Chile Gay Adventure Tour - Santiago, Atacama & Patagonia - Happy Gay Travel

Chile Gay Adventure Tour
Santiago, Atacama & Patagonia

Santiago, Atacama Desert, Cejar Lagoon, Termas de Puritama, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine, and more!

10 Days from Santiago to Puerto Natales, Chile

October 24 – November 02, 2024
October 23 – November 01, 2025

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Gay Chile adventure tour Gay Chile adventure through arid deserts, scenic terrains, and spectacular Santiago. Our big gay Chile adventure offers an unforgettable taste of South America’s wild west. Soak up sensational Santiago, the country’s capital and beating heart, then visit the Atacama Desert, known for being the driest place on Earth. Afterwards, head south to tackle one of the world’s most sought-after hiking destinations, Patagonia. It’s so famously rugged, the world’s largest outdoor clothing company is named after it.

We’ll spend 4 days in Torres del Paine National Park hiking from campsite to campsite along the same trails used by guanacos and prowling pumas. This epic journey concludes on the shores of Grey Lake, renowned for its sweeping vistas and massive glaciers.

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Chile gay group tour

• Trek unforgettable landscapes in the Atacama Desert

• Float in Chile’s salt-dense lagoons

• Discover Santiago and Chile’s growing LGBTQ+ scene

• Soak in Puritama natural hot springs

• Trek one of the world’s most rugged landscapes alongside a group of ambitious gay hikers

• Visit Torres Del Paine National Park and hike to its namesake "towers"

• Spot local wildlife like soaring condors, grazing guanacos, or even elusive pumas

• Safely challenge yourself on more industrious trails such as the French Valley trail

Santiago Chile gay tour

Day 1 - Arrive Santiago, Chile
Hola! Welcome to Santiago. Hola! Welcome to Santiago. And thank you for joining our big gay Chilean adventure!

Upon arrival at Santiago International Airport, a private transfer will take you to the hotel.

Chile’s capital is a vibrant city full of character with thriving arts and culture, a trendy restaurant scene, and lively nightlife.

At 2pm, please join us in the hotel lobby for our Group Meeting followed by an afternoon tour around Santiago via foot and the city’s metro system.

Together we’ll pass by some of the city’s most iconic architectural gems including “La Moneda” government palace, the Plaza de Armas and Santiago’s Cathedral.

After an afternoon of walking we’ll be hungry for our welcome dinner where we’ll savour the region’s fine local cuisine and its distinctive Chilean pisco (a type of brandy).

Hotel: Luciano K Hotel, Santiago

Atacama Desert gay tour

Day 2 - Santiago / Atacama Desert
This morning we have a very early start to catch our flight to Calama, then transfer to San Pedro de Atacama.

Lunch is optional at our hotel. Take a few hours to explore this oasis amidst the world’s DRIEST desert.

In the afternoon we’ll reconvene for a sunset hike through Moon Valley. Our trek begins within the Salt Mountain Range known for its abstract rock formations.

We’ll then make our way to the magical Three Marys view point to enjoy panoramic views of this national reserve and the Andes Mountain Range.

After the hike we’ll be transferred to a local restaurant for dinner.

Length of hike: 3 hours
Maximum altitude: 2,600 meters above sea level.

Please note: Today’s flight is not included in the cost of the tour. Please see Important Information for a special note on purchasing domestic airfare.

Hotel: Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama Hotel, Atacama Desert

Exploring Atacama desert

Day 3 - Cejar Lagoon
Buenos dias! Today, we’ll start with another desert hike that will take approximately 3 hours.

The adventure begins in Las Cornisas, known for its distinct red tones and breathtaking rock formations. This area is renowned for its amazing geomorphic and topographic formations where rocky natural sculptures and dunes abound.

We’ll have a box lunch in tow for a quick bite to eat, then continue today’s adventure with a bike ride to some briny lagoons north of the Atacama Saltpan.

We’ll float in Laguna Piedra, thanks to its salt-dense waters, then walk a few minutes to Cejar Lagoon.

Dinner tonight is optional, and later we’ll have the option of star gazing (not included, weather dependent). As the driest place on earth, the night sky from Atacama Desert is second to none, so why not spend tonight observing splendid nebulas and constellations while wine, hot cocoa and sweet snacks are served?

Today’s biking distance: 36 Kilometers/22.3 Miles round-trip
Pedalling level: Moderate-Difficult

Hotel: Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama Hotel, Atacama Desert

Chile gay tour Atacama salt lagoon

Day 4 - Termas de Puritama
Feeling spritely this morning? We’ll have an optional early-morning excursion to visit the Tatio Geysers.

Otherwise, our day begins around 8am when we’ll begin hiking towards Termas de Puritama. Upriver along the Puritama, we’ll discover how the riverbed is the ideal environment for this region’s endemic flora, like the Foxtail, Ojalar, Tikara and Cardon cactus.

Our trek ends around noon at the Puritama Thermal Springs where both groups will reconvene and enjoy a boxed lunch together.

Be sure to unwind in the mineral-rich, 33°C (90° F) water while a symphony of birds like the Andean Ibis and Yellow-Finch serenade us. En route we’ll also see Guatin Canyon, where a lukewarm stream flows.

Tonight we’ll have the option to enjoy dinner at the hotel or take a transfer into town (not covered) to eat at a local restaurant.

Length of hike: 2 hours
Maximum altitude: 3,200 meters above sea level

Hotel: Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama Hotel, Atacama Desert

Chile Santiago gay tour

Day 5 - Atacama Desert / Santiago
After breakfast we head back to Santiago (2-hour flight) for a final day in the country’s capital.

The afternoon is free to enjoy the sights, sounds, and culture of this world-class South American city.

Before saying farewell to civilization and heading to remote Patagonia, we’ll have a delicious dinner in a local restaurant.

Note: Today’s flight is not included in the cost of the tour. Please see Important Information for a special note on purchasing domestic airfare.

Hotel: Luciano K Hotel, Santiago

Torres Del Paine gay tour

Day 6 - Santiago / Puerto Natales
Up and at ‘em! This morning we’ll fly out very early to Puerto Natales. We will likely arrive early afternoon depending on the availability of flights.

Upon arrival we’ll store bags with reception as our rooms likely won’t be ready, then take a short orientation walk of this small and sleepy port city.

The afternoon is free for us to relax and pack our small bags for the next portion of the tour or perhaps an optional kayaking excursion if the temperamental weather is cooperating.

This evening we’ll enjoy a local Patagonian dinner in town.

Please note: Today’s flight is not included in the cost of the tour. Please see Important Information for a special note on purchasing domestic airfare.

IMPORTANT PACKING NOTE: Tomorrow we’ll begin the camping & refugio portion of our tour. You must prepare a smaller pack with enough clothing and layers for 3 full days of hiking along with any daily essentials and personal items you require. You will be required to carry this pack from campsite to campsite—there are no porters on this tour. The rest of our luggage will be transferred to Hotel Lago Grey and will not be accessible until Day 9.

Hotel: Noi Indigo Patagonia Hotel, Puerto Natales

Patagonia gay hiking tour

Day 7 - Torres Del Paine National Park
Another early day awaits with a 2.5-hour drive to Torres del Paine.

Once we’ve arrived, we’ll drop our bags before we stretch out our legs on the beautiful hike towards the park’s namesake granite "towers".

Upon arrival at the towers, we’ll have some time to soak up the majestic view and gaze at the turquoise lagoon before heading to camp for dinner.

Ascent: 740m/2427ft
Descent: 380m/1245ft
Distance: 15.5km/9.6mi
Approximate hiking time: 6.5 hours

Accommodation: El Chileno Refugio & Camping, Torres del Paine

Torres del Paine gay hiking

Day 8 - Torres Del Paine National Park
This morning we’ll rise early to get the most out of our day.

We’ll begin with a quick transfer to Pudeto Lake for a catamaran ride to the start of the French Valley trail.

This scenic hike is well known for its sweeping views of snow- and glacier-capped mountains. The trek itself will be challenging and long with quite an impressive incline.

Once we descend from the hike, we’ll arrive at our cozy but basic accommodation, Refugio Paine Grande. At this lodge we’ll be staying in bunk beds with 6 to a room and shared facilities. Unfortunately, there are no single supplements available this evening.

Ascent: 516m/1692ft
Descent: 875m/2874ft
Distance: 22.3km/14mi
Approximate hiking time: 9 hours

Accommodation: Refugio Vértice Paine Grande Lodge, Torres Del Paine

Lago Grey ferry

Day 9 - Torres Del Paine National Park
Good news, after yesterday’s tenacious trek, today will feel like a breeze by comparison. In total, we’ll be hiking for only 4-ish hours with very little incline/decline.

We’ll begin with a proper breakfast before setting off towards Glacier Grey. At 30m/100ft high and 6km/3.7mi wide, it’s one of the most spectacular glaciers in South America’s Wild West.

Our hike concludes on the shores of Grey Lake where we’ll ferry to our final accommodation, Hotel Lago Grey.

We’ll have some time to rest our weary feet, shower and unpack/repack before a rewarding farewell dinner.

Ascent: 204m/672ft
Descent: 185m/607ft
Distance: 11km/6.8mi
Approximate hiking time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Lago Grey Hotel, Torres Del Paine

Patagonia gay hike

Day 11 - Puerto Natales Departure
Today is the final day of the tour.

After breakfast, a group transfer will be provided to the Puerto Natales Airport, or our Puerto Natales hotel for those extending their stay.

With that in mind, we ask that you contact our team before purchasing your flight out of Puerto Natales.

• An LGBTQ+ host and an English-speaking local guide throughout

• Arrival transfer to the joining point hotel

• Departure transfer from the Finishing Point Hotel (group transfer)

• All land transportation in comfortable, air conditioned vehicles with bottled water available on the bus

• Breakfast daily, 5 box lunches, 7 dinners

• Gratuities for drivers, day/city guides and all included activities

• All included activities and experiences mentioned in the itinerary

• Tents, sleeping bag and mat while camping

• A $50 USD Rainbow Railroad donation to help resettle LGBTQ+ refugees.

Atacama Desert gay trip

• International airfare

• Domestic airfare (details will be provided when the official Trip Confirmation is sent to group)

• Entry visa costs

• Travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers.

• Gratuities for Host ($70 – $100 USD)

• Meals and activities not mentioned in the itinerary

• Sleeping bag liner

• Towels (for showering) at Torres Central camping or Paine Grande refugio

• All optional activities mentioned/suggested

• Alcoholic beverages at lunch and dinner, unless otherwise indicated

Chile Visa
Canadians, Americans, and most Europeans don’t need a visa. Australians must pay a reciprocity fee, and South Americans need only an ID card. For all visitors, a 90-day Tourist Card will be issued. There may be exceptions, and all visas are the traveller’s responsibility.

Culture Shock
Chile is one of South America’s most highly developed nations, with a thriving GDP, but it also has a major chasm between rich and poor. Most economic and industrial development was in the last thirty years, so their newfound prosperity is beginning to have an impact.

Local LGBT Scene
Queer rights are progressing in this once socially conservative but still Catholic country. Same-sex couples have had legal protection since 2015, but still cannot marry. They can also apply to adopt, but only one partner becomes a legal parent. There are no service bans for the military, and transgender people can change their sex and name.
Community and nightlife thrive in the capital of Santiago, especially in Barrio Bellavista. To make the most of it, bear in mind things don’t get rolling until late in the night (the Latin way).

Weather
October is spring in Patagonia, making it the ideal time to visit the region. But even though it’s spring/early summer, the weather can feel cool, especially at night. Weather patterns throughout Patagonia can be very temperamental and heavy rain, snow flurries and wind are quite common so prepare appropriately.

Santiago Chile gay travel

Required Vaccinations
Based on the entry requirements, there are no immunizations needed for entry, except to Easter Island (a yellow fever vaccine is required when arriving from certain tropical countries). To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult with your doctor or a travel medical clinic. We cannot provide vaccination recommendations.

Electricity
Chile uses C- and L-type sockets.

Connectivity
All of our hotels will have Wi-Fi access. The lodges in Patagonia may have a basic connection in the common areas, slower than what you are used to at home.

Travel Insurance
Medical travel insurance is required on all Out Adventures tours. At a minimum, your travel insurance must include medical coverage of US$50,000 and emergency repatriation coverage of no less than US$200,000.

Chile gay adventure

Domestic Airfare
On this tour, domestic airfare is not included. We will provide the recommended flight details in the official Trip Guarantee email. If you are booking your trip less than 90 days to departure, there is a chance you will have to purchase a different flight than the rest of the group.

Meals
To keep things flexible, not all meals are included in the trip price. Although we typically dine together so that everybody can get a taste of everything, feel free to explore on your own. Your guide will always have some restaurant recommendations.

Money
The local currency is the Chilean Peso. Use local currency for small purchases, however credit cards are accepted at most upscale restaurants and hotels. We recommend carrying approximately $400 USD to be used in case of an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold. This should be in addition to any spending money.

Tipping
If you are happy with services throughout your trip, a tip is recommended. Tipping details will be provided in your final trip documentation, however we recommend budgeting approximately $100–$150 USD.

What to bring
Our adventure entail carrying your own luggage on occasion. And while you’ll never schlep far, things can quickly get costlier than a celebrity breakup if you don’t keep your baggage under 20kg/44lb thanks to costly surcharges on domestic flights. You should also bring something smaller for day trips to carry water, your camera, and any souvenirs you find along the way.
Please note: There is limited vehicle luggage space in these remote areas so we ask that you limit your luggage to one soft-sided bag weighing under 20kg. DO NOT bring a large hard-shell suitcase or more than 1 large bag.

Optional Activities
Every Out Adventure offers optional excursions that are not included in price of this trip. Please see the daily itinerary in your final pre-trip packet to learn what’s available.

Chile Atacama gay tour

A Special Note on Torres Del Paine Accommodations and Single Supplement
While staying in Torres del Paine National Park we’ll spend one night camping and one night in a simple lodge (known locally as a “refugio”). Those with a single supplement will have their own tent while camping, but will not have their own room while at the refugio.

Camping:
Sleeping bags, 2-person tents and insulated matts will be provided but you may wish to rent or purchase a sleeping bag liner. Bathrooms and showers are communal, towels are not provided.

Simple Lodge:
A VERY basic lodge with simple bunk beds in shared dorms with 6 to a room, sleeping bags are included. You may wish to rent or purchase a sleeping bag liner. The space is heated with a slow-burning wood fire stove. Bathrooms and showers are communal, towels are not provided.

Starting Point Hotel
Luciano K Hotel, Santiago
Featuring free WiFi and an outdoor pool, Hotel Luciano K is a boutique hotel with a mix of antique and art decó design. The hotel has a terrace and views of the city, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar. Costanera Center shopping mall is 3.5 km away.

Every room at hotel Luciano K has a flat-screen TV with cable channels, soundproof windows air conditioning and spacious bathrooms. Slippers, bath robes and free toiletries are also provided.

Luciano K Hotel room

The property offers a wellness centre, including a spa and a sauna. Guests can enjoy the spacious terrace with a bar, heated pool and panoramic views of the surrounding forest and park. Hotel Luciano K stands out for it glamorous architecture and design, located in a historic building from the 1920s. Laundry services are available at the property for an extra fee. The front desk is available 24 hours a day.

The hotel has a great location a 2-minute walk from Plaza Italia and Baquedano Metro Station. The gay neighbourhood of Bellavista, where guests will find several restaurants and pubs, is only a 5-minute walk away. Arturo Merino Benitez Airport is a 20-minute drive from the property.

Finishing Point Hotel
Lago Grey Hotel, Torres Del Paine, Chile
Located on Grey Lake, surrounded by a crystalline glacier, granite mountains peaks, forests, and rivers, this hotel is the ideal location for a Torres del Paine National Park getaway.

Hotel Lago Grey offers free WiFi access. Rooms here are all fitted with heating, private en suite bathroom and satellite television.

Lago Grey Hotel room

At Hotel Lago Grey guests will find an ample complimentary buffet breakfast. There is an on-site restaurant and a bar.

Different activities can be enjoyed, including navigation to the Grey Glacier for a fee. The hotel is located a 5-hour drive from Punta Arenas. Free public parking is available onsite.

Gay Chile adventure