The Circuit Hike
Most Popular Chile Trips & Tours
Trip | Price | Days | Highlights |
---|---|---|---|
Australis Glacier Cruise & Patagonia Hiking | $6,560 | 12 Days | Mt. Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre, Cape Horn, Tierra del Fuego National Park, Los Glaciares National Park, Perito Moreno Glacier |
Chile Triangle | $6,845 | 12 Days | Chile's most famous regions, Easter Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine National Park |
Classic Patagonia & Torres del Paine | $6,425 | 10 Days | Los Glaciares National Park, Torres del Paine National Park, Perito Moreno Glacier, Classic Treks to Mt. Torre and to Mt. Fitz Roy |
Lake District and Chiloe Island | $2,995 | 7 Days | Myths and legends in Chiloe Island, Lake District, Llanquihue Lake and majestic Osorno Volcano |
- DAY 1: PUNTA ARENAS – PUERTO NATALES
Arrive at Punta Arenas airport to meet the local bus company outside in front of the terminal. Arrive Puerto Natales bus station (3 – 3 ½ hours) and transfer to your hotel. Early evening meeting in the hotel lobby to meet the guide for the briefing on your upcoming adventure. Dinner included, excluding wine/drinks. (D)
- Day 2: PUERTO NATALES – TORRES DEL PAINE - CAMP SERON
From Puerto Natales, the capital of the Ultimo Esperanza region of southern Chile, you will meet your guide and drive across the wide open pampas and estancia lands that characterize the area. We arrive at the Las Torres trailhead and begin our hike on the Circuit. We will be on the trail for about four hours before reaching our camp for the night, Seron. Enjoy dinner in either the refugio or prepared at the campsite depending on group size and conditions. (B,L,D)
Hiking Details: approximately 5.53 miles; 1,154 ft elevation gain
- Day 3: CAMP SERON – CAMP DICKSON (6 Hrs.)
After breakfast, hike from Seron to Dickson Valley. We will enter an ancient southern beech forest which takes us into the beautiful Dickson Valley where we will see the Paine River and lake and the towering mountains that surround this remote valley. This afternoon, relax and sample Chilean wine and snacks while enjoying the fantastic Patagonia vistas. Organized camp with facilities at the scenic Dickson campsite, though hot water is not reliable. Enjoy dinner in either the refugio or prepared at the campsite depending on group size and conditions. (B,L,D)
Patagonia Hiking Details: approximately 11.5 miles; 1,197 ft elevation gain
- Day 4: DICKSON - CAMP DE LOS PERROS (4 Hrs.)
A short, but challenging hike takes you along Los Perros River through a lovely old-growth forest, in the shadow of Indian Head Mountain. Enjoy stunning views of Dickson Lake with its impressive glacier. Camp for the evening just below Los Perros glacier with dinner in the refugio. Organized campsite with some facilities. Enjoy dinner at the campsite. (B,L,D)
Hiking Details: 6.84 mi; 2,132 ft elevation gain
- Day 5: JOHN GARDNER PASS – GREY GLACIER (10 Hrs.)
Our most challenging hike is today. We will climb John Gardner pass and with luck see the southern Patagonia Ice Cap laid out in front of us with endless glaciers, mountains and waterfalls in every direction. This is a truly special place in Patagonia that sees very few visitors. In the afternoon we will descend down and spend the night near the face of Grey Glacier. Our base for the night is the refugio situated in the forest close to the glacier. Bunk bed accommodation with meals in the refugio. (B,L,D)
Hiking Details: 10.56 miles; 3,503 ft elevation gain
- Day 6: GREY GLACIER – SERRANO RIVER
After breakfast we take the Grey III boat back to Grey Lake beach with spectacular views of the largest glacier in the park, Grey glacier, that dwarfs the icebergs floating along the lake.
After your return to the dock you will enjoy a packed lunch. Then, if you still have energy, you can opt for a hike up to a stunning viewpoint of the entire western side of the park with your guide or take the van back to your campsite on the Serrano River. (B,L,D)
Hiking Details: 7 miles; 1,519 ft elevation gain.
*Campsite offers showers and bathrooms and shelter in case of bad weather
- Day 7: VALLE FRANCES
After breakfast, you’ll be driven to Lake Pehoe and take the first catamaran across the lake. Begin hiking uphill passing Lake Skottsberg as you head through the forests towards the magnificent French Valley. The scenery starts to change with the trails becoming wetter and the forests getting richer as you hike in front of the magnificent wall of granite that forms the Paine mountain range. Throughout the day you will enjoy incredible views of the natural amphitheater created by this valley of towering granite peaks with breathtaking waterscapes below, including lakes Pehoe, Skottsberg, Toro, and Nordenskjold. After a full day of hiking and exploring many privileged vantage points you will return to the trail and to your campsite for the night. (B,L,D)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
11.6 mi/18.6 km, approximately 7-8 hours depending on how far the group ascends the French Valley. 3,464 feet elevation gain reaching Camp Britanico.
- DAY 8: TREK TO LAS TORRES
Today's hiking takes us along the foothills of the Horns of Paine with the tranquil shores of Lake Nordjenskold on our right. For the brave a chance to swim in the frigid waters of this spectacular lake as we hike towards the three granite spires that give Torres del Paine its name, the Towers of Paine. As you approach the valley you will see the buildings of the Las Torres hotel come into view, a good stopover for a celebratory cold beer and to rest on the comfortable sofas prior to making your way a little further to our campsite for the night. Spend the night at camping Las Torres. (B,L,D)
Patagonia Hiking Details: 8 mi/14km; gentle hiking 800 feet altitude gain, Approximately 5-6 hours walking.
*For groups of 2-3 hikers meals will be provided by the nearby Refugio. Groups of 4 or more hikers will have a camp cook to prepare private meals.
- Day 9: TOWERS OF PAINE – PUERTO NATALES
The most difficult hike of your Patagonia tour, today's route is arduous but worthwhile as you climb to the Towers themselves. A roundtrip hike you will climb up into the Ascending Valley and through beautiful old growth beech forests to a rock moraine just under the towers. A steep climb over the moraine will reward us with one of the most spectacular views in the park and, weather permitting, you will enjoy your last trail lunch at this amazing vantage point. Return to the trailhead for the descent down to the valley floor and transfer back to Puerto Natales. (B,L)
Patagonia Hiking Details: 11.8 mi/19km; roundtrip with 3,291 ft elevation gain. Challenging ascent at the start, final steep climb over glacial moraine. Long descent on return. Approximately 8-9 hours walking.
- Day 10: PUERTO NATALES – PUNTA ARENAS
After a leisurely breakfast you’ll be transferred to the bus station for your journey back to the Punta Arenas airport, marking the end of Southern Explorations’ services. (B)
Weather
When to Visit- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Santiago & Surrounding Vineyards - The fertile heartland, this midland area of Chile enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with maximum temperatures averaging 82°F (28°C) in January and 50°F (10°C) in July. The rainy season lasts from May to August. Evenings and nights can be cool, even during the summer.
General Patagonia - The area south of Puerto Montt and Chiloé covers about 30% of the total land area of Chile. It is a rugged, mountainous region of tremendous beauty. Westerly winds and storms often drop enormous amounts of snow and rain on the seaward slopes. In the Magellanes and Tierra del Fuego areas, temperatures in summer average 52°F (11°C). Dampness and wind chill can make it feel cooler so layered clothing and good waterproof gear are musts. The weather year-round is highly unpredictable, and in summer be prepared for incessant winds that lessen in the winter. In the shoulder season months, November and March, winds are not likely to be as strong as during the peak of summer.
Torres Del Paine - The weather is famously unpredictable in this area and it is possible to experience four seasons in the course of a few hours. Average daily temperatures vary but in summer one can expect temperatures ranging between 50° F (10° C) and 70° F (20 ° C) with the occasional hot day of 78° F (25° C). Temperatures can drop to zero at night, and high winds are common in this area. Travelers should be prepared (both mentally and physically) for unpredictable and sometimes challenging weather conditions and pack accordingly. Good head-to-toe, breathable waterproof clothing is essential.
SANTIAGO | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
JAN | 54-85 | 0.0 |
FEB | 54-84 | 0.1 |
MAR | 52-80 | 0.2 |
APR | 47-72 | 0.5 |
MAY | 40-64 | 2.3 |
JUN | 40-58 | 3.1 |
JUL | 37-57 | 3.0 |
AUG | 38-61 | 2.1 |
SEP | 40-65 | 1.1 |
OCT | 45-71 | 0.5 |
NOV | 47-77 | 0.2 |
DEC | 51-82 | 0.2 |
*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
PUERTO MONTT | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
JAN | 48-66 | 3.6 |
FEB | 47-67 | 3.7 |
MAR | 47-64 | 3.9 |
APR | 43-60 | 5.6 |
MAY | 42-56 | 9.2 |
JUN | 39-51 | 8.8 |
JUL | 37-50 | 9.0 |
AUG | 38-52 | 8.2 |
SEP | 38-52 | 5.7 |
OCT | 38-52 | 4.8 |
NOV | 43-60 | 0.5 |
DEC | 46-63 | 4.1 |
*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
PUNTA ARENAS | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
JAN | 43-57 | 1.4 |
FEB | 44-57 | 1.1 |
MAR | 51-54 | 1.6 |
APR | 39-49 | 1.6 |
MAY | 35-44 | 1.7 |
JUN | 31-39 | 1.3 |
JUL | 29-38 | 1.3 |
AUG | 31-41 | 1.3 |
SEP | 32-46 | 1.1 |
OCT | 36-50 | 0.9 |
NOV | 40-53 | 1.1 |
DEC | 42-56 | 1.2 |
*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
SAN PEDRO ATACAMA | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
JAN | 50-76 | 0.9 |
FEB | 50-75 | 0.2 |
MAR | 48-73 | 0.1 |
APR | 44-70 | 0.1 |
MAY | 38-66 | 0.0 |
JUN | 33-61 | 0.0 |
JUL | 33-61 | 0.0 |
AUG | 35-64 | 0.0 |
SEP | 40-69 | 0.1 |
OCT | 43-72 | 0.1 |
NOV | 46-74 | 0.1 |
DEC | 48-75 | 0.1 |
*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
EASTER ISLAND | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
JAN | 68-81 | 2.8 |
FEB | 68-81 | 3.3 |
MAR | 68-80 | 3.8 |
APR | 66-77 | 4.8 |
MAY | 64-74 | 6.0 |
JUN | 62-72 | 4.2 |
JUL | 60-70 | 4.1 |
AUG | 60-70 | 3.7 |
SEP | 60-71 | 3.4 |
OCT | 61-73 | 2.7 |
NOV | 63-75 | 2.9 |
DEC | 65-78 | 3.4 |
*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
Maps

The Circuit
- Pricing
- Per Person$4,995
Domestic Airfare:
$395 Airfare: Santiago/Punta Arenas/Santiago (Subject to Change)
Single Supplement: Contact us
- Included in tour cost
- All land and sea transportation during the itinerary
- Camping accommodations
- Three-man tents
- All airport/hotel transfers
- All hotel accommodations
- All listed activities
- English-speaking certified guides
- Entrance fees for all scheduled tours, national parks & archaeological sites
- Meals as indicated
- Southern Explorations pre-departure services
- Excluded from tour cost
- Airport taxes, international and local
- Domestic airfare within South America
- International airfare to and from Central & South America
- Tips and gratuities
- Medical & travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Hiking boots and other necessary sports gear
- Sleeping bags
The Circuit
- Trip Dates
- Southern Explorations can arrange a private departure on any date that works with your schedule. Custom tours are also available. Contact us for details.Available
- Dickson
- Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
- Los Cuernos
- Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
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Included Hotel (subject to availability) -
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- Seron Camping
- Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
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Included Hotel (subject to availability)
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- Los Perros
- Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
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Included Hotel (subject to availability)
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- Grey Glacier
- Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
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Included Hotel (subject to availability) -
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- Las Torres
- Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
- Puerto Natales
- Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
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3 Star
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4 Star
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4 Star
Included Hotel (subject to availability)
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One Day
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Chile’s best white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
Cool-loving reds such as Pinot Noir and SyrahOne Day -
10 Hours $305El Morado National Park
Hiking, Bird Watching
Soak in natural pools of varying temperaturesOne Day -
10 Hours $260Visit the Pacific Coastal city of Valparaiso
Enjoy a seafood lunch at a local restaurantOne Day -
11 Hours $490100+ year old vines
Lunch Viu Manent Winery
Wine tastingOne Day -
13 Hours $615Mythical Strait of Magellan
Tierra del Fuego
Unique King Penguin ColonyOne Day -
4 hours $185Santa Rita Winery
Maipo Valley Wine Region
Chilean Wine TourOne Day -
4 Hours $120Historic Santiago sites
Plaza de Armas
Presidential Palace
Mercado Central - Sea Food Market
MuseumsOne Day -
12 Hours $355Wine Tours and Coastal views
Catrala Vineyard
Outstanding White Wines
Pinot Noir
SyrahOne Day
Multi-Day
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4 Days $2,530Pristine areas in the Araucania RegionMulti-Day
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5 days $3165Cape Horn National Park
Beagle Channel
Penguins
Glacier AlleyMulti-Day -
2 Days $895Colchagua is known as the “King of Chilean Red Wines” and a must-visit for aficionados of vino tintoMulti-Day
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4 Days $1190Visit all highlight areas of the Island
Local Rapa Nui guidesMulti-Day -
Matetic Vineyard
Casa Marin Vineyard
Loma Larga VineyardMulti-Day -
4 & 5 Days $2,320Experience archaeological wonders, offering breathtaking and unique viewsMulti-Day
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5 Days $2375Amalia Glacier
El Brujo Glacier
Calvo Fjord
Montonas Fjord
Burnal Glacier
Pitt Channel and Guillard Glacier
More.....Multi-Day -
4 Days $3,070Chile’s Northern Patagonia
Picturesque villages and dramatic landscapes
Chiloe culture and traditionsMulti-Day -
4-5 Days $2,935Torres del Paine National Park
Explore all highlights
Outstanding LodgesMulti-Day -
2 Days $1200Viña del Mar
Drink wine at Catrala Vineyards
ValparaisoMulti-Day -
Stay at the Vik Guest House after a day of unforgettable wine tasting and toursMulti-Day




Vira Vira was awesome - it was the perfect start to the perfect trip. Michael and his family are totally hands on and committed to creating a top notch experience for their guests. The property, the food, the excursions, the attention to detail - we could not find a single fault with anything. It literally felt like we were their personal guests. Everyone else staying there seemed very satisfied as well. Two thumbs up! Dimple (Honk Kong) (Custom Chile)
The Southern Explorations team did a fantastic job helping us plan our Galapagos adventure in 2011 and our Torres del Paine/Australis Magellan Straits cruise 2015. They were extremely helpful in planning our trips and quickly responded to each of our questions. We will definitely seek their services to assist in any future travels. - Sharon McRae (Torres del Paine/Galapagos Islands)
Our experience from our first exploratory call to the Seattle office was excellent. Prompt and courteous responses and they accommodated our specific needs for a combined Patagonia and Galapagos trip. I cannot think of anything that was not satisfactory. I recommend Southern Explorations highly. -Lyn Arscott (Patagonia & Galapagos Island Cruise)
Basically the trip was perfect. Our wishes about big things were totally fulfilled, like exploring Rio Brian, going up Valle del Silencio, etc. Our wishes for small things (low sugar, low gluten, good photo opps) were exceeded. It was a totally excellent trip. Your ability to deal with the unexpected was amazing .. weather, my injuries, our changing our minds. It was an amazing trip! And SE agent gave us all kinds of good advice before we left. -Brian & Lynne Collins, USA (Chile)
Our words to describe our trip are Spectacular, Exciting, and Remote! We got to see basically everything we had hoped for, and more! - Ann Huston, California (Patagonia)Thank you for a wonderful introduction to South America and excellent vacation. We will be returning to other SA venues in the coming years and will be sure to contact Southern Explorations for assistance. -Gordon McPhee, South Carolina (Chile & Argentina)
This was a trip of a lifetime. The highlight was the Explora Lodge with unbelievable hikes and horseback riding. Also, the Perito Moreno Glacier was fantastic. I wouldn't change a thing. - Kyle Craig, Colorado (Patagonia)
“The Southern Explorations team did a fantastic job helping us plan our Galapagos adventure in 2011 and our Torres del Paine/Australis Magellan Straits cruise 2015. They were extremely helpful in planning our trips and quickly responded to each of our questions. We will definitely seek their services to assist in any future travels.” - Sharon McRae (Cruceros Australis + Hotel Las Torres)
Our experience planning a trip to Patagonia in South America with Southern Explorations exceeded my highest expectations! Everything was incredibly well organized, the hotels they booked for us were very nice, the guides and people who transported us all spoke our language (English). When my husband got very sick and we had to alter our plans, they were on top of rebooking flights and canceling excursions, and handled all of the logistics for us. I would highly recommend the services provided by Southern Explorations, and will certainly use them for all future travel planning that we do!! - Kristi Holland, Alabama (Patagonia))
Our two sons, ages 19 & 22, said it was the best trip they'd ever been on. (And we've been to southern Africa game camps, New Zealand, Galapagos, numerous SCUBA diving vacations all over the globe, not to mention dozens of other less dazzling spots around the world and the US). (Patagonia) is really gorgeous. Jorge (Guide) was exceptional--just perfect for us! The tents are fantastic--lots of room to put huge backpacks inside along with lots of other gear--kudos on the tents. La Tercera (estancia) was marvelous and charming--we're so glad you planned two nights for us there. The food by Carmen was the best we ate on our entire trip to Chile--really extraordinary both nights!
- Chile - Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How do I choose an itinerary?A: We offer a variety of pre-planned tours online and we’d love to design a custom trip just for you. Take a look at what we have online then call an Adventure Travel Coordinator to discuss the trip that best fits your timeframe, budget and interests.Q: Can I make changes or additions to these tours?A: Yes! We are happy to modify any tour to meet your needs and also add pre and post-excursion extensions. If you sign up for a group departure we cannot change the group portion but we can add extensions before and after.Q: When is the best time to go to Chile?A: Chile can be visited year-round, although the southern regions are generally best visited in the Spring, Summer and Fall, which run from October through April. Northern Chile, due to its high desert, is pleasant to visit year round. Central Chile, in the Andes, becomes a skiers paradise from late-June to mid-September. Contact an Adventure Travel Coordinator to discuss the best timing for your preferred tour.Q: What is the weather like in Chile?A: Chile is a long country, spanning many climatic zones, and offers weather systems ranging from warm, high desert to cold tundra. Patagonia is famous for having “all four seasons in one day,” while the Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on earth. Contact an Adventure Travel Coordinator today to discuss the weather on your trip.Q: What is a typical day like in Chile?A: The typical day varies widely from trip to trip, but all tours will have full days with guided exploration. There is time for rest and relaxation, as well as independent exploration of the cities and towns you visit. Due to the remote nature of Chile’s most scenic areas, some long travel days will be required.Q: How much time do we need to visit Chile?A: Although we have trips as short as 5 days, we highly recommend spending at least 7 days in Chile, and ideally 12. Chile has many fascinating regions and some of the most beautiful areas are quite remote, requiring extended travel time.Q: How far in advance should I book?A: As a rule, the further in advance you can plan, the more options you will have. We recommend planning a trip at three to nine months in advance, but if you want to stay at very specific luxury hotels or travel over a holiday we recommend planning nine months to a year in advance.Q: What are your booking and cancellation policies?A: Click here to see our booking and cancellation policies.Q: Do you use certified guides?A: The guides on all of our tours are experienced, fluent in English and hold a degree in a related field. The guides are experienced in the outdoors and trained in basic first aid. We tend to use the same guides as they are accustomed to the trips we offer and understand the Southern Explorations commitment to quality.Q: What kind of accommodations can I expect?A: We primarily work with 4-star hotels in Chile and the occasional 3-star property that meets our standards. We also work with several amazing 5-star properties and all-inclusive lodges. All of our hotels are clean, comfortable, well-located, offer en suite bathrooms and have been personally vetted by a Southern Explorations’ staff member.Q: Do tours include airfare?A: We will confirm all airfare within South America and this price is listed separately from our base tour costs. You are responsible for booking international flights to Chile.Q: Will I get more information on packing, vaccines, currency, electricity, etc.?A: After booking you will receive a link to our online trip portal which includes all of the need-to-know information that is specific to your itinerary. This includes packing lists, restaurant recommendations, tipping guides, FAQs, vaccine recommendations and currency information. Your Adventure Travel Coordinator will also be a great resource for any other information you may need.Q: How will I do laundry during the trip?A: Patagonian hotels charge very affordable rates for doing a guest’s laundry. You will also have access to laundry facilities on most days in major cities. Some of the Patagonian experiences will be true ‘wilderness’ style camping with only a river or lake as a water supply. Some locations have washing facilities where guests may do laundry. Bring biodegradable soap if you wish to do your own laundry. Please refer to the full itinerary or contact us for details.Q: I’ve heard Patagonia is very remote. What if I have a medical emergency on the trip?A: Some of our trips take passengers into some primitive wilderness areas. Our guides are trained in wilderness first-aid. To ensure the safety of our travelers, our guides are linked with outside services 24 hours a day in all locations to provide assistance when necessary. Though our guides carry extensive first aid equipment for minor ailments, injuries and accidents, they cannot handle serious medical conditions, and passengers are advised to obtain health or travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. There are small hospitals in the Patagonia region, some with 24-hour medical assistance that can deal with minor injuries and illnesses. In the rare event of an accident or broken bone, passengers would be evacuated from the wilderness area (probably by horse) and continue on the long drive out. Helicopters are available for emergencies but cannot fly during high winds. Any passengers with a medical condition or using medication should discuss this with us prior to travel.