Portillo ski station & Inca Lagoon tour from Chile

Portillo, Inca Lagoon, and the Chacabuco Monument in one morning or afternoon

A guided tour to Portillo ski station and Inca Lagoon in the Chilean Andes, with stops at the Independence Monument of Chacabuco and views of the Argentina frontier. The route takes 6 to 8 hours and includes an air-conditioned vehicle and a live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese. Hotel pickup is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Portillo Ski Station and Inca Lagoon

• Travel to Portillo ski station
• Enjoy views of Inca Lagoon
• Visit Independence Monument of Chacabuco

The experience

What makes Portillo and Inca Lagoon worth a half-day trip? The ski station sits at the edge of a high-altitude lagoon that holds its own in the Andes, and the route passes through terrain that marks Chile's border with Argentina. The Independence Monument of Chacabuco stands along the way, a landmark tied to Chile's independence history. A live guide narrates the stops and the landscape in English, Spanish or Portuguese, and the vehicle is air-conditioned for the drive up and back.

The tour runs 6 to 8 hours from pickup. You'll stop for snacks and bathroom breaks on the route, then spend time at each of the main sites: the monument, the ski station itself, and Inca Lagoon. In winter, snow frames the lagoon and the surrounding peaks. The frontier location means the guide can explain the geography and the political history that shaped this part of the Andes, from independence onward.

Moderate fitness helps here. The altitude and the terrain mean the tour suits travelers with at least a moderate level of physical fitness. Those with cardiovascular concerns should check before booking. Bring layers and sunscreen: the elevation and the reflective snow intensify both cold and UV exposure. Lunch is not included, so plan to eat before departure or bring food for the stops.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle.
• live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• hotel pickup.
• stops at the Independence Monument of Chacabuco, Portillo ski station and Inca Lagoon.
• snack and bathroom breaks.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to18h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Full Tour

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to see three frontier landmarks (the Independence Monument, Portillo ski station, and Inca Lagoon) in one guided loop rather than piecing together separate visits.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What does the Chacabuco Monument have to do with this tour?

The Independence Monument of Chacabuco is a stop on the route and marks a site central to Chile's independence history. The guide explains its heritage and significance as part of the tour's narrative about the region and the country's past.

Is lunch included, and what should I bring?

Lunch is not included in the tour. Snack and bathroom stops are built into the itinerary, so plan to eat before departure or bring food. Layers and sunscreen are essential at this altitude, especially if snow is on the ground.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup from your hotel is included. The air-conditioned vehicle will collect you and return you as part of the 6 to 8 hour tour.