Chile & Northern Patagonia in Depth

Welcome to Santiago! Settle into your hotel with time to explore on your own.

Old Meets New After breakfast, embark on a city tour with a Local Guide who will show you the highlights of this great city of colonial and contemporary contrasts. Discover Santiago’s beautiful blend of old and new with a guided city tour through its historic and modern sights. See the famous Alameda, Santiago’s vibrant main avenue, San Francisco Church, and Santa Lucía Hill. Then join a [LOCAL FAVORITE] cooking class at a local restaurant featuring Chilean dishes. (B,L) LOCAL FAVORITE COOKING CHILE Enjoy an immersive cooking class at a celebrated local restaurant, where regional cuisine and culture come together. Guided by a professional chef, work hands-on with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and aromatic spices as you prepare a selection of traditional dishes. Along the way, gain insider tips and techniques to recreate these flavors at home. The experience culminates in a relaxed meal, savoring the dishes you’ve created, perfectly paired with a Pisco sour—an authentic taste of the destination, shared around the table.

Whispering Earth Travel to Chile’s Valparaíso Region for a small-group experience to El Cornelio, a secluded natural retreat. Spend the day discovering the landscape and learning about sustainable practices in place to protect this delicate environment. Following a three-course lunch, enjoy time to wander the nature trails, explore the gardens, and soak in the area’s tranquility. (B,L) TOUR HIGHLIGHT SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Nestled in the heart of Chile’s Valparaíso Region, El Cornelio is a hidden sanctuary created for travelers seeking a deeper connection with nature. Set in the tranquil sector of Las Palmas in Olmué, this expansive estate rises 2,953 ft /900 m above sea level, offering sweeping panoramic views of an arid Mediterranean landscape shaped by evergreen sclerophyll forest. Here, time seems to slow, silence reigns, and tranquility becomes a constant companion. Guests are welcomed for a full-day experience that begins with a seasonal welcome cocktail or coffee, followed by a thoughtfully crafted three-course lunch showcasing local flavors and a curated tasting of regional wines. The day unfolds at an unhurried pace, with time to explore nature trails, gardens, terraces, and an impressive cactus collection. The experience is enriched by an introductory talk on local flora and fauna and an easy, guided walk suitable for all levels. Reflecting El Cornelio’s commitment to sustainability, a newly planted palm grove thrives in harmony with its surroundings—an expression of a vision rooted in respect for the land. The result is an immersive retreat where nature, culture, and conscious hospitality come together in quiet balance.

Patagonian Pleasures This morning, fly to Puerto Montt and transfer to Puerto Varas. This region offers a combination of great outdoor adventures and a distinctive Chilean-German culture. Puerto Varas is an enchanting town located by the peaceful Lake Llanquihue and offers a sweeping natural setting. This evening is free to explore. From the lakeside promenade, enjoy the magnificent views of the distant volcanoes. Stroll around Puerto Varas to appreciate its traditional, unmistakably German architecture and its neighborhoods filled with well-tended gardens. (B)