summary
- Walk among geysers, salt flats and red-rock valleys in the Atacama Desert.
- Watch flamingos feed in high-altitude lagoons beneath volcanic peaks.
- Explore the Moon Valley as changing light transforms the desert landscape.
- Stargaze through powerful telescopes under Atacama’s clear skies.
- Discover Torres del Paine in winter with snow-covered mountains and quiet trails.
- Trek quiet winter trails in Torres del Paine
- Hike beneath the granite towers and glacial lakes of Torres del Paine National Park.
- Photograph icy landscapes and exotic wildlife under soft winter light across southern Chile.
Day by Day
- ARRIVE into Santiago de Chile. CONNECT in Santiago to flight to Calama / Transfer to San Pedro. Astronomy Safari.
On arrival into Calama airport you will meet your driver and private transfer to the cute desert town of San Pedro de Atacama.After some time to unpack and freshen up you will be collected for an evening astronomy tour where you will experience an unforgettable journey into the cosmos in the Atacama Desert, renowned for its dazzling skies. Perfect for astronomy enthusiasts, this adventure offers a unique opportunity to explore the night skies with powerful 16-inch telescopes. Witness breathtaking views of planets, galaxies, star clusters and incandescent stars while immersing yourself in the rich history of the universe and its ties to Atacama culture. Expert guides share captivating stories and scientific insights teaching you to read the sky and unravel its secrets. This immersive experience not only stimulates your curiosity but also leaves an indelible mark as you marvel at the mysteries of the universe.
Evening transfer back to your hotel, the unique Hotel Desertica* with its authentic styling and strong connection to the local culture.
No meals included.
Dinner at leisure in one of the town’s restaurants or in the hotel.Night in standard rooms
*Other accommodation options available, please ask for details.
Important: The astronomy safari needs dark skies to see the constellations so it is best carried out during the new moon. We will move this to an alternative date if necessary depending on exact trip dates.
- Morning Cactus Valley excursion (Guatin). Afternoon Vallecito visit
Today you will be enjoying two excursions in the morning and afternoon allowing you to relax at your hotel during the warmest part of the day.Our journey begins at the Vilama River ravine, the main water source for San Pedro de Atacama’s oasis. Marvel at the vitality of this river, which sustains life in the region. As we continue, we explore the diverse northern and southern slopes of the valley, where we will observe the unique fauna and learn about the fascinating cactus species. Dating back 30 to 40 million years, these resilient plants have adapted to extreme desert conditions. We will gain insight into their vital role in the ecosystem’s balance and conservation as we embark on an exciting 4 km trek through Cactus Valley which is full of surprises.
Return to San Pedro for lunch, relax in the hotel or take a walk into town.
Our journey begins in the afternoon, when the temperature is cooler and the setting sun offers ideal lighting for photography. We travel to the mystical Vallecito, where nature has sculpted otherworldly rock formations in serene surroundings inviting a connection with the majesty of nature. Next, we explore ancient salt mines, silent witnesses to the once sought-after ‘white gold’—revealing intriguing stories of history and geology. Then, we visit some impressive dunes to admire majestic cornices and visit the enigmatic abandoned bus. Our adventure concludes around 8 p.m. with a delightful cocktail for everyone before we return to San Pedro.
Breakfast included.
Lunch and dinner at leisure in one of the town’s restaurants or in the hotel.Night in standard rooms at the Hotel Desertica*
*Other accommodation options available, please ask for details - Visit to Lagunas Altiplanicas with lunch included.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking Salar de Atacama, located in the Soncor sector of Los Flamencos National Reserve. Here, the enchanting Chaxa Lagoon awaits, celebrated for its vibrant birdlife and striking flamingos. A thoughtfully designed trail winds through a series of stunning lagoons, forming one of the largest salt flats in the world. Along the way, visitors can explore the charming town of Socaire, renowned for its traditional cuisine rooted in ancestral terrace farming and ingenious irrigation practices. Locals cultivate crops such as corn, quinoa, beans, carrots, and potatoes, preserving the authentic spirit of this remote community. Venture into the high Andean plateau and be captivated by the spectacular Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons, situated at 4,200 meters above sea level at the foothills of imposing volcanoes.
The dramatic landscape features vivid blue skies, lush vegetation and ochre mountain hues that create a mesmerizing backdrop. Your journey concludes in Toconao, a historic town where you can admire the venerable bell tower and the Church of San Lucas, both national monuments. Here, exquisite local crafts, fashioned from pumice stone, cactus wood, and alpaca wool, reflect the region’s deep cultural heritage and creative spirit. This journey offers immersive glimpse into nature and culture’s splendour.
Return to San Pedro.
Breakfast & packed lunch included.
Dinner at leisure in one of the town’s restaurants or in the hotel.Night in standard rooms at the Hotel Desertica*
*Other accommodation options available, please ask for details.Important: As you will be moving to higher altitude today this excursion happens later in the trip when you have had a chance to acclimatise.
*Alternative full day excursion for today: Embark on an exciting journey beginning at the impressive Licancabur volcano, where you will marvel at its majestic presence and enjoy panoramic views that capture nature’s splendor. Next, our adventure leads us to the serene Quepiaco River wetland, offering a unique encounter with abundant wildlife in a tranquil setting. We then explore the enigmatic monks of La Pacana, where towering stone structures create a surreal, almost otherworldly landscape that invites reflection and awe. Continuing onward, we arrive at the Agua Calientes salt flat—a true natural treasure—where a vast expanse of sparkling salt crystals bathed in sunlight, creates a magical effect reminiscent of walking on a giant mirror. Finally, our itinerary brings us to the Quisquiro salt flat perched over 4,000 meters above sea level. Here, the lunar landscape and the striking contrast between brilliant white salt and an intense blue sky serve as a powerful reminder of nature’s immense and indescribable beauty. This tour promises an unforgettable experience, inviting you to forge a deep connection with the wonders of the natural world.
- Transfer to Calama airport and fly to Patagonia. Arrive Puerto Natales. Hotel
After breakfast you will be taking a private transfer back to Calama airport to join your flight south to Patagonia.
The itinerary assumes you will fly into Puerto Natales on the same day as that is the most convenient airport, this obviously depends the flight schedule works out accordingly (there are a number of early flights from Calama but its still too early for the full Puerto Natales winter schedule). We can review this later if necessary.
On arrival into Puerto Natales you will be collected by a private transfer and taken to your hotel.
Night Hotel Costanera
Breakfast only included.*Guide’s briefing*
*Options to upgrade to in town include the lovely contemporary Hotel Simple located on the waterfront, or the Hotel Singular Patagonia, also on the waterfront – a contemporary refurbishment of a historic building which blends modern architecture with excellent service and tranquil views (hotel also has a spa).
- Transfer to Torres del Paine.After breakfast you will be collected by your driver and guide for the transfer into Torres del Paine.
Our destination is the stunning Laguna Verde located on the southern perimeters of the Park with dramatic views across the lake to the south face of the Paine Massif. After packing day packs (and being fitted with snow shoes if there is snow) we will start a very beautiful and quiet hike into the Park (classed as moderate, 3-4 hours). The trail weaves in and out of lakes and ancient forests and there are dramatic mountain vistas at every turn. We will take a walk to the top of the Sierra del Toro lookout with far reaching views of the Paine and Balmaceda mountain range before descending the scree slow to the pampas below.
We will meet our driver and transfer across the much photographed Puente Weber before heading the short distance to Grey Lake, stopping to photograph the landscapes and wildlife on the way. We will be sleeping in the Hotel Grey, the oldest hotel in the Park and the only one with glacier views.
Night in Hotel Grey in superior rooms (the superior rooms have the best views.
Hotel Lago Grey is a four-season established hotel located on the southern shore of Lake Grey within Torres del Paine National Park. It offers spacious, centrally heated rooms—some with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the magnificent Grey Glacier. The on-site restaurant and lounge provide warming views over ice-strewn waters, while the surrounding lenga forests are home to native deer like the huemul.
All meals included (wine/drinks available at extra cost).
- <B>Transfer to Grey, take Grey Boat. Optional Kayak. Hotel
After breakfast, we will be transferring the short distance to Grey Lake where we will walk down to the sandy lake shore to board the Grey III* boat that takes us out through the icebergs for an up close and personal experience with a vertical towering glacier. The views from here are magnificent with the magnificent Paine Massif, the Balmaceda mountain range and of course the immense flash of ice that is Grey Glacier, the largest glacier in the area.On return to Grey Beach we will disembark and set out on an optional hike to the Mt Ferrier lookout in the west of the Park. This trail is short but intense with breathtaking views of the western side of the Park punctuated by lakes, mountains and glaciers. Enjoy the views from the top before making our way back to our comfortable hotel for a second night.
*Please note the Grey Boat will only run with a minimum number of passengers in winter so this will be reconfirmed nearer to the date. If preferred, there is the opportunity of upgrading to a private kayaking excursion today on either Grey Lake, or the Grey River, depending on whether you choose the half or full day excursion and the weather conditions (see costs below).
Second night Hotel Grey as above.
All meals included (wine/drinks available at extra cost).</li>
- Private vehicle safari, an immersion into the wildlife and nature of Patagonia. Guido.
After breakfast in the hotel you will be jumping in the vehicle and heading out with your guide and driver for a private vehicle safari through the heart of Torres del Paine.
The drive cuts through some incredibly diverse scenery with verdant green valleys and ancient southern beech forests, azure lakes, cascading waterfalls and wide open plans. Condors hover above the nearby mountain peaks while herds of guanaco scatter as we approach. Views will be constantly dominated by the granite peaks of the Paine Massif to the right as we head from east to west enjoying some of Patagonia’s most iconic and picture postcard views.
There will be plenty of time to stop and admire the wildlife and we can take a short walk to the waterfall at Salto Grande and the Mirador Los Cuernos which takes roughly one hour. Here you can see magnificent views across Lake Nordenskjold to the granite peaks of the Paine Horns (or Cuernos). From here you will continue to Laguna Amarga, one of the most photographed lakes in the Park and sometimes home to wild flamingoes. Time permitting we can head up to Laguna Azul, generally off the radar for most visitors due to its inaccessibility. This beautiful lake is a great place to see birdlife on the lakeshores and to get a great perspective of the Towers reflected in the lake.
After a full day exploring you will arrive at Estancia Cerro Guido where you will be spending the next three nights in this very comfortable lodge.
Night Estancia Cerro Guido in a double and twin room (two rooms for each family). Estancia Cerro Guido is a historic, very comfortable working cattle ranch turned boutique lodge located on over 100,000 hectares just east of Torres del Paine National Park. In winter, it transforms into a serene snowy sanctuary with elegantly styled English-inspired rooms featuring featherbeds and central heating, gourmet farm-to-table dining and immersive conservation-focused excursions among the snow-draped pampas.
- Hike to the base of the Towers (or day exploring). Night Estancia Cerro Guido
After breakfast we will be setting off with our driver heading east to the trail head at Las Torres for one of the area’s most renowned and challenging trail to the base of the Towers. Tackling this steep climb across mountain trails, winding rivers, deep valleys and glacial moraine will reward you with unimaginable views. Once the steep slopes have been conquered, enjoy your lunch in this dramatic setting, while watching icebergs drift slowly across glacial pools.Distance: 11.8 mi/19km; roundtrip with 3,291 ft elevation gain. Challenging ascent at the start, final steep climb over glacial moraine. Long descent on return. Approximately 8-9 hours walking.
On return to the trail head you will meet your driver for the transfer back to Estancia Cerro Guido for your third and final night.
Second night Estancia Cerro Guido as above.
All meals included (with wine and an open bar included at Guido). - Sightseeing, wildlife watching, hiking. Night Estancia
Today you will have a choice of activities and explorations from the estancia depending on how everybody is feeling.Options include donning snow shoes and hiking into some of the areas on the east of the Park that tend to get more snow. Heading out in search of Puma who are generally more visible in the snowy terrain. Alternatively, depending on the weather we could head to the borderlands with Argentina where the mountains of Sierra Baguales and La Cumbre dominate the horizon of what is the natural border with Argentina. This is an area known to be inhabitated by wild horse herds and the landscapes here are more arid with an other worldly feel.
If there is snow, you will be provided with snow shoes.
Third night Estancia Cerro Guido as above.All meals included (with wine and an open bar included at Guido).
- Transfer to Cerro Castillo and the bus to el Calafate. Night hotel el Calafate
Private transfer to the border crossing at Cerro Castillo to take the bus to el Calafate. On arrival into el Calafate you will be collected at the bus station and taken to your hotel in town.Afternoon to relax and explore the town of el Calafate at your leisure.
Night Hotel Xelena Suites (or similar, recommendations to follow depending on what is open).
- Full day private tour to the Perito Moreno Glacier. Second night hotel el Calafate
Today you will be taking a private, guided day trip to the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier.Just far enough from the bounds of civilization and urban dwellings of Calafate, veiled by towering mountains and an expansive lake, the Perito Moreno Glacier epitomizes the natural beauty and splendor of Argentina. Unique in a variety of facets, including its size, scientific significance, and accessibility, the glacier is an essential stop for any visitor to Patagonia.
The Moreno Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in south America with ice walls that tower over 200 verticle feet from the ground (60 metres) where the ice meets Lake Argentina: taller than a 15 story building. It is also of scientific significance as it is one of the few remaining advancing glaciers in the area, said to be ‘growing’ at a rate of about seven feet a day (although some parts of it are now receding).
During your private day tour you will be exploring the famous boardwalks with views of the glacier from different perspectives and, hopefully, a chance to see the icebergs calving into the lake below. You will a be boarding a boat for a smooth, family-friendly navigation across the waters of Lago Argentino with panoramic views that build anticipation as the ice walls of the Moreno Glacier rise ahead, a perfect way to experience Patagonia’s wild beauty from the water.
After your full day exploring you will be dropped back at your hotel, the Xelena Hotel & Suites in lake view rooms as above.
Breakfast, packed lunch included.
*Dinner can be in town or your hotel, ask for recommendations.
- Transfer to airport for onward flight to Buenos Aires and home
Breakfast only.
Price on request