A hiking trip to Patagonia, Santiago and Valparaiso
Travel Month – April
Planning a Chile trip itinerary that balances bucket-list hiking with big-city culture? You’ve come to the right place. This Chile travel guide covers our week long adventure through Santiago, Chilean Patagonia, and Valparaíso — one of the most rewarding South America travel experiences you can plan.
Our journey — taken in April during peak autumn season — was centered around Torres del Paine National Park, home to the iconic W Trek, glacier hikes, and some of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet. From the granite towers of the French Valley hike and Glacier Grey to the colorful streets of Valparaíso, this itinerary is designed for adventure travelers and families looking for an immersive Patagonia hiking experience.
We organized our trip through Knowmad Adventures, who handled all logistics except flights — a great option if you want a stress-free, guided Chile trip. The best time to visit Chile for hiking is October through April, when weather conditions are most favorable. Whether you’re searching for the ultimate Torres del Paine itinerary, things to do in Santiago, or simply dreaming of Patagonia travel, this guide has you covered.
A quick note on what kind of trip this really was: while we covered few cities — soaking in Santiago’s energy and Valparaíso’s colorful hillside streets — this was, at its core, a hiking trip. Raw, physical, and deeply rewarding in a way that city travel simply isn’t. And our 9-year-old? Absolutely unstoppable — leading the way on every trail with more enthusiasm than the rest of us combined. If you’ve been wondering whether Patagonia with kids is doable, this trip is your answer: a very enthusiastic yes.
Table of contents
- Day 1 — Arriving in Santiago, Chile
- Day 2 — Flying to Patagonia & Torres del Paine National Park
- Day 3 — French Valley hike (W Trek)
- Day 4 — Scenic drive & short hike
- Day 5 — Base of the Towers hike (W Trek)
- Day 6 — Glacier Grey hike (W Trek)
- Day 7 — Horseback riding with the Gauchos
- Day 8 — Valparaíso, Chile’s colorful port city
- How much did it cost?
- Chile travel tips
Day 1: Arriving in Santiago, Chile
We arrived in Santiago, the capital of Chile, early in the morning and were greeted by our travel guide. A bus was waiting to take us to our boutique Hotel Magnolia, located near the city center. After dropping off our luggage at the hotel reception, we went for a walk to get a feel for the city in the early morning. With most shops closed, we grabbed a light breakfast before making our way to the beautiful Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral.
After spending some time there, we took a cab to Parque Metropolitano de Santiago and rode the funicular up the hill. From the top, we enjoyed a stunning view of the city and visited the Statue of the Virgin Mary at the summit of San Cristóbal Hill. We spent a couple of hours exploring the park before descending via the cable car. Although there were many other attractions in the park, we didn’t have time to see them all. On our way out, we enjoyed our first delicious Chilean lunch at one of the park’s restaurants.
Santiago travel tip: The park is huge — you could spend a full day there. If you’re short on time, prioritize the funicular + summit views.
Day 2 – Flying to Patagonia – Torres Del Paine National Park
We had an early morning three-hour flight to Puerto Natales, a city in Chilean Patagonia closest to Torres del Paine National Park. This park is renowned for its impressive “Torres del Paine” rock formations: the Torre Central (2,800 meters), Torre Sur (2,850 meters), and Torre Norte (2,248 meters). As a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the park boasts hundreds of bird species, numerous mammals, and the planet’s third-largest ice field.
Our hotel for the next five days was Hotel Explora, an all-inclusive accommodation (including the daily activities) located within Torres del Paine National Park. Torres del Paine means Towers of Blue referring to the grey blue hue of the granite rocks. The hotel, an hour and a half drive from the airport, was situated beside a beautiful blue glacier lake overlooking the Paine Grande. After settling in, a guide introduced us to various activities available over the next few days, primarily hiking. We had the option of half-day or full-day excursions. Half-day activities offered morning slots starting at 7:30 am and afternoon slots beginning at 2:30 pm.
Day 3: French Valley hike – The W trek hike
We decided to embark on the French Valley hike, covering a total distance of 12 miles (20 km). This moderately challenging hike was the perfect way to test our abilities, especially for kids and non-hikers like myself.
The French Valley forms the central arm of Torres del Paine’s renowned W Trek and can be completed as a day hike. We met our tour guide, Mona, in the hotel lobby around 7:30 am. We had selected our lunch on the previous evening from the list of options provided by the hotel. By the time, we got to the lobby ready for the day, our hot lunch was ready and packed in thermal lunchbox. From the hotel, a 20-minute boat ride provided by the hotel took us to the trailhead on the other side of the lake. The boat trip offered stunning views of Paine Grande and the Paine Horns. Following Mona’s advice, we dressed in layers to accommodate the rapidly changing weather conditions. We brought snacks, water, lunch prepared by the hotel, and hiking poles provided by the hotel. The hiking poles proved invaluable on the varied trails.
It was a windy morning when we began our hike at 8:30 am, giving us a firsthand experience of the notorious roaring forties. The trail offered a variety of terrains, from well-marked paths to rocky sections and some steep climbs. Hiking the French Valley is not just a physical endeavor, it’s a journey into one of the world’s most stunning natural landscapes. From the beginning, the peaceful beauty of Lake Pehoé’s turquoise waters set a tranquil tone for the day. The combination of rugged mountains, serene forests, and majestic glaciers made the experience both humbling and exhilarating. We encountered sunshine, rain, and snow all in a day.We returned to the hotel around 6:30 pm, exhausted but feeling accomplished. Time for some hot tub and massage.
For dinner, the hotel provided a three-course meal each evening, with a choice of a few options. Since I had dietary restrictions, I informed them in advance, and the chef made sure I had a well-prepared and satisfying meal every day.
Day 4: Scenic drive through Torres del Paine and a short hike
We chose a slower pace today, still feeling the effects of yesterday’s hike. In the morning, we went on a scenic drive around the park with another guide, Papo. He led us to several viewpoints with breathtaking sights of the Torres (towers), glacier-fed lakes, waterfalls, and even some wildlife — including a herd of guanacos grazing across the grasslands.
Patagonia has a way of making you feel both small and completely alive at the same time. The landscapes stretch endlessly — rugged peaks, windswept plains, and turquoise lakes that seem almost unreal in their color. The air is crisp, the weather ever-changing, and every turn reveals a view that feels untouched and wild. It’s not just a place you visit, but one you experience with all your senses — raw, vast, and unforgettable.
The puma is one of the most iconic and elusive predators you can encounter in Torres del Paine National Park. Known locally as “puma” or “cougar,” these big cats roam the Patagonian steppe and mountains, especially in areas with abundant prey like guanaco.
Spotting a puma here is a rare and unforgettable experience, and this park is actually one of the best places in the world to see them in the wild. Unfortunately, we weren’t lucky enough to catch a glimpse this time—but finding fresh footprints along the trail was still an exciting reminder that these magnificent creatures were close by.
We returned in time for lunch. In the afternoon, we chose to go on another short hike. Based on the activities selected by guests, the hotel assigns tour guides to groups and handles all the logistics flawlessly. Our guide, Jon, greeted us in the lobby and drove us to the trailhead. This was a three-hour hike with breathtaking views. As we were still recovering from the previous day’s hike, the guides suggested that a short hike would be beneficial in preparing us for our next big adventure instead of taking a full day of rest. Glad that we listened to them.
Day 5: Base of the Towers hike – W Trek
Today, we decided to split into two groups for different hikes. My husband opted for the challenging Base of the Towers hike, while me and my son chose a half-day hike on the Los Bosques Trail, followed by a barbecue hosted by the hotel. On our trail, we spotted some puma (mountain lion) footprints, which was quite thrilling and scary! After hiking for 4 hours, we reached an old barn which is now used to host barbecue. We had a traditional lunch there and got to experience the local culture – music and dance with the Gauchos (cowboys).
The Base of the Towers hike (Mirador Torres) is one of the most iconic and rewarding treks in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile. This challenging yet immensely satisfying hike leads you to the base of the towering granite spires that give the park its name. It is part of the famous W Trek. This strenuous hike covers 14 miles (24 km) and involves an elevation gain of about 900 meters (3,000 feet), with significant inclines, especially in the final ascent.
Day 6 : Glacier Grey hike – W Trek
On our last day in Torres del Paine National Park, we chose to embark on the Glacier Grey hike, the third leg of the famous W trek.
We started early at 7:30 am from the hotel, taking a boat to the trailhead on the other side of the lake. This moderately strenuous hike covers 7 miles one way. Our goal was to reach the final point by around 1:00 pm to board a catamaran for an up-close view of the glacier. The challenging aspect was the timing—missing the boat would mean hiking back.
The Glacier Grey hike offers an unforgettable adventure through one of Patagonia’s most stunning landscapes. This trek leads you to the awe-inspiring Glacier Grey, a massive ice field that forms part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the third-largest freshwater reserve on the planet. About halfway, we reached the first lookout point, offering a distant view of Glacier Grey. As we got closer to the glacier, the trail became more rugged with some elevation gain. We made it on time just 15 minutes before the catamaran arrived. The boat ride gave us breathtaking views of the glacier and an iceberg for the next two hours. It was a perfect ending to all our hiking activities!
Day 7 : Horseback Riding with the Gauchos
Our flight back to Santiago was scheduled for the afternoon, giving us ample time to enjoy horseback riding with the Gauchos (cowboys) in the morning. It was another incredible experience! The hotel arranged for our drive to the stable where we were given some instructions and gears. Once we were ready, we started our hour-long ride. Horses usually follow each other. The Gauchos and our guide Ginger ensured the horses stayed on the designated trails. This adventure, coupled with the stunning backdrop made it a truly unforgettable experience!
Last but not the least, on our return flight from Puerto Natales to Santiago, we were treated to beautiful views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Fields. From above, we could see long stretches of glaciers and snow-covered peaks breaking through the clouds. The soft light added subtle shades of blue and white, making the landscape feel calm and expansive. It was a peaceful and memorable way to wrap up our time in Patagonia.
Day 8 – Valparaiso – Chile’s colorful port city
On our final day before flying home, we made a stop in Valparaíso, about a 2-hour drive from Santiago. This UNESCO World Heritage port city is famous for its rainbow-painted hillside neighborhoods, bold street art, and bohemian creative energy — and it absolutely delivers.
The best way to explore Valparaíso is simply to wander. Take the historic funiculars up to the hillside neighborhoods, explore the murals covering almost every wall, and soak in views of the Pacific harbor. It’s a completely different vibe from the wilderness of Patagonia — and a wonderful way to end the trip on a cultural high note.
No visit to Valparaíso is complete without stopping by La Sebastiana, the former hilltop home of Chile’s most celebrated poet, Pablo Neruda — Nobel Prize winner for Literature in 1971 and one of the most widely read poets in the world. An audio guide is available in English, making it easy to do a self-guided tour — and the views from the upper floors over Valparaíso’s bay are worth the visit alone.
Chile Travel – How much did it cost?
Approximately $5000 per person excluding the flight, food in Santiago and Valparaiso. Hotel in Santiago was separate.
| Description | Travelers | Approx. Cost Per Person | Approx. Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explora Torres del Paine — 5N/6D Inclusive Adventure, Cordillera Paine Room (Adult) | 2 | ~$5,800 | ~$11,500 |
| Explora Torres del Paine — 5N/6D Inclusive Adventure, Cordillera Paine Room (Child) | 1 | ~$1,050 | ~$1,050 |
| Chile Land & Accommodation Services | 3 | ~$650 | ~$2,000 |
| Total | 3 | ~$14,500 |
Chile Travel Tips: Visas, Packing & What to Know Before You Go
Visa requirements:
Language:
Currency:
What to pack for Patagonia:
Getting around:
Best time to visit Chile:
Book accommodation early:
Recent posts
- Spain – Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Madrid
- Tanzania – A 7-day trip to African safari
- Prague – A 2 day escape to Bohemian beauty
- Gibraltar – A day trip from Spain
- Australia – A 2 week itinerary
- Turkey – A 10 day trip to Istanbul and Cappadocia region
- Costa Rica – A 10 day trip to the Central American paradise
- Germany – Berlin, Dresden, Nuremberg
- Portugal – A week long trip to Lisbon, Porto, Nazare, Duoro valley
- Belgium – Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Dinant
- Luxembourg – A guided half day tour from Brussels
If you loved reading this post, please check out my other posts here.
Shaminee is a U.S.-based mom and family travel blogger who designs detailed itineraries for her own family and turns them into practical guides for others. Her goal is to make family travel simpler, more organized, and more enjoyable.
Read more →