From the Desert to the Inland Ice

The tour price covers all international flights between Europe, Chile and Argentina, accommodation throughout the 18‑day itinerary, most meals (breakfast daily and selected lunches or dinners as listed in the program), all ground transportation between destinations, entrance fees to the attractions mentioned, a German‑speaking guide, and the additional services noted in the description. Detailed inclusions are outlined in the official brochure; any items not listed are considered optional.

Yes. The itinerary states that international flights are included, meaning the round‑trip flight from Germany (or another European departure point) to Santiago, the flight from Santiago to Buenos Aires at the end of the tour, and any necessary connecting flights within South America are part of the quoted price.

The operator typically offers a deposit‑plus‑balance payment schedule, allowing you to secure your place with a small upfront amount and pay the remainder later. Accepted payment methods usually include major credit cards, bank transfers, and sometimes PayPal. Specific installment terms and deadlines are outlined in the booking agreement.

Cancellations made more than 60 days before the start date generally receive a full refund minus a processing fee. Between 60 and 30 days, a partial refund (often 50 % of the total price) is offered. Cancellations within 30 days of departure may be non‑refundable. Exact percentages and any non‑refundable deposits are detailed in the contract.

Travel insurance is not included in the tour price but is strongly recommended. The operator may require proof of coverage that includes medical evacuation, trip interruption, and personal liability before the departure date. You can purchase a suitable policy from a provider of your choice.

The tour begins on the scheduled departure day in Santiago, typically in the morning after the international arrival flight. The first meeting point is the hotel lobby where the German‑speaking guide will welcome the group and conduct a brief orientation before the city‑center tour of Santiago.

Internal transfers are provided by a combination of comfortable chartered coaches and short‑haul flights where distances are large, such as between Santiago and San Pedro de Atacama or between Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales. The exact mode for each segment is listed in the day‑by‑day program.

The tour generally allows one large suitcase (up to 23 kg) and one personal item per traveler for all internal flights and coach transfers. Some domestic flights may have stricter weight limits, so the guide will remind the group of any specific restrictions before each leg.

Yes. The itinerary includes airport pick‑up in Santiago on the first day and airport drop‑off in Buenos Aires at the end of the tour. Transfers are arranged by the tour operator and are part of the overall price.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Citizens of many European countries, including Germany, can enter Chile and Argentina visa‑free for tourism stays up to 90 days. Travelers who do need a visa should obtain it before departure. The tour operator does not handle visa applications.

Most South American countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. It is advisable to check the specific requirements for Chile and Argentina well before travel and renew your passport if necessary.

While not mandatory, travel insurance is strongly advised. Recommended coverage includes medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation or interruption, and personal liability. Some insurers also offer coverage for adventure activities such as the Osorno volcano hike.

The tour is marketed as family‑friendly and welcomes children, typically from age 8 upwards. Some activities, like the high‑altitude climbs or long hikes, may be challenging for very young children. The operator can advise on age‑specific recommendations and any additional fees for child participants.

A moderate level of fitness is recommended. The Osorno volcano ascent involves a steady climb to 1,200 m, and the Torres del Paine sections include uneven terrain and moderate elevation gain. Participants should be comfortable walking several hours each day and be able to handle variable weather conditions.

Solo travelers are welcome to join the group. The tour does not charge a single‑supplement; the price is the same regardless of whether you travel alone or as part of a pair or family, as long as you occupy one spot in the group.

The itinerary includes a range of hotels, some of which may have limited accessibility due to historic buildings, especially in remote areas like Patagonia. The operator can provide details on accessible rooms where available, but full wheelchair accessibility cannot be guaranteed for every property.

Key natural sites include the Moon Valley and Salar de Atacama in the desert, the El Tatio geysers, the Chilean Lake District’s wooden churches and palafitos, the penguin colony on Puñihuil Island, Petrohue waterfalls, the Osorno volcano slopes, Torres del Paine’s Grey Glacier and Lago Grey, and the Perito Moreno Glacier with a boat ride on Lago Argentino.

Yes. The program builds in scheduled free periods after the guided city tours, allowing travelers to explore on their own, shop, or relax. For example, after the Santiago city centre walk, there is an afternoon free slot before the departure to Valparaíso.

For first‑time visitors who want a comprehensive overview of Chile’s diverse landscapes—from desert to glacier—this tour offers a structured itinerary with a German‑speaking guide, covering major highlights and providing logistics, which can simplify travel in a country with long distances and varied climates.

A guided tour handles all internal flights, transfers, accommodation bookings, and entrance fees, reducing the stress of coordinating long‑distance travel across remote regions. It also provides a knowledgeable German‑speaking guide, ensures safety on hikes, and often secures group rates that can be lower than individual bookings.

Travelers who appreciate a mix of natural wonders, cultural sites, and comfortable logistics—such as families, active seniors, and German‑speaking groups—tend to gain the most value. The itinerary balances adventure (e.g., volcano climbs) with cultural experiences (e.g., winery visit) and includes all major transport and accommodation, making it ideal for those who want a comprehensive, hassle‑free South American experience.