What's the best time of year to start a Patagonia tour from Santiago?

Plan your Patagonia adventure from Santiago between October and March when the Southern Hemisphere's spring and summer offer the most reliable weather conditions. Santiago sees pleasant temperatures of 20-30°C (68-86°F) while Patagonia maintains a cooler 10-15°C (50-59°F). These months bring clear skies and moderate winds perfect for hiking and photography. Accommodations like Hotel Ibis Manquehue and Hotel Marina Las Condes in Santiago tend to fill quickly during these peak months.

What activities are typically included in Santiago before heading to Patagonia?

Most itineraries dedicate 2-3 days to exploring Santiago's cultural landmarks. Visitors explore the historic Plaza de Armas the bustling streets around San Cristóbal Hill and the Presidential Palace. Day trips often venture to the colorful port city of Valparaíso or the renowned vineyards of Maipo Valley. Hotels like Plaza el Bosque Ebro and Hotel Marina Las Condes serve as convenient bases. A recent TourRadar traveler shared: "the initial days in Santiago provided an excellent cultural introduction before the Patagonian adventure."

What are the key Patagonian destinations typically included after starting in Santiago?

The Patagonian segment focuses on natural wonders including Torres del Paine National Park Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas in Chile. Many tours cross into Argentina to visit El Calafate and the massive Perito Moreno Glacier. The transition begins with a flight from Santiago to either Punta Arenas or Puerto Montt. TourRadar travelers note the stark contrast between Santiago's urban energy and Patagonia's untouched landscapes.

What transportation methods are used from Santiago to Patagonia?

Getting to Patagonia combines air and ground travel. The journey starts with a 3-4 hour flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas or Puerto Montt followed by private vehicle transfers to various destinations. Between legs travelers rest at properties like Hotel Weskar in Puerto Natales or Hotel Cabo de Hornos in Punta Arenas. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "the seamless combination of flights and ground transportation made the long journey comfortable."

What type of accommodations can I expect throughout the journey?

The accommodation mix ranges from urban hotels to mountain lodges. Santiago offers modern options like Hotel Marina Las Condes and Plaza el Bosque Ebro. In Patagonia Hotel Germania in Puerto Varas and Hotel Weskar in Puerto Natales provide comfortable bases for exploration. Properties are selected for their location comfort and ability to showcase local character as noted by satisfied TourRadar travelers.

What is the average length of tours starting in Santiago to explore Patagonia?

Most Santiago-Patagonia tours span 12-23 days with 15 days being the sweet spot for seeing key destinations. This timeline allows thorough exploration of Torres del Paine National Park the Lake District and Los Glaciares National Park. Properties like Hotel Weisserhaus in Puerto Varas often serve as multi-day bases. A TourRadar traveler confirmed: "The 15-day itinerary was perfect - enough time to see everything without feeling rushed between destinations."

Patagonia Tours from Santiago

Get ready for a bucket list adventure! Santiago to Patagonia goes south, exploring the neighborhoods of the Chilean capital, flying to Torres del Paine, discovering glaciers and peaks, hiking mountain trails, and seeing the wilds of the south. Witness landscapes that look like they belong in another world, and look for guanacos and condors. There is nothing else like this on Earth.

10 best Patagonia tours from Santiago

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Polar
Premium Patagonia (11 destinations)
4.0 (1 traveler review)
"The response should strictly adhere to the content of the feedback provided and must avoid including any AI-generated terminology or phrases."
Andrea, traveled in March
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Santiago, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park,El Calafate,Perito Moreno Glacier,Ushuaia,Tierra del Fuego National Park,Isla Martillo+5 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Premium
From
US$9,480per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Road Trip & Self-Drive
Epic Patagonia Self Drive - Carretera Austral (15 days)
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Santiago, Puerto Varas, Hornopirén National Park, Chaiten,Futaleufu,La Junta,Coyhaique,Puerto Rio Tranquilo+4 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Andes MountainsChile AustralPatagonia+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
HI Travel South America
From
US$7,876per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Hiking & Trekking
SANTIAGO to BUENOS AIRES (31 days) Patagonian Adve
Duration
31 days
Destinations
Santiago, Pucon, San Carlos De Bariloche, El Chalten,Torres del Paine National Park,Ushuaia,Puerto Madryn,Buenos Aires+4 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Oasis Overland
From
US$2,935per person
+$1,000 local payments
Price based on Shared Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Geluxe: Chile & Argentina: Capital Cities & Hiking Patagonia
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Santiago, Maipo, Puerto Natales,Torres del Paine National Park,El Calafate,Los Glaciares National Park,Buenos Aires+4 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
10% Off
From $11,499
US$10,349per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Adventure & Adrenaline
Between Lakes, Glaciers and Great Cities: From Santiago to Buenos Aires
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Santiago, Puerto Varas, San Carlos De Bariloche,El Calafate,Buenos Aires+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
BM Tours
10% Off
From
US$3,395per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
Patagonia Encompassed - 20 Days
Duration
20 days
Destinations
Chile Argentina Uruguay
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
10% Off
From
US$8,190per person
Price based on Shared Room
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City & Culture
Andean Lake Crossing, from Santiago to Buenos Aires - 13 days
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Santiago, Valparaiso, Vina del Mar, Puerto Varas,Frutillar,Chiloe Island,Ancud,Petrohue,Puerto Alegre,Puerto Blest,San Carlos De Bariloche,Buenos Aires+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Aborigen Tours
10% Off
From
US$2,259per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Adventure & Adrenaline
Patagonia Overland: Santiago to Ushuaia
Duration
26 days
Destinations
Santiago, Pucon, San Martin de los Andes, Frutillar,Puerto Varas,Petrohue,Chiloe Island,Puerto Montt,Chaiten,Futaleufu,Coyhaique,Los Antiguos,Cueva de las Manos,El Chalten,El Calafate,Puerto Natales,Torres del Paine National Park,Punta Arenas,Ushuaia,Tierra del Fuego National Park+16 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
10% Off
From
US$3,999per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
The Southern Wonders Expedition: From Santiago to Patagonia
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Santiago, Casablanca, Valparaiso, Vina del Mar,Torres del Paine National Park,El Calafate+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Andes MountainsChilean Coastal RangeCentral ChilePatagonia+3 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
People Travel and Experience
5% Off
From $8,895
US$8,450per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
Patagonia: Journey to the End of the World
4.0 (1 traveler review)
"The local guides provided lots of information about the culture and geological history of the area."
Constance, traveled in February
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Santiago, Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales,Torres del Paine National Park,Perito Moreno Glacier,El Calafate,Ushuaia,Tierra del Fuego National Park,Buenos Aires+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
3% Off
From $8,929
US$8,679per person
+$765 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
11 Days Ultimate Patagonian Adventure: Journey from Santiago to Chile and Argentina
4.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"Overall it was an extremely well organised tour and communication with torradar staff was excellent."
Jack, traveled in February
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Santiago, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park,El Calafate,Perito Moreno Glacier,Buenos Aires+3 more
Age Range
Ages 14+
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
2% Off
From $3,900
US$3,822per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
City, Volcanoes and Glaciers in Chile
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The sites visited were beautiful and guides were well-informed and friendly. The tour company made every effort to accommodate our needs."
Lori, traveled in March
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Santiago, Vina del Mar, Valparaiso, Puerto Varas,Llanquihue Lake,Vicente Perez Rosales National Park,Petrohue,Osorno Volcano,Ensenada,Puerto Montt,Puerto Natales,Cerro Castillo,Torres del Paine National Park,Lago Nordenskjöld,Lake Pehoé,Mylodon Cave Natural Monument+12 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
People Travel and Experience
2% Off
From
US$2,660per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
South America Wonders: Patagonia Glaciers, Iguazu Falls & Rio | 18 Days · 4-Star
5.0 (6 traveler reviews)
"Everything was well coordinated by Wanderful holidays. All our accommodation and transfers were wonderful."
diane, traveled in May
Duration
18 days
Destinations
Chile Argentina Brazil
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Wanderful Holidays LLC
5% Off
From $5,399
US$5,129per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
Heart of Patagonia (Classic)
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Santiago, Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales,Torres del Paine National Park,Lake Pehoé,El Calafate,Los Glaciares National Park,Buenos Aires+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Insight Vacations
10% Off
From $8,008
US$7,207per person
+$487 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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Adventure & Adrenaline
9 Days – Exploring Chile Between Mountains, Lakes and Patagonia
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Santiago, Puerto Varas,Vicente Perez Rosales National Park,Petrohue,Ensenada,Osorno Volcano,Frutillar,Puerto Octay,Puerto Natales,Cerro Castillo,Torres del Paine National Park,Lago Nordenskjöld,Lake Pehoé,Mylodon Cave Natural Monument+12 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
10% Off
From
US$3,650per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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