Chile Outdoor Adventure for Families: Santiago & Patagonia - 14 Days

Day 2: Santiago City Tour: Monuments, Markets & Cable Cars

Get to know Santiago better today with a private tour, specifically curated for the small folk in your group. You'll meet your guide and start with a walk through the Civic District, home to the presidential palace of La Moneda. From here, head to the Plaza de Armas, Santiago's main square, which is considered the heart of the city. Sample street food, listen to music, and let the kids enjoy performers and other entertainment before continuing to the labyrinthine Mercado Central, where you can get a glimpse of daily life and chat with vendors as you taste local treats like empanadas or sopaipillas (fried pastries).

 A highlight of the tour is a scenic trip up Cerro San Cristóbal, which is home to the city's largest green space, Metropolitan Park. Board the park's Teleférico, an aerial tramway that takes you from the base of the hill to a sanctuary at the top, taking in the incredible panoramic views of the city before riding the funicular back down. After parting ways with your guide, choose a spot for dinner. Kids will love Giratorio, a 360-degree rotating restaurant that offers unbelievable views of the entire city. 

Day 3: Day Trip to the Maipo Valley

Escape city life this morning on a full-day private tour of the neighboring Maipo Valley. Located a mere 45 minutes southeast of Santiago, this region is considered an adventure hub, and locals often escape the capital for cycling, trekking, rafting, and camping among its spectacular mountain and vineyard landscapes. You can customize the day to your family's interests and energy levels, but you'll kick things off with a visit to the town of San José de Maipo, located deep in the Andes at about 3,281 feet (1,000 m) above sea level.

Throughout the day, you'll stop to explore small villages and set off on short hikes surrounded by rugged massifs and snowcapped peaks. For one of the most spectacular views in the region, continue almost 9,843 feet (3,000 m) above sea level, to reach the shores of the Embalse de Yeso, a turquoise reservoir nestled in the mountains. The final stop of the day takes you to a beautiful waterfall, where you'll pause for a picnic lunch before returning to the city.

Day 4: Day Trip to Viña del Mar & Valparaíso

Today, leave the capital on a day trip to central Chile's Pacific coast, where you'll visit two neighboring cities: Viña del Mar and Valparaíso. First, arrive in Viña del Mar, an upscale coastal resort city teeming with shopping complexes, commercial high-rises, boutiques, and well-manicured gardens. You'll see the amazing architecture of the residential sectors of Casino de Juegos, Av. Perú and Av. San Martín, and historic landmarks such as the Germanic Wulff Castle and the Venetian-Gothic Vergara Palace, before stopping at the popular beach at Playa Reñaca. 

Next, visit the port city of Valparaíso. This colorful metropolis is the artistic and bohemian soul of the country, filled with street art, music, and poetry. Have fun climbing the steep hills in old-fashioned funiculars to the lively neighborhoods of Cerro Alegre, Cerro Concepción, and Cerro Florida, and take family photos against a sweeping backdrop of colorful houses and the Pacific. For history and art-loving families, La Sebastiana Museum offers a captivating insight into the life of the famed Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. Following the exploration, return to your hotel in Santiago.

Day 5: Fly to Punta Arenas, Gateway to Southern Patagonia

Your Chilean adventure continues today as you meet your driver, transfer to the airport, and catch a 3.5-hour flight south to Punta Arenas, a major Patagonia transport hub and the last stop for visitors traveling to Antarctica. Surrounded by breathtaking views and natural beauty, this is also a fairly sophisticated city with interesting architecture, museums, and historic sites.

Start with a walk around the Plaza de Armas, a central plaza with quaint pathways for the kids to stretch their legs after the long flight. See the neoclassical mansions surrounding the plaza, or take a tour of the Palacio Sara Braun, one such mansion that showcases the opulence of that era. Afterward, walk down to the waterfront, a recently revitalized area that has wide boardwalks and fun sculptures. End with a stop at the Mirador Cerro de la Cruz, a city overlook with views that go all the way out to the Strait of Magellan.

Day 6: Explore the Ships of the Nao Victoria Museum

Curious kids will love today's hands-on visit to the Nao Victoria Museum, featuring an incredible display of hand-built replicas of the ships used by Patagonian explorers. With the help of a private guide, you'll explore Magellan's Nao Victoria, the first ship to circumnavigate the Earth, as well as Darwin's HMS Beagle. The kids can let their imaginations run wild, picturing themselves as seafaring adventurers, while the adults learn more about the ships and how they were built. 

If the kids still need to burn some energy after the tour, head just a short distance out of the city to visit the Reserva Nacional Magallanes. This 33,000-acre (13,354 ha) forested reserve (known locally as Parque Japonés) features a very walkable nature trail lined with lenga and coigue trees, making for a great end to the day for the nature lovers in the family. Tonight, visit a local restaurant and sample some of Puerto Arena's famous seafood, such as chupe de centolla (soufflé of king crab), oysters, scallops, and fresh fish.

Day 7: Dolphin Watching in the Magellan Strait

Get out on the water today for an exciting dolphin-watching tour. Your morning starts with a transfer 16 miles (25 km) south of Punta Arenas to the shores of the beautiful Bahía Agua Fresca, part of the Strait of Magellan. Meet your guides at the beach and board a Zodiac boat, setting off along the coast in search of the small Peale's dolphin, also known as the black-chinned dolphin.

Always curious, the dolphins tend to reveal themselves quickly, interested in the sounds and movement of approaching boats. You'll get to spend time observing the dolphins in their natural habitat, and the kids will be delighted at their playful jumping and frolicking. Your guides will share information about the dolphins' behaviors, and you're also likely to see plenty of seabirds and playful sea lions along the way. Afterward, return to Puerto Natales. 

Day 8: Isla Magdalena Penguins, Bus to Puerto Natales

All aboard for a visit with penguins! Meet your guides at the pier and set sail for Isla Magdalena, a 1.5-hour cruise from Punta Arenas. This small island serves as a sanctuary to a large colony of Magellanic penguins and a host of other wildlife. Your family will arrive at the island, and after your guide shares a quick briefing on safe interactions with the penguins, you'll set out on a one-hour walk. Don't be surprised if these curious creatures waddle along beside you, as they're quite used to visitors.

Along the way, you'll also see birds such as black-browed albatross, skuas, terns, and Dominican gulls, and there's a scenic lighthouse on the island that you and the kids can visit. On the ride back to town, make sure the kids keep an eye out for the small black-and-white Commerson's dolphins or sei whales that frequent these waters. 

Later in the afternoon, it's time to pack your bags again and hop on a three-hour bus to your next destination: the southern port town of Puerto Natales, which serves as the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Upon arrival, you can start your exploration of the city with a walk along the waterfront, where you'll be treated to views of the Seno Última Esperanza (Last Hope Sound). Watch the boats come in and out, and the kids may see wildlife like sea lions or even dolphins.

Day 9: Bernardo O'Higgins National Park Glacier Excursion

Today you'll get back on the water for a family excursion to Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. Board your boat in the morning, heading out to the Seno Última Esperanza, enjoying incredible views of blue glaciers, crashing waterfalls, and towering cliffs along the way. The kids should also keep their eyes peeled for condors, as they're often seen circling overhead. 

As you approach the park, you'll see views of Mount Balmaceda, where the glaciers are located, and see the Frigorífico Bories monument, founded in 1913 by the Sociedad Explotadora de Tierra del Fuego. Disembark here for an easy trek along the shore of Laguna de Los Témpanos, which takes you through a native forest of coigües, ñirres, and ciruelillo bushes. Enjoy the incredible contrast between the blue sky and the immense glacier, and take advantage of family photo ops before heading back to the boat. Before returning to the pier, you'll stop at nearby Estancia Perales for some delicious Patagonian barbecue.

Day 10: Condor Watching Adventure, Free Afternoon in Puerto Natales

Wake up and have breakfast at a leisurely hour this morning before joining your guide on a drive to a Patagonian ranch on Lago Sofia. From here, you'll start an easy hike to spot Andean condors—the national bird of Chile and one of the world's largest flying birds. This is bound to be a favorite activity for any wildlife-loving kids, who can scan the skies with binoculars as they pass waterfalls and cliffs, and stop for a reviving snack while keeping an eye out for interesting wildlife. Loop back around to your starting point, and enjoy the scenic ride back to your Puerto Natales hotel.

Later this afternoon, you'll have free time to explore more of Puerto Natales at your own pace. Visit the Museum of Patagonia for exhibits on the region's geology, flora, fauna, and Indigenous people, or head just outside town to Puerto Bories, a former industrial complex that has been transformed into a cultural center that showcases the town's history and heritage. Later tonight, check out the area's famous seafood at a local restaurant.

Day 11: Transfer to Torres del Paine, Guided National Park Tour

Today starts early as your private guide collects you from your hotel and takes you on a full-day adventure in Torres del Paine National Park, tailored to your family's ages and interests. The park, which encompasses more than 700 square miles (1,800 sq km), is known for its endless hiking trails, pristine blue glaciers, and soaring mountains, but a great place to start is at the Milodón Cave, a natural monument located about 15 miles (25 km) from town that features a series of three caves where a prehistoric giant sloth was found.

Continue into the park to the Lago Grey sector, where you can walk along the lakeshore, taking in the astounding sight of glacier ice floating nearby, and on to a viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside (you may want to bring a pack or carrier for the littlest ones). It can also get windy by the lake, so make sure everyone is dressed for the weather!

After hiking the lake, break for lunch, then continue to the Salto Grande sector of the park. Visit Paine Waterfall, a beautiful area with turquoise waters that come from the Río Paine, or hike to the Lago Nordenskjöld viewpoint and Laguna Amarga. While out on the trails, tell the kids to look for wildlife—it's not uncommon to see deer, guanacos (a type of wild llama), foxes, and skunks. Afterward, you'll be transported to a hotel in the park, where you'll overnight.

Day 12: Cruise to Grey Glacier, Return to Puerto Natales

Get a closer look at Torres del Paine National Park's Grey Glacier today, part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and located in the western sector of the park. Lago Grey fronts this massive body of ice, which is nearly 4 miles (6 km) wide, with an impressive height that fluctuates between 100 and 130 feet (30-40 m). After meeting with your guides in the morning, you'll transfer to the lake, where your family will board the Grey III catamaran and set off toward the glacier.

Along the way, you're likely to pass floating icebergs and notice that the ice often appears in different colors depending on the light, with varying shades of blue influenced by how it's compacted and the amount of sediment it contains. Eventually, you'll approach the glacier wall, taking in the remarkable beauty of this ice giant as your guides share information about the area's geology and history. The kids might even see some calving ice crashing into the lake! Upon your return to shore, set off on a short hike across the windswept beach and through the forest, then join your driver for the trip back to Puerto Natales for the night. 

Day 13: Day Trip to a Patagonian Estancia

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll set off for the beautiful Estancia La Península on the Antonio Veras Peninsula. This sprawling sheep and cattle ranch is surrounded by glaciers, mountains, beech forests, and the Seno Última Esperanza—a body of water you'll have to cross by boat on a scenic 40-minute trip. Upon arrival, you can choose your own adventure: join a guided horseback riding tour, set off on a bird-watching hike (there are more than 30 different species of migratory and resident birds here), or rent mountain or e-bikes for a family cycling adventure. 

After a morning of outdoor fun, refuel with a traditional Patagonian asado (barbecue), sit down to learn more about life on a traditional Patagonian estancia as you watch a sheepshearing demonstration. Afterward, you'll return to Puerto Natales by boat, where you can grab dinner and get an early night in preparation for tomorrow's flight.

Day 14: Fly to Santiago, Depart

Your family adventure in Chile comes to an end today. Tire out the kids before the flight with one last walk along the waterfront in Puerto Natales, then meet your driver and head to the airport, where you'll catch a flight back to Santiago to connect with your onward journey. Safe travels!

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