Southern Chile Family Adventure

Your family trip to Chile begins in the capital city of Santiago. Touching down, you have the choice to head to Hotel Boutique Bidasoa for some restful downtime post-flight or head out for some sightseeing by bike around Santiago’s urban parks. Cycle past public art and fields strewn with relaxing locals as the Andes tower overhead. With flat routes, it’s a low effort but highly entertaining outing for each generation. 

Your family’s first full day starts with a drive to the stunning Pacific coast to the neighboring cities of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. Known as South America's San Francisco, Valparaiso is a whirlwind of hill-climbing funiculars and art-splashed houses, while Vina’s broad beaches beckon. En route back to Santiago, the driver pulls off into the Casablanca wine valley where there’s tastings of Chilean wine for the grown-ups and outdoorsy fun for the little ones. 

Fly south to the heart of the Chilean Lake District: a dazzling land of volcanoes, old-growth forests, and shimmering lakes. Nature seekers flock to the town of Pucon for its access to adventure and unparalleled setting between lakeshore and snowcapped summits. Here, art and wilderness collide at Hotel Antumalal, a Bauhaus-inspired stay with wall-to-wall windows. The afternoon is at leisure: take excitable young ones down to the lake or play games in front of your room’s panoramic windows. 

The day dawns with a guided morning trek through the mystical forests of Huerquehue National Park. Ancient monkey puzzle trees arch overhead, remnants from the time of dinosaurs, and alpine lakes materialize around hidden bends. As an accessible route suited to all ages and abilities, the trail is breathtaking without taking away your breath. Then, rest tired feet and soothe any sore muscles with an afternoon stop at some of the region’s geothermal hot springs. 

Delve deeper into the Lakes District to Futangue Park, a private reserve far from the tourist tracks. Enjoy three days of undisturbed adventure in one of Chile’s wildest corners with just your family: kayak rides on Lago Ranco, rugged 4x4 rides, quiet hikes. Each day can go as fast or slow as everyone desires, bookending outdoor fun with lounging by the fire in the boutique lodge and hearty meals.

Your family’s Patagonia trip continues further south on the edge of Torres del Paine National Park. A flight and drive brings you to Estancia Cerro Guido, a working ranch where kids and grownups can play the part of Patagonian cowboys for a few days. Mosey across the pampas on horseback as condors circle overhead, hike to glacial lakes, and embark on puma-seeking safaris. At night, hosts regale you with local legends over asado spreads and glasses of Chilean wine. 

Fly from the extreme southern end of Chile back to central Santiago. Enjoy more of the hotel’s amenities or head to attractions missed during your first visit: a high-flying cable car ride to the top of Cerro San Cristobal or a quiet afternoon marveling at archeological finds in museums. A celebratory final dinner at one of the city’s excellent restaurants ends the trip on a wonderful high note. 

After a slow start and unrushed breakfast at the hotel, you and the family have the full day to explore at leisure. Peruse artisan markets for last-minute souvenirs, squeeze in another museum visit, or wear out little ones before the long evening flight with a walking tour of historic sites. Come evening, a private driver ferries you to the airport where you’ll bid Chile farewell, leaving richer in memories and closer as a family.