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Our big gay Chile adventure offers an unforgettable taste of South Americaโs wild west. Soak up sensational Santiago, the countryโs capital and beating heart, then visit the Atacama Desert, known for being the driest place on Earth. Afterwards, head south to tackle one of the worldโs most sought-after hiking destinations, Patagonia. Itโs so famously rugged, the worldโs largest outdoor clothing company is named after it. Weโll spend 4 days in Torres del Paine National Park hiking from campsite to campsite along the same trails used by guanacos and prowling pumas. This epic journey concludes on the shores of Grey Lake, renowned for its sweeping vistas and massive glaciers.
Hola! Welcome to Santiago. And thank you for joining our big gay Chilean adventure! Upon arrival at Santiago International Airport, a private transfer will take you to the hotel. Chileโs capital is a vibrant city full of character with thriving arts and culture, a trendy restaurant scene, and lively nightlife. At 2pm, please join us in the hotel lobby for our Group Meeting followed by an afternoon tour around Santiago via foot and the cityโs metro system. Together weโll pass by some of the cityโs most iconic architectural gems including โLa Monedaโ government palace, the Plaza de Armas and Santiagoโs Cathedral. After an afternoon of walking weโll be hungry for our welcome dinner where weโll savour the regionโs fine local cuisine and its distinctive Chilean pisco (a type of brandy).
This morning we have a very early start to catch our flight to Calama, then transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. Lunch is optional at our hotel. Take a few hours to explore this oasis amidst the worldโs DRIEST desert. In the afternoon weโll reconvene for a sunset hike through Moon Valley. Our trek begins within the Salt Mountain Range known for its abstract rock formations. Weโll then make our way to the magical Three Marys view point to enjoy panoramic views of this national reserve and the Andes Mountain Range. After the hike weโll be transferred to a local restaurant for dinner.
Length of hike: 3 hours
Maximum altitude: 2,600 meters above sea level.
Please note: Todayโs flight is not included in the cost of the tour in 2024. Please see Important Information for a special note on purchasing domestic airfare.
Buenos dias! Today, weโll start with another desert hike that will take approximately 3 hours. The adventure begins in Las Cornisas, known for its distinct red tones and breathtaking rock formations. This area is renowned for its amazing geomorphic and topographic formations where rocky natural sculptures and dunes abound. Weโll have a box lunch in tow for a quick bite to eat, then continue todayโs adventure with a bike ride to some briny lagoons north of the Atacama Saltpan. Weโll float in Laguna Piedra, thanks to its salt-dense waters, then walk a few minutes to Cejar Lagoon. Dinner tonight is optional, and later weโll have the option of star gazing (not included, weather dependent). As the driest place on earth, the night sky from Atacama Desert is second to none, so why not spend tonight observing splendid nebulas and constellations while wine, hot cocoa and sweet snacks are served?
Todayโs biking distance: 36 Kilometers/22.3 Miles round-trip
Pedalling level: Moderate-Difficult
Feeling spritely this morning? Weโll have an optional early-morning excursion to visit the Tatio Geysers. Otherwise, our day begins around 8am when weโll begin hiking towards Termas de Puritama. Upriver along the Puritama, weโll discover how the riverbed is the ideal environment for this regionโs endemic flora, like the Foxtail, Ojalar, Tikara and Cardon cactus. Our trek ends around noon at the Puritama Thermal Springs where both groups will reconvene and enjoy a boxed lunch together. Be sure to unwind in the mineral-rich, 33ยฐC (90ยฐ F) water while a symphony of birds like the Andean Ibis and Yellow-Finch serenade us. En route weโll also see Guatin Canyon, where a lukewarm stream flows. Tonight weโll have the option to enjoy dinner at the hotel or take a transfer into town (not covered) to eat at a local restaurant.
Length of hike: 2 hours
Maximum altitude: 3,200 meters above sea level
After breakfast we head back to Santiago (2-hour flight) for a final day in the countryโs capital. The afternoon is free to enjoy the sights, sounds, and culture of this world-class South American city. Before saying farewell to civilization and heading to remote Patagonia, weโll have a delicious dinner in a local restaurant.
Please note: Todayโs flight is not included in the cost of the tour in 2024. Please see Important Informationย for a special note on purchasing domestic airfare.
Up and at โem! This morning weโll fly out very early to Puerto Natales. We will likely arrive early afternoon depending on the availability of flights. Upon arrival weโll store bags with reception as our rooms likely wonโt be ready, then take a short orientation walk of this small and sleepy port city. The afternoon is free for us to relax and pack our small bags for the next portion of the tour or perhaps an optional kayaking excursion if the temperamental weather is cooperating. This evening weโll enjoy a local Patagonian dinner in town.
IMPORTANT PACKING NOTE: Tomorrow weโll begin the camping & refugio portion of our tour. You must prepare a smaller pack with enough clothing and layers for 3 full days of hiking along with any daily essentials and personal items you require. You will be required to carry this pack from campsite to campsiteโthere are no porters on this tour. The rest of our luggage will be transferred to Hotel Lago Grey and will not be accessible until Day 9.
Please note: Todayโs flight is not included in the cost of the tour in 2024. Please see Important Information for a special note on purchasing domestic airfare.
Another early day awaits with a 2.5-hour drive to Torres del Paine. Upon arriving, we’ll check in with the park authorities, then hike up to our camp where we’ll drop our bags before continuing our beautiful hike towards the park’s namesake granite โtowers.โ Upon arrival at the towers, weโll have some time to soak up the majestic view and gaze at the turquoise lagoon before heading to camp for dinner.ย
Ascent:ย 740m/2427ft
Descent:ย 380m/1245ft
Distance: 15.5km/9.6mi
Approximate hiking time: 6.5 hours
This morning weโll rise early to get the most out of our day. Weโll begin with a quick transfer to Pudeto Lake for a catamaran ride to the start of the French Valley trail. This scenic hike is well known for its sweeping views of snow- and glacier-capped mountains. The trek itself will be challenging and long with quite an impressive incline. Once we descend from the hike, weโll arrive at our cozy but basic accommodation, Refugio Paine Grande. At this lodge weโll be staying in bunk beds with 6 to a room and shared facilities. Unfortunately, there are no single supplements available this evening.
Ascent: 516m/1692ft
Descent: 875m/2874ft
Distance: 22.3km/14mi
Approximate hiking time: 9 hours
Good news, after yesterdayโs tenacious trek, today will feel like a breeze by comparison. In total, weโll be hiking for only 4-ish hours with very little incline/decline. Weโll begin with a proper breakfast before setting off towards Glacier Grey. At 30m/100ft high and 6km/3.7mi wide, it’s one of the most spectacular glaciers in South Americaโs Wild West. Our hike concludes on the shores of Grey Lake where weโll ferry to our final accommodation, Hotel Lago Grey. Weโll have some time to rest our weary feet, shower and unpack/repack before a rewarding farewell dinner.
Ascent: 204m/672ft
Descent: 185m/607ft
Distance: 11km/6.8mi
Approximate hiking time: 4 hours
Today is the final day of the tour. After breakfast, a group transfer will be provided to the Puerto Natales Airport, or our Puerto Natales hotel for those extending their stay. With that in mind, we ask that you contact our team before purchasing your flight out of Puerto Natales.
Great location with super fun guides. The exercise helped us enjoy the great food and wine!
It was a terrific 9-day adventure, packed with interesting activities and places to see. I particularly enjoyed the opportunities for hiking and biking.
Best group trip I’ve taken. The gay Chile tour itinerary is amazing, great group of guys, special extras like champagne in the dessert. Amazing!
Out Adventures gay Chile tour was well organized with plenty of diversions while including an excellent background, and knowledge of the country.
Amazing! First time to South America and I don’t know why I waited so long.
It was a more active trip which made it more satisfying.
Small fun group was ideal, right blend of activity and exploring and good mix among those.
Very well-organized and fun to be with a group of gays
We absolutely loved this trip. The places we stayed, the food we ate, and the activities we did were all incredible. But more than that, the people (Alf and Adrian) were the best. They were warm and inviting yet never did we feel lost or disorganized. They made traveling through Chile an incredible experience.
A preview of the hotels Out Adventures has selected for our gay Chile tour to Santiago, Atacama, and Patagonia.
Read MoreGet physical on our epic international gay hikes that take you from the Peruvian Andes to the untouched forests of Bhutan or the top of the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, Kilimanjaro.
Read MoreOut Adventures’ ultimate gay guide to purchasing hiking boots.
Read MoreWhile these trips typically attract gay men, all genders are welcome, and we encourage friends and family to join the fun as well.
Learn MoreAll accommodations on Out Adventures tours include breakfast and are located in areas central to our activities. All amenities are examples only, and may differ from hotel to hotel.
3-Star Hotels: Clean and comfortable rooms along with basic amenities such as a simple restaurant/breakfast area. Customer service is good, but offers no frills.
4-Star+ Hotels: Comfortable and well-decorated rooms along with quality amenities such as a stylish restaurant and/or bar, a fitness centre, and a pool/sauna. Customer service is excellent, and there is usually a concierge.
Camping: Sleeping bags, 2-person tents and insulated matts will be provided but you may wish to rent or purchase a sleeping bag liner. Bathrooms and showers are communal, towels are not provided.
Simple Lodge: A VERY basic lodge with simple bunk beds in shared dorms with 6 to a room, sleeping bags are included. You may wish to rent or purchase a sleeping bag liner. The space is heated with a slow-burning wood fire stove. Bathrooms and showers are communal, towels are not provided.
Learn More4 – Demanding
This trip is fully booked but cancellations occur. If youโd like to be contacted if space opens up, please click โBook Nowโ, select the appropriate departure and you will be prompted to provide limited information.
If you are a solo traveller willing to share a room with another solo traveller, please select Shared/Twin Room when booking this tour.
If you are a solo traveller interested in booking a private room, please select single supplement when booking this tour (based on availability). If you are willing to share a room with another solo traveller, please select Solo Shared.
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This trip is available but we are close to departure and will need to confirm services such as hotels and activities before confirming you on the trip. The process can take up to 5 business days. If you are seriously interested in this trip, please complete the On Request Booking form and one of our team members will get back to you with next steps.