Chile

Tours & Packages

Small Group Tour

Patagonian Explorer by Sea

Buenos Aires & Ushuaia, then a 4 night cruise to Tierra Del Fuego, Cape Horn & the penguins of Magdalena Island; plus Santiago & Valparaiso, Chile; optional pre-tour extension to Iguazu Falls

closed

See package map dates

Trip Reviews & Photos

Highlights

1. Santiago
   
   Bordered by the Andes Mountains on the East and the Chilean Coastal Range on the West, Chile’s capital city exudes a natural beauty that perfectly complements the grandiose architecture and ornate designs of its buildings. The Plaza de Armas is a great place to start exploring the city – some of its most iconic structures are located just a few blocks from one another. You can see first-hand the variations of architectural styles that fuse together, creating a grand and elegant aesthetic. From the neoclassical design of the Metropolitan Cathedral, to the French design of the Central Post Office, you will be awestruck at every turn.   
2. Valparaiso
   
   The historic yet modern city of Valparaiso is truly the city of artists. From the colorful houses that dot the hillsides to the larger-than-life graffiti that adorns the exterior of buildings, the city tells the stories of its people through art. The charming historic quarter, with its cobblestone streets and oceanfront backdrop, look as though it was plucked out of a storybook. The walls of cafés, restaurants, and bars are canvases for street artists, whose work gives life to the city. There are ample ways to experience the color and energy of Valparaiso, from climbing the notoriously steep steps to admiring the scenic landscape from inside a funicular railway car. 
3. San Cristóbal Hill
   
   Call it the sibling of Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer statue, just with the Virgin Mary. The hill was named to honor St. Christopher, and rises 2,890 ft. above Santiago, and the statue of the Virgin Mary ascends another 72 ft. From the top, you can get a spectacular panorama of the city. Known as Cerro San Cristóbal to the locals, there is also a memorial to St. John Paul II, who visited the site and said Mass at the top of the hill in 1987. If you’re in favor of a less strenuous route to the top, you can take a funicular or cable car.
4. Magdalena Island
   
   This remote island in Patagonia is home to Chile’s largest Magellanic penguin colony. Enjoy a scenic boat ride on the waters of the Strait of Magellan, the only way to access the island. Disembark and walk along the rocky terrain, where you will witness more than 350,000 penguins playing and digging burrows. These adorable creatures aren’t even 3 ft. tall! They are very friendly, so don’t be surprised if they just come right up and say hi. You’ll also have the chance to see sea lions, seagulls, South American fur seals, and the island’s famous red and white lighthouse. The best time to visit is from November to March.

Fast Facts

Already booked on one of our packages to Chile? See everything you need to know before you go.