Chile: Active Santiago, Atacama & Patagonia

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. Chile’s 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 city’s metro system. Together we’ll pass by some of the city’s most iconic architectural gems including “La Moneda” government palace, the Plaza de Armas and Santiago’s Cathedral. After an afternoon of walking we’ll be hungry for our welcome dinner where we’ll savour the region’s 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 world’s DRIEST desert. In the afternoon we’ll reconvene for a sunset hike through Moon Valley. Our trek begins within the Salt Mountain Range known for its abstract rock formations. We’ll 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 we’ll be transferred to a local restaurant for dinner.

Length of hike: 3 hours
Maximum altitude: 2,600 meters above sea level.

Please note: Today’s 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, we’ll 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. We’ll have a box lunch in tow for a quick bite to eat, then continue today’s adventure with a bike ride to some briny lagoons north of the Atacama Saltpan. We’ll float in Laguna Piedra, thanks to its salt-dense waters, then walk a few minutes to Cejar Lagoon. Dinner tonight is optional, and later we’ll 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?

Today’s biking distance: 36 Kilometers/22.3 Miles round-trip
Pedalling level: Moderate-Difficult

Feeling spritely this morning? We’ll have an optional early-morning excursion to visit the Tatio Geysers. Otherwise, our day begins around 8am when we’ll begin hiking towards Termas de Puritama. Upriver along the Puritama, we’ll discover how the riverbed is the ideal environment for this region’s 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, 33°C (90° F) water while a symphony of birds like the Andean Ibis and Yellow-Finch serenade us. En route we’ll also see Guatin Canyon, where a lukewarm stream flows. Tonight we’ll 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 country’s 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, we’ll have a delicious dinner in a local restaurant.

Please note: Today’s flight is not included in the cost of the tour in 2024. Please see Important Information for a special note on purchasing domestic airfare.

Up and at ‘em! This morning we’ll fly out very early to Puerto Natales. We will likely arrive early afternoon depending on the availability of flights. Upon arrival we’ll store bags with reception as our rooms likely won’t 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 we’ll enjoy a local Patagonian dinner in town.

IMPORTANT PACKING NOTE: Tomorrow we’ll 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 campsite—there 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: Today’s 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 “towers.” Upon arrival at the towers, we’ll have some time to soak up the majestic view and gaze at the turquoise lagoon before heading to camp for dinner. 

Ascent:  740m/2427ft
Descent:  380m/1245ft
Distance: 15.5km/9.6mi
Approximate hiking time: 6.5 hours

This morning we’ll rise early to get the most out of our day. We’ll 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, we’ll arrive at our cozy but basic accommodation, Refugio Paine Grande. At this lodge we’ll 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 yesterday’s tenacious trek, today will feel like a breeze by comparison. In total, we’ll be hiking for only 4-ish hours with very little incline/decline. We’ll 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 America’s Wild West. Our hike concludes on the shores of Grey Lake where we’ll ferry to our final accommodation, Hotel Lago Grey. We’ll 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.