From Santiago through the Patagonian steppe to the Rosario Valley
from / to Santiago, Chile
12 days (11 nights)
Private tour (bookable individually)
Private Multi-Destination Tour of Chile | 12 days / 11 nights, with the option to extend | private guides and transfers | Santiago, the Patagonian Steppe, and the Rosario Valley | Season: October through March
The highlight of this trip is four nights on a historic estancia on the northeastern edge of Torres del Paine National Park, where sheep farming and Puma coexist. You'll spend a whole day trekking across the steppe with the wildlife conservation team, following fresh tracks. Before that, there are three days in Santiago, Chile Take the cable car up to Cerro San Cristóbal and the colorful hills of Valparaíso, followed by four nights at a country house on a biodynamic winery in the Rosario Valley.
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What excites us about this trip is the rhythm: first the city, then the open spaces, then the tranquility. The estancia dates back to 1906 and spans approximately 107,000 hectares, where sheep are still raised today. The main house, built in the British-Patagonian style, the old sheep shearing sheds, and the gaucho village all date back to the pioneer era. The estate is the first hotel in Chile to be certified according to the global Wildlife-Friendly standard. You’ll stay in one of 21 rooms spread across three historic buildings, with full board and guides whose families have been connected to the region for generations.
The final chapter is all about wine. Two and a half hours’ drive from Santiago lies the Rosario Valley, and right in the middle of it stands a restored country house with just ten rooms. On the biodynamic tour, you’ll see which organic preparations the estate uses to strengthen its vines; alpacas and geese graze between the rows of vines; and in the evening, the estate’s restaurant serves its wine-pairing menus. The itinerary includes two excursions in the region, such as a visit to Pablo Neruda’s house high above the Pacific Ocean. You’ll visit all three destinations privately, with your own guides and private transportation.
If you’d like to extend your tour of Chile beyond Patagonia, you have several options: the lunar valleys of the Atacama in the north, the moai of Easter Island in the middle of the Pacific, or more wineries in the Casablanca and San Antonio valleys. Feel free to contact us—we’ll be happy to put together a customized extension for you.
Stephanie Gräf
Owner & Founder
Since 2002, I have been personally advising clients on unique expeditions and private trips, small-ship cruises, and journeys to remote regions of the world.
We'd be happy to discuss your trip with you in person.
Why not contact me right now at Phone: +49 201 85890960 or email welcome@inventia.de.
Or schedule a free, no-obligation one-on-one phone call (also via WhatsApp or Wi-Fi), a Teams or Zoom meeting here—even in the evenings or on weekends:
Good to know
Type of trip: Private combined tour visiting three destinations, with your own guides and transfers. The estancia welcomes guests during the Patagonian summer season, from October through March; within this period, you are free to choose your departure date. You will coordinate the order and times of the excursions on site.
Entry Requirements: German citizens must have a valid passport. You can find the latest travel and safety advisories from the Federal Foreign Office for Chile. Regulations may vary for other nationalities. Please feel free to contact us.
Climate in Patagonia: During the Patagonian summer, from October through March, temperatures typically range from 14 to 20 degrees. This is also the windiest time of the year, and the weather can feel like several different seasons in a single day. For this part of the trip, we recommend weatherproof clothing in layers, a windproof jacket, and sturdy shoes.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Conservation Safari at Pumaspur – A full day with the estancia’s trackers, following fresh tracks, spotting guanacos, and watching circling condors.
- Horseback Riding with the Gauchos – Riding Patagonian horses, you’ll follow old cattle-driving trails through the open steppe, even if you have no riding experience.
- Asado de Cordero al Palo – Patagonian lamb cooked over an open fire at Quincho El Ruedo, accompanied by wine and songs on select evenings.
- Torres del Paine Without Bus Tours – The estancia is located on the northeastern edge of the national park, allowing you to explore its less-traveled side.
- Valparaíso – This UNESCO-designated port city welcomes you with colorful houses on steep slopes, narrow alleys, and historic elevators.
- Cable car to Cerro San Cristóbal – From the white statue of the Virgin Mary, the view stretches over the rooftops of Santiago all the way to the Andes mountain range.
- Country House in the Weintal Valley – At La Casona, built in the early 1900s, you’ll stay in the heart of a biodynamic winery and enjoy the wine-pairing menus at the estate restaurant in the evenings.
- Privately guided – At all three stops, you’ll be accompanied by your own guides and transportation; you’ll help determine the pace and order of the itinerary.
route
itinerary
12 days / 11 nights | Santiago, the Patagonian steppe, and the Rosario Valley
Day 1 | Individual travel to Santiago, Chile
You’ll arrive on your own; we’d be happy to book your flights for you. In Santiago, your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall, and as the city passes by outside the window, the Andes mountain range will gradually come into view behind the rooftops.
Your home for the first few nights is in the Lastarria arts district; there are three houses to choose from. Depending on your arrival time, you may have time for a first stroll past cafés, galleries, and art dealers’ stalls.
Day 2 | Exploring Santiago on Foot and by Cable Car
Today you’ll mingle with the locals: by metro, on foot, right in the thick of it. Your guide—who can speak German upon request—will lead you across the Plaza de Armas, with its cathedral, to the La Moneda Presidential Palace, and the longer you walk, the more clearly the city reveals its two faces: colonial facades below, glass towers above, and the Andes in the background.
For lunch, we’ll head back to Lastarria. We recommend Bocanáriz: You’ll be served exclusively by sommeliers, and the menu features 250 Chilean wines, more than thirty of which are available by the glass. It’s the perfect way to kick off our visit to the wine valley at the end of the trip. You’ll pay for your meal on-site.
To wrap up your visit, take the cable car—which runs daily except Mondays—up to Cerro San Cristóbal. At the top, the white statue of the Virgin Mary stands watch, and the sea of houses stretches all the way to the Andes mountain range. Those who prefer the comfort of a car can opt for the classic city tour instead, which includes the bohemian Bellavista neighborhood with its street art.
Day 3 | Valparaíso and Viña del Mar
The road to the Pacific winds through the lush Curacaví Valley, and the moment you catch your first glimpse of the bay, it becomes clear why UNESCO has designated Valparaíso a World Heritage Site: colorful houses cascade down the hills of the port city all the way to the water’s edge. You’ll wander through the narrow streets of Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción, ride one of the historic elevators, and explore the street art that tells stories across entire walls here. On this day, too, a German-speaking guide will accompany you upon request.
In the elegant seaside resort of Viña del Mar, the famous flower clock is in full bloom, and the Pacific breeze blows along the coastal promenade; there’s time for lunch by the water, at your own expense. On the way back, your driver will stop at Reñaca Beach if you wish, and you’ll return to Santiago in the late afternoon.
Day 4 | Flight to Patagonia and arrival at the estancia
In the morning, your flight will take you to Puerto Natales, the nearest airport, about 100 kilometers from the estancia; alternatively, the route goes via Punta Arenas, which is about 330 kilometers away. Your driver will pick you up, and with every kilometer, the city gives way to the open steppe, until the peaks of Torres del Paine appear on the horizon—peaks that served as landmarks even for the first settlers.
At the estancia, lunch features the estate’s seasonal cuisine, made with locally sourced ingredients, just as the workers once did. In the afternoon, the cultural tour takes you to the heart of the estate: to the main house, built in the British-Patagonian style, to the historic sheep shearing sheds, the cattle pens, and the stables. You’ll learn how wool from here was shipped all over the world and how closely the histories of settlers, gauchos, and indigenous communities are intertwined.
In the evening, you’ll meet the gauchos at Quincho El Ruedo. Over mate and the local specialty candola—a warm, spiced wine blend—they’ll tell you about a time when life here was marked by hardship, solidarity, and pride, before the sun sets over the plains in warm hues.
Day 5 | Conservation Safari on Pumaspur
Before dawn, you’ll set out with the wildlife conservation team; breakfast will be served outdoors on the steppe. Where vast herds of sheep once grazed, the focus today is on protecting the puma —Patagonia’s iconic animal and a former adversary of cattle ranchers. On game drives, you’ll follow fresh tracks, observe guanacos, rheas, foxes, and condors, and see how a historic conflict has evolved into a model of coexistence between livestock and wildlife.
At noon, you’ll return to the estancia for lunch, followed by more game drives in the golden light in the afternoon. The day concludes with an outdoor dinner: by the campfire, under the vast sky, surrounded by the silence and grandeur of Patagonia, just as the gauchos have known it for generations.
Day 6 | In the Saddle with the Gauchos
The morning is all about the horses. On the half-day Caravana horseback ride, you’ll ride side by side with the gauchos along historic cattle-driving trails and experience Patagonia’s centuries-old equestrian culture firsthand. The horses, the cattle fences, and the open steppe are all part of the same history that once united pioneers and gauchos.
After lunch at the estancia, the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you please—whether in the bar area overlooking the vast steppe or strolling through the historic buildings. In the evening, the fire blazes in the Quincho El Ruedo: Guests visiting on Wednesdays or Saturdays can enjoy the Asado de Cordero al Palo—Patagonian lamb slowly cooked over an open flame—accompanied by wine, stories, and songs.
Day 7 | Sierra Baguales or Torres del Paine
Today, choose your full-day adventure. The Sierra Baguales is not only geologically remarkable but also steeped in myth: fossils tell of prehistoric times, rugged mountains speak of the eternal interplay of the elements, and for the gauchos, the Sierra was long considered a mysterious frontier. Alternatively, an excursion off the beaten path will take you to the northeastern side of Torres del Paine National Park, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views, wildlife sightings, and historic trails.
Along the way, a box lunch—just like the ones cattle drivers used to carry on their long journeys—provides sustenance. In the evening, a quiet, regionally inspired dinner provides an opportunity to chat and reflect on the day’s experiences.
Day 8 | Farewell to the Steppe and Arrival in the Wine Valley
One last time, the morning sun bathes the plains in bright light. Before checking out, take a stroll through the grounds, passing by places steeped in history, then your driver will take you back to the airport, where your flight to Santiago de Chile awaits.
At the airport, you’ll hop right into the car, and about two and a half hours later, vineyards will replace the steppe on the hills: you’ll be in the Rosario Valley, and a glass of wine will be waiting to welcome you at La Casona.
Days 9 through 11 | In the Rosario Valley: Vineyards, Sattel, and the Coast of the Poets
For three days, the valley sets the pace. After the breakfast buffet, the biodynamic tour takes you along the sensory trail through the garden and wine cellar, culminating in a tasting of the estate’s Corralillo and EQ wines. In the evening, the estate’s restaurant, Equilibrio, pulls out all the stops: one three-course meal paired with two glasses of Corralillo, and one five-course meal with wines paired with each dish.
In between, the choice is yours. Perhaps one morning you’ll be in the saddle, following a Huaso through the vineyards, cycling along the Rosario Creek, or hiking up Montecristo Hill. Two excursions will also take you into the region—for example, to Pablo Neruda’s house overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Isla Negra, or to the flocks of birds in the Río Maipo wetlands.
What remains is all about doing nothing: the pool nestled between the lawn and the vineyards, the living room with the open fireplace, a wine flight on the veranda.
Day 12 | Farewell to the Weintal Valley
One last breakfast at La Casona, one last look out over the vineyards, and then your transfer will take you to the Santiago de Chile airport in about two and a half hours for your individual return flight.
Unless you decide to stay.
Extension possible
Every stop on this trip can be extended: additional nights at the estancia, more time in the Rosario Valley, or another leg of the journey on the mainland—from the Atacama Desert in the north, through Easter Island in the middle of the Pacific, to other wineries in central Chile. Just let us know, and we’ll incorporate your desired itinerary.
Your Hotels in Santiago
For the City Days, there are three houses in the Lastarria neighborhood to choose from, each with its own unique character. Please contact us; we’d be happy to help you make your choice.
Hotel Cumbres Lastarria · Boutique Hotel with a Rooftop Pool
location
Right in the heart of Barrio Lastarria, Santiago's cultural and bohemian neighborhood, with cafés, galleries, and Parque Forestal right outside the door.
Rooms
The rooms feature artwork from the collections of the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (high-quality reproductions), along with glass-enclosed bathroom areas and custom-designed headboards.
Outdoor Facilities and Wellness
The heart of the hotel is on the eighth floor: the outdoor pool on the rooftop terrace overlooking Parque Forestal and Cerro San Cristóbal, an oasis of tranquility high above the city. There’s also a fitness center open 24 hours a day and a massage room available by appointment.
catering
Also on the eighth floor: the Punto 8 restaurant, featuring panoramic views and simple, fresh, authentic cuisine; the breakfast buffet, featuring artisanal baked goods, is also served there. The lobby bar offers signature cocktails and Chilean wines, with live jazz on Fridays.
Special Features
The combination of art in the rooms, a rooftop pool, and its location in Lastarria makes this hotel a charming base for exploring the city.
Hotel Magnolia · Boutique Historic Landmark from 1929
location
In the heart of Santiago, near Cerro Santa Lucía, in a historic, listed city mansion dating back to 1929.
Rooms
40 rooms in five categories, each one uniquely designed: some feature the building’s original stained-glass windows, others have handcrafted screen prints of Chilean motifs, and still others have eucalyptus wood paneling.
catering
Four dining options under one roof: the fine-dining restaurant DeMo Magnolia, with just 15 seats, led by Chef Pedro Chavarría (trained at Boragó in Santiago and Quintonil in Mexico City), offering five- or nine-course tasting menus; the seventh-floor rooftop terrace, heated in winter, with a view of Cerro Santa Lucía; the Magnolia Bistró, serving comfort food, and a private wine cellar featuring top Chilean wines.
Special Features
Historic charm meets modern design: an oasis in the heart of the city, featuring a 24-hour fitness center and free valet parking.
The Singular Santiago · A Leading Hotels of the World Luxury Hotel
location
Also located in the Lastarria neighborhood, where the black facade and brick structures are deliberately designed to blend in with the historic architecture; designed by Federico Prieto.
Rooms
62 rooms spread across nine floors, designed in a neoclassical-inspired style, starting with the "The Singular King" category, which measures 36 m² and offers views of Parque Forestal; a separate accessible room category is available.
catering
The rooftop bar is famous for its view of Cerro San Cristóbal and a selection of 115 spirits; it’s one of the city’s most beautiful terraces, serving brunch from Friday through Sunday. Also worth visiting are Café 294, with its own pastry shop, and Bar Merced, with its signature cocktails.
wellness
The Singular Wellness Spa uses organic essences of eucalyptus, lavender, and orange, and also features a dry sauna, a 24-hour gym, and, in the summer, an outdoor pool on the ninth floor.
Special Features
A member of Leading Hotels of the World since 2016, it is the most classically luxurious of the three properties.
Your Accommodations in Patagonia
You'll stay for four nights in a Classic Room at the Estancia. The rooms are spread across three historic houses in the middle of the steppe.
The Historic Estancia · Torres del Paine
location
A historic sheep farm—still in operation today—on the eastern edge of Torres del Paine National Park, nestled amid over 100,000 hectares of Patagonian steppe. From the property, you can see the Paine Massif; it’s about a 40-minute drive to the park entrance at Laguna Amarga. It’s 97 kilometers from Puerto Natales—about an hour and twenty minutes by road—and 328 kilometers from Punta Arenas—about four hours. Unlike on a group tour, no bus will pick you up here in the morning: you’ll travel in a small group with your own guides who know the area well, and you’ll customize your itinerary.
Rooms
There are only 21 rooms, all heated and furnished in a classic English style, spread across carefully restored historic ranch houses; the main house dates back to the 1920s. The rooms range in size from 26 to 32 square meters and feature central heating, a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a heated towel rack, toiletries, daily housekeeping, and Wi-Fi. Triple and quadruple rooms are available, as are rooms with a view of the gardens.
catering
The kitchen consistently sources ingredients directly from the field to the plate: lamb from the estate’s own pasture-raised herd, vegetables and herbs from the huerta and the greenhouse, and pastries made with berries from the calafate bush. Each day features a breakfast buffet, a picnic lunch for the excursions, and a three-course dinner with a choice of two main courses. These are paired with wines from the winery in the Rosario Valley—the final destination of this trip—and craft beer from the region. At Quincho El Ruedo, the traditional asador and gathering place for the gauchos, Magellanic lamb roasts on a spit over an open fire.
nature conservation
Behind the estate is a dedicated nature conservation foundation that brings together regenerative grazing, wildlife research, and the region’s heritage. The Estancia is the first hotel in Chile to be certified under the global Wildlife-Friendly Standard. For each overnight stay, $35 per person goes to the foundation.
Meals and Program
Your stay includes the all-inclusive private program: private transfers at times of your choosing, private excursions from the resort’s catalog, the full-day Conservation Experience, full board, an open bar including a premium selection, admission to the national park, and equipment for the horseback riding excursions. What makes this special is that guided tours take place not only in the world-famous Torres del Paine but also across the 100,000 hectares of the estancia itself, which no other visitors are permitted to enter.
Good to know
Wi-Fi is available in the main building, the lounges, and the rooms; the voltage is 220 volts, with Type C and L outlets. Check-in is from 3:00 p.m., and check-out is at 11:00 a.m. The staff speaks primarily Spanish and is fluent in English. Children of all ages are welcome: those up to four years old stay free of charge in their parents’ bed; for children ages five to twelve, the children’s rate applies for an extra bed. Pets are not allowed to protect the local wildlife.
Your Country House in the Rosario Valley
In the Weintal, you'll stay for four nights at La Casona, the boutique hotel on the biodynamic winery's grounds.
La Casona · The Winery's Country House in the Rosario Valley
location
La Casona is located in the heart of the Rosario Valley, nestled among vineyards, meadows, and wooded hills, about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Santiago, on the grounds of the Matetic winery, which operates using organic and biodynamic methods.
Rooms
There are only ten Superior rooms, housed in a traditional Chilean country house dating from the early 1900s, fully restored and furnished in an elegant colonial style; the property also features a cozy living room with a fireplace.
Outdoor facilities
The house features a formal garden with mature trees, shaded porches, and a pool exclusively for guests, which is atmospherically lit in the evening.
catering
At the Equilibrio estate restaurant, Chilean cuisine takes center stage: from the breakfast buffet to the three-course meal with two glasses of Corralillo, all the way to the five-course meal with wine pairings.
Meals and Program
Your stay includes the hotel’s most comprehensive package: a welcome drink, breakfast, both meals, the biodynamic tour with wine tasting, two activities in the valley, two regional excursions of your choice, and transfers are all included.
Special Features
Personalized service in an intimate setting and a winery that cultivates its vines using organic and biodynamic methods; among the vines, geese, chickens, and alpacas help with maintenance, and the property’s own organic garden supplies the kitchen.
Her Activities in Santiago
Both city tours are included in the tour price; for the half-day tour in Santiago, you can choose between exploring on foot using public transportation and the classic city tour by vehicle. Upon request, a German-speaking guide will accompany you on both days.
Santiago on Foot and by Public Transportation (Inclusive, Half-Day)
You’ll get around just like the locals in Santiago: by metro, on foot, and finally by cable car. Between Plaza de Armas, the cathedral, and La Moneda Palace, your guide will show you just how close colonial facades and glass-topped skyscrapers stand side by side here.
The highlight is the trip up Cerro San Cristóbal: at the top, you’ll find the white statue of the Virgin Mary and a panoramic view over the sea of houses all the way to the Andes mountain range. The cable car runs daily except on Mondays. For lunch, you’ll return to Lastarria; we recommend the Bocanáriz wine bar; you’ll pay for your meal on your own.
City Tour by Car (alternatively included, half-day)
If you prefer a more comfortable way to explore, choose the classic city tour: From the comfort of a vehicle with a guide, you’ll see the same highlights of the city, plus the bohemian Bellavista neighborhood with its street art.
The tour price includes one of the two options; just let us know which one you prefer when you're planning your trip.
Valparaíso and Viña del Mar (included, full day)
This day on the Pacific coast brings together two very different neighboring cities: the wild, colorful Valparaíso, whose hills you can climb on foot or via the historic elevators, and the elegant seaside resort of Viña del Mar, with its floral clock and coastal promenade.
Your driver and guide will accompany you throughout the day. You’ll pay for lunch by the sea on your own, and if you’d like, the day will end with a stop at Reñaca Beach.
Your Activities at the Estancia
The program includes four set activities: the cultural tour on the day of arrival, the full-day Conservation Safari, the Caravana horseback ride, and the full-day excursion to the Sierra Baguales or the national park. You’ll plan the rest of your itinerary on-site with the guides, choosing from the lodge’s catalog; the selection depends on the season, weather, and availability.
Nature Conservation and Wildlife (including half-day and full-day programs)
The focus is on protecting the puma and exploring how livestock farming and the wilderness can coexist. Accompanied by the conservation team, you’ll get closer to the animals of the steppe and their tracks than you could ever hope to on your own. While we can’t promise that a puma will make an appearance, with a little luck and the trackers’ expertise, you might just encounter one of these elusive hunters.
- The full-day Conservation Experience is on the agenda for Day 5: a full day with the trackers, a visit to Casa Puma, and game drives in the Sierra del Toro as the evening sun paints the savanna. About ten hours, with no significant physical demands.
- During the half-day Conservation Experience, you’ll explore the protected areas with binoculars and camera traps and see how the foundation’s researchers track the pumas. About five hours, no special requirements.
- The wildlife tour takes you by SUV to the Condorera sector, where livestock guard dogs watch over the animals and the team observes and maps the wildlife. It takes about three and a half hours and is manageable for everyone.
Horseback Riding with the Gauchos (included, half-day to full-day)
Riding on the backs of Patagonian Criollo horses and accompanied by experienced gauchos, you’ll follow old cattle-driving trails through the open steppe. There’s a ride to suit every skill level, from a leisurely walk to a long gallop.
- The Caravana is your ride on Day 6: a relaxed half-day ride through the fields surrounding the stud farm, past sheep and grazing guanacos. About 7.5 kilometers in two and a half hours—suitable for children and beginners as well.
- At the Macizo Paine Lookout, even beginners can enjoy a half-day horseback ride across gentle plains, with the three Paine Towers always in view. About 13 kilometers in two and a half hours—no riding experience required.
- Those who are comfortable in the saddle can ride at Puesto Marcou at a trot and a gallop to an old cattle station with a sweeping view of the Sierra Baguales. About 16 kilometers in three and a half hours.
- The ride to Laguna Tegualda takes you through the vast pampas to a lagoon where flamingos rest. It’s about 14 kilometers in two and a half hours, and requires some riding experience.
- The Segunda Barranca is a challenging day-long ride through sparse Nothofagus forest and open pampas that puts even experienced riders to the test. About 25 kilometers in six hours.
- The longest and fastest ride is at Las Flores, a long day’s ride with the Sierra Baguales as a constant backdrop. About 33 kilometers in six hours, for experienced riders.
Hiking (optional, half-day to full-day)
The steppe reveals itself most vividly on foot, from short walks to long mountain hikes. Many trails lead off the beaten path, and you’ll often spend the entire day out on your own with your guide. The Sierra Baguales is one of two options for Day 7.
- The trail to Laguna Sarmiento ends at the shore of the largest lake in the national park, where bizarre thrombolites rise out of the water, built up over thousands of years by tiny organisms. About 5 kilometers in two and a half hours; an easy walk.
- From the estate, follow the stream lined with lenga trees at the Bosquecito lookout point until you reach a wide view of the plain. About 7.5 kilometers in three hours; some physical fitness is required.
- The Mirador Sierra Baguales trail is short but steep, leading up to the Tridente and Ciudadela rock spires. About 5 kilometers in three hours; moderate difficulty.
- The hike into the Río Las Chinas valley is more challenging; there, fossils and unusual rock formations tell the story of a distant past, and Chile’s first dinosaur was once discovered there. About 12 kilometers in roughly five hours, for experienced hikers.
- The Sierra Baguales, on the border with Argentina, is a long day’s hike for experienced hikers, amid fossilized evidence of Earth’s history and wild horses. About 14 kilometers in ten hours.
- At 1,270 meters, Chenque is the highest peak in the Sierra Contreras, crowned by an Aonikenk burial mound. About 17 kilometers in eight hours—a challenging day.
- The classic hike is the trek to the base of the three granite towers of Torres del Paine. It’s about 20 kilometers and takes ten hours, including park admission, and is physically demanding.
Overland in an SUV (options include half-day or full-day tours)
When the trails become too long for extended hikes, the off-road vehicle will take you deep into the plains surrounding the estancia and to remote corners of the national park. The northeast sector is the second option for Day 7.
- The drive to Puesto Sarmiento on Lake Sarmiento takes you to the spot where German aviator Gunther Plüschow had his base in the 1930s to survey Patagonia from the air. It takes about three and a half hours, traveling comfortably by car.
- The northeastern sector of Torres del Paine is rarely visited and features the Las Chinas Valley, the deep-blue Laguna Azul, and the Cascada Paine waterfall. A full-day tour, mostly by SUV.
- The long hike through Torres del Paine leads from Lake Grey, past Lake Pehoé, to the Salto Grande waterfall. It takes a full day and includes park admission.
E-bike ride to Puesto Rojo (included as an option, approx. 1.5 hours)
You glide silently on your e-bike toward Puesto Rojo through the open steppe into the valley of the Río Las Chinas until the bright red Puesto comes into view. The roughly twelve kilometers are covered in an hour and a half with no effort at all.
Cultural Tour of the Estancia (included, approx. 3.5 hours)
On the cultural tour of the estancia, you’ll stroll through the historic estate on the day of your arrival, passing by the original, well-preserved buildings, through the organic garden and greenhouse, to the manor house and the old sheep shearing shed, where sheep are still sheared during the season. Over the course of about three and a half hours, every corner tells a piece of pioneer history.
Archaeology in the Palique Region (optional, approx. 4 hours)
In the Palique region, spend half a day following in the footsteps of Patagonia’s first hunters and gatherers and visit archaeological sites that offer a glimpse into their lives thousands of years ago. About four hours; no special requirements.
Fly Fishing at Las Chinas and Baguales (additional charge, approx. 8 hours)
Accompanied by experienced guides, you’ll spend a full day fly fishing along the clear Las Chinas and Baguales rivers, casting your line for trout and salmon. About eight hours of fun for anyone who loves fishing. This excursion is not included in the program and can be booked for an additional fee.
Your Activities in the Rosario Valley
Your stay at La Casona includes the biodynamic tour, as well as two activities in the valley and two excursions in the region of your choice. You can decide on the spot, depending on your preferences and the weather.
Biodynamic Winery Tour (included, approx. 2.5 hours)
The tour is an integral part of your stay and takes you to the heart of biodynamic viticulture: You’ll follow the sensory trail through the biodynamic garden and on to the wine cellar. Along the way, you’ll see how the biodynamic preparations used to strengthen the estate’s vines are made, and how this work transforms into the estate’s wines.
To wrap up, you'll take part in a guided tasting of two Corralillo wines and two EQ wines. The tour takes place daily.
Horseback ride with a Huaso (optional, approx. 2.5 hours)
You’ll ride accompanied by a Huaso, Chile’s traditional horseman, whose connection to the land is evident with every step. Following gentle trails, you’ll reach several lookouts offering views across the entire valley; then the landscape opens up to hills covered in vineyards and vast meadows.
The horseback ride is one of the two valley activities of your choice and is suitable for children ages 11 and up.
Bike tour through the valley (optional, approx. 2.5 hours)
On your bike, you'll follow the course of the El Rosario Stream through open meadows and native forest. The route showcases the landscape that gives the valley's wines their character.
The bike tour is one of the two valley activities of your choice.
Hike up Montecristo Hill (optional, approx. 2.5 to 3 hours)
The trail up Montecristo winds through the native flora and fauna to a lookout point from which you can take in the full breadth of the Rosario Valley. In the gorge lies the highlight of the hike: a majestic Chilean palm, strictly protected and native only to this part of the world.
If you'd like, you can bike from the house to the starting point. This hike is one of the two valley activities of your choice.
Pitio Trail (optional, approx. 1.5 hours)
The shorter of the two hikes takes you deep into the valley’s birdlife and the evergreen hard-leaved forest, home to boldo, litre, and soapbark trees. Dry slopes, cool gorges, and open areas alternate, and the valley’s birds make frequent appearances.
The Pitio Trail is one of the two valley activities of your choice.
Pablo Neruda's House in Isla Negra (optional, approx. 3.5 hours)
On the Coast of Poets, you’ll visit one of Chile’s national monuments: Pablo Neruda’s house in Isla Negra, perched high above the Pacific Ocean, whose vastness served as the backdrop for his poetry. You’ll explore the poet’s collections and stand at the gravesite where Neruda and his wife are laid to rest.
The audio guide also provides a tour of the house in German; transportation and admission are included. Visits are available Tuesday through Sunday and count toward the two regional excursions of your choice.
Bird Paradise in the Maipo Wetlands (optional, approx. 3.5 hours)
More than 190 bird species have been recorded in the nature park at the mouth of the Río Maipo near Santo Domingo—more than anywhere else in central Chile. You’ll traverse the park’s habitats on wooden boardwalks; the park is one of the best-equipped bird-watching destinations in the country.
The excursion is available Tuesday through Sunday; the park is closed in March. Transportation is included. It counts as one of the two regional excursions of your choice.
Tour and tasting at two wineries (included as an option, approx. 3.5 hours)
From the estate, you’ll travel to two more outstanding wineries in the Casablanca and San Antonio valleys, including Casa Marín, Attilio Mocci, and Kingston Family. Through guided tastings, you’ll discover the styles, methods, and philosophies that round out the picture of Chilean wine.
Transportation, guided tours, and tastings are included. The excursion takes place Tuesday through Sunday and counts as one of the two regional excursions of your choice.
On your own (including at any time)
In between activities, you’re free to do as you please: take a stroll through the orchard, hike on your own along the valley’s trails, or order a “wine flight”—a small selection of the house wines—and taste them at your own pace.
Dates & Prices
Request your trip here!
This tour can be booked as a private, customized trip during the Patagonian summer season, from October through March. You are free to choose your departure date. Prices vary depending on the accommodation you choose and the season.
| Period | Price per person | further information |
|---|---|---|
| October through March | Price upon request | Private tour, with flexible scheduling |
Information
Included services:
- 11 nights: 3 in Santiago at the hotel of your choice, 4 at the estancia in a Classic Room, 4 at La Casona in the Rosario Valley
- Private transfers in Santiago to and from the airport, as well as between Santiago and the Rosario Valley in both directions
- Private half-day tour of Santiago, either on foot and using public transportation—including the cable car up Cerro San Cristóbal—or as a city tour by car (German-speaking guide available)
- Private Full-Day Tour to Valparaíso and Viña del Mar (German-speaking guide available)
- Full board at the estancia, including a breakfast buffet, lunch (either a sit-down meal or a boxed lunch), and dinner, plus an open bar featuring a selection of premium beverages
- Guided excursions on the estancia as outlined in the program, including the full-day Conservation Safari, the cultural tour, the Caravana horseback ride, and the full-day excursion to the Sierra Baguales or the national park
- Private transfer between the airport in Patagonia and the estancia, local transfers, and equipment for the horseback riding excursions
- Entrance to Torres del Paine National Park as part of the park tour
- A donation of 35 U.S. dollars per person per night to the Estancia's Nature Conservation Foundation
- A biodynamic winery tour in the Rosario Valley with a tasting, a three-course meal with two glasses of Corralillo, and a five-course meal with wine pairings at the estate restaurant, two activities in the valley, and two excursions in the region of your choice, a welcome drink, and a breakfast buffet
- Private guides on all excursions; you can choose the order and pace
- Personalized travel planning and advice from inventia
Not included:
- International flights to Santiago, Chile, as well as domestic flights between Santiago and Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas. We'd be happy to book the flights for you.
- Meals in Santiago, unless otherwise noted above, such as the lunches on the two city tours
- Additional excursions from the Estancia's catalog that go beyond the daily program, as well as fly fishing, are available for an extra charge (see Activities)
- tips
- Laundry service and personal expenses
- travel insurance
Important:
- We recommend arriving one to two days before the trip begins to allow for any flight or baggage delays.
- Travel health insurance with unlimited coverage is mandatory, and proof of coverage must be provided.
- The Patagonian portion of the trip takes you to remote areas without access to advanced medical facilities. People with life-threatening medical conditions or who require daily medical treatment cannot participate.
- At the estancia, you will be accompanied by English- and Spanish-speaking guides; in the Rosario Valley, by English-speaking guides. In Santiago and on the excursion to Valparaíso, a German-language guided tour is available upon request.
- This trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
- This is a private combined tour. You’ll travel without a set group, help determine the order and pace of the excursions, and choose your own start date.
- The program at the estancia requires a minimum of two guests and is available for booking during the summer season, from October through March.
- The excursions take place over uneven terrain and require a normal level of basic fitness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Santiago, Chile?
To fly to Santiago, Chile, from Germany, you’ll have one layover, usually in Madrid, Paris, Amsterdam, or São Paulo. The total travel time is about 16 to 20 hours. Upon request, we can handle the flight planning and book the flights for you. Your private driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall at the airport and will take you to your hotel in the Lastarria neighborhood.
Do I need a visa for Chile?
German citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits; a valid passport is sufficient. You can find the latest travel and safety advisories for Chile on the website of the German Federal Foreign Office. Different regulations may apply to other nationalities. Please feel free to contact us; we will review your situation before you book.
When is the best time to take this trip?
The estancia in Patagonia welcomes guests during the summer season, from October through March. During these months, the days are long, temperatures typically range between 14 and 20 degrees, and horseback riding excursions are available. You are free to choose your departure date within this period. For Santiago and the Rosario Valley, this is the most pleasant time of year.
How do I get from Santiago to Patagonia?
On Day 4, you’ll fly from Santiago to Puerto Natales, the nearest airport, located about 100 kilometers from the estancia; the direct flight takes about three hours. Alternatively, the route goes via Punta Arenas; from there, it’s about 330 kilometers and takes about four hours by road. We’d be happy to book the domestic flight for you; it is not included in the tour price. The private transfer from the airport to the estancia, however, is included.
Will I really see a puma on the Conservation Safari?
No one can promise that, because pumas are shy loners. However, this region is one of the areas with the highest puma density in the world, and you’ll spend a full day out in the field with the nature conservation team’s trackers, who know how to read the terrain and the tracks. You’re sure to see guanacos, rheas, foxes, and circling condors. More important than the sighting itself is what you’ll learn about the coexistence of sheep farming and predators.
Do I need to know how to ride a horse?
No. The Caravana ride on Day 6 is a leisurely half-day ride through the fields surrounding the stud farm and is also suitable for beginners and children. The gauchos will accompany you the entire way, and the estancia provides all the equipment. Those who are comfortable in the saddle can switch to longer and faster rides on site, including day trips of up to 33 kilometers. In the Rosario Valley, the ride with the huaso is suitable for guests ages 11 and up.
What languages do the guides speak?
In Santiago and during the excursion to Valparaíso, a German-language guided tour is available upon request for an additional fee. At the estancia, you’ll be accompanied by English- and Spanish-speaking guides, and in the Rosario Valley, by English-speaking guides. A German-speaking guide accompanying you throughout the entire trip is not included in this itinerary. Please let us know during the planning phase what’s important to you, and we’ll tailor the itinerary accordingly.
Can I extend the trip or customize it differently?
Yes, this is a private tour, and you can extend your stay at any stop: spend more nights at the estancia, spend more time in the Rosario Valley, or add another leg of the trip on the mainland. Popular options include the lunar valleys of the Atacama, the moai of Easter Island, and additional wineries in the Casablanca and San Antonio valleys. We can also adjust the order of the stops. Please feel free to contact us.
The Plaza de Armas in Santiago
The Plaza de Armas in the historic center of Santiago
The Santiago Skyline
Santiago de Chile, set against the snow-capped peaks of the Andes
The cable car to Cerro San Cristóbal
The cable car to Cerro San Cristóbal overlooking Santiago de Chile
Castillo Wulff in Viña del Mar
Castillo Wulff overlooking the Pacific coast of Viña del Mar | © Gubin Yury
The Estancia buildings from a bird's-eye view
The Estancia buildings from a bird's-eye view
The main house of the estancia surrounded by summer greenery
The main house of the estancia surrounded by summer greenery
A gaucho and a child are grooming one of the estancia's horses
A gaucho and a child are grooming one of the estancia's horses
The Sierra Baguales above the Estancia buildings
The Sierra Baguales above the Estancia buildings
A gaucho with his flock of sheep in front of the Torres del Paine massif
A gaucho with his flock of sheep in front of the Torres del Paine massif
Sheepdogs herd the flock across the pasture
Sheepdogs herd the flock across the pasture
A herd of horses gallops across the vast Patagonian steppe
A herd of horses gallops across the vast Patagonian steppe
The historic sheep shearing barn with its old wool press
The historic sheep shearing barn with its old wool press
Lamb on a skewer over an open fire at the traditional Asado de Cordero al Palo
Lamb on a skewer over an open fire at the traditional Asado de Cordero al Palo
Herbs and vegetables fresh from the Estancia's greenhouse
Herbs and vegetables fresh from the Estancia's greenhouse
The vast Patagonian pampas with their rolling hills
The vast Patagonian pampas with their rolling hills
The living room at La Casona with an open fireplace
The living room at La Casona with an open fireplace
La Casona from the air
The winery's country house, nestled among the vineyards of the Rosario Valley.
Barrique barrels and amphorae in the estate's wine cellar
Barrique barrels and amphorae in the estate's wine cellar
Mobile chicken coops between the rows of grapevines
Mobile chicken coops between the rows of grapevines
The Neruda House in Isla Negra
Pablo Neruda's house in Isla Negra, right above the Pacific Ocean.
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