Self-drive Chile trip

Arrive at Santiago International Airport, where your local guide welcomes you and accompanies you on a private transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city. During the drive, they introduce your personalized journey, presenting your detailed itinerary, contact list, and helpful insider tips for each destination to enhance your Chile travel experience.

Spend the rest of the day settling in, exploring nearby neighborhoods at your own pace, or relaxing with a glass of Chilean wine as you prepare for the days of discovery ahead.

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before driving to the historic Undurraga Winery near Santiago. Walk through the elegant French-style gardens, visit the 19th-century underground cellars, and enjoy a guided tasting of three reserve wines that showcase the character of Chile’s renowned wine regions.

Later, return to the city for a cultural tour of Santiago. See La Moneda Palace and continue to Plaza de Armas, home to the Cathedral, Central Post Office, and Town Hall. Follow the main avenue of La Alameda toward Forestal Park, San Cristóbal Hill, and the lively Bellavista district before reaching the modern neighborhoods that stretch toward the Andes.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel as you ease into the day. Afterward, pick up your rental car and begin the drive south through vineyard-covered valleys toward Santa Cruz, a charming town in the heart of the Colchagua Valley.

Along the way, enjoy the freedom of the open road as landscapes of rolling vineyards and rural villages unfold around you. Take time to pause at scenic viewpoints or small towns, offering a glimpse into everyday life in Chile’s wine country before arriving in Santa Cruz.

Enjoy a relaxed day discovering the charm of this wine-growing town. Wander through quiet streets, browse local markets, and sample regional dishes in traditional restaurants.

You may visit nearby vineyards for tastings, cycle through the surrounding countryside, or join a horseback ride across the rolling valleys. For a more active option, choose a scenic hike or a gentle river excursion.

In the evening, return to town and unwind with a glass of local wine as the pace of the valley slows.

Drive through the countryside to Chillán, one of the best places to visit in Chile and one of the country’s oldest cities. Explore the historic center, visit the cathedral overlooking the Main Square, and discover more about the region’s four-hundred-year heritage in local museums. 

Stroll through the lively market and nearby arts and crafts fair, where local artisans display handmade goods and traditional foods that reflect the flavors of rural Chile.

For a change of scenery, venture into the nearby Andes to ski some of the country’s longest slopes or relax in soothing mountain hot springs surrounded by alpine landscapes.

Continue your self-drive Chile trip as you travel to vibrant Pucón, a lively lakeside town surrounded by volcanoes, rivers, and forests. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and outdoor culture, Pucón offers a welcoming mix of nature, gastronomy, and local traditions.

Taste creative cuisine that blends indigenous Mapuche flavors with classic German pastries, browse local markets and craft fairs, and soak in the energy of this charming town. In the evening, you may try your luck at elegant lakeside casinos or unwind in nearby natural hot springs and soothing spas.

Nearby national parks invite exploration among ancient araucaria forests, where wildlife such as the tiny pudu deer and the elusive colocolo opossum can sometimes be spotted.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before easing into a relaxed morning and shaping the day’s plans within your Chile itinerary. Set out to explore at your own pace, following scenic lake roads that reveal panoramic viewpoints and quiet corners of the countryside.

You might visit boutique wineries, stop in small villages, or pause at lakeside lookouts perfect for photos. Take time for a long Chilean lunch or browse artisan markets where local crafts and flavors reflect the region’s traditions, allowing the day to unfold naturally according to your own travel style.

Breakfast at the hotel begins your relaxed day. Enjoy the freedom of your self-drive journey with time to explore local vineyards, sample award-winning wines, and wander through picturesque lakeside villages at your own pace.

Pause at scenic viewpoints, visit artisan workshops, or follow quiet country roads that lead to hidden coves and wide lake panoramas. The day unfolds naturally, giving you the flexibility to shape each moment around your interests and travel style.

Today, continue your self-drive journey to the lush Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve. Follow scenic roads into the heart of the temperate rainforest, where lakes, rivers, and secluded beaches create a landscape of deep green wilderness.

Set out on forest trails that lead to towering waterfalls and look for the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this protected ecosystem. In the afternoon, enjoy the reserve at your own pace.

Relax while taking in the surrounding rainforest views or choose from activities such as cable rides, trekking, horseback riding, water sports, or sport fishing.

Enjoy a relaxed day surrounded by the lush landscapes of Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve. Take time to wander forest paths at your own pace, breathe the cool mountain air, and listen to the sounds of rivers and waterfalls hidden within the rainforest.

You may choose to explore more of the reserve’s scenic trails, visit nearby waterfalls, or simply relax while taking in the deep green scenery. For those seeking activity, optional experiences include guided hikes, canopy walks, horseback riding, or kayaking on nearby lakes and rivers.

As evening falls, unwind in the peaceful atmosphere of the reserve and enjoy the feeling of being immersed in one of Chile’s most remarkable natural environments.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before setting off along scenic roads toward the charming lakeside town of Puerto Varas. As you travel north, the landscapes gradually open to sweeping lake views and snow-capped volcanoes that define Chile’s Lake District.

On arrival, spend the rest of the day at leisure. Stroll through streets lined with German-influenced architecture, walk along the waterfront with views of Osorno Volcano, or choose from outdoor activities such as kayaking, rafting, or hiking in the surrounding forests and volcanic landscapes.

Enjoy a day at leisure in Puerto Varas, one of the most picturesque towns in Chile’s Lake District. Wander along the waterfront promenade with views of Lake Llanquihue and the perfectly shaped Osorno Volcano rising in the distance. Explore the town’s charming streets lined with traditional German-influenced houses, small cafés, and artisan shops.

If you wish to be more active, choose from a range of optional experiences such as kayaking on the lake, visiting nearby waterfalls in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, or hiking scenic trails through forests and volcanic landscapes. In the evening, relax at a lakeside restaurant and enjoy fresh regional cuisine paired with Chilean wine.

Spend another day discovering the natural beauty and relaxed rhythm of Puerto Varas. Drive along the shores of Lake Llanquihue to visit nearby villages such as Frutillar or Llanquihue, both known for their lakeside charm and views of surrounding volcanoes.

You may also explore local markets, visit small museums, or enjoy a quiet café with views over the water. For outdoor enthusiasts, options include rafting on nearby rivers, trekking through national parks, or cycling along scenic countryside roads. Return to Puerto Varas in the evening to unwind and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the lake.

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel and take a moment to reflect on your self-drive Chile trip. When ready, drive to Puerto Montt Airport and return your vehicle, enjoying the last views of the lakes and volcanoes that define this region.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a short walk or a final coffee overlooking the bay before continuing your onward journey.