Zodiac boat cruising past icebergs with snow-covered Antarctic peaks in the background, under a clear sky.

Chilean Patagonia & Antarctica

Torres del Paine, Chile (photo credit John May)

Chilean Patagonia & Antarctica

Experience Patagonia and the Antarctica Peninsula

Days: 13+ | Contact us for pricing

  • Includes accommodations at first class hotels that reflect the best of local culture
  • Skip the Drake Passage by flying to and from Antarctica

Experience the striking contrasts of Patagonia and the White Continent on this immersive journey from Chile to Antarctica. Beginning in Santiago, this itinerary combines the dramatic landscapes of southern Chile with a once-in-a-lifetime visit to the Antarctic Peninsula. Skip the rough seas of the Drake Passage by flying over it, and spend your time exploring ice-filled bays, remote research stations, and abundant wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales. This is an ideal introduction to Antarctica, paired with time in one of South America's most scenic regions.

Talk to a Vaya Travel Specialist

We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.

5-Star Reviews

We consistently receive 5 star reviews from our discerning clients.

At a Glance

  • Santiago
    2 nights: discover Chile's capital city
  • Torres del Paine
    3 nights: hike in the gem of Chilean Patagonia
  • Punta Arenas
    1 night: explore the city on the Magellan Straight
  • Antarctica
    5 nights: explore the southernmost continent
  • Punta Arenas
    1 night: return from Antarctica

All itineraries are fully customizable. We will send you a personalized variation that reflects your interests and travel dates at no extra cost. Call to discuss your travel plans with one of our Specialists who know this region firsthand.

5-Star Reviews

Find out why our discerning travelers consistently rate us with 5-stars.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Santiago

Arrive to Santiago, Chile’s metropolitan capital, where your private guide will take you to your boutique hotel in the charming Providencia neighborhood.

There are plenty of things to see and do in the Santiago area. Take a private tour of Santiago, either on your arrival day or as a one-day extension, or add a trip (day or overnight) to nearby wine country or the historic port city of Valparaíso. Just let us know your interests.

Accommodations: Hotel Magnolia , 2 nights

Hotel Magnolia is set in a renovated 1929 mansion in downtown Santiago, close to Santa Lucia Hill, museums, the historic center, and Barrio Lastarria. Designed by award-winning architect Cazú Zegers, who also designed traveler-favorite hotel Tierra Patagonia, the Hotel Magnolia seamlessly blends preserved historic marble and vintage furnishings with modern amenities. The 42-room hotel offers a restaurant, bar, library, and rooftop lounge with panoramic views.

Upgrades available:
Singular Santiago , Bidasoa Eco Boutique Hotel

Day 2: Historic Highlights, the Central Market, and San Cristobal Hill

View of Santiago de Chile with Los Andes mountain range in the back

Take a private tour of Santiago and visit the colonial and modern highlights, including the Plaza de Armas and the La Moneda Presidential Palace. You’ll also spend time in the Central Market, an enormous, active marketplace, and head to the top of San Cristobal Hill for views of the entire city. After your tour, spend the rest of the day exploring on your own and trying out the city’s restaurants – we’ll provide a list of our top recommendations!

There are plenty of things to see and do in the Santiago area. If you prefer to get out of the city, we can arrange private day tours or overnight trips to the coast to visit the colorful port city of Valparaiso, or Pablo Neruda’s house at Isla Negra, or down to the wine country. Just let us know your interests and we’ll customize your trip to suit them.

Accommodations: Hotel Magnolia , 2 nights

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 3: Fly to Puerto Natales

Hiker in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile with the iconic Cuernos del Paine mountains in the background, Patagonia, South America.

Fly south to Punta Arenas and enjoy a scenic private transfer to your hotel, set just outside of the Torres del Paine National Park Entrance. Surrounded on all sides by rolling pampa blanketed in evergreen shrubs, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Lake Sarmiento with the Paine Massif filling the horizon above it.

Accommodations: Patagonia Camp

The complex at Patagonia Camp comprises 20 first class yurts, all of which have view of either Lake Toro and the Paine Massif, or the native forest, as well as a central lodge that serves as a restaurant, bar and lounge. Elevated walkways connect all of the buildings, and the site blends non-intrusively into the surroundings. A great option for those who want to be a bit closer to nature while staying in very comfortable accommodations close to Torres del Paine National Park. Programs include active excursions to the highlight areas of Torres del Paine National Park. All yurts have private bathrooms.

*Includes: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4-5: Exploring Torres del Paine

Herd of Guanaco (Lama guanicoe) grazing on a hillside in Torres del Paine National Park in the Magallanes region of southern Chile.

Enjoy guided excursions each day to see the park’s iconic sites, such as the soaring granite towers from which it takes its name. Each day you can choose from active excursions, such as hiking, and more relaxed ones, such as driving tours and scenic walks. The guides at your lodge will discuss the options with you and help you plan a trip that matches your interests.

Accommodations: Patagonia Camp

The complex at Patagonia Camp comprises 20 first class yurts, all of which have view of either Lake Toro and the Paine Massif, or the native forest, as well as a central lodge that serves as a restaurant, bar and lounge. Elevated walkways connect all of the buildings, and the site blends non-intrusively into the surroundings. A great option for those who want to be a bit closer to nature while staying in very comfortable accommodations close to Torres del Paine National Park. Programs include active excursions to the highlight areas of Torres del Paine National Park. All yurts have private bathrooms.

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Travel to Punta Arenas

Chile - Punta Arenas

Transfer south to Punta Arenas, a small town full of history located on the Straight of Magellan. Upon arrival connect with your hosts of the Antarctica program and get excited and ready for tomorrow’s flight!

Accommodations: Hotel Cabo de Hornos

Hotel Cabo de Hornos is a longtime landmark in the heart of Punta Arenas, overlooking the historic Plaza de Armas and just blocks from the Strait of Magellan. Recently renovated, the hotel offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with Patagonian wood accents, comfortable rooms, and thoughtful design throughout. Guests can enjoy regional flavors at the on-site restaurant and relax by the fireplace in the cozy lounge. With a legacy that includes hosting Chilean presidents and being recognized as a cultural icon of the Magallanes region, the hotel offers both character and comfort—making it an ideal base for exploring the far south of Chile.

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 8: Board your Antarctica Cruise

Fly to Antarctica and board your vessel to begin sailing along the Antarctic Peninsula.

Accommodations: Antarctica Cruise , 5 nights

In choosing the right Antarctica vessel, some of the main considerations are length of cruise, style of vessel, activity level, cost, and stability. Many ships offer a variety of programs of different lengths and with different destinations included. Click here to see our full line-up of Antarctica cruise vessels.

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Upgrades available:
Antarctic Luxury Cruises

Days 8-12: Antarctic Peninsula

Towering glaciers, sculpted icebergs, and rugged coastlines set the stage for close-up encounters with penguins, seals, and whales. You will see some of the region’s most beautiful destinations as you explore the remote Antarctic Peninsula itself.

Accommodations: Antarctica Cruise , 5 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Fly Back to Punta Arenas

Antarctica Fly & Cruise

Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night.

Accommodations: Hotel Cabo de Hornos

Hotel Cabo de Hornos is a longtime landmark in the heart of Punta Arenas, overlooking the historic Plaza de Armas and just blocks from the Strait of Magellan. Recently renovated, the hotel offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with Patagonian wood accents, comfortable rooms, and thoughtful design throughout. Guests can enjoy regional flavors at the on-site restaurant and relax by the fireplace in the cozy lounge. With a legacy that includes hosting Chilean presidents and being recognized as a cultural icon of the Magallanes region, the hotel offers both character and comfort—making it an ideal base for exploring the far south of Chile.

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 13: Journey Home

Today you will say goodbye to your local guide and head to the airport for your flight home or to your next destination.

*Includes: Breakfast

Popular Ways to Customize This Itinerary

  • Add a few extra nights in Santiago or visit the coastal city of Valparaíso. We can arrange a variety of activities, including city tours, wine tours, culinary excursions, visits to historical sites, and active options such as hiking, biking and horseback riding.

  • Stay a few nights on a vineyard in the Casablanca, San Antonio or Colchagua wine valleys. Tour and taste the wines from small boutique wineries or bike from one to another and enjoy the culinary tastes of Chilean wine country.

  • Extend your visit with some time in the lovely Lake District, Easter Island, or the Atacama desert.

  • Include some downtime for rest and relaxation! Some free time to unwind or have a massage will allow you to feel refreshed and ready for the remainder of your trip. Many of our properties include excellent spas or wellness centers. We can help arrange these services or include properties that offer health & wellness amenities.

  • Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.

Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.
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