Create an account sign-up-diamond

Start your adventure today.

Already a member? Login

Guided Atacama Desert, Lake District and Torres del Paine Tour

Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!

Guided Atacama Desert, Lake District and Torres del Paine Tour
From $3,325USDBook Now
Your itineraryDates & pricesReviews
12 days from $3,325USD
Easy quote
Group of tourists walking with a herd of llamas in Patagonia
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

The 12-Day Guided Atacama Desert, Lake District and Torres del Paine Tour invites you to witness Chile’s most majestic natural wonders all in one adventure. Exploring the Atacama Desert, the Chilean Lake District, and Patagonia – this all-encompassing tour immerses you in some of Chile’s most stunning natural landscapes.

Accompanied by your local guide, you’ll explore brilliant landscapes and find yourself welcomed by two of Chile’s indigenous peoples. Each day brings extraordinary adventures as you hike in famous National Parks, explore lively cities, meet fascinating local communities and jet-set your way across Chile’s expansive landscapes.

This incredible tour seamlessly combines the exploration of Chile’s best natural wonders with its fascinating cultures, and incredible history.

Chile, South America
Happiness promise

Guided Atacama Desert, Lake District and Torres del Paine Tour

Explore the Atacama Desert the Chilean Lake District and Patagonia
4.80
(20 reviews)
12 days from $3,325USD
Easy quote
Duration
12 days
Season
Jan-Feb, Nov-Dec
Activity
Walking
Type
Guided, Private, Scheduled
Accommodation
Hotels
Difficulty
Easy (2/5)
From $3,325USD (see prices for this tour)
Get a quote
Got any questions?
Ask a question
National Geographic
Guardian
FodorsTravel
Time
Backpacker
National Geographic
Guardian
Group of tourists walking with a herd of llamas in Patagonia
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

The 12-Day Guided Atacama Desert, Lake District and Torres del Paine Tour invites you to witness Chile’s most majestic natural wonders all in one adventure. Exploring the Atacama Desert, the Chilean Lake District, and Patagonia – this all-encompassing tour immerses you in some of Chile’s most stunning natural landscapes.

Accompanied by your local guide, you’ll explore brilliant landscapes and find yourself welcomed by two of Chile’s indigenous peoples. Each day brings extraordinary adventures as you hike in famous National Parks, explore lively cities, meet fascinating local communities and jet-set your way across Chile’s expansive landscapes.

This incredible tour seamlessly combines the exploration of Chile’s best natural wonders with its fascinating cultures, and incredible history.

rating
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Trip highlights

Stand in awe of the Atacama Salt Flats and Moon Valley as you explore wondrous landscapes peppered with flamingos.

Find yourself welcomed into two remote villages to meet and learn from Chile’s Atacameño and Huilliche indigenous peoples.

Explore the volcanos of Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park and witness a highlight of Patagonia as you hike and stay in Torres del Paine.

See your reflection in the green-blue waters of All Saints Lake, located at the foot of the Osorno Volcano.

We are Australian
We know Adventure
10Adventures only does Hiking, Cycling and Adventure Holidays. Its our mission to help you explore the world!

Trip map

Travellers love 10Adventures

View all
Day by day itinerary
Expand all days
Day 1
See more
Arrival to Santiago
Upon arrival at Santiago airport, a transfer will take you to your hotel to drop off luggage and meet your fellow travelers. You’ll then embark on a city tour to catch a glimpse of Chile’s metropolitan capital Santiago: visiting Santa Lucia Hill, the Buenas Artes National Museum, and the central market with its colorful hustle and bustle. You’ll also take in the Plaza de Armas, the presidential palace “La Moneda”, the church San Francisco and the district Lastarria.
Distance None
Overnight Location Hotel in Santiago
Included Meals None
Day 2
See more
Travel to the Atacama Desert
After breakfast, a transfer takes you back to the airport to board a northbound flight to the mining city of Calama in the Atacama Desert. Upon arrival, you’ll make your way directly to the charming oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama. During leisure time in the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to explore its lively streets at your own pace.
Distance Flexible
Overnight Location Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 3
See more
Atacama Salt Flats and Moon Valley
After an invigorating breakfast, you’ll visit the Atacama Salt Flats and Chaxa Lagoon. On the way, you’ll stop in the indigenous village of Toconao, where you’ll visit the beautiful plaza and church. Later, arrive at the Salar de Atacama, Chile’s largest salt flat, which originated millions of years ago by the upheaval of the Andes and the Domeyko cordillera. The octagonal salt crusts in the middle of the world’s driest desert are truly an impressive sight. Here you can also observe three different species of flamingos, which feed on salt brine. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Moon Valley. It is located about 18km (11 mi) west of San Pedro de Atacama and part of the nature reserve Los Flamencos, which is co-administered by indigenous communities. This surreal place, one of the most spectacular in the Atacama Desert, owes its name to the unique geological formations that resemble a lunar landscape. Explore this beautiful natural wonder of Chile and visit the strange creatures that nature has created from salt and clay.
Distance Flexible
Overnight Location San Pedro de Atacama
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 4
See more
Meet Atacameño Indigenous Communities
On the outskirts of San Pedro de Atacama, there are several small villages of Atacameño indigenous communities (in their language they are called the Lick-Antay). These villages are also referred to as Ayllus – meaning an organized structure of neighborhood assistance based on the land rights of common ancestors, which emphasizes the importance of community cooperation. Today you’ll visit the municipality Ayllu de Coyo, where you can get to know two Atacameño families as they guide you along their traditional paths. You’ll witness the local irrigation system, animal husbandry and the production of their typical handicrafts. In the afternoon, a unique experience awaits: the traditional caravan of the Atacameño people. This walk with llamas allows you to relive this centuries-old way of transport in the desert, while your guide tells you all about this symbolic Andean animal.
Distance Flexible
Overnight Location Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama
Included Meals Breakfast, lunch
Day 5
See more
Free Day in San Pedro de Atacama
This day is at leisure, allowing you to relax or visit other attractions in the area. A visit to the geysers of El Tatio comes highly recommended!
Distance Flexible
Overnight Location Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 6
See more
Drive to Puerto Varas via Calama
After breakfast, a transfer takes you back to Calama Airport, from where you’ll fly via Santiago to Puerto Montt in the Chilean lake region, more than 2000km (1200 mi) further south. From here, you’ll continue your journey to the “City of Roses” Puerto Varas. Beautifully situated on the shores of Llanquihue Lake, this touristic town has started booming in recent years.
Distance Flexible
Overnight Location Hotel in Puerto Varas
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 7
See more
Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a scenic ride along Llanquihue Lake to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. Here, you’ll visit the famous rapids of the Petrohué River, one of the wildest in Chile. Roaring loudly, the river rushes through its uneven bed, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. It is then time to continue to nearby All Saints Lake, (“Todos Los Santos”) located at the foot of Osorno Volcano. With its emerald-green water, many visitors consider it the most beautiful lake in all of Chile. After a walk along the lava beach, you’ll move on to the small village of Las Cascadas. Here you’ll meet a German immigrant family that has maintained its customs and language skills for five generations. We indulge in a typical rural lunch and discover the eventful history of this family and the German immigrants in the 19th century. In the afternoon, you’ll continue your exploration of the area and reach the charming lakeside village of Frutillar, offering spectacular views of the volcanoes. Here, you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere emanating from the traditional painted houses, lively gardens, tearooms, and the modern Teatro del Lago. The open-air museum of German immigration allows you to learn even more about the area’s colonization.
Distance Flexible
Overnight Location Hotel in Puerto Varas
Included Meals Breakfast, lunch
Day 8
See more
Meet the Huilliche Indigenous People in San Juan de la Costa
Today you’ll travel to the homeland of the Huilliche indigenous people, the southern brother tribe of the Mapuche natives. In the coastal area of San Juan de la Costa, you’ll learn about their local traditions while enjoying beautifully pristine coastal landscapes. After lunch with a local family, enjoy a hike through the ancient native Valdivian rainforest, which has been preserved in good conditions. Here you’ll meet the family of Lonko (tribal leader) Carlos Paillamanque and learn more about the cosmovision and way of life of the Huilliche and Mapuche. In the afternoon, make your way back to Puerto Varas.
Distance Flexible
Overnight Location Hotel in Puerto Varas
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 9
See more
Flight to Punta Arenas
In the morning, a transfer takes you to the airport in Puerto Montt. After a two-and-a-half-hour flight, you’ll land in Punta Arenas, one of the most southern (and at the same time windiest) cities in the world! The afternoon at leisure is a good opportunity for exploring the city’s main points of interest.
Distance Flexible
Overnight Location Hotel in Punta Arenas
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 10
See more
Explore Patagonia: Torres del Paine National Park
Today you’ll embark on a journey into the Patagonian heartland. The route takes you through the typical pampa landscape of the Magallanes region, past huge Patagonian estancias (sheep farms). In the afternoon, you’ll reach the stunning Torres del Paine National Park, undoubtedly, an absolute highlight of every Chile vacation! It is here, where the vastness of the Patagonian steppe meets the steep peaks of the South Cordillera, that nature shows its most breathtaking side.
Distance Flexible
Overnight Location Hotel in Torres del Paine National Park
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 11
See more
Torres del Paine National Park and Drive to Puerto Natales
Today is dedicated to exploring Torres del Paine National Park, one of South America’s most impressive natural attractions. 2000-meter-high peaks rise out of the vast steppe abruptly; huge glaciers, deep blue lakes and wind-blown, gnarled southern beeches paint and unforgettable picture. Thundering rivers flow into the valley as waterfall and the primeval wilderness is a unique refuge for rare animals such as guanacos, Andean foxes, flamingos and condors. On a short hiking trail, you’ll reach the viewpoint at Grey Lake, where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the eponymous glacier. Your tour finishes in Puerto Natales, where you’ll spend one final night and can enjoy a delicisous meal to celebrate the adventure, now come and gone. Note: As an alternative, it is possible to do a challenging hike today to the Paine Towers base (the “Torres”) independently. Guided hikes can be organized with a supplement.
Distance Flexible
Overnight Location Hotel in Puerto Natales
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 12
See more
Departure from Punta Arenas
After breakfast, you’ll return to the airport in Punta Arenas, where it’s time to say goodbye. From here, it is possible to take a flight back home (via Santiago) or continue with your onwards travels.
Distance None
Overnight Location None
Included Meals Breakfast

Why book with 10 Adventures?

We know adventure

Founded by experienced travellers, active and adventure vacations are all we do.

Experience the trip of a lifetime organized by a team of travel specialists who combine knowledge and passion for adventure travel.

Self-guided specialists

With over 600 tours across 30+ countries, we specialize in self-guided tours.

Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of your logistics are taken care of.

Packed with value

Get everything you need for your next vacation with one easy booking.

We take care of accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - so you can focus on making memories.

World Class support

Get unbeatable support at every step of your journey.

Whether you are planning or travelling, no matter what your question, a real human is always a call or click away.

Hassle free bookings

Have peace of mind for when travel plans change.

Explore our flexible booking, payment, and cancellation options, as well as our Lifetime Deposits program.

Reviews
5
17
4
2
3
1
2
1
4.80 (20 reviews)
Sort by: Newest
Dates and prices

This guided tour is run either as a mixed group on a scheduled departure. Private departures are available on request.

Prices below are per person:

What’s included

Meals

11 breakfasts and 2 lunches are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 11 nights are included.

Transportation during the Tour

This tour includes all the land transfers mentioned in the itineraries. Flights on this tour are not included (including the flight between Puerto Varas and Punta Arenas on day 9. Please note that in Patagonia transfers take place on public transport.

Also Included

  • German or English-speaking guide services
  • All entrance fees

Not included

  • Meals not noted as included
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees

Optional Extras

  • Extra nights before or after the tour

Accommodation for Guided Atacama Desert, Lake District and Torres del Paine Tour

This tour is based in 2-3-star hotels that offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Standard rooms are of double occupancy and those willing to have single rooms will need to pay a supplement of {price currency="USD" value="720"}.

Frequently asked questions

How hard is the Chile’s Deserts Lakes and Peaks Tour?

We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. There are no strenuous activities involved in this tour, however, you should be comfortable with driving for numerous hours almost daily and spend time on your feet while sightseeing.

Do I need a visa to travel to Chile?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on the Chile’s Deserts Lakes and Peaks Tour?

11 breakfasts and 2 lunches are included.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Santiago de Chile to start this tour?

Fly into Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago de Chile which can be reached from a few major cities in the world or via flight connections in South America.

Is the Chile’s Deserts Lakes and Peaks Tour in English?

Yes. You have an option to choose between German and English language tours.

Where does the Chile’s Deserts Lakes and Peaks Tour end?

The tour ends in Puerto Natales.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Chile?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Chile?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

Back to top
Why travellers choose this tour
At 10Adventures, it’s easy to make memories with the following six optional inclusions on this tour:
We're Canadian
Book with a Canadian company whose mission is to help you travel the world.

Get travel inspiration and discounts

Join our weekly travel newsletter