Chilean Self Drive
Chile is a nation of true beauty, with countless sites scattered across the entire country. From the cosmopolitan beauty of Santiago to the breathtaking natural sites such as Patagonia, there is so much to explore and an endless number of possible adventures. That is why this self-drive tour is so special. You can journey across the countries must-see sites, whilst also taking in the beauty and wonderment which can be found along the way.
- Santiago
- Puerto río Tranquilo
- Marble caves
- Caleta Tortel
- Puerto Guadal
- Coyhaique
- Puerto Varas
- Castro
- Pucon
- Matecic
You will arrive into Santiago where you will have the chance to become familiar with the city. While in Santiago, you can explore the nation’s capital on a tour before spending the night in a local hotel.
Then, it is on to Puerto río Tranquilo. After the journey over to this area of beauty, you can spend the night before exploring its sites in the morning. The must-see site is the marble caves nearby to the General Carrera Lake.
Next, it is on to Caleta Tortel where you will spend the afternoon and stay the night, before travelling onwards to Puerto Guadal, Coyhaique, and then Puerto Varas.
You will spend two nights in Puerto Varas, taking in the culture and beauty of the region before moving on to Castro. While staying here, a visit to Chiloe National Park is a must, and is highly recommended.
After travelling through Valdivia, Pucon and Matetic, you will eventually find yourself returning to Santiago. This is where your journey will end, and where you will spend your last night before you get ready to return home.
A private transfer will pick you up to take you from Santiago’s Airport to your selected hotel. Please be aware of the sign with your name on it.
Santiago City Tour
Described by the international media as a surprising destination, Santiago stands out for being a cosmopolitan and modern city that perfectly combines its traditions with a modern outlook. The tour will take you to visit the heart of the city and its emblematic sites such as the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, Santiago’s Central Postal Office and its Municipality. We will also visit the Moneda Palace, which is the government’s headquarters as well as the traditional neighbourhoods of the historic city centre.
The tour also includes a visit to the Santa Lucia hill, named Huelén by the natives. It is a real urban oasis in the centre of the city. There you will learn more about Chile’s history and enjoy some of the best views in the city. After knowing Santiago, you will arrive to Barrio Lastarria, famous by it cultural, inherited and gastronomical offer. The second part of the tour will take you to the eastern side of the city, to the financial heart of Santiago, known for its modern buildings, impressive glass skyscrapers and its impressive sculptures designed by prominent national architects. There, you will see exactly why this area is known as “Sanhattan” among the locals.
After breakfast, get ready to leave Santiago. A transfer will take you to the Airport for you to fly to Balmaceda.
Upon your arrival to Balmaceda Airport, walk over to Mitta rental car counter to collect your car to start the trip. Please make sure to take a look on the car and mention if there is any damage done. They will note it on the contract that you will sign. You will drive straight to Puerto río Tranquilo. This route takes almost 4 hours.
Founded in 1955, originally settled by ranching and farming families, today Puerto Río Tranquilo is a key destination for those traveling south, not only because it’s a convenient place to stock up on food supplies and fill up on gas, but also because it’s a beautiful area filled with incredible landscapes and untouched natural horizons.
Marble Caves
The next day, you will explore one of the region’s most unique sites.
About 6000 years ago when nature began chiselling away at a marble peninsula jutting into General Carrera Lake. Over millennia, wind-driven waves slapping against rock slowly washed away the soft stone exterior, carving chasms and exposing smooth surfaces of solid marble. There are three main rock caves to explore, the Cavern, the Chapel and the Cathedral.
Today you will enjoy a scenic trip to Caleta Tortel; this route takes around 5 hours, it is recommended you start no later than 8am.
Caleta Tortel consists mainly of stilt houses, typical of Chilotan architecture, built along the coast for several kilometres. There are no conventional streets – instead there are wooden walkways build with Guaitecas Cypress. The wooden walkways give the village its distinctive look and its unique culture.
Welcome to Tortel!
Puerto Guadal is a village located on the shores of Lake General Carrera in the Region of Aysén and is characterized by its good weather, being called as the “pearl of the lake”.
Today you’ll be back on the route but in a different location. This trip takes 4.30 hours and it is recommended you relax during the afternoon here.
Coyhaique is the regional capital of a scantly populated area where the Spanish colonists did not reach. Today it is a vibrant commercial area and has become a modern city with varied services. It is also the supply and departure point for most of the trips made to Aysén.
This is a 5 hours’ drive, so it is recommend you take all day to do it. Stop wherever you want and get those incredible pictures of the beloved Carretera Austral.
After breakfast, get ready for a flight to Puerto Montt city. Local airlines require you to show up 2 hours prior flight departure, however it is suggested you leave 30 additional minutes for you to deliver the car back with time and making sure that everything is OK.
Upon your arrival to Puerto Montt city, again walk over to Mitta rental car counter to collect your car to start the trip. Please make sure of take a look on the car and mention if there is any damage done. They will note it on the contract that you will sign.
Day at Leisure
For Day 8, you are free to visit what seems more interesting for you. It is suggested that you visit Vicente Pérez Rosales national park to enjoy of the Petrohue waterfalls. This route will also allow you to visit Osorno Volcano & Todos los Santos lake.
After breakfast, you will visit the famous Chiloé Island. You will drive to Puerto Montt pier to take a local ferry that will take you across the Chacao channel. The car can be transported on the ferry and they depart each 20 minutes. This trip takes 3.5 hours.
Upon your arrival to the island, you can go and visit Ancud & the Puñihuil penguin colony. It is recommend you visit the penguin colony, visit Ancud city, enjoy your lunch here and then continue the trip until Castro.
Chiloe National Park
For Day 10, it is recommended you visit Chiloé National park for you to enjoy an outdoor activity. This is a perfect day to discover the surroundings of the island.
After breakfast, get ready to cross through the Chacao channel again. You will have a 5.30 hours trip to reach your next destination. As this will be a long day driving, we recommend you visit Valdivia surroundings and enjoy a craft beer. There are several options to taste!
The city of Valdivia is located in a beautiful region of Chile known for its volcanoes, rivers, lakes, countryside and woody landscapes as well as the Valdivian Forest which crowns the landscape. The river and characteristics of Valdivia are unique and just add to the wetlands and forests that surround the city.
Today you have 2 hours’ drive to reach your next destination. It is recommended for you to do it in the morning for you to have the afternoon free and visit Villarrica Volcano.
Pucón is located in the Region of Araucanía on the shores of Lake Villarrica and stands out as the most important Lake Resort of Chile. Surrounding areas have a lot of tourist attractions such as hot spring resorts, national parks, ski resorts, Mapuche communities, among others.
Huerquehue National Park
Today you have a free day to discover the surroundings of Pucón. You are suggested to hike and visit the Huerquehue National park. This is a full day tour and its beauty will surprise you.
After breakfast you will drive straight to Temuco Airport, where you will deliver the car back. Remember to do it on time to check your car and to show up on time for flying back to Santiago.
Upon your arrival to Santiago Airport. A Driver-guide will pick you up to take you to Matetic winery.
Today you will say goodbye to all the beloved destinations, enjoy your breakfast and get ready for your transfer back to Santiago Airport.
Dates are flexible so please make an enquiry and tell us a range of dates you are considering so we can check availability.
- Overnight at hotels, and breakfast where stated
- English speaking guides where applicable
- Transfers in & out, as mentioned
- Activities and Excursions detailed in the itinerary
- Flight tickets
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities for guides, drivers and restaurants
- Items of personal use
- Meals or drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Related trips...
