paine, Chile

After all the exciting excursions and exciting insights of the past few days, you can enjoy a day that you organize. Your hotel offers interesting adventures that welcome all guests. Join beautiful tours that show you the region’s main attractions and the Torres del Paine National Park. Whether horseback riding, hiking, or road-tripping, you will uncover the most stunning places and their flora, fauna, and landscapes.

Whether you’re a beginner or advanced trekker, adventurous or relaxed, there’s something for every taste. How about the Blue Lagoon where you can birdwatch? Or would you instead learn about the country’s past? Then the trip to Patagon is a must because the country’s indigenous people lived here around 7000 years ago. For those who prefer to get to know the national park a bit better, we recommend a full-day excursion that takes you to the Paine massif and Lago Gray.

Could you not decide which excursion to go on yesterday? Or did you see something along the way that you would like to revisit? Then choose one of the other excursions offered by your hotel to discover even more today!

The country’s diverse landscape will never have you bored, thanks to its many excursions that teach you about the region’s many facets. You should have a charged camera and sturdy shoes with you no matter what you choose!

Sadly, it’s already time to say goodbye to the country you’ve gotten to know in the last few days. Do you still remember the day you arrived and the countless impressions you gained on the ship? A transfer will take you to Punta Arenas Airport for your journey home.

We are happy to help you organize an extension! Contact us, and we will put together your dream trip.

itravel – for that moment.

Hotel Providencia***, Santiago de Chile, Chile

Your first accommodation in Chile is the cozy Hotel Providencia. Reside in one of the 80 rooms and suites, which come equipped with all modern conveniences, such as heating, an LCD TV, a minibar, WiFi, and air conditioning. The in-house restaurant tempts you with Chilean and international delicacies, and the bar spoils you with delicious drinks and a large selection of wines. Under the Chilean sun, you can relax by the outdoor pool.

Hotel Costa Australis****, Puerto Natales, Chile

This hotel boasts castle-style and offers stunning views of the Patagonian Andes. The 110 rooms have comfortable furniture, a desk, a safe, a TV, and free WiFi. Enjoy local delicacies, first-class wines, and small snacks at the in-house restaurant.

Scorpius III, Acropolis Deck

Experience exciting days onboard Skorpios III, a ship built in 1994 on the well-known Kawesakar discovery route. There’s a capacity for 130 passengers accommodated in 45 luxurious cabins on five decks. In a large dining room, two bars, and on a panoramic deck, you can enjoy your meals in peace and with breathtaking views. In the outside cabins, you will find two double twin beds or two separate single beds, and each has a capacity for two people. All rooms come equipped with a TV, bathroom, and safe.

Hotel Las Torres***, Torres del Paine, Chile

This cozy hotel is in the Torres del Paine National Park at the foot of Mount Almirante Nieto and is around 120 kilometers from Puerto Natales. In 56 rooms, you can enjoy a private bathroom, heating, a telephone, and a breathtaking view of the snow-capped peaks or steppe. The hotel also features a spa center, sauna, jacuzzi, telephone service, laundry service, two restaurants, a bar, and conference rooms.

Duration of the trip: 11 days / 10 nights

Included

• 10 nights in the mentioned accommodations

• Meals and drinks as mentioned in the program

• Entrance fees to Pre-Columbian Museum, San Cristobal Hill, Paine National Park, Milodon Cave

• Day 1: Transfer Airport - Hotel Santiago (private with German-speaking tour guide)

• Day 1: City tour of Santiago (private with German-speaking tour guide)

• Day 2: Excursion to Valparaíso and Vina del Mar (private with German-speaking tour guide)

• Day 3: Transfer Hotel Santiago - Airport (private with German-speaking tour guide)

• Day 3: Public bus airport Punta Arenas - bus station Puerto Natales

• Day 3: Transfer bus station Puerto Natales - Hotel Puerto Natales (private with German-speaking tour guide)

• Day 5: Transfer Hotel Puerto Natales - Puerto Natales Port (private with Spanish speaking driver, no tour guide)

• Day 5 - 7: Excursions with other international travelers and English- and Spanish-speaking tour guides on the Skorpios

• Day 8: Transfer Port of Puerto Natales - Hotel Torres del Paine (private with English-speaking tour guide)

• Day 8 - 10: Participate in all excursions at Las Torres Hotel with other international travelers and English- and Spanish-speaking guide

• Day 11: Transfer Hotel Torres del Paine - Punta Arenas Airport (with other international travelers without guide)

• Mandatory baggage fees at the airport (if any) and hotel based on one bag per person

• Taxes

• Port and embarkation fee

Excluded

• International flights

• Return flight Santiago - Punta Arenas

• Airport taxes

• Drinks and meals not mentioned in the scope of services

• Excursions and activities not mentioned in the scope of services

• Personal expenses, such as minibar and tips (approx. 50 USD per passenger to be handed over to the captain)

• Visa, if required

Notes

Please note that the advertised rate is for peak season. Please contact us to find out the Skorpios III departure time to plan your trip through Chile.