A TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY DESIGNED BY SPECIALISTS
At The Ultimate Travel Company, all our holidays are created individually to suit your preferences and the Southern Chile Self-Drive itinerary can be used for inspiration or as a starting point for your luxury Chile holidays. Whether you prefer a different style of accommodation, a greater focus on a particular experience or wish to include extra stops on your journey, our experts will design an itinerary that is entirely unique to you.
ABOUT THE ITINERARY
From sweeping vineyards to sparkling emerald lakes, historic cities and the snowy peaks of the Andean Mountains, Chile’s southern half promises a holiday you will be talking about for years to come.
And what better way to take it all in than on a self-drive? Not only does it allows you to go at your own pace, it also provides a real sense of adventure as you make your way through Chilean Patagonia.
You’ll cruise through valleys and cross incredible passes, witnessing a parade of ever-changing landscapes dominating by granite peaks, lush forests and sweeping pampas. And when you’re not behind the wheel you’ll be visiting jaw-dropping glaciers, kayaking through remote caves and trekking in Torres del Paine. Rounding off with wine tasting at the celebrated Santa Rita Vineyard.
SANTIAGO
Your Chilean adventure starts in the country’s colourful and lively capital, Santiago. Within sight of the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your boutique hotel in the cultural Lastarria neighbourhood where you will be spending one night.
Stay: One night at Cumbres Lastarria Hotel – bed & breakfast
CARRETERA AUSTRAL
This morning you will hop on a flight to the Balmaceda airport where your self-drive adventure begins. Picking up your hire-car at the airport, you will make your way through verdant forests and cross the famous pass that leads to the Cerro Castillo National Park. Continuing south, you will reach your accommodation for the next two nights.
The following day you will have more time to explore your exquisite surroundings. You could spend the morning hiking to the lookout point of the Exploradores Valley where you will be rewarded by a fantastic view of an immense glacier. In the afternoon you can take a kayaking trip across a glacial lake to reach the Marble Caves whose rock walls come in magnificent shades and swirls of blue.
Stay: Two nights at El Puesto – bed & breakfast
CARRETERA AUSTRAL
The next day, after breakfast, you continue your journey south to reach your hotel beautifully situated on the shores of Lake General Carrera. En route you can stop at the confluence of the Neff and Baker rivers, where you’ll find incredibly strong waters in dazzling shades of blue and green. You’ll have the evening at your leisure, which you can spend sightseeing in the area or relaxing by the lake’s exceptionally blue waters.
On day five you will drive through a parade of stunning landscapes featuring jagged cliffs and the snowy peaks of the Andes to reach the small town of Chile Chico. Set on the southern edge of General Carrera Lake, the town enjoys a sunny microclimate and close proximity to the Lago Jeinimeni National Reserve where you’ll find flaming-filled lagoons and great hiking trails.
Stay: Two nights at Mirador de Gaudal – bed & breakfast
PUERTO VARAS
Today you will drive back to Balmaceda airport and drop off your vehicle before flying north to Puerto Montt.
From Puerto Montt you will be transferred to the picturesque town of Puerto Varas, on the shores of Lake Llanquihue and with the impressive Osorno Volcano as a back-drop.
One night at Hotel Cumbres – bed & breakfast.
TORRES DEL PAINE
On day 6 you will fly south from Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales, were you will pick-up your hire-car for exploring Torres del Paine National Park.
One of the country’s greatest natural highlights, Torres del Paine is hailed as the Eighth Wonder of the World. The region boasts some of the most incredible scenery in Patagonia with landscapes dominated by glaciers, granite towers, azure-coloured lakes and the mighty Cordillera Paine mountains.
Spend the next few days exploring this World Biosphere Reserve on a variety of outdoor activities. These include hiking to lookout points, trekking around the base of peaks and visiting jaw-dropping glaciers.
Stay: Four nights at Pampa Lodge – bed & breakfast
WINE REGION
Flying back to where you started, Santiago, you will be transferred to La Casona Matetic vineyards in the Rosario Valley where you’ll be spending your final nights in Chile surrounded by rolling vineyards, tranquil lakes and scenic mountains.
In addition to biking and hiking, you can enjoy winery and vineyard tours to learn more about the production process. Otherwise you can indulge in fine Chilean cuisine at the two restaurants, take a dip in the infinity pool or relax in the sauna.
Stay: Two nights at La Casona Matetic – including all meals, shared activities and transfers
FLY HOME
PRICE INCLUDES
- Domestic flights
- All transfers
- Accommodation
- Bed & breakfast throughout
- Based on two people travelling
- Hire-car
PRICE EXCLUDES
- International flights
- Visas
- Items of personal nature (gratuities, meals not stated, expenses, insurance)
We’ve been using Ultimate Travel for many years and have always experienced first-class, friendly, and professional service. Catherine has been our go-to person in recent years, and her exceptional support has made every trip trouble-free. Our holidays with AmaWaterways have been seamless, and we’re truly grateful to Catherine for making it all possible.
The service we received from The Ultimate Travel Company was second to none. Tania took the time to understand exactly what we wanted and helped us explore every option clearly and thoroughly. Her first-hand knowledge of Kenya and safaris made a real difference – she explained everything brilliantly. The thoughtful extras, like the travel wallet and documents, were such a lovely touch – especially for someone who loves to travel well-organised! Thank you so much. We’ll definitely be back for future adventures.
