Chile Authentic – Rough Diamonds of the Country on a Round Trip in 4 Weeks

Overview

Discover Chile's fantastic nature and endearing culture off the beaten track on a round trip in 4 weeks by rental car. You visit the vibrant capital Santiago with its many faces, historical places and great city panoramas. You then fly south and pick up your rental car in Coyhaique. The legendary Carretera Austral in northern Patagonia is flanked by ancient forests, winding fjords, and slumbering volcanoes. You pause in awe before the massive hanging glacier Ventisquero Colgante in Queulat National Park. With its warm thermal springs and traces of German heritage, Puyuhuapi quickly casts its spell. Chaitén stands as a symbol of the raw beauty and drama of Chile’s ever-shifting natural world. Marvel at picturesque lakes around Puerto Varas and the wooden churches on the island of Chiloé. In the crystal-clear waters of the glacial lakes near Panguipulli, the snow-covered Andean peaks of the “Chilean Switzerland” are mirrored. In the region of Concepción, academic flair merges with a tranquil coastline and quiet fishing villages. The countryside surrounding Talca enchants with vast vineyards and excellent hiking trails through unspoiled nature. In the port city of Valparaíso, colorful hills, rickety funiculars, and outstanding street art await. The area near La Serena is known for traditional pisco culture, coastal wildlife like dolphins and penguins, and breathtaking views into the star-filled sky. Finally, let yourself be captivated by the contrast of dreamlike bays set amid the stark beauty of the Atacama Desert near Caldera.

Highlights

The magical pull of Puyuhuapi

Stilt houses on Chiloé

Charming Maule River

Penguins and dolphins near Isla Damas

Atacama scenery along the Pacific coast

Itinerary

Day 1-3: Santiago de Chile

Welcome to Chile! Here in Santiago beats the heart of Chile. And at the same time, at the foot of the snow-covered mountains and not far from the mighty ocean, you feel what gave this country its name according to a legend: Chilli - where the world ends. Glorious buildings and busy commerce on the streets, flourishing parks and modern high-rise complexes come together in Santiago. Here, Chile's past, present and future collide directly.

Day 3-5: Coyhaique

Over the coming days, you'll explore the remote wilderness along the Carretera Austral on a self-drive journey. Your first base is Coyhaique, located in the heart of this legendary road. The mountainous, lush surroundings are reminiscent of the green Alpine regions of Central Europe. Take a day trip to the famous Marble Cathedrals on the vast Lago General Carrera. In the bay at Puerto Río Tranquilo, boats depart across this binational lake, heading toward one of the true highlights of the Carretera Austral: the Capillas de Mármol.

Day 5-7: Puyuhuapi

With its captivating nature, seclusion, and sense of harmony, Puyuhuapi perfectly embodies the spirit of the Carretera Austral. A particular highlight is the massive Ventisquero Colgante glacier tongue, which cascades dramatically down a steep rock face behind a mountain lagoon. In the nearby thermal springs, you can unwind both body and mind, while Patagonian dolphins glide gracefully through the waters of the Puyuhuapi Fjord in front of you.

Day 7-9: Chaitén

Nestled in a serene setting of forests, green hills, and the fresh Pacific breeze, you’ll stop in Chaitén. Venture into the vast nature reserve of Pumalín Park, a breathtaking sanctuary home to hundreds of waterfalls, ancient trees of biblical age, fjords, lava fields, and two active volcanoes. Or simply put your feet up on Santa Bárbara Beach, with its dark volcanic sand and wild, overgrown shoreline.

Day 9-12: Puerto Varas

Puerto Varas carries its own magic with its panorama of the sparkling Lago Llanquihue and the snowy volcanoes on the horizon, with German architecture and inviting cafés. The inexhaustible rapids of Río Petrohué break over the volcanic rocks and roar impetuously. With its cone shape, Volcán Osorno looks like something out of a picture book. On the island of Chiloé, you discover colorful stilt houses, wooden churches and indigenous mythology. And a scenic boat ride takes you across the sparkling waters of Lake Todos los Santos to Villa Peulla.

Day 12-14: Panguipulli

At the latitude of Valdivia and not far from the Argentine border, the fairytale world of the Seven Lakes near Panguipulli unfolds. Small villages dot the shores of crystal-clear waters, narrow hiking trails wind through tangled forests, and the architecture of some lodges within the Huilo Huilo nature reserve seems almost utopian. Hike through Valdivian rainforest, listen to the roar of the Huilo Huilo and La Leona waterfalls, and treat yourself to a refreshing dip in one of the glacial lakes.

Day 14-16: Concepción

Chile stretches over 4,200 kilometers from north to south — and Concepción marks the geographic center of the mainland. Take a deep breath on the coast of this diverse region. The nearby port town of Tomé combines pleasant beaches with a rich heritage as a former hub of the textile and fishing industries. Along the wide seafront promenade of Dichato, soft sand and numerous restaurants offering local seafood specialties invite you to linger. And on the peninsula of the charming village Coliumo, scenic coastal walks, a hike to the lighthouse, and stunning cliffside views await.

Day 16-19: Talca

Hilly, sprawling vineyards embed you on your route to Talca. Sink into the rural idyll and leisureliness of the small town. Discover the untouched mountain landscape in the surrounding countryside and hike to the remarkable Rainbow Waterfalls. And on a train ride with the Buscarril, you rumble at an unhurried pace along the north bank of the lovely Maule River to Constitución.

Day 19-21: Valparaíso

Valparaíso is known for its colorful tin-clad houses, historic elevators and street art full of politics and irony. View the dazzling ocean in front of the broad mountain silhouette. Meander attentively through the winding sidewalks on the hills of this freedom-loving coastal metropolis. Go up the myriad, exhilaratingly designed stairways of the port city. And an entertaining cooking class gives you a taste of Chilean food culture.

Day 21-24: La Serena

La Serena is the next stop on your journey. Sightsee old churches and green parks of Chile's second-oldest city. Explore the Valle del Elqui, which looks like a blooming oasis in the arid surroundings. At a local distillery, you get a special point of view on how the national drink Pisco is made. And a fishing boat takes you to the islands in front of Punta de Choros, where agile Humboldt Penguins trot on the rocks. Occasionally, even dolphins and whales keep you company.

Day 24-27: Caldera / Bahía Inglesa

The scenery of the coastal area around Caldera is engaging: you are secluded in the Atacama Desert, the remarkable variety of cacti adorns monotonous sandy plains, while the powerful Pacific Ocean rushes along the picture-perfect beaches. And in the hinterland, the huge Andean mountains and volcanoes tower over 6,000 meters in altitude. Admire the great panoramas of Chile's Sugarloaf and relax under the sun on the gorgeous beaches of Inglesa Bay.

Day 27-28: Santiago

You return to the capital of Chile. Take a breath and stroll through historic streets and new hip neighborhoods. Spotlight the delicate work of creative potters, painters and jewelry designers at original market stalls. And sum up the past days on one of the many viewpoints overlooking the restless metropolis and the five- and six-thousand-meter peaks of the snow-covered Andes.

What our Travel Packages Include

Travel service:

Basic package Full package

Individual and professional advice about your journey
Tailor-made travel planning and organization

Accommodation:

Basic package Full package

27 nights in standard, comfort or premium accommodation
Double room usually with private bathroom and breakfast

Local transport:

Basic package Full package

2 regional flights
4 transfer connections
Rental car (see below)
1 car ferry cruise

Rental car:

Basic package Full package

Rental car for 24 days (SUV)
Car type: Hyundai Tucson or similar
Pick up: Balmaceda (Airport)
Drop off: Copiapó (Airport)
Kilometers: free
Border crossing: excl.
Insurance: Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) with basic protection against damage and theft without deductible (via refund)

Half and full day tours:

Basic package Full package

City tour Santiago (private)
Waterfalls of Petrohué and Lago Todos los Santos (shared)
Train ride along the Río Maule (shared)
Cooking class in Valparaíso (shared)
City tour Valparaíso (private)
Isla Damas (shared)

Our Prices for your Journey through Chile

Included:

Travel service
Accommodation
Local transport
Rental car

Excluded:

Arrival and departure, entrance fees, half and full day tours, travel insurance, local taxes, tips and other services not listed

Total price per person

(with 2 travelers):

From €4,450.00

Included:

Travel service
Accommodation
Local transport
Rental car
Half and full day tours

Excluded:

Arrival and departure, entrance fees, travel insurance, local taxes, tips and other services not listed

Total price per person

(with 2 travelers):

From €4,980.00

Add individual travel services to your journey. For example:

Intercontinental flights
Family motorhome
Free adjustment of destinations and order of your journey through Chile

Chile Central promotes sustainable and solidarity tourism. By booking your trip, you support CO₂ offset as well as a social project for disadvantaged children in Santiago.

Decided in advance? We offer attractive special rates for early bookers.