Itinerary summary

Tuesday 6 April 2027 - Arrival day (Santiago)

For UK participants, the recommended route from London is non-stop with British Airways (4 times a week). Iberia, KLM/Air France or Latam are other possibilities. All flights are overnight both ways.

Santiago

In the Chilean capital historic architecture jostles for space alongside modern-day skyscrapers and traditional markets. Santiago's central location makes it a convenient base point to further explore the country and is also a departure point for visits to Chile’s Pacific islands.

Spend an afternoon in and around Santiago, with a walking tour of the historic city centre and metropolitan park for those who arrive in the morning.

7-9 April

The Lake District

Deep blue lakes reflect snow-capped volcanoes and mountains, the slopes of which are carpeted with dense temperate rainforest.

Fly south to Puerto Montt, met and driven east along Lake Llanquihue to a small mountain hotel in a spectacular lakeside setting near the base of Osorno volcano. Two days of activities including a 16km walk on the slopes of the volcano and the chance to kayak on either a lake or river. At a convenient time there will be a talk with the local conservation organisation Fundación Rewilding Chile.

10-12 April

Pumalín National Park

The Douglas Tomkins Pumalín National Park is a pristine wilderness of temperate rainforest, volcanoes, sheer granite rock faces and hot springs.

Driven back to Puerto Montt for a 40 minute flight (9-seater Cessna, maximum 20kg hold luggage) south to Chaitén, for a 3 night stay in a simple hotel overlooking the town. Take two full day walks into the national park. There are 11 well-marked trails to choose from and we will decide which to take when we have an idea of group fitness.

13-16 April

Patagonia National Park

The Chacabuco valley forms a natural bridge between the national reserves of Jeinimeni (to the north) and Tamango to the south and is today the Patagonia National Park, showcasing all the region's indigenous species (including guanacos, pumas and condors).

Return flight from Chaiten to Puerto Montt to take a commercial flight south to Balmaceda (1 hour). Driven south (4-5 hours) along the spectacular Southern Highway (Carretera Austral) past Lago General Carrera. Spend 4 nights at the explora hotel, where a menu of activities (in small groups of up to 10 people) is available and is discussed with the guides on arrival. They have been designed to give an in depth experience of this austral territory with its unique geographic, cultural and biosphere characteristics and include walks (which range from easy to difficult), mountain biking, riding (for both beginners and more experienced riders), kayaking and excursions by vehicle.

Saturday 17 April

Driven back to Balmaceda airport (4-5 hours) for an afternoon commercial flight to Santiago (2:20hrs) for a final night.

Sunday 18 April - Departure day

Transfer (40 minutes) to Santiago airport for homeward or onward connections. British Airways flights for the UK generally depart in the early afternoon and arrive the next day.

Notes:

Prices start at an estimated £8,450 per person sharing a double/twin room; single supplement: £1,820

The outline presented here was published in August 2025 but we may need to add or omit visits; alter the length of stay in each place; or change routings to make the best connections. We reserve the right to substitute the tour leader if they are unable to travel for reasons outside our control.

The fitness requirements for this tour are Medium to High (see Cambridge guidelines: www.alumni.cam.ac.uk/travel/fitness-requirements-for-the-alumni-travel-programme). We will ask all participants to tell us how fit they consider themselves so that we can plan daily activities appropriately.