SilverHairedGappies
Impartial travel advice for the Forever Young!
CHILE
From North to South
Atacama Desert Chile
Stay
A 19th century historic home within "the Historic Centre" of San Pedro de Atacama.
Visit
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Sunset at Moon Valley & Death Valley
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Breakfast at Tatio Geysers (largest in the world) & the Andean village of Machuca
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Atacama Salt Flats (largest in the world) & lithium mines
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Wander around San Pedro, enjoy the local artisan markets, visit the Archeological Museum
A must if you are visiting Chile. Fascinating part of the world. San Pedro has a dreamy relaxed travellers vibe. Night sky is sensational!
Loved every moment. Loved Terrantai Lodge which is sensitively in keeping with the local environment.
Despite being a much photographed church, there sadly was a shortage of priests so no Masses.
Part of a trip: 3 or 4 nights, flying up to Calama from Santiago
Organised by Self.
Lake District Tour Chile/Argentina
​Day 6:
Drive to San Martin de Los Andes. Stay in hotel of your choice for one or two nights.
Day 7/8:
Take the paved route via Junin with a picnic prepared to eat at the foothills of Volcan Lanin before crossing back to Chile to stay at the resort of Pucon.
Drive takes 3.5 hrs - leave plenty of time to enjoy the changing scenery.
A fabulous adventure within stunning scenery enjoying the warm hospitality of both the Chileans and Argentinians.
From Lago Puyehue through to Pucon the scenery is ever changing and stunning throughout. Wonderful way to observe rural life in both countries, and then enjoy the contrasting towns of Bariloche & San Martin & Pucon.
Part of a trip: 7/8 nights combined with a stay in Pucon (see below)
Organised by Self
Pucon Chile
Stay
Iconic boutique hotel on the bank of Lago Villarrica, built late 1940s, former guests include Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
Visit
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Lago Caburgua
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Termas de Huife
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Climb Volcan Villarrica (live volcano)
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White water raft down Rio Trancura
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Zipline in ancient forests
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Browse the Artisan shops and market
Eat
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La Maga Uruguayan Steakhouse
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Cafe de la P
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Viva Peru
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La Fleur du Sel - on the way to Termas de Huife
Vibrant mountain/lake resort offering every form of sport. Town buzzing with the most amazing choice of fantastic restaurants!
Monasterio Santa Clara with the Capucin Nuns
Part of a trip: 3 nights stay taken after Lake Trip (above).
Drive on to Temuco to return hire car fly back to Santiago.
Organised by Self
San Rafael Glacier Chile
Travel to one of the most remote parts of the world!
Fly Santiago or Araucania Aiport (Temuco) to Balmaceda (Chilean Patagonia)
All travel to and from Balmaceda aiport is organised by local tour companies, eg: altue.com or international tour companies.
Day One:
Collected from Balmaceda, travel to Coyhaique for lunch. Travel through mountainous forests (5hrs) to private pier for boat to
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Day 2 &3 (poss 4):
Enjoy the tours and spa at the remote Puyuhuapi Lodge
Visits from Puyuhuapi Lodge
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Queulat National Park & The Hanging Glacier
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Puyuhuapi Village
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Relax in Puyuhuapi Hot Springs
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Enjoy spa treatments
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Day 4 or 5:
Board the Patagonia Express for 7hr trip through the fjords to San Rafael Glacier. Enjoy lunch on board at the Glacier and board dinghies to go to edge of Glacier.
Return in evening to Puerto Chacabuco for one night
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Day 5 or 6:
Travel back to Balmaceda for flight to Santiago or Puerto Montt.
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Lago Llanquihue Extension:
Fly to Puerto Montt, Taxi to Puerto Varas
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Stay
Eat Cambalache
Yet another fabulous adventure in this stunning country. Enjoy the remoteness, the unique scenery, the flora and fauna and warm Chilean hospitality throughout.
Incredible trip marked with sadness at watching the impact of global warming at the San Rafael Glacier.
Part of a trip: 4/5 night trip, can be added to any other trip(s) in Chile.
Organised by local tour company
SHG notes for a comfortable trip in Chile
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Distances are greater than they appear
Chile is very long, and travel between regions can take time. We found it best not to try to cover too much in one trip.
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Crossing into Argentina is straightforward, but slow
The border crossing was well organised, though it took time. Worth allowing for delays and keeping plans flexible that day. -
Altitude is worth bearing in mind
In the north in particular, taking the first day or two gently made a difference. -
Getting around often involves flights
Internal flights made the journey far more manageable than relying solely on road travel. -
Conditions underfoot can vary
From dusty paths to uneven ground, good footwear and a steady pace are helpful. -
Take your time
This is not a destination to rush — we enjoyed it far more by slowing the pace.
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