Chile Dream Tours

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Patagonia

A Boutique Tour Operator Offering Private Guided Excursions

From the andes to the pacific.

Horseback Riding in Vineyard

Ranked #1 Private Tours in Chile by Tripadvisor

Professional, multilingual & certified tour guides, “at your own pace” schedules & itineraries, free airport transfers on tour date, 24-hour customer service with tour coordinator, customized & tailored tours available, flexible & no hassle cancellation policy, full-day & multi-day private tours.

Changing of the Guard at La Moneda Palace, Santiago, Chile - Santiago City Walking Tour

Departures from Santiago, Valparaiso, Viña de Mar and San Antonio

Costanera Center with snow-capped Andes Mountains. Santiago Tours

Santiago Tours

Inca Lagoon from the Portillo Hotel - Andes Mountains

Andes Mountains Tours

Castillo Wulff, Viña del Mar. Pacific Coast Tours

Pacific coast Tours

Wine tasting at Kingston Family Vineyard, Casablanca Valley. Wine Vineyard Tours

Wine Vineyard Tours

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CREATE YOUR OWN DREAM TOUR

Explore chile private tours.

Multi-Day Private Tours

Private Tours from the Andes to the Pacific - Create Your Own Tour - Patagonia

Torres del Paine National Park – Waterfalls – Catamaran Cruise – Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers – Isla Magdalena Penguin Colony

Osorno Volcano from Puerto Varas

Land of Volcanos: Lakes Region and Chiloe Island

Petrohue Falls – Osorno Volcano – Todos Los Santos Lake – Frutillar – Puerto Varas – Penguins

Couple stargazing in Chile La Serena

La Serena and Elqui Valley Road Trip Tour

Isla Damas Humboldt Penguin Reserve – Papaya Plantation – Pisco Distilleries – Wine – Stargazing

Llamas in Atacama

Geysers – Moon Valley – Rainbow Valley – Lagoons – Salt Flats – Volcanos – Petroglyphs – Stargazing

Chile Dream Tour

Discover Chile Dream Tour

Santiago – Valparaiso – Lakes Region – Patagonia – Atacama

Private Cruise Shore Excursions & Pre- and Post-Cruise Private Tours

Plaza de Armas and Metropolitan Cathedral, Santiago, Chile. Discover Santiago. Shore Excursion

Shore Excursions From San Antonio

Valparaiso skyline with historic Lutheran Church. Discover Valparaiso

Shore Excursions from Valparaiso

Osorno Volcano from Saltos del Petrohue. Shore Excursion from Puerto Montt

Shore Excursions from Puerto Montt

Cannons at Fort Bulnes

Shore Excursions from Punta Arenas

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CREATE YOUR OWN CRUISE SHORE EXCURSION

Other private tours.

Group tour at La Moneda Presidential Palace

Custom Group Tours For Schools and Businesses

Rainbow in Cachagua LGBT Tours

Our Commitment to Diversity

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“I have been traveling the world for 10 years and I have never had a more pleasant company than Chile Dream Tours.  From the organization, the attention, the experience and the kindness thinking about the things that matter to you. Look no more, book here and you will see for yourself . “

“If you would like to invest your time wisely, you must use Chile Dream Tours! Our guide was excellent, timely, reliable, flexible and enjoyable.      I am in the hospitality industry so to me this type of service is top notch! Thank you so very much for a beautiful time!”

“We had a wonderful day with our guides. Nothing was too much trouble. They really looked after us. We would definitely recommend them to anyone visiting Chile. Thank you, Chile Dream Tours, you made us feel extremely welcome and in good hands.        A gem of a company ! “

“We actually did two days in a row with Chile Dream Tours and we cannot say enough about their style, knowledge, kindness, and professionalism. Our guides for both days were amazing. We were treated like a combination of royalty and old long-lost friends! “

“We were greeted by our tour guide and right away we knew this tour was going to be awesome. The guide was absolutely fantastic with his knowledge about Chile, taking care of all our needs.  If you are in Chile you 100% need to go with Chile Dream Tours! “

“We did our first tour to see Santiago. Our guide was wonderful. We then traveled to Patagonia and on our return did three more tours. We were not disappointed at all!   Chile Dream Tours is a wonderful agency.  They bend over backwards to meet your wishes. “

“We took 16 students on a study abroad trip and Chile Dream Tours was invaluable. Every detail was taken care of for us and they went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed and got the most out of our trip. Absolutely the best choice when looking for a tour company! “

“Our guide was the consummate host; warm, welcoming and very knowledgeable . Highly recommended! Chile Dream Tours created a terrific experience and they gave us wonderful memories that will last forever .”

“From the pre-planning to the logistics of the day, Chile Dream Tours was incredible. Our private tour connected us with exactly the experience we wanted and the rafting was so perfectly and professionally handled – I couldn’t recommend them any more highly.”

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"From the world's driest desert to the Patagonia glaciers, and from the sunny vineyards to the Moai of Easter Island, I'll show you how to navigate all the diverse landscapes of Chile."

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Discover the colourful fishing town of Puerto Natales

See the bright rooftops of Puerto Natales, a fishing town in the Señoret Channel in southern Patagonia. It’s the famous gateway to Torres del Paine, but the city has its own treasures. Take a walk along the waterfront where you can spot wild swans and ducks, and admire the backdrop of rugged mountains.

Visit Torres del Paine National Park

Venture deep into UNESCO-listed crown jewel of Chilean Patagonia with our Local Specialists. Explore the churning Salto Grande waterfall and the famous peaks of the Cordillera Paine. Take a boat ride to see the Grey Glacier and embark on hikes to see the incredible natural icons up close.

See the icy turquoise sheets of the Serrano Glacier

We’ll take you on a spectacular boat ride through icy fjords to see the glittering blue Serrano Glacier. Join our Local Specialists for a hike through the unspoiled rainforest to Seno de Última Esperanza (Fjord of the Last Hope), where you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the Southern Patagonian Icefield.

Boat up the Rio Serrano

Our Chile private tours will take you on a boat journey up the Rio Serrano, a river winding through the Magallanes wilderness of Chile. The Serrano takes you past a trove of natural beauty, from the dazzling blue Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers, to the Southern Patagonian Icefield and Seno de Última Esperanza.

Explore the capital of Chile, colorful Santiago

Santiago is the vibrant capital of Chile and our Local Specialists will reveal the wonders of the city. Climb Cerro Santa Lucia for panoramic views, explore the Central Market and sample local delicacies, or visit the Casablanca Valley where you’ll meet a local winemaker and enjoy an exclusive tasting in the beautiful vineyards.

Our top 5 things to do in Chile

Discover the highlights and hidden gems of the country on our Chile vacation tours, from the jagged peaks of Torres del Paine to the scenic beauty of the Rio Serrano.

Chascona House Museum

Located in the Bellavista neighborhood of Santiago, Chascona House was the home of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. He named the home ‘La Chascona’ (‘tangle-haired woman’) after his wife Matilde, and today it’s an excellent museum full of his personal possessions, including a painting by Diego Rivera.

Museum of Memory and Human Rights

Set in Santiago, the Museum of Memory and Human Rights was founded to commemorate the victims of human rights abuses during the regime of Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet between 1973 and 1990. The museum has three floors with audio exhibits, interactive photography, newspaper archives and video footage of detention centres.

Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts

Housed in a beautiful building across from the Parque Forestal in Santiago, the Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts holds one of the finest collections of Chilean and Latin art. You’ll wander through the spectacular entrance to discover over 5,000 works ranging from Spanish paintings to African sculptures.

Best museums in Chile

Our escorted tours of Chile take you to the country’s top museums, from the former home of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, to a commemoration of the victims of the Pinochet regime.

Traditionally made from deep-fried wheat dough, a sopaipilla is South America’s version of doughnuts. In Chile, they’re made with pumpkin in the dough, and served as a side dish with pebre, a chili sauce, or as a delicious dessert after being boiled in a chancaca sauce, a hot sweet syrup.

A classic Chilean condiment found across the country, pebre is served with many meals including fried sopaipilla, or spread on bread and meat. It’s a sauce of chili pepper, garlic, onion, olive oil and coriander, although variations can be found in different regions and households.

Empanadas are a beloved dish across Latin America. In Chile, they’re traditionally made with a filling called ‘pino’, a mix of ground beef, raisins, onions, black olives and hard boiled eggs. Our Local Specialists will show you where to try the best empanadas at any time of the year.

Best food in Chile

We’ll take you on a culinary journey through Chile, as we reveal the best places to try classic empanadas and delicious sopaipilla.

What to pack for Chile

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Hiking shoes

Whether you’re trekking the snowy peaks of Patagonia, or traversing ancient volcanoes in the Atacama Desert, you’ll need a sturdy pair of shoes in Chile.

Wind and waterproof coat

The southern region of Chile is known for its fierce winds and chilly weather, so you’ll need a reliable coat to protect you from the elements.

Reusable water bottle

Chile is full of outdoor adventure and a reusable water bottle will help you stay hydrated without contributing to the plastic waste in the pristine national parks.

Adaptor plug

In Chile the standard voltage is 220 V and the power plugs and sockets are of type C and L. The standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Chile is enormous, spanning the equivalent of the entire length of the USA, and a pair of headphones will provide entertainment on the long scenic journeys.

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Chile Tours & Vacations

Iquique behind a huge dune, Tarapaca Region, west of the Atacama desert, northern Chile

From the eclectic sprawl of Santiago to the glacial fjords of Chilean Patagonia, the world’s longest country is jam-packed with adventure.

Get ready to be treated to a land of contrasts from the hip capital of Santiago with its funky graffitied neighborhoods, to the coastal town of Valparaiso made famous by the poetry of Pablo Neruda. Taste your way through a family-owned wine estate in Casablanca Valley, explore the Mars-like landscape of the Atacama Desert or discover Patagonia's awe-inspiring Torres del Paine National Park. Follow the flow of  Chile  and you'll undoubtedly collect the best of South America along the way.

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Chile at a glance

Capital city.

Santiago (population 6.9 million)

19.6 million

Chilean Peso (CLP)

(GMT-04:00) Santiago

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Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type L (Italian 3-pin)

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Culture and customs.

With the Andes on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, Chile’s geographic isolation has resulted in a distinct national identity. About 95 per cent of Chileans share a mixture of European (predominantly Spanish) and indigenous ancestry.

For many, being Chilean often means celebrating huaso (Chilean cowboy) culture, going to rodeos, dancing the cueca (Chile’s national dance performed in traditional huaso clothing), eating empanadas and drinking pisco.

Spanish is the national language, though Chileans tend to speak fast, drop consonants and litter their speech with a healthy dose of chilenismos (Chilean slang).

Life is focused around the family with frequent get-togethers to share food in good company. More than half of Chileans are Roman Catholics and there is a growing number (estimated at 25 per cent of the population) who are ‘unaffiliated’ – choosing not to identify with a religion.

While many Chileans are traditional in their views, the younger generations are challenging cultural norms and politics is often a passionate topic among youths.

Geography and environment

Chile is a land of quirky geographical characteristics, most noticeably its incredible length. Measuring in at over 4600km long, yet only 430km wide, Chile covers a massive geographic scale that includes a variety of landscapes and an impressive coastline.

Straddled by the epic Andes, this gigantic mountain range acts as a natural border with  Argentina  in the east, while the Pacific Ocean - including the remote Chilean territory of Easter Island - forms the western coastline.

The capital and largest city, Santiago, lies inland, roughly in the center of the country. Further north, Chile shares a border with  Peru  and  Bolivia , as well as the largest section of the parched Atacama Desert, one of the world’s driest places.

South of Santiago, Chile unfolds into the wilderness playground of Patagonia - a largely uninhabited, prehistoric landscape brimming with forests and enormous glaciers.

Discover Patagonia on our 6 day trekking trip in Torres del Paine National Park

Festivals and events

Chile has a busy events calendar with many festivals to celebrate the diversity of its culture throughout the year. Here are some of the country's biggest events:

Fiesta de la Tirana

Each July, the quiet streets of La Tirana morph into a massive dance floor filled with masked performers acting out the ‘Dance of the Devils’. Blending indigenous culture with Catholic tradition, some say the festival honors the Virgin Mary, while others say it honors an indigenous warrior princess.

Either way, it's a fascinating experience seeing the frenetic dancing, fireworks and tasty foods that make up Chile’s largest religious festival.

Festival de la Vendimia (Wine Harvest Festival)

Chile’s wine regions take it up a notch in March and April when weekend-long festivals celebrate the harvest and rural life. Think cowboys, country food and folk dancing. With so many wine regions, it can be hard to know which festival to check out, though Curico Valley’s festival is the longest-running and widely regarded as the biggest.

Fiestas Patrias (Independence Day)

As a fiercely patriotic nation that loves a good party, Fiestas Patrias is a big deal. Each September, flags are hung, and the aroma of barbeque fills the air as people eat, drink, dance and celebrate. Look for a fonda (huge tent party) and join locals as they party into the wee hours of the morning.  

Tapati Rapa Nui (Easter Island Tapati Festival)

Get a glimpse of Easter Island’s vibrant Polynesian heritage at this spectacular two-week festival in February. It features dancing, chanting, carving competitions, body painting, a string figure (kai kai) contest, and so much more.

Public holidays that may impact travel include:

Feast of Saints Peter and Paul

National Unity Day

Independence Day

Discovery of Two Worlds Day

All Saint’s Day

Immaculate Consumption

Please note dates of Chile's public holidays may vary.

Food and drink

Chilean cuisine is all about seasonal produce and simplicity. Potatoes, corn and quinoa are staple ingredients in many traditional dishes, including pastel de choclo (corn pie) and humitas (steamed corn pudding wrapped in corn husks).

Chile’s extensive coastline provides a wide array of seafood. Visit one of the country’s many marisquerias (fish restaurants) to try picorocos (barnacles) or erizos (sea urchin). Most places serve fish grilled with a little seasoning. Ceviche is also a dietary mainstay.

Chileans also love their meat. Like in Brazil and Argentina, a leisurely asado (barbeque) is a cherished tradition. Held either in a backyard or a specially equipped park, an asado can stretch for hours and always features lots of grilled beef, pork, sausage, lamb and Chilean wine. If you don’t manage to snag an invitation to an asado from a local, head to a parrillada instead – a restaurant that serves grilled meats.

Here are some must-try foods in Chile:

1. Mote con huesillo

Dried peaches and husked wheat are stewed in a sugary syrup to create Chile’s favorite summertime treat. The perfect reward after a long day of exploring. 

2. Pastel de choclo

A hearty Andean pie of ground beef or chicken and vegetables, topped with pureed sweet corn is a local favorite. 

The perfect dish to warm your bones on a cold day, cazuela is a thin stew of chicken or beef with corn on the cob, potatoes, pumpkin and noodles. Do as the locals and drink the broth first.

Things to buy in Chile

Most towns will have a local market where you can pick up handmade souvenirs. You'll also find large shopping centers in big cities. Head to Avenida Alonso de Córdova in Santiago for boutique and luxury stores and trendy bars.

Keep in mind that haggling isn't part of Chilean culture, so prices are usually fixed, and most markets and street vendors deal only with cash. Stores are typically open between 10 am and 9 or 10 pm Monday through Friday.

Many stores are only open during the morning on Saturdays and are closed on Sundays, though these hours can vary in tourist areas. Shops in smaller cities also tend to close for lunch and take a siesta between 1 and 5 pm.

Here are a few things to buy in Chile.

1. Alpaca clothing

Sweaters, gloves, scarves and other items made from alpaca wool are a South American specialty. Both unique and practical, alpaca wool does a good job of blocking out high altitude chill.

2. Lapis lazuli jewellery

The Romans considered it an aphrodisiac, and Cleopatra was said to powder it for use as an eyeshadow. Lapis lazuli has quite a history, but these days the semiprecious indigo-blue stone is found only in Chile and Afghanistan.

Cheaper here than lapis sold abroad, it's still a somewhat pricey purchase. The general rule of thumb is the deeper the color, the better the quality, and always shop at reputable stores to ensure you’re not sold a fake.

3. Mapuche silverware

Indigenous women of the Lake District traditionally wore handcrafted silver earrings, headdresses and other pieces of jewelry as a sign of wealth. Dramatic silver pieces are still made by Mapuche women in this region today.

You might recognize the grape-based brandy known as pisco from Peru, but Chile shares the claim too. The battle of the birthplace of pisco has been going on for centuries.

Must-visit places in Chile

With so much on offer in Chile, from glacier trekking to wine tasting, it can be hard to choose which places to visit. Here are  a few must-visit places  to consider.

1. Santiago

Santiago is Chile's bustling capital. Set within a circle of snow-capped mountains, this city is a stone's throw from outdoor adventures (if you can ever leave, that is). From traditional European buildings in artsy neighborhoods to a brilliant food scene and thriving nightclubs, Santiago has it all.

2. Valparaiso

With its colorful buildings, mural-filled streets and labyrinthine laneways lined with cafes and galleries, Valparaiso  is arguably Chile's most creative city. Sip pisco sours on a rooftop in the historic center, rub shoulders with local artists or visit a restaurant credited with the invention of chorrillana.

Discover Santiago and Valparaiso on our Premium & Argentina trip

3. Patagonia

Chile and Argentina both stake a claim over  Patagonia  — and it's no wonder when the region is  this  beautiful. Think rolling grasslands flanked by snow-clad peaks, remarkably blue lakes, beech forests and huge glaciers. Patagonia was practically made for adventuring.

Trek past glaciers and mountains on our Patagonia Wilderness trip

4. San Pedro de Atacama

Welcome to the driest town on earth. San Pedro de Atacama is also home to some of Chile's most dramatic landscapes, from hissing geysers to imposing volcanoes and sprawling salt flats. Go sandboarding in the dunes, explore the stunning Moon Valley or admire one of the most impressive night skies you've ever seen.

Explore San Pedro de Atacama on our Epic Peru, Bolivia & Argentina trip

Similar destinations

Inspired by Chile but still curious about other destinations? Check out our tours to neighboring countries:

Uruguay tours

If you've narrowed it down to Argentina and Chile,  check out our Chile vs Argentina blog  to help you decide.

Further reading

Chile travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to travel to Chile?

Travelers from over 90 countries do not need a visa to enter Chile. This includes passport holders from other South American countries, the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada. Visa-exempt travelers will usually receive an entry stamp valid for 90 days on arrival.

Citizens from other countries will need to apply for a visa online or at your nearest embassy or consulate prior to travel. Tourist visas can grant entry for up to 90 days.

Visit the official Chilean Consulate website for more information .

In any case, your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Chile.

The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. 

Last updated: 07/12/2023

When is the best time to visit Chile?

Chile’s substantial length ensures that the climate is incredibly varied, and the best time to visit depends on your chosen destinations.

Summer (December to March) is possibly the best time to visit Chile, as the Parque Nacional Torres del Paine and lakes region are reasonably warm. However, the trade-off is that the Atacama Desert can be very hot during this time. Summer is also festival time, so it's a good chance to experience Chile’s unique culture.

For the central and northern regions, autumn is a comfortable time to visit, but note that it can be quite cold in the south, especially at night.

Snowfall is common during winter (July to September) in the south of the country, so this is the ideal time for a skiing or snowboarding holiday.

Is tipping customary in Chile?

It's customary to lea ve an extra 10% on top of your restaurant bill if you've had great service. The same goes for tipping porters and other service workers. Feel free to leave spare change or tip extra if you're particularly impressed with the service.

What is the internet access like in Chile?

Wi-fi access is widely available in cafes, bars and restaurants in cities and tourist areas. However, you may struggle to find wi-fi in rural and remote areas.

Can I use my cell phone while in Chile?

Cell phone coverage is good in Chile’s cities, but may not be available in rural and mountainous areas. Ensure global roaming is activated with your service provider before leaving home.

What are the toilets like in Chile?

Toilets in Chile will vary depending on what area you are traveling in. Flushable, western-style toilets are common in the cities, large hotels, malls, and clubs but more modest squat toilets are the standard in rural areas and while camping. Either way, carrying a supply of toilet paper and soap is a good idea, as these aren’t always available in public toilets.

Can I drink the water in Chile?

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Chile, though some may get an upset stomach from the different mineral content. If you have a delicate stomach, you may want to opt for filtered water to avoid this. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, bring a reusable water bottle that can be filled with filtered water. Your leader or hotel can tell you where to find filtered water.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Chile?

Major credit cards are widely accepted in Chile’s large cities and towns but may not be accepted by smaller vendors such as family restaurants and market stalls in small towns and rural areas. Make sure to carry enough cash when visiting these parts in case credit cards are not an option.

What is ATM access like in Chile?

ATMs are found widely throughout Chile, so withdrawing cash shouldn't be problematic in most areas. Some smaller villages and rural areas may not have ATM access, so prepare for this before venturing too far from a city or major town.

Will I experience altitude sickness in Chile?

Most people can start to feel the effects of altitude at over 6561ft ( 2000m) regardless of age, gender, or fitness level. Santiago is well below this elevation, but travelers heading to San Pedro de Atacama and the northern and central Andes might experience symptoms of high altitude. It’s important to take it easy, drink plenty of water and speak to your group leader at once if you feel unwell.

We recommend seeing your doctor if you have any health concerns before undertaking the trip, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition or take any medication.

Do I need any vaccinations before visiting Chile?

No vaccines are required in order to enter Chile but some are recommended for protection against disease. Visit your doctor or travel clinic for advice and make sure to schedule vaccinations 4–6 weeks before your departure date, as some require time to become effective.

Is Chile a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

Chile is a relatively hassle-free destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers. Though traditionally a very Catholic and conservative nation, attitudes are slowly changing. Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2015 and people are now more open about their sexuality.

Santiago hosts an annual gay pride parade and has an active gay scene, particularly in Barrio Bellavista. Beach resorts such as Vina del Mar also have a number of gay clubs. You may find that attitudes are less liberal outside of big cities.

Transgender rights and public attitudes are also developing. The Chilean government signed a bill into law in 2019 to allow people aged 18 and over to change their legal gender and name on Chile's Civil Registry. Teenagers between the ages of 14 and 18 can also do so in court.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting   Equaldex  or   ILGA   before you travel.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip to Chile support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to Chile directly support our foundation partner, Torres Del Paine Legacy Fund . 

Torres Del Paine Legacy Fund  

The Huemul, also known as the South Andean Deer, are almost exclusively found in southern Patagonia and are currently endangered. Torres del Paine Legacy Fund is helping to conserve the endangered huemul by improving visitor management, advancing community education and tourism industry engagement, and mitigating the human-wildlife conflict in Torres del Paine National Park. Donations from our trips help Torres del Paine's huemul habitat conservation work.

Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.  

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Chile Tour Companies

Looking for an unforgettable Chile tour? Book a fully-organized trip with the best tour companies in Chile and let the tour operator take care of everything for you. Check out the tour details and read 146304 reviews from our customers to help you choose the perfect tour for you.

List of Chile travel companies & tour operators with 146304 reviews

OneSeed Expeditions

OneSeed Expeditions

  • Excellent - 205 reviews for Chile tours
Epic adventure, everything was perfectly organized
we used OneSeed for the W loop at Torres del Paine - excellent guides, accomodations and logistics and the park was fantastic! They also setup peripheral trips such as a penguin tour and a winery tour. Can't say enough about the quality of the guides and how much fun it was to spend time with the guides.

G Adventures

G Adventures

  • Excellent - 19,179 reviews for Chile tours
Booked 17 people on a maximum 16 tour . When questioned said it was it a combined tour and only the first half was 16 people . Tour itinerary was good but you were constantly forking out to pay for optional tours as there were very few inclusions . Some accommodation was good and other terrible .
The gadventure end of the earth tour was fantastic...a good mix of trekking and sightseeing and a great value. Patagonia has been on my life list for years and our guide Gabi was exceptional.

Ecuador Galapagos Travels

Ecuador Galapagos Travels

  • Excellent - 48 reviews for Chile tours
It was an amazing trip, the agent was perfect, always available for any quesfiin and provided all the support needed. Highly recommend this trip and this agency
The itinerary was not accurate. There was also no communication when changes were made regarding the itinerary. There was also late accommodation's arranged since there was nothing actually planned for the day. The only contact available then blamed the customer for their lack of preparedness.

Hi Travel Argentina

Hi Travel Argentina

  • Excellent - 61 reviews for Chile tours
It was a wonderful trek, incredible nature and nice hiking camps! Be aware, you hike 7-9 hours a day for 4 days...this is not for everybody. But its worth it!!! Patagonia is the best :)
The trekking was very good but one of the Cuernos Refugio charged me 19% VAT because I did not have the PID. I had to obtain a duplicate or apply for it at a police station within 7 days for the Cuernos front desk to cancel the charge. I thought I had paid for the entire tour. I was not warned that the park refugios would try to charge me tax on a tour that I had paid for in full onlin months before. This was very distressing. I did not feel welcome.

Unu Raymi Expeditions

Unu Raymi Expeditions

  • Good - 32 reviews for Chile tours
James (tour operator) was incredibly disorganized and condescending with his communications. He was unable to perform basic functions as use the correct name for a bus pass into a different country (Chile -> Argentina). His response was to just use the ticket and no one would check. Not very reassuring. Based on his responses during the trip and his response to previous reviews, I expect him to immediately gaslight me, much the way he did with our private communications, of which I'll happily share if anyone is interested. Happy travels (hopefully with any tour operator besides this one)!
It was a very rewarding experience.

Signature Tours

Signature Tours

  • Excellent - 399 reviews for Chile tours
They did what they said they'd do. A worry free experience.
This tour was great! Accommodations were great, tours were well spaced out and included all the must sees and there was plenty of down time to explore the island and Hanga Roa on your own. Almost everyone took credit card, so we didn't use our CLP as much as we thought we would and with the introduction of Starlink internet, I was able to connect and work during my time in Easter Island. Highly recommend!

Receptivo Aborigen Tours

Receptivo Aborigen Tours

  • Good - 97 reviews for Chile tours
Absolutely Outstanding and certainly a trip of a lifetime! I would highly recommend this adventure to anyone that wants a real flavor of South America from many aspects. This includes breathtaking scenery, truly world class cities, interesting social and cultural exposure, culinary delights and excitement at every turn. Unique bragging rights you can share included crossing the Andes Mountains by boat, many tastes of football, the best waterfall in the world, several UNESCO Sites, world class national parks and so many sights to see. And your support? Good transportation to every destination, excellent accommodation's and local tours with amply time to taste your environment. Two Oceans, two languages, different climates, and many kilometers made efficiently with the result; SUCH FUN!
Great tour of Easter island. Easy communication with tour company, they rectified any issues promptly. Plenty of spare time to enjoy the island at your leisure. Transfer from airport to hotel and return was included.

Bucket List Group Travel LLC

Bucket List Group Travel LL…

  • Good - 16 reviews for Chile tours
  • This operator has no Chile reviews

Agate Travel

Agate Travel

  • Excellent - 284 reviews for Chile tours

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel

  • Excellent - 11,752 reviews for Chile tours
Our guide Javiar was superb. Took great care of us. Food was also very good. The itinerary was well planned and went off without a hitch. I highly recommend Intrepid Tours.
It was amazing! Pack some things for travel diarrhea xD

Bamba Travel

Bamba Travel

  • Good - 1,693 reviews for Chile tours
Excellent communication and explanation when visiting heritage sites
Great trips / adventures with very knowledgeable guides, didn’t seemed rushed despite some very early starts, very comfortable hotel with adequate content of lunch boxes when required

Insight Vacations

Insight Vacations

  • Excellent - 641 reviews for Chile tours

Indus Travels

Indus Travels

  • Excellent - 258 reviews for Chile tours
Itinerary was perfect, Guides were great and professional. All factors expected were there and we really enjoyed the trip. Accommodations were top notch and comfortable. The only distraction was the lack of English T-V channels in half the hotels. Tours were great and side trips were worth the cost.
The tour was as not as described. Heavily overpriced. First, it was not a group tour. I was alone on this tour. Second, the accommodations are described as deluxe. Not true. The hotels in Buenos Aires and El Calafate were horrible. The breakfast included scrambled eggs, ham, orange juice and lots of bread. Third, Buenos Aires City tour was the worst ever I have been to and I traveled to at least 20 countries and probably 50 different cities so I can compare. It is a city tour for 2.5 hours on the bus. 90% of the tour was in Spanish and only 10% in English. There were only two stops of 20 minutes each where you can walk around. They don’t even stop at the Obelisk, the city’s main attraction. The only highlight of Buenos Aires is the Tango Show but you can easily book it yourself, it costs $55 with dinner. Forth, the most outrageous are the optional extortions. For example, In El Calafate your ticket to Glassier National Park only includes the entrance, it is $20. It does not include the boat ride around the glacier. It costs another $20 if you want to do it but the company charges $45. Don’t pay in advance, you will save $25. Even more ridiculous is the second optional tour in El Calafate - lake boat ride. The company wants more than $200. In El Calafate it costs only $95 +$10 for the park entrance. On these tours you are on your own, there is no guide. I was the only English speaking person on the boat. The tours in Chile were much better. The tours were informative and enjoyable. Is it worth going to Argentina and Chile? Yes, but find a better company.

Say Hueque Argentina & Chile Journeys

Say Hueque Argentina & Chil…

  • Excellent - 401 reviews for Chile tours
I had to cancel this trip due to illness in South Africa where I live, and am awaiting a refund. Your service to date has been excellent
Hotel pest control could be improved. We spotted some cucarachas in the room

People Travel and Experience

People Travel and Experienc…

  • Excellent - 55 reviews for Chile tours
Patagonia tour, Atacama Desert, Buenos Aires and Santiago. Wonderful trip! Eve had every detail perfectly set up so that all ran smoothly. Recommend We People for sure.
I travelled with the company in November 2019 and the experience was incredible. I joined one of their group tours and it was amazing. The group departure was in Spanish, English and German which was great for me because in this departure were a lot of German people and a main guide who spoke German perfectly well. In the group were 13 passengers which was the perfect amount of people to share a hiking trip and the group was what made this trip unique. I am also in touch with Andrea and Matt, who became very close friends of mine. All services were absolutely great, the camp, the hotels, the transportation. I can only recommend that we should all do a group trip for once in our lives.

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Keith’s Curated Experiences

Our mission is to help travelers create deeper connections with Chile by experiencing the richness of the culture, gastronomy, and magic that can only be found in Chile.

Chile Tours

We offer personalized, curated tours throughout Chile. We create unique, exclusive and tailored experiences for travelers interested in exploring Chile’s exceptional wine culture, beautiful landscapes, adventure sports, local cuisines, extraordinary architecture, and culture. Our unparalleled itineraries are carefully developed to ensure a thrilling, informative and memorable trip. We offer tours in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Vineyard landscape with mountains and blue cloudy sky in Casablanca Valley, Chile

San Pedro de Atacama

Embalse el Yeso, Chile

Andean Mountains

Aerial view of Santiago skyline at sunset with Costanera skyscraper and Andes Mountains in Santiago, Chile

Chilean Coast

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Fly & Cruise Expeditions to Antarctica

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Fly Fishing

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Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

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Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia

About keith jutkowitz.

Headshot of Keith Jutkowitz

I am half Chilean and American and have resided in both countries. I have been living in Chile on and off since I was 16 years old and am fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese with over 10 years of experience developing guided tours for different needs and interests. I am a certified Tour Guide from the International Tour Management Institute (ITMI), San Francisco, California. I have an Executive MBA from the Universidad Adolfo Ibañez with a specialization in Latin America. I lived and studied within 6 of the most prominent countries within the Latin American region including Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, and Panama. From living, working, and studying within the Latin American region, I have developed a deep understanding of its business communities, history, music, foods, and culture as well as a passion for its beautiful landscapes.

As an avid traveler, I have also lived and worked within many other countries in Europe. “Keith’s Curated Experiences” was born from my passion for understanding, experiencing, sharing different cultures and planning trips for my friends and family.

I look forward to helping you plan and accompanying you on your trip to experience Chile’s beauty and all that it has to offer!

Chile Travel Blog

Read our blog posts about all things Chile! From native cuisine to local attractions, you are sure to find good information about the Chilean culture and planning your trip to Chile.

Photo of the Andes Mountain Range

  • December 30, 2022

Ski the World’s Longest Mountain Chain – The Andes!

Skiing in Chile’s Andes Mountain is more than a sport; it is an opportunity to…

Photo of traditional stilt houses know as palafitos in the city of Castro at Chiloe Island in Southern Chile

  • December 13, 2022

Inter Lakes Bicycle Journey through the South of Chile

This beautiful bicycle journey starts at the beginning of northern Patagonia. The Panguipulli Inter Lakes…

Ski in Chile on a sunny day with lots of snow

  • November 14, 2022

The Andes Beckons all Skiers Do you want to learn how to ski or snowboard? Are…

Testimonials

We had a great time! All of the vineyards were beautiful. Thanks @explorechiletours for the impeccable organization!

Photo of Gabriela in a vineyard

I thought the tour was unbelievable! My guide was great and very knowledgeable.

Headshot of Irais

Our wine tour was really good. We totally enjoyed it. Our guide was very friendly and caring as well.

Headshot of Thomas

Amazing trip! Everything was tailored according to our preferences. Explore Chile Tours is awesome.

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TOP top TOP experience! ✨️ I 1,000% recommend Explore Chile Tours!!!!!

Headshot of Ana

I highly recommend the services of @explorechiletours… the tour was an amazing experience in the best vineyard in Latin America.

Headshot of Angel

Excellent experience and organization! From the punctuality to coordination of the all the transportation. We hope to return for more Chile tours!

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The best agency dedicated to creating Experiences in Chile without a doubt, your host Keith is wonderful… he would cheer you up even during the hardest day!!!

Headshot of Rodrigo

Our trip to Chile was life-changing for us. We thank Keith Jutkowitz who carefully planned our experience and accompanied us on our adventure to Santiago, Santa Cruz, the Atacama Desert, wineries restaurants and more. The richness of our experience was due to Keith’s lived and studied experience, as well as his deep love for Chile. Having a guide who has lived in both the US and Chile provides opportunities for fascinating comparative discussions. His lived and higher education studies of the Latin American country’s business practices, history, music, foods and culture provided us with informed and often little-known insights along the way and during several late-night discussions while we sipped on some of the best wines in the world.

Headshot of Diana

We stayed a weekend in the Colchagua valley and @explorechiletours took us to the best vineyards. Really an incredible experience, tasting some spectacular wines, eating delicious food and with the best views, literally between the vines. Keith made the best experience, is a great person, professional and knows the area to perfection. He gave us a 10-star service and I totally recommend Explore Chile Tours. Thank you for everything and without any doubt we’ll see you again for another adventure!

Headshot of Luis

A couple of weeks ago we planned with my friends to go to “Cajon del Maipo,” but we didn’t have much knowledge of what places to visit or where to eat. We contacted Keith and he put together a complete itinerary for us with very good recommendations and beautiful restaurants in the area! Thanks to his guide we were able to enjoy a very nice walk and eat delicious! I would definitely recommend Keith for any tour of Chile!!

Headshot of Dani

Thank you @explorechiletours… for this incredible experience… it was amazing!!! 1000% recommended!!!

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Get In Touch

Follow Explore Chile Tours on Instagram !

For more information or to plan your trip, please contact me by completing the form below or call Keith Jutkowitz at (+56) 9 5000-5483 .

I look forward to hearing from you!

The Latin America Travel Company

Chile Escorted Tours & Chile Guided Tour Packages 2024 & 2025

Chile only tours, an outstanding collection of 2024 & 2025 chile escorted tours with itineraries to take your breath away.

The Latin America Travel Company has a vast selection of escorted tours in Chile for 2024 and 2025, including highly personalised itineraries to create the best guided tours of Chile for you! Book with us, and you can customise every aspect of your Chile tour package and ensure that your South American tour to Chile is an unforgettable adventure holiday. Visit Santiago, Easter Island, or the spectacular arid Atacama Desert for a  priceless and unique vacation in 2024 and 2025.

As an industry-leading Chile tour operator, we can curate Chile escorted tours that immerse you in the country’s natural wonders or dive head first into Chilean culture with a visit during some of the nation's spectacular festivals. Our bespoke Chile guided tours provide an unparalleled travel experience due to the country's isolated geographical position, including the Pacific coastline and Andes mountain range. Chat with an expert today about our Chile tour packages. The Below multi-country Chile private tours incorporate Argentina tours , Peru tours and guided Brazil tours into the same package.

MULTI-COUNTRY TOURS

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How can we help, which region(s) are you interested in, how did you hear about us, 2024 & 2025 guided tours chile: expertly curated with our own first-hand knowledge, experience a spectacular and diverse chile with tailor made chile tour packages with inspiring itineraries  , from the atacama desert to ancient volcanoes, our chile guided tours offer the most diverse landscape on the planet, infinite possibilities with itinerary-packed escorted tours to chile, chile is the world's top travel adventure destination find out why with our guided chile private tours, once in a lifetime escorted tours to chile, you will never forget , leading chile tour operator offering private tours in chile with unique itineraries , interested in a chile tour package speak to the expert chile tour operator today, chile escorted tours faqs, how long do i need for an escorted tour to chile, what is the best time of the year to book a chile tour package , are your escorted tours in chile safe, why is the latin america travel company the top chile tour operator in the uk, how much do your chile tour packages cost, start your journey.

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Chile Cultural Walking Tour

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Chile is a gorgeous spectacle. Spaghetti-thin, up to half of this country’s slim width is covered by the stratospheric Andes. Glaciers calve. Penguins mix with flamingos. Vineyards knit mild valleys into a neat green patchwork. Sharp spikes of snow-capped rock bite into the sky. At least that’s what your photos will say. It’s harder to capture how it feels to be wrapped in raw wilderness or to scan the expansive pampas from the porch of a secluded estancia. Many travelers plan tours in Chile just to experience the awesome variety of nature. But we also bring you into the fascinating array of local cultures strung the length of the country. We meet the urbanites of Santiago, experts in the Maipo Valley vineyards, the hardy islanders of Chiloé and, of course, the gauchos who ride the pampas. North to south, mountaintop to seashore, you’ll get a carefully curated up-close look at this vast and varied country. 

  • Exploring the lively capital city of Santiago, on foot at eye level
  • Sipping and strolling through vineyards in the Maipo Valley
  • Experiencing the picturesque Lake District to see Petrohué Falls
  • Enjoying a curated walk along the slopes of Osorno Volcano
  • Ferrying to Chiloé Island to see rare Magellanic and Humboldt penguins
  • Savoring a mountaintop picnic with the chance to spot guanaco, condors and rheas
  • Joining a local family for a feast of meat and seafood in a covered pit
  • Following scenic footpaths in Patagonia's scenic Torres del Paine National Park
  • Boating across an ice-studded lake to the face of Grey Glacier
  • Spending the day on a working estancia with friendly gauchos

Starting Point:

Ending point:.

Itinerary Map

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Walking Level

Daily mileage options: 2-8 miles, route notes:, dates & prices.

The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won’t be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. Talk with one of our travel experts at 800-200-3887 .

Select our “Family Departure” to travel with other families.

Internal Air

Cheers with your expert local guide in Chile

Why Choose Classic Journeys

Travel + Leisure has named Classic Journeys the #1 World’s Best Tour Operator multiple times and says, "Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe." Here’s what that access means for you.

  • Experience the world on foot and at eye level . Each day, join your guide on the most cinematic footpaths in the region.
  • Exceptional full-time local guides who become your well-connected friend. Our amazing guides are with you throughout each day of the tour, share their lifelong connections as well as engaging anecdotes about the history and culture of the region.
  • Small groups that provide you unrivaled access. An average of fewer than 10 guests per departure means we can offer you special access to sites like Stonehenge so you experience the stone circle when it’s closed to the general public, a guided visit to Zion Narrows that other companies cannot arrange because of larger group sizes, and vineyard walks with a count and countess in Tuscany.
  • Award-winning hotels are waiting for you at the end of every day. Luxuriate in the finest and most distinctive accommodations in the region you’re exploring, including rainforest lodges, 16th century villas, and award-winning properties that show up on World’s Best and Gold lists.
  • Eat like (and with) the locals. Food is a foolproof way into the hearts, homes and history of the places you visit with us. From gourmet picnics to coveted local restaurants, our meals offer you opportunities to explore native food traditions and fine dining.
  • Handcrafted itineraries with all activities included. With our long-term friendships, we know our walking tour regions more personally than anyone else. So you get thoughtfully curated itineraries that combine explorations of the villages, organic farms, archeological sites and the people who know them best.
  • Sustainable travel that supports the places you’re visiting. We put our local currency into the pockets of the people who live where we travel. It’s your guarantee that you’ll have authentic, up-close experiences on your trip. Best of all, our person-to-person approach helps sustain their ways of life.

Accommodations

We spend years cultivating personal relationships with our hoteliers to provide you thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region. Here is a sampling of our favorite hotels on this tour. 

Puerto Natales, Patagonia, Chile; Remota Hotel, designed by German del Sol

Remota Patagonia

Remota Hotel is a remarkable blend of luxury and sensitive, sustainable architecture. Its low profile hugs the grassy hills outside Puerto Natales. There’s a heated infinity pool, outdoor Jacuzzi and spa for your comfort.

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Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas

Perfectly located on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, this 5-star property offers dramatic views of Osorno volcano. Enjoy your upscale room along with a visit to the spa, heated pool, or sauna during your relaxing stay.

tour guides in chile

Singular Santiago

In an elegant city neighborhood, but bounded by a lush forested park, this recently opened hotel has rooms decorated with a sophisticated blend of classic and contemporary style. Check out the spa and rooftop pool.

What’s Included

  • Award-winning boutique hotels that provide you unlimited access to the people and places, culture and history you came to experience
  • All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 3 dinners
  • Full-time experienced guide(s) who are with you throughout the trip and handle behind-the-scenes logistics
  • Admissions to scheduled events as noted in the detailed daily itinerary
  •  Gratuities for hotels, meals, and baggage
  • All land transportation during the trip

Above & Beyond Benefits

Invisible check-in.

  • When your group arrives, we whisk you and your bags to your room immediately. No waiting – no tipping.

Privileged Access Events

  • One-of-a-kind access to remarkable people, places and activities arranged just for you.
  • In many regions, we uncork wonderful local wines at every dinner, compliments of Classic Journeys.

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North America

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Few travellers make it to this icy continent, but the lucky ones who do get to explore a frozen Eden ruled by the elements and teeming with wildlife.

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Whether it’s a family retreat or a girls trip, you can surround yourself with a hand-picked crew and customize a tour that fits you all perfectly.

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Our new line of premium active adventures is officially here. With perfectly paced itineraries, one-of-a-kind accommodations and elevated dining, this is adventure at its finest.

National Geographic Journeys

Go deeper into the cultures and habitats of the places we explore. More is included and you’ll enjoy greater hands-on exploration, interactions with local experts, and freedom to roam.

National Geographic Family Journeys

Are you an adventure-loving family in search of meaningful ways to discover the world together? These tours are specially designed for travellers seven and up and their inquisitive families.

Jane Goodall Collection

Step deeper into the animal kingdom while respecting all of its inhabitants. Our incredible collection of wildlife-focused tours is endorsed by the world-renowned ethologist.

Roamies by Hostelworld

The thrill of adventure. The awesomeness of hostels. Get ‘em both on these immersive small group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travellers.

Why choose us

As the leader in small group travel for 30 years, we know how to do it right: flexible itineraries, freedom to roam, safety, peace of mind, and locally based guides.

Change the world just by having the time of your life. When you travel with us, you become a force for good by acting responsibly and creating positive impact.

Together with our non-profit partner, Planeterra, we ensure local communities touched by our tours benefit from our visits in as many ways possible.

Trees for Days

Leave your destination even greener than you found it! For every day on tour, we’ll plant a tree in your honour and ensure that our forests get to live their best lives.

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The land between mountain & sea

Encompassing a narrow strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the high peaks of the Andes, Chile includes the driest desert, the Atacama in the north, the agriculturally-rich Central Valley, snow-covered volcanoes, forests and tranquil lakes of the near south, and the wild and windswept glaciers and fjords of the far south. Travel Chile and you'll find the far south is home to some magnificent trekking opportunities, where guanacos, nandues (rheas), condors, pink flamingos and magellanic penguins abound. Chile travel aficionados also claim the south offers some of the world's finest salmon and trout fishing, and that at times the cuisine rivals the natural setting.

What our travellers are saying about Chile tours

Recommended tours, chile tour photos from our travellers.

Row of moais in Rapa Nui National Park, Easter Island

Private Chile Tours

Spanning 40 degrees of latitude and wedged between the Andes and the Pacific, Chile is the very definition of natural diversity. Your luxury Chile tour could include wine tasting in the Central Valley, unwinding in the serenity of the Atacama, exploring the wilds of Patagonia, or uncovering the mysteries of enigmatic Easter Island. The South America sample itineraries below all include tailor made Chile tours. 

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Your dedicated Destination Expert will collaborate closely with you to craft a truly distinctive itinerary tailored to your preferences and prepare you for your journey.

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Embark on an unparalleled adventure as you explore extraordinary destinations around the world, accompanied by exceptional guides while indulging in carefully selected accommodations.

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Popular Chile Destinations

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Wine Tour @Casablanca & Valparaiso Tour from Santiagocover image

Wine Tour @Casablanca & Valparaiso Tour from Santiago

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Chile Tour Guide - Hector M.

Santiago Full Day Highlight Tour

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Santiago Half Day Highlight Tour

-pick up at your hotel in santiago -santiago half day tour -drop off at your hotel in santiago duration : 3.5 hrs pick up time : 10:00 / flexible i invite you to experience to discover this big city. a historical city with its european eclectic and french neoclassic architecture style building in many different part of down town. and civic area where are the major and most important political offices of chilean country..

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City Tour by Santiago

Santiago is the capital of chile. this fascinating city has much to offer for everyone. historical buildings and incredible places make this a city that can be visited many times..

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Popular Puerto Varas Private Tours

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Full Day Hike to the Alerce Andino National Park

Tompkins foundation donated more than a million acres in a historic agreement with the chilean government to create five new national parks and expand three others already in existence. the government, in turn, contributed nearly 2.5 million acres and reclassified 5.4 million acres of reserves as national parks. chile recently debuted the epic route of parks. stretching 1,700 miles from northern patagonia down to remote cape horn, this park is one of them..

Chile Tour Guide - Maria A.

Pedalea hasta Saltos de Petrohué y Lago Todos los Santos

Le recogeremos temprano en la mañana en su hotel en puerto varas y conduciremos hasta laguna verde, una pequeña ensenada del lago llanquihue, luego nos dirigiremos a nuestras bicicletas a los saltos del río petrohué, una atracción turística mundial..

Chile Tour Guide - Diana D.

VOLCAN OSORNO - MTB PASO DESOLACIÓN

Los recogeremos temprano en la mañana en su hotel en puerto varas y conduciremos en dirección a ensenada, hasta las cascadas, donde aparecerá la desviación a la picada. paso desolación es un antiguo paso de montaña, que cruza el volcán osorno desde el pequeño pueblo de puerto clocker ubicado en la orilla del lago llanquihue hasta petrohué en el lago todos los santos. el recorrido total es de 24 km. *** importante, este tour es dificultad alta y requiere experiencia en mtb..

PEDALEA EN BICI & KAYAK EN EL LAGO LLANQUIHUEcover image

PEDALEA EN BICI & KAYAK EN EL LAGO LLANQUIHUE

Te recogeremos en tu hotel y te llevaremos en vehículo hasta llanquihue, allí iniciaremos nuestro viaje en bicicleta bordeando el lago en dirección hacia frutillar. en un hora y media (aprox 18 km) bordeando el lago llanquihue llegaremos a antuquelén, al llegar descansaremos un rato y tomaremos un pequeño snack, luego emprenderemos una travesía en kayaks “seat on top” para disfrutar de la vista y la hermosa bahía. después de reponer energías continuaremos en nuestras bicicletas hasta frutillar, popular easter island private tours.

Po 'a Tour discovering the island very early admiring the sunrise in Tongariki platformcover image

Po 'a Tour discovering the island very early admiring the sunrise in Tongariki platform

We will start our day very early with a beautiful sunrise in tongariki. afterwards, we will visit rano raraku quarry where most of the moai statues were carved. later we will go to the gorgeous anakena beach and finally, we are going to ahu akvi, a ceremonial platform with seven statues with astronomical orientation..

Chile Tour Guide - Laura T.

Easter island Moai experience: History & Archaeology Day tour

The best start to your discovery of easter island culture spend the day learning about the original settlement of the polynesians though the altars and moai statues. be amazed by the quarry of the statues with almost 400 moai in different stages of the carving process. continue with the biggest restored altar with 15 statues in a row. finish the day at the beautifull white sandy beach of anakena. this tour complements well with the birdman village, crater and interior of the island day tour.

Chile Tour Guide - Patricia R.

Taha Tai Visiting the East Coast

We will begin our tour picking you up from your accomodation. then we will head towards the east coast of the island visiting vaihu where we can see a recreation of an ancient village. we will continue to akahanga, in this site are vestiges of an ancient village. from here we are going to rano raraku quarry where the most of the moai were carved .then we will go to tongariki to see this impressive platform with 15 moai. we will finish our tour in anakena beach..

Dawn and Sunrise on the East coastcover image

Dawn and Sunrise on the East coast

This experience begins an hour before the actual sunrise it begins with a 35 minute drive from town to the east coast until we reach the ahu tongariki site. here we carefully choose a spot to watch the dawn and sunrise from behind the moai, which occurs in the season from october through to april. this experience can also be taken through the winter months, but with more probability of clouds and the actual sunrise is from behind the cliff of the poike región., popular san pedro de atacama private tours.

Discovering the andean salt flatscover image

Discovering the andean salt flats

Salt flat roads during this long day i will take you to caress the sky of the andes dotted with plains occupied by a multitude of lagoons, volcanoes and salars. the road passes above the summit of mont blanc. we will cross the rock formations of tara which seems to have come straight from the imagination of salvador dali. an ideal circuit to discover the jewels of the altiplano..

Chile Tour Guide - Fredy L.

Exploring of the moon

The valley of the moon and its miysteries this excursion, in the middle of the mineral world of the valley of the moon, will make you discover impressive formations and structures. we will walk in this movie set with incredible panoramas..

Full Day Geyser del Tatio Tourcover image

Full Day Geyser del Tatio Tour

During this excursion we will leave for the heights of the altiplano before sunrise to see the andes cordilleras taking shape in chinese shadows, while the grazing light of the morning will show us the awakening of animals in an atypical color palette.i guide you along a small canyon towards the sulphurous waters of the baths that emanate from the bowels of the earth. here i will make you appreciate the magic of this marvelous site between fumaroles and thermal rivers..

ROCKS AND HISTORYcover image

ROCKS AND HISTORY

Hierbas buenas - arco iris the old mountain range of domeyko, which was the cradle of the first populations who inhabited this hostile universe, hides a surprising morphology with dazzling colors. this site is home to the oldest rock formations on the planet. during our excursion, we will discover how the ancients lived at the time of the domestication of camelids., popular punta arenas private tours.

Full day Punta Arenas and Strait of Magellancover image

Full day Punta Arenas and Strait of Magellan

If you only have one day in punta arenas, this full-day tour ensures you get to see the main points of interest. spend the morning exploring the coastline of the strait of magellan, stopping at historical landmarks including fort bulnes, mansa, and puerto del hambre. next, visit the sights of punta arenas, including antoine de saint exupéry square and the ferdinand magellan monument..

Chile Tour Guide - Tours&transfer punta arenas  ..

Airport transfer service private from Punta Arenas

Transfer from carlos ibañez del campo airport to the city of punta arenas, hotel around the city. we passed through the strait of magellan.the transfer lasts 20 minutes..

Full day Torres del Paine /From Punta Arenascover image

Full day Torres del Paine /From Punta Arenas

Full day torres del paine, from punta arenas 14-hour tour to all the tourist places of the torres del paine national park . get an up-close look at the wilderness of patagonia on a full-day private tour from punta arenas to torres del paine national park. enjoy a day of viewpoints, walks and a look at the fauna and flora of the area, such as condors and guanacos. visit landmarks like mylodon cave lookout, lake gray, and sarmiento de gamboa. round trip hotel transfers and picnic., popular puerto montt private tours.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR CRUISEScover image

HIGHLIGHTS FOR CRUISES

This is an excursion designed for cruise passengers who dock in puerto montt and want to visit the most beautiful places in the region according to their times. we will visit the petrohue falls and the osorno volcano, on the way we will see the city of puerto varas and the great llanquihue lake and we will be able to appreciate the exuberant vegetation of the los lagos region. and if we have extra time we can also visit the angelmo market before returning to the port..

Chile Tour Guide - Francisco hanu U.

Angelmo fish & Handcraft market

The market of puerto montt is one of the most interesting of the country. it shows you how rich in seafood products this part of the pacific ocean is. going in a saturday or sunday morning gives you a fully colorful view of the locals, that are coming from the islands around the town to sell their own local products. flowers, plants, chickens, ducks, as well as self-made local products. a must if you enjoy markets..

Chile Tour Guide - Cathy B.

Popular Pucon Private Tours

CAÑI Sanctuary cover image

CAÑI Sanctuary

Cañi sanctuary is a small private protected reserve in the huife area. it is a tiny mountain range and its most attractive scenes are the majestic araucaria trees, native forest, many pristine lagoons, and impressive 360º views of araucania. it's a 3-hour hike and you can choose two different trails, one of them easier than the other. then you can enjoy the "laguna del espejo", the mirror lagoon, and walk around, watch the birds and the landscape, and take a deep breath of fresh and pure air..

Chile Tour Guide - Gabbi   M.

Sailing The Lake

Live the great experience of sailing the lake and have a fun time knowing the places around it having time for a toast in the sunset or a morning brunch. we have a 24-foot sailboat and a great captain and i would assist in maneuvers and guide you through the water, you just have to relax and enjoy the beauty of the lake and the landscape. although we can have stops at a tiny island, and have some swim or rest. could be a mellow family sail or if you want adrenalin you get it, popular antofagasta private tours.

The day of the lagoonscover image

The day of the lagoons

After the pick up in the town, we head towards the south of the salar de atacama basin. we will visit the awakening of the flamingo in the middle of the salt flat. after 1 hour on a very good path, we will discover the beautiful laguna de piedras rojas where we have the possibility of doing a mini trek in the area. after lunch in the field, we will visit the area of ​​the miscanti & miñiques lagoons before heading towards the town., more popular chile tour destinations.

Valparaiso Tour Guide

Chile Tour Reviews

Private transfer Santiago-Valparaiso + Tour & tasting Villard Fine Wines + Private transfer Valparaiso-Airport

“ Wine tasting was great ”

Pick up were punctual, drivers were great. Vincent our driver from Aantiago and for the tasting in Casablanca Valley was very informative

“ Fantastic service and personalized touches. ”

We needed transport from the Santiago Airport to Vina Del Mar where we would stay a few days before embarking on a cruise. Hector picked us up directly from the Santiago airport in a very nice and clean Mercedez mini-van. We stopped in a quaint coffee shop in a small town to take a breather before heading to a beautiful winery, tucked away in the rolling hills of the Casablanca Valley. We were hosted by Alexandra, the sommelier of the Villard Winery who recounted the French history of the winery and explained the characteristics of the soil, micro climate and sun exposure that gave each grape its unique and wonderful flavor. By far, the best wine tasting experience we ever had. Then Hector presented us with a series of options for lunch and we opted for a small Italian restaurant in his native city of Valparaiso, outside of the usual tourist tracks. We loved it!! He then took us around the city of Vina Del Mar before dropping us at our hotel in late afternoon. Throughout the tour and intersperse with personal stories, Hector took the time to explain his country’s history and culture. The day could not have been better. We highly recommend Hector and his driver.

Wine Tour @Casablanca & Valparaiso Tour from Santiago - 1

Airport-SANTIAGO Tour - Transfer SnAntonioCruiseTerm

“ City tour and transfer to hotel San Antonio ”

We enjoyed a relaxing but informative private city tour with Juan after arriving in Santiago from Canada. Juan showed us many sights, some driving but also some walking, as well as the gondola, before driving us to San Antonio hotel. He was efficient, kind and had a sense of humor. Appreciated his English! Thanks.

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Taking on the world’s longest nation gets easier when you’ve got a tour guide that knows the lay of the land, from the Bohemian elegance of Valparaiso, to Patagonia’s remote trails. With so much to see, a local’s knowledge makes for expertly organized itineraries that feature your dream spots, whether that’s Pucon’s secret passages, or Santiago’s Sky Costanera.

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Chile’s land is a one-stop shop for ecosystems of the world. Dry deserts and sandy dunes stand nearby dense forestation and volcanic terrain; but none as breathtaking as Chile’s dazzling glacial fields. These landscapes, with as much beauty as contrast, allow visitors to make their Chilean trip as adventurous or relaxing as they dream. Whether you climb your way up the rocky Andes or lounge in the natural hot springs, unravel the mystery of the Easter Island or spend a day fly fishing in the Carretera Austral, nature’s backdrop creates an irreplaceable setting. That this breathtaking wilderness is beautifully preserved is a credit to its people, the latter perhaps the only facet of Chilean life as enticing as its’ land. Perhaps it is the physical thinness of the country, but people’s lives intertwine with each other’s effortlessly, and soon enough you find your tourist guard down to experience a comfort directly bred from the Chileans’ natural hospitality. Further infuse yourself into the Chilean way of life by snacking on an emapanada and a Pisco sour, Chile’s national drink that is a white brandy made from grapes, while yet another of its drink sourced from grape, the world famous Chilean wine can be found in far reaches of the world.

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Lonely Plan-it: how to organize a hike on Chile’s famous W Trek in 2023

Sarah Reid

Jan 14, 2023 • 8 min read

tour guides in chile

Tackling the W Trek in Chile’s Parque Nacional Torres del Paine is a challenge and a thrill © sharptoyou / Shutterstock © ©sharptoyou/Shutterstock

In this series, we take you step by step through how we planned some of the most complicated travel adventures, so you can recreate them yourself with ease. Here, writer Sarah Reid takes you through how she planned her hike on Chile’s famous W Trek. 

Tracing the foothills of the snow-capped Paine Massif in southern  Chile ’s famous  Parque Nacional Torres del Paine , the W Trek one of the world’s most epic multi-day tramps. Named for the shape sketched by the 80km (50-mile) trail, the W Trek immerses you in some of Patagonia’s most mesmerizing scenery, with turquoise lakes, oozing glaciers, gnarled subpolar forests and wildlife spotting opportunities aplenty (you might even spot a puma).

While it’s easy to follow the well-trodden if not always well-marked trail, planning the expedition is complicated by the numerous ways to access the route and the multiple reservations required before you set out. Having recently experienced the trail in two different ways, I’ve figured out all the tricks you’ll need to plan one of the most memorable hikes of your life. Here’s what I learned.

Step 1: Time it right

Find the best mix of good weather and accommodation availability. 

Hiking the W Trek hinges on the availability of the half-dozen currently operational refugios (hostels with limited dorm beds, a restaurant, hot showers and campsites) dotted along the route, which can book out months in advance during the November-to-February peak season. This is the warmest time of the year comes with the added bonus of long daylight hours – but it can also be very windy. The less-busy shoulder seasons (March to April and September to October) offer increased camping availability and more agreeable weather (potentially; this is Patagonia, after all). A guide is required for a wintertime hike (May to August, when refugios are closed). Wildlife, including pumas, can be spotted year-round.

To get to Torres del Paine, you’ll need to travel to the small, beautifully situated gateway city of  Puerto Natales . You can fly here (or to nearby  Punta Arenas ) from Santiago , take a four-day ferry trip from Puerto Montt  or travel overland from  Argentina (a 5.5-hour bus ride from El Calafate to Puerto Natales). From Puerto Natales, expect a two-hour bus ride to the eastern end of the W Trek, and a three-hour bus ride followed by a 45-minute ferry to the western end.

 Couple admiring scenery at Mirador Las Torres, Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile

Step 2: Decide which direction to hike in

You can start or finish your trek with one of the hike’s most epic views. 

The W Trek can be hiked from east to west or vice versa, independently or guided, and you can take as many days as you like (pending refugio availability). Hikers with a good level of fitness will find it’s an achievable four-day independent hike. Factor in an extra day to add a glacier kayaking or ice-trekking excursion departing from Refugio Grey (arrange in advance; more on this below).

The benefits of hiking east to west include frequent daily bus services from Puerto Natales (from 7am) to the trailhead. You’ll also knock off the challenging hike to  Mirador las Torres , at the base of the three granite towers that give the national park its name, on the first day. Hiking in this direction also means you don’t have to worry about securing a spot on the first ferry of the day across Lago Pehoé to access the western end of the W (critical for a four-day itinerary), as ferry tickets can’t be booked in advance. The early ferry (9am) only operates from November to March.

The beauty of hiking west to east is the opportunity to spend your last night at Refugio Chileno, making it easier to catch the sunrise at Mirador Las Torres on your final day and be back in Puerto Natales by dinnertime (finishing at Paine Grande gets you back to town closer to 10pm). With Patagonia known for its strong westerlies, hiking eastward also keeps the wind at your back for most of the journey.

Step 3: Consider your booking options

Reserve your accommodation, transit and park pass in advance to simplify your life. 

This is where it gets tricky. The two refugios at the trail’s western end (Paine Grande and Grey) are operated by Vertice Patagonia , which also runs glacier trekking and kayaking tours. The other four refugios  (Francés, Cuernos, Chileno and Central; there’s an additional bunkhouse near Central called Torre Norte) are operated by  Las Torres Patagonia . You can book preferred campsites and dorm beds (some refugios also have rooms) separately through their websites, or make reservations at camps run by both operators in a single booking via Booking Patagonia .

Meals, pre-pitched tents, sleeping bags and mats can be prebooked for additional fees,  pushing the cost of a four-day hike from as little as $62 (camping costs only; wild camping is forbidden) to around $400 if you book all the extras (and it’s worth doing so if you’re not keen on carrying all your supplies, including cooking equipment). Booking bus tickets to and from Puerto Natales in advance is also recommended;  Bus Sur services both ends of the trail.

An easier if more expensive option is to book an all-inclusive package. These come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from classic unguided through-hikes, to hikes along sections of the trail each day with a guide then shuttling back to an off-trail camp or lodge each night. (Note that it’s difficult to complete all legs of the W Trek as day hikes given the volume of backtracking required to the two exit points.) Local operators offering good-value unguided through-hike packages with an east-west itinerary (about $1000) include Chile Nativo and ChileTour Patagonia . Las Torres Patagonia and Vertice Patagonia also offer packages with accommodation at their own properties (a through-hike is only possible with the former). International operators including  G Adventures and  World Expeditions also offer through-hike packages.

You’ll also need to book a multi-day national park pass via the  CONAF website ($35), which will be checked at the entrance to the park.

Tents with mountains in the distance at Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile

Step 4: Prep for the adventure

Find the perfect gear for your adventure. 

With the entire trail located between 100-900m (330-2600ft) above sea level, there’s no altitude to factor in on the W Trek. But it’s the ever-changing Patagonian weather, along with the uneven, often-exposed trail, that will likely test you. Layers are key, and a waterproof jacket, rain pants and pack cover are essential year-round.

Expect to have next-to-no cellular reception throughout the journey. Wi-fi coupons are available for sale at refugios (provided the router is working) but it’s more fun to stay disconnected and mingle with fellow hikers at the bar instead; every refugio has one. Be mindful when packing that everything you carry into the national park must come out with you – the only rubbish bins at refugios are designed for toilet paper. With a limited number of power points in refugios for charging devices, packing spare batteries is a good idea.

Step 5: Nail the trail

Be adaptable to conditions to get the most out of your journey. 

Days on the trail can be long on a four-day hike; set out by 8am in autumn and spring to arrive in camp well before nightfall. If you’ve booked meals, most refugios have two sittings; book the first sitting when you arrive in camp each day to ensure an early night, and early start the next morning.

On foggy days, reconsider rising early to hike to Mirador las Torres for sunrise. You might also wish to reassess the mostly uphill return hike from Mirador Francés to Mirador Británico (the middle arm of the “W”) in poor weather, though I hiked the latter in average conditions and enjoyed it, particularly as I spotted a pair of endangered huemul deer right below Mirador Británico. Consider leaving non-essentials in a dry bag at Italiano (a CONAF-run camp not currently open for overnight stays) on your way up, as you’ll pass this camp again on your way back down.

If you’re making good time between Paine Grande and Valle Francés (French Valley), consider veering off the main path to hike the lesser-tramped alternative trail around the slightly more scenic eastern side of Lago Skottsberg, which adds about 30 minutes to the trip. Turn left at the first bridge after Italiano if you’re coming from the east, and head right at the fork after the first bridge you cross if you’re coming from Paine Grande.

A hiker on a wooden walkway in Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile

If I could do it all again…

I booked a last-minute four-day through-hike package on my first W Trek experience. I hiked east to west in March 2022, and camped at Central, Cuernos and Paine Grande, and this itinerary was perfect for me. I’ve since hiked sections of the trail on a guided multi-day, multi-sport tour with Chile Nativo, with superb perspectives on Torres del Paine that complemented my first experience.

If I were to do the W Trek again, I’d aim to tackle the extended version of the trail called the O Circuit, ideally in late September, as I found the weather superb and the crowds thin when I visited then. I’d cut costs by making independent bookings, and I’d book my meals again (though extra comforts are not available at all refugios on the O Circuit).

Since my feet were soaking from the second day onward, I’d also wear waterproof boots; pack fewer snacks, as the boxed lunches were sufficient; and go easier on the Carménère (Chilean red wine) at the refugio bars. Did I mention you can order pisco sours, too? 

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    1. Private Santiago 3-Hour Walking Tour. 74. Public Transportation Tours. 3 hours. Take a 3-hour private guided walking tour of Santiago which introduces you the historical center of the city and surrounding…. Recommended by 95% of travelers. from. $85.

  16. Chile Escorted Tours

    The Latin America Travel Company has a vast selection of escorted tours in Chile for 2024 and 2025, including highly personalised itineraries to create the best guided tours of Chile for you! Book with us, and you can customise every aspect of your Chile tour package and ensure that your South American tour to Chile is an unforgettable ...

  17. THE TOP 10 Chile Tours & Excursions (UPDATED 2024)

    Valparaiso Port and Vina del Mar Full-Day Tour from Santiago. 2,612. Revel in the vibrant color and culture of Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar on a full-day tour of the coastal cities from Santiago. Travel through Chile's spectacular countryside, stopping in the picturesque Casablanca Valley to taste Chilean wine, and then arrive in the ...

  18. Chile Walking & Adventure Tours

    Trust your Chile adventure travel to a tour by Classic Journeys the leaders in escorted walking, culinary and family tours. Book your journey with us today! 800-200-3887 ... Cheers with your expert local guide in Chile. Get the chance to see Penguins in Chile. Classic Journeys guests having a great time in Chile. Osorno Volcano and farm land.

  19. Chile Tours & Trip Packages in 2024/25

    Encompassing a narrow strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the high peaks of the Andes, Chile includes the driest desert, the Atacama in the north, the agriculturally-rich Central Valley, snow-covered volcanoes, forests and tranquil lakes of the near south, and the wild and windswept glaciers and fjords of the far south. Travel Chile and ...

  20. Luxury Chile Tours & Travel

    Luxury Chile Tours & Travel | SA Expeditions. Destinations. Travel Style. Why SA. Journal. 415-549-8049 REQUEST A QUOTE.

  21. The BEST Santiago Tours and Things to Do in 2024

    4.3. Day trip. Santiago: Vina Del Mar, Valparaiso, Casablanca & Reñaca Tour. Head to the Pacific Coast on this day tour from Santiago. Visit colorful Valparaiso and the resort of Vina del Mar. Visit the white wine valley of Casablanca and enjoy the popular beach in Reñaca. From $38.90. per person.

  22. Top 10 Best Chile Tours

    Top Chile Private Tours and things to do: Visit Chile with Local Guides. Check reviews, photos, request an itinerary, plan a day trip or walking tour. ... Book a Private Chile Tour with a Local Tour Guide. 4.93 / 5. View all . 14 reviews. Find your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones.

  23. Private Local Guides & Guided Tours In Chile

    Chile. Chile's land is a one-stop shop for ecosystems of the world. Dry deserts and sandy dunes stand nearby dense forestation and volcanic terrain; but none as breathtaking as Chile's dazzling glacial fields. These landscapes, with as much beauty as contrast, allow visitors to make their Chilean trip as adventurous or relaxing as they dream.

  24. Chile: All You Must Know Before You Go (2024)

    Chile Tourism: Tripadvisor has 2,189,798 reviews of Chile Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Chile resource.

  25. Splendors of Chile, Argentina & Brazil

    Experience the best of three dynamic South American countries on a journey that combines cultural and culinary exploration with a deep appreciation of the region's natural splendors, including spectacular Iguazu Falls. Indulge in food and wine experiences in Chile's Maipo Valley and Argentina's enchanting Mendoza winelands, and get an insider's view of Rio's annual Carnival celebration.

  26. Organize a hike on Chile's famous W Trek

    I hiked east to west in March 2022, and camped at Central, Cuernos and Paine Grande, and this itinerary was perfect for me. I've since hiked sections of the trail on a guided multi-day, multi-sport tour with Chile Nativo, with superb perspectives on Torres del Paine that complemented my first experience.