Chile’s Desert & Patagonia Fly-Drive

Day 3: Fly from Santiago to Calama and continue by transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. Settle into your hotel and, depending on the flight schedule, visit the sculpted landscapes of Moon Valley for sunset. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama.

Days 4–5: Explore the Atacama Desert with organised local excursions. Suggested highlights include the Altiplano lagoons, the Atacama Salt Flat, flamingo habitats and the Tatio geysers. High altitude and remote terrain make professional local transport preferable to self-driving. Two further nights in San Pedro.

Day 6: Transfer to Calama Airport and fly back to Punto Arenas

Day 8: Join an optional boat excursion to Magdalena and Marta islands for penguins and other marine wildlife, subject to weather and seasonal operation. Return to Punta Arenas for a second night.

Day 9: Drive north across the open Patagonian steppe to Puerto Natales. Stop at viewpoints and estancias when time permits. Explore the waterfront and prepare for the next day’s excursion. Overnight in Puerto Natales.

Day 10: Take a full-day boat excursion through the fjords to the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers, subject to weather and operating schedules. Return to Puerto Natales for a second night.

Days 11–12: Drive into Torres del Paine National Park and spend two days exploring at your own pace. Follow scenic roads to viewpoints over the Paine Massif, Lake Pehoé, Salto Grande and Grey Lake. Choose walks suited to the weather and your fitness level. Two nights inside or near the park.

Day 13: Enjoy a final morning in Torres del Paine before driving back to Puerto Natales. Refuel the vehicle, enjoy a relaxed farewell dinner and stay one final night in town.

Day 14: Drive to Puerto Natales Airport, return the rental car and check in for your onward flight. Allow additional time for changing Patagonian weather and road conditions.