The very best of Chilean Patagonia

Santiago is a city surrounded natural beauty and filled with the history of Spanish rule. Begin your wanderings in the Plaza de Armas, branching out to visit Santiago's many museums, ornate churches, and the bustling Mercado Central. The city also has a thriving arts scene to discover and the bohemian neighbourhoods are full of fantastical street theatre performances and quirky galleries. For the best views of the city, ride the cable car to the top of San Cristobal Hill, or climb the historic Cerros Santa Lucia. Then there's the food, which ranges from fabulous fine dining to hole-in-the-wall gems, and the skiing, which, if you time it right, is some of the best in the Southern Hemisphere.

The final stretch of this supremely-scenic, 1,247 km-long route reveals the enthralling topography Patagonia is known for. There are multiple parks and reserves to explore, where lakes lay like mirrors before you, iconic peaks rise towards the sky and the ice fields shimmer in the distance. Make as many pitstops as you like; kayaking, trekking, biking and scenic flights are all on the cards. Look out for Patagonia's unique wildlife including pumas, huemules and soaring condors, and end your journey at one of the most remote towns in Chile, Villa O'Higgins, where mountains rule the skyline.

Chile's Lake District is as picturesque as they come and the spread of mirror-smooth lakes, swathes of ancient forest, and volcanoes that rise in the distance is utterly magical. Pucon is a hub of activity, whether you're after watersports, hiking, biking, or horseback riding - or a soak in the thermal springs - but there's plenty of that across the district too. For an adrenaline boost, go white water rafting on a glacial river and if you're an avid skiier, the Lake District has fabulous volcanic slopes. In the case of Volcan Villarrica, you could even trek to its bubbling crater and toboggan back down! Not to be missed is a taste of the area's Mapuche history on a boat ride to Chiloe Island, where jewel-bright stilted houses line the shore.

The king of Chilean Patagonia, the sky-scraping peaks of Torres del Paine are almost unbelievable when seen with the naked eye. But true they are, and you'll be able to explore all the hidden corners on epic hikes, cycles, horseback rides and drives in the national park itself. There are plenty of trails to explore with a seasoned guide, and you'll walk across rugged terrain and golden pampas, spotting guanacos, pumas and condors catching the thermal winds. Then, there are the icy lakes and lagoons, perfect for a kayaking adventure, as well as treks across the imposing Grey Glacier itself.