9-Day Southern Americas Scenic Route (Mountains & Fjords): Chile & Argentina in January
Discover the wild beauty of the Southern Americas on this 9-day journey through Chile and Argentina. Designed for families who crave the outdoors without sacrificing comfort, this route navigates the majestic 'Northern' Patagonian scenic corridor, where snow-capped volcanoes meet deep blue glacial lakes. Although January is mid-summer in the Southern Hemisphere, the high altitudes and glacial winds offer a refreshing, crisp 'alpine' atmosphere perfect for active families.
From the bustling parks of Santiago to the thunderous calving of the Perito Moreno Glacier, every step of this itinerary is curated for accessibility and wonder. You will find that crossing international borders here is part of the adventure, facilitated by reliable regional airlines and high-standard tourist buses, ensuring your family spends less time in transit and more time witnessing the world's most dramatic landscapes.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Santiago, Chile - Arrival & Urban Exploration
Arrival at Santiago Airport
Touch down at Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport. After clearing customs, take a private transfer to your hotel in the family-friendly Providencia district.
Lunch at Patio Bellavista
Enjoy an outdoor lunch in this vibrant, secure complex offering various cuisines that cater to picky eaters and adventurous palates alike.
Cerro San Cristóbal Funicular
Ride the historic funicular up the hill for a panoramic view of the Andes. Kids will love the ride and the nearby Japanese Garden.
Parque Bicentenario Walk
Stroll through one of the city's most beautiful parks to see the flamingos and enjoy the modern playground facilities.
Day 2: Santiago to Puerto Varas, Chile - Entering the Lake District
Flight to Puerto Montt
A short 1.5-hour flight takes you south to the gateway of the Lake District. Upon arrival, a quick 20-minute shuttle brings you to the charming town of Puerto Varas.
Lakeside Stroll
Walk along the shores of Lake Llanquihue, admiring the perfectly conical Osorno Volcano in the distance. The path is flat and stroller-friendly.
Pablo Fierro Museum
Visit this eccentric, whimsical museum filled with local history and oddities that will capture the imagination of children and adults.
German-Chilean Dinner
Sample traditional 'Kuchen' (cake) and local trout at a lakeside restaurant, reflecting the town's unique heritage.
Day 3: Puerto Varas, Chile - Volcanoes & Waterfalls
Petrohué Waterfalls
Explore the turquoise cascades of the Petrohué River. The well-maintained boardwalks are safe for children and offer incredible photo opportunities.
Osorno Volcano Slopes
Drive up to the ski station on the volcano. Even in January, you can take a chairlift for breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes and mountains.
Lake Todos los Santos Boat Trip
Take a short, family-friendly boat cruise on the emerald waters of 'All Saints Lake' to see the untouched wilderness from the water.
Relax at Hotel Cabaña del Lago
Return to your hotel to enjoy the heated pool, a must-have for families traveling with active kids.
Day 4: Puerto Varas to Puerto Natales, Chile - Heading Deep South
Flight to Puerto Natales
Take a direct flight further south into the heart of Patagonia. The aerial views of the Southern Ice Field are legendary.
Puerto Natales Waterfront
Check into your hotel and walk the windy waterfront. Spot the black-necked swans and the iconic 'Muelle Histórico' (Old Pier).
Last Hope Distillery (Family Mocktails)
Visit this local staple for a tour. While adults sample gin, kids can enjoy artisanal snacks and non-alcoholic regional berry sodas.
Pre-Trek Briefing
Meet your guide for a family-friendly introduction to the wildlife you'll see in Torres del Paine tomorrow.
Day 5: Torres del Paine, Chile - The Granite Towers
National Park Entrance
Begin your day trip into Torres del Paine National Park. Watch for guanacos (wild llamas) and rheas (ostrich-like birds) along the road.
Laguna Amarga Lookout
Take the classic family photo with the three granite 'Towers' reflecting in the bitter-tasting lagoon.
Picnic at Salto Grande
Enjoy a packed lunch near this massive waterfall. The hike to the viewpoint is short and easy for all ages.
Grey Lake Beach
Walk through a lenga forest to reach a beach where blue icebergs frequently wash up from the Grey Glacier.
Day 6: Torres del Paine, Chile - Wildlife and Ranch Life
Estancia Travel
Visit a traditional Patagonian ranch. Kids can learn about sheep shearing and watch skilled dogs herd the livestock.
Patagonian Asado Lunch
Enjoy a traditional slow-roasted lamb lunch, a staple of the region's culinary culture that appeals to all ages.
Mylodon Cave Visit
Explore the massive cave where remains of a prehistoric giant sloth were found—a fascinating site for young dinosaur fans.
Puerto Natales Relaxation
Enjoy a quiet evening in town, browsing local woolen handicrafts and artisanal chocolate shops.
Day 7: Puerto Natales to El Calafate, Argentina - The Border Crossing
Cross-Border Bus Journey
Board a comfortable international bus for the 5-hour journey across the border into Argentina. The transition is smooth and scenic.
Arrival in El Calafate
Enter this charming Argentine town. Check into your accommodation and head to the main street, Avenida del Libertador.
Laguna Nimez Reserve
Walk through this bird sanctuary right on the edge of town to see Chilean flamingos and over 80 species of birds.
Argentine Steak Dinner
Experience your first Argentine 'parrilla' (grill). Don't forget to try the local 'Calafate' berry ice cream for dessert.
Day 8: El Calafate, Argentina - The Perito Moreno Glacier
Los Glaciares National Park
Drive to the world-famous Perito Moreno Glacier. The extensive walkway system is designed for safety and various fitness levels.
Glacier Boat Safari
Take a 1-hour boat tour that sails close to the 200-foot ice walls. Hearing the ice crack and crash into the water is unforgettable.
Glaciarium Museum
Visit this high-tech ice museum on the outskirts of town to learn how glaciers are formed through interactive exhibits.
Souvenir Shopping
Pick up some authentic Argentine leather goods or alfajores (cookie sandwiches) to take back home.
Day 9: El Calafate, Argentina - Departure
Last Lakeside Breakfast
Enjoy a slow breakfast with views of Lake Argentino before heading to the airport for your flight home or to Buenos Aires.
Transfer to El Calafate Airport
Take a short 20-minute shuttle to the airport. The small terminal is easy to navigate with children.
Flight Departure
Say goodbye to the peaks and glaciers as you begin your journey home with lifelong family memories.
Connection in Buenos Aires
Most flights will connect through the capital, providing one last look at the vast Southern landscapes from above.
Best Time to Visit Americas
For this southern scenic route through Chile and Argentina, the peak season is from December to February (Southern Summer). During this time, the weather is mild with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 18°C (50°F - 65°F), making it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. However, Patagonia is famous for its 'four seasons in one day,' so even in summer, high-quality windproof and waterproof clothing is essential. January offers the longest daylight hours, sometimes up to 18 hours, giving families plenty of time to explore safely.
Visas & Border Crossings
Chile and Argentina have streamlined border processes for most international tourists. While many nationalities (including US, EU, and UK citizens) do not require a pre-applied visa for short stays, always check current 'reciprocity fee' requirements which can change periodically. When crossing by land between Puerto Natales and El Calafate, ensure you have all entry/exit forms ready. Note that Chile has very strict phytosanitary rules; do not attempt to carry fresh fruit, meat, or dairy products across the border from Argentina into Chile.
Getting Around Americas
The vast distances in the Southern Americas are best managed through a combination of domestic flights and high-quality tourist buses. Regional airlines like LATAM and Sky Airline offer frequent connections between Santiago, Puerto Montt, and Puerto Natales. For the scenic cross-border segments, international bus companies like Bus-Sur provide comfortable, reliable service with large windows perfect for sightseeing. Within towns like Puerto Varas or El Calafate, private transfers or taxis are the most convenient way for families to reach trailheads and attractions.
