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Walking on a variety of different terrains, you will follow forest routes, wooden pathways as well as rocky slopes and sandy trails. You will have the chance to experience Chile’s unique cultures and learn about the country’s fascinating history.

  • Hike volcanic, desert and forested landscapes
  • Meet indigenous Mapuche people
  • Ascend an active volcano

You will visit two of Chile’s most spectacular regions during this tour, starting first with the Lake District before heading North towards the arid, Atacama Desert.

Walking on a mixture of trails on different types of terrain, with forest walks, volcano hikes and treks through the arid desert valleys, you will see spectacular scenery with deep blue lakes and lush green forest, as well as snow-capped peaks, red-hued rock valleys and spectacular night skies.

You will learn about some of Chile’s most interesting indigenous cultures and discover the country’s remarkable history.

Typical Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Depart UK

    Take an overnight flight from the UK to Santiago de Chile.

  2. Day 2: Arrive Santiago

    You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon you will enjoy a half day walking city tour. You will discover some of the city’s off-the-beaten path neighbourhoods as well as the La Moneda Presedential Palace and the bustling Mercado Central.

  3. Day 3: Fly to Pucon, afternoon walk in the countryside

    You will be transferred to the airport in time for your internal flight to the Pucon region and the beautiful Chilean Lake District. This afternoon you will do a light walk around the surrounding area as you get to know your accommodation and base for the next few days.

    Walking distance: 3 km

  4. Day 4: Walking in Villarrica National Park

    Walking in the Villarrica National Park, today you’ll have the chance to admire the majestic volcano and the millennial tree species Araucaria.

    Walking distance: 7 km | Ascent: 604 m

  5. Day 5: Walk to Pichillanchue glacier

    Today you will walk on forest trails and through volcanic terrain towards Pichillanchue glacier. Later, you will visit the ‘Termas Geometricas’, thermal pools situated in Cajon Negro.

    Walking distance: 7 km | Ascent: 420 m

  6. Day 6: Walking in the Puesco sector

    Located at the base of Lanin Volcano, which is shared with the neighbouring country of Argentina, today you will walk in the Puesco sector of Villarrica National Park. In the afternoon, you will meet Longko and his family who run a bee farm.

    Walking distance: 18 km | Ascent: 550 m

  7. Day 7: Climb Villarrica Volcano

    The hardest walk of the trip, today you will climb to the crater of Villarrica Volcano. Joined by a specialist mountain guide, you will be given any necessary equipment and walk over volcanic rock, snow and ice until you reach the bubbling, lava filled crater.

    Walking distance: 9 km | Ascent: 1,400 m

  8. Day 8: Travel to San Pedro de Atacama, evening astronomy tour

    Today you will fly from Temuco to San Pedro de Atacama via Santiago. Tonight, you will enjoy an ethnographic astronomy tour where you will discuss the historic interpretations of the night sky.

  9. Day 9: Morning at leisure, afternoon walk in the Valley of Death

    This morning has been left free for you to enjoy at your leisure. Later you will take a walk through the canyons of the Valley of Death. You will see impressive rock formations of intense red stone.

    Walking distance: 8 km

  10. Day 10: Walking in the Guatin Valley and sunset visit to the Valley of the Moon

    You will take a short transfer west towards the Guatin Valley where your walk will begin. You will trek through the rocky canyon along the course of the river. Later, you will visit the famous Valley of the Moon where you will spot some of the valley’s famous rock formations and enjoy a stunning sunset from a natural view point.

    Walking distance: 6 km

  11. Day 11: Leisurely day visit to local points of interest

    Today you will visit and do short walks around some local points of interest. These include Chaxa Lagoon, the Altiplano, Miscanti and Miniques Lagoons, and the Church of San Lucas in the town of Toconao.

  12. Day 12: Sunrise visit to Tatio Geysers

    Making an early start, you will be transferred to the famous Tatio Geysers where you will spend some time exploring the 70+ geysers in the bright morning light. This afternoon has been left free for you to enjoy at your leisure.

  13. Day 13: Morning walk from Kari lookout before flying back to Santiago de Chile

    You will be taken to Kari lookout, which offers amazing views over the Valley of the Moon. From here you will walk along a sandy trail through the Kari gorge. Later, you will fly back to Santiago for your last night in Chile.

    Walking distance: 6 km

  14. Day 14: Depart Chile

    You will be transferred to the airport in time for your return flight to the UK.

Price and Other Information

  • Duration and price excluding international flights: 13 days from £4,475 per person
  • Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 15 days from £5,575 per person
  • Single room supplement: From £1,355
  • Walking grade: Easy
  • Guiding: Guided Group
  • Max alt: 3,214m
  • Group size: 4-12
  • When to go: View Dates & Prices
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  • Route map:
    Route map for Walking in Chile's Lake District & Desert
  • What’s included
    • Hotel x 7 nights & eco lodge x 5 nights
    • 12 breakfasts, 8 lunches & 5 dinners
    • Experienced English-speaking guide
    • Airport transfers

Next Steps

View All Chile Trips

Guided Group

We will be happy to help arrange a departure for you according to seasonal conditions and your own specific needs.

For availability, prices and details of suitable times to travel, please contact us.

If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.