Tour Itinerary
DAY 1: Santiago to Pichilemu
We start our trip with a 220 km drive south. On the way we visit Pomaire, an ancient village with Inca origins and famous for its clay handicrafts. Later, we stop at the Rapel Dam, a hydro-electric complex with an artificial lake. In the afternoon we arrive in Pichilemu, where we will spend the rest of the day and sleep the night.
Internationally known for its surf break, the city is a harmonious blend of aristocratic history, natural beauty and urban modernity. Activities we recommend include surfing lessons and horseback riding
DAY 2: Pichilemu to Pucón
The longest driving day (707km) is broken by a visit to the small but wealthy city of Santa Cruz. Here we stop to see the eclectic collection of the Museo de Colchagua, built in 1995 by a local millionaire who made his fortune as an arms dealer! After the long ride, we arrive in Pucón where we will spend the following two nights.
Day 3 Day in Pucón
Pucón, southern Chile's tourist capital, is stunningly located between the shores of beautiful Villarrica Lakeand the Andean foothills. It boasts a ski resort, natural hot springs, casino, excellent restaurants and a 4km long long lakeside beach.
There are many local tour operators that can organise activities such as white water rafting, cave exploring, horseback riding, mountain biking or trekking in one of the four surrounding National Parks and even climbing the active Villarca Volcano. We offer special discounts for many of these activities.
At the end of the day, we drive to some nearby natural hot springs to enjoy a relaxing soak whilst looking at the stars.
DAY 4 Pucón to Valdivia
Today we drive along the scenic ‘Seven Lake Road’, visiting the small lakeside towns of Coñaripe and Panguipulli. For lunch, we arrive in Valdivia, one of the most beautiful cities in Chile. Founded in 1552, at the union of three rivers, the city’s main attractions include the old Spanish fortress, the famous local brewery, the university campus and the local fish market with its resident sea lions.
DAY 5 Valdivia to Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas
In the morning we drive the 210 km until arriving in Puerto Montt. Then we follow the coastline road until the Angelmo fish market where we stop to eat at their well-known fresh seafood restaurants. Nearby there is a local handicraft market, selling inexpensive hand-knitted products from the nearby islands.
Note: Puerto Montt is the departure point for the 4 day ferry trip to Puerto Natales, the closest city to Torres del Paine National Park. It is also possible to connect with flights further south to Patagonia or buses to Argentina
From Puerto Montt we drive to the lovely peaceful city of Puerto Varas, for our overnight stop.
DAY 6 Puerto Varas to Salto del Laja Waterfalls
Driving along the shores of the Llanquihue Lake, we stop for stunning views of the picture perfect Osorno Volcano and the lakeside towns of Frutillar, Llanquihue and Puerto Octay, all famous for their beautiful beaches and German-heritage architecture. Later we arrive at the spectacular Salto del Laja Waterfalls, a beautiful natural spot, where we spend the night.
DAY 7 Salto del Laja Waterfall to Santiago.
On our 450km drive back to Santiago we stop in at the renowned Viña Balduzzi. Located in the middle of a 100 acre vineyard and still family owned, the winery is celebrated for its reserve and late harvest wines. This is a great place to enjoy a wine tour.
A few hours later we arrive in Santiago completing our trip.