Highlights
- Enjoy the best of both worlds in cosmopolitan Santiago's expansive parkland
- Explore the colonial townships on the shores of scenic Lago Llanquihue
- Hike through the alpine landscape of Torres del Paine National Park
- Sail the Señoret Channel and visit the imposing Serrano Glacier
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Santiago, Afternoon at Bicentenario Park | Santiago |
| Day 2 | Fly to Puerto Varas, Tour Lago Llanquihue's Historic Towns | Puerto Varas |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park | Puerto Varas |
| Day 4 | Fly to Puerto Natales, Explore the City | Puerto Natales |
| Day 5 | Family Tour of Torres del Paine National Park | Puerto Natales |
| Day 6 | Boat Trip to Serrano Glacier, Traditional Lunch | Puerto Natales |
| Day 7 | Fly to Santiago, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Santiago, Afternoon at Bicentenario Park
Welcome to Santiago, Chile's cosmopolitan capital! Home to almost half of Chile's population, this bustling city is brim-full of culture, cuisine, and more than its fair share of beautiful parkland, making it a great starting point for your family holiday. Your driver will meet you at Santiago Airport and transport you to your accommodation 30 minutes away in the city center.
Get settled in, then head out for some fresh air with the locals in the city's expansive Bicentenario Park. At over 67 acres (27 ha), this park is one of Santiago's main green spaces and is a mecca for families. The kids will love the two lagoons, which are home to ducks, flamingoes, and koi carp— purchase some food from one of the handy dispensers and let them have fun feeding the wildlife. There are multiple playgrounds and child-friendly gardens, so relax and let the little ones scamper around and let off steam.
Once you're ready to see a little more of the city, head to the elegant Casacostanera shopping mall. You'll find just about anything you need here, including souvenirs. The mall is also home to some great restaurants, so grab some dinner here before heading back to your accommodation to relax for the evening.
Day 2: Fly to Puerto Varas, Tour Lago Llanquihue's Historic Towns
Get the kids up bright and early to catch your two-hour flight to Puerto Montt. Your driver will meet you at the airport there and take you to your next destination, Puerto Varas. Once you've settled into your accommodation, a guide will pick you up for a half-day tour of the scenic towns bordering Lago Llanquihue: Llanquihue township, Frutillar, and Puerto Octay. With views of the snowcapped volcano, Osorno, dominating the skyline, your tour could hardly have a prettier backdrop.
This area was settled by Germans, and you'll see their influence in the architecture and colorful gardens. As you proceed around the lake, you'll learn about the history of the area and its agricultural, livestock, and dairy industries. The kids will love getting a taste of the area's Germanic past with a selection of tasty pastries at a Frutillar tea house—be sure to leave a little time, too, for the fascinating German Colonial Museum and the Lakeside Theater. Your last stop will be Puerto Octay, where you'll get perfect views of the lake—be sure to take a few family photos!
Day 3: Day Trip to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
Get ready for an adventure-filled outdoor spectacle today as you and the kids explore the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. Hike to your heart's content, or, if your little ones are on the younger side, plenty of sights are accessible by car—just have a chat with your driver. Your first stop will be the Saltos del Petrohué, a spectacular, chute-like system of rapids. From here, you can take an easy 30-minute walk to the lookout through the native forest, with the Osorno Volcano and the lava rock-bordered RÍo Petrohué completing the pristine natural picture.
Take your time enjoying the scenery—keeping those cameras at the ready!—and then, if time allows, explore a little more of what the park has to offer. Depending on the age of your kids, swimming, kayaking, and fishing are all options, or take a boat ride on Lago Todos Los Santos to get all the views with a little less exertion. Your driver will take you back to Puerto Varas when you're ready. Dine on authentic local food at one of the many reasonably-priced restaurants before heading to your hotel to relax for the evening.
Day 4: Fly to Puerto Natales, Explore the City
It's another bright and early start this morning as you meet your driver and whip the kids out to the local airport to catch a two-hour flight to Puerto Natales in Chilean Patagonia—the gateway to the nature-lovers paradise of Torres del Paine National Park. A driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation. Settle in and grab a bite to eat before spending the afternoon exploring the town.
The best way to discover Puerto Natales is with a guided tour. Highlights include the photogenic Monumento al Viento, a sculptural monument to the strong winds that can occur here. You'll see the Muelle Historico, an old jetty wandering into the waters of the Seno Última Esperanza (Last Hope Sound)—and an iconic local spot to get the camera out. Stroll the main streets and keep your eyes out for attractive souvenirs and handicrafts. The tour will also allow plenty of time to sample local delicacies. The kids will love the hot chocolate and banana milk, but the savory options won't fail to delight with delicious local lamb dishes featured heavily on the menus.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Family Tour of Torres del Paine National Park
Dedicate today to exploring the extraordinary Torres del Paine National Park with your family. The best option with kids is to take a private tour—this gives you the ability to set your own rhythm of hiking and resting, as well as to add in a few more snack breaks! Although the park is famous for its multiday hikes, there are also plenty of short, kid-friendly routes with loads of wildlife to spot—keep your eyes peeled for condors, pumas, guanacos, and huemuls (an endangered south Andean deer). The impressive scenery is sure to keep the whole family captivated.
Your first stop is Cascada Paine, a torrential glacier-fed waterfall. Your family will then take an easy scenic walk past the Salto Grande waterfall and the jade-watered Lago Nordenskjöld to Mirador Cuernos for panoramic views of the impressive twin "horns" of Cuerno Principal and Cuerno Este. Break for lunch at Hosteria Camping on Lago Pehoe, then take a short hike to Mirador Condor—as well as great mountain views, you'll also have a good chance of seeing condors hovering nearby, which, with their wingspan of around 10 feet (3 m) is an impressive sight in itself. Your driver will take you back to Puerto Natales when you're ready.
Day 6: Boat Trip to Serrano Glacier, Traditional Lunch
Change up the mode of transport this morning with a boating trip through the Señoret Channel to the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. Enjoy onboard refreshments as you and the kids gaze out at Mount Balmaceda and its glaciers. You'll also visit the Condor waterfall and cliffs before disembarking at Puerto Toro to hike along the distinctive native forest-lined shores of the Laguna de los Témpanos toward the Serrano Glacier. The youngsters will love the excitement of the boat trip and the imposing glacier, and when you get back to the boat, you'll all be treated to a drink cooled with chunks of glacial ice.
By now, you and the kids have likely worked up an appetite, and lunch won't disappoint. Your guide will take you to a local estancia (ranch), where you'll receive a four-course traditional Patagonian asado (barbecue) meal—enjoy the lamb and beef for which the region is famous, all against the stunning glacial backdrop. If time allows, explore the estancia a little—it is known as one of Patagonia's most beautiful cattle ranches and is still operational. After a leisurely lunch, your driver will transport your family back to Puerto Natales.
Day 7: Fly to Santiago & Depart
More Great Chile Itineraries
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