Chile itinerary (7, 10 & 14 days)

Stretching along South America's western edge like a ribbon between the Andes and the Pacific, Chile has landscapes that shift constantly. You’ll go from dry desert flats in the north to icy fjords in the south, with wine valleys, forests, volcanoes, and beaches in between. This long, narrow country covers a lot of ground - literally and culturally.

With so much ground to cover, figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming. That’s where this guide comes in. Below, we’ve laid out some of our favorite Chile itineraries, each built around a different way to experience the country. They’re designed to help you make the most of your time without spending too much of it in transit.

If you’d rather hand off the planning, Rough Guides’ local experts can build a custom Chile trip based on what you're into. They handle organizing stays, routes, and experiences so you can focus on the journey instead of the details.

Best Chile itinerary at a glance

A one-week trip could focus on just a couple of regions, while two weeks gives you more room to connect the dots. Many travelers pair Torres del Paine with the Lake District or combine the Atacama with a few days in Santiago and Valparaíso.

• 7 days in Chile itinerary: One week usually means picking between the desert or Patagonia. You might spend a couple of days in Santiago and Valparaíso, then fly north to San Pedro de Atacama for geysers and salt flats, or south to see the dramatic peaks of Torres del Paine.
• 10 days in Chile itinerary: With ten days, you can move between two regions without rushing. A typical route might link Santiago and the Atacama with the Lake District or head from the capital to Patagonia with time to explore wine country along the way.
• 14 days in Chile itinerary: Two weeks gives you the flexibility to build a full north-to-south route. You can start in Santiago, stop in Valparaíso, fly to the Atacama, then head south for hiking in Torres del Paine. Some travelers also use this time to add Easter Island or spend more days in the Lake District.

Want to skip the hassle of planning and booking? Our Chile travel experts can help.

7 days in Chile itinerary

How to plan a trip to Chile that is only a week long? This itinerary splits your time between Chile’s capital and the remote landscapes of Easter Island. You’ll get three days to explore Santiago’s neighborhoods before flying out to Rapa Nui for another three days to see the moai and coastal sites. It’s a steady pace, but enough time to get a good feel for both.

Day 1: Arrival in Santiago

After landing at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, head to Santiago's city center. You can take the afternoon slow or start exploring if you’re feeling up for it.

Barrio Lastarria is a good place to start. It’s walkable, full of bookshops and cafés, and easy to get around. The buildings here have a bit of old-school charm. If you want a view of the city, the Sky Costanera has an observation deck high above everything. For something more low-key, check out La Casa en el Aire in Bellavista. They host live music in the evenings, usually traditional Chilean styles in a casual setting.

Insider tip: Skip currency exchange at the airport.

Day 2: Santiago history

A walking tour helps connect the older parts of the city with what you’ve already seen.  You’ll likely start at La Moneda Palace, where the president works, then head toward República, where early 20th-century families built European-style mansions with Chilean mining money. The Cousiño Palace is one of the few that’s open to the public.

In the center, Plaza de Armas is still a busy meeting point, with the cathedral and colonial buildings around it. The Central Market is nearby and worth a visit if you're hungry or just want to see what’s coming in from the Pacific.

Cross the river to Bellavista to see the city’s more recent energy. You’ll see big murals, painted houses, and fewer tourists. You can climb Santa Lucía Hill for a close-up city view or take the funicular up San Cristóbal for something wider.

Insider tip: At Cousiño Palace, ask to see the basement. The kitchens, wine cellars, and service tunnels are still intact.
 

Day 3: Arrival in Easter Island

Travel time: Around 5.5 hours

The flight from Santiago to Easter Island covers about 2,300 miles (3,700 kilometers) across the Pacific. It’s a long stretch with no land in sight. Once the island comes into view, you’ll land on a single runway just outside Hanga Roa.

You’ll arrive on Rapa Nui, one of the best places to visit in Chile, in the early afternoon. The island is small, about 63 square miles (163 square kilometers), so it doesn’t take long to get where you need to go.

Hanga Roa, the only town, lines the coast and has a mix of small guesthouses, restaurants serving tuna or earth-oven dishes, and places to buy local crafts.

You can walk along the coast to Ahu Tahai. This is often people’s first encounter with the moai. They’re bigger than you expect and quieter. They face inland, toward where villages once stood. One of them has restored coral eyes, which gives you a better sense of how they looked when finished.

Insider tip: Buy your national park ticket today at the CONAF office in town. It’ll save you time in the morning when you're heading out to the sites.

Day 4: Southern circuit archaeological tour

You’ll start the loop around Rano Kau  on day four of this Chile itinerary by heading straight to the coast.

The drive out of Hanga Roa follows the curve of the coast, where the first stop is a cave right at the water’s edge. Ana Kai Tangata opens to crashing surf, and inside, you can still make out red and black figures painted on the ceiling: frigate birds, mostly. hese relate to the tangata manu birdman ceremony that took over as the island’s main ritual after moai carving stopped.

From there, you’ll drive to the rim of Rano Kau. Looking into the crater, you’ll see a freshwater lake filled with floating reed islands about 650 feet (200 meters) below. The opposite side of the crater stretches out to the Pacific. Just a short walk away is Orongo, a ceremonial village perched on the cliff edge. The small stone houses here were used during the birdman competition, where participants would climb down the cliff, swim through rough water to the offshore islets, and try to bring back the first sooty tern egg of the season.

Then it’s on to Ana Te Pahu, a system of lava tubes with openings that once supported underground gardens.

Day 5: Anakena Beach and Eastern Moai

Anakena is one of the few beaches on Rapa Nui where you can actually swim. The coral sand is pale and soft, the water clear, and the palms give the cove a kind of quiet, sheltered calm.

This is where the first settlers are said to have arrived, led by Hotu Matu’a. Ahu Nau Nau stands just behind the beach, lined with moai whose backs are carved with markings that have held up surprisingly well. A smaller platform nearby holds a single restored statue, raised again in the mid-1900s.

People tend to linger here longer than they expect. The beach stays peaceful through the morning, and the water stays shallow for a long stretch. With a packed lunch, there’s no need to head back right away.

Later in the day, the drive continues along the eastern edge of the island. Ahu Tongariki rises ahead, its fifteen moai facing inland toward the hills. The platform is long and low, and the scale of it doesn’t quite register until you’re standing in front of it. From here, the route winds back through open country, with views of the sea breaking in and out between ridges.

Insider tip: Try to get to Anakena before noon.

Day 6: Horseback riding to Terevaka Summit

Riding on horseback is one of the most common ways to move through the island’s interior. The ride begins in open grassland, where wild horses graze near the trail.  Local guides usually lead the way, sharing stories passed and pointing out native plants along the route.

The route climbs gently along the flank of Maunga Terevaka. At 1,663 feet (507 meters), it’s the island’s highest point. From the top, you can see the full triangle of Rapa Nui, surrounded by the Pacific in every direction.

Coming down a different route, you’ll pass lava tube caves used as shelters and burial sites. Some have petroglyphs carved into the rock, showing birdmen, fish, and other ceremonial symbols. 
 

Day 7: Departure from Chile

Travel time: Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes

The return flight to Santiago leaves early in the morning. You’ll need to check out before sunrise and head straight to the airport. It’s a long journey back across the Pacific, and most people sleep through most of it. If your international flight is later in the day, you’ll have time to enjoy a final meal or explore one more part of Santiago. Some travelers fly straight out of the airport without staying the night, depending on their connection.

If you have time between flights in Santiago, you might squeeze in a visit to a nearby neighborhood or get a last taste of Chilean food before heading to the international terminal.

Want a trip that’s truly yours? Our local travel experts can craft itineraries tailored to your interests.

10 days in Chile itinerary

This ten-day Chile itinerary gives you time to explore both sides of Chile: city life in Santiago and the surreal desert around San Pedro de Atacama. You'll cover some distance, but there's enough time in each place to get your bearings.

Day 1: Arrival in Santiago

After landing at Santiago’s international airport, take a cab or rideshare into the city. If you’re staying central, it’s easy to walk around. Barrio Lastarria is a good area to start—tree-lined, relaxed, and full of cafés and small restaurants. You can stretch your legs with a walk around the historic center or just find a place to sit with a snack and watch the city move.

If you want a view, head to Sky Costanera in the late afternoon. The elevator gets you up fast, and on a clear day you can see the Andes behind the city. Dinner back in Lastarria is easy. Most places don’t need a reservation.

Insider’s tip: Uber works well here and is generally safer and more consistent than street taxis, especially from the airport.

Day 2: Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama

Travel time: 3.5 hours total (2-hour flight plus 1.5-hour drive)

Flights to Calama leave in the morning. Sit on the left side for views of the Andes as you fly north. Once you land, it’s a 1.5-hour drive to San Pedro. You’ll pass open desert, abandoned mines, and dry hills that stretch for miles.

San Pedro feels like a desert outpost with dusty roads and low adobe buildings. You’re at about 7,900 feet (2,400 meters) here, so don’t plan anything too intense before accumulatizing. Walk around town, stop into a shop or two on Caracoles Street, and get a sense of what tours you might want to join over the next few days. When the sun goes down, you’ll see why this place is known for stargazing. Just walk a few minutes out of town and look up.

Insider’s tip: Be sure to pre-arrange a shuttle from Calama. Taxis can be overpriced and buses are irregular.
 

Day 3: Geysers del Tatio and Machuca

On day three of this Chile itinerary, you’ll want to wake up early. Really early, in fact, as most tours to El Tatio leave around 4 AM to reach the geysers just before sunrise. It’s a two-hour drive, and temperatures before dawn can drop well below freezing, so dress warm. This is one of the highest geyser fields in the world, at about 14,170 feet (4,320 meters). Steam rises off dozens of geothermal vents, and guides usually serve a quick breakfast nearby.

On the way back, you’ll stop in Machuca, a high-altitude village with just a handful of homes. Locals sometimes sell snacks like cheese empanadas or llama skewers. There’s also a small church built in the early 1600s that’s worth a quick look.

Insider’s tip: Wear layers. It can start around 14°F (-10°C) in the morning but warm up to 68°F (20°C) by midday.

Day 4: Valle de la Luna and Cordillera de la Sal

This half-day trip usually starts in the afternoon, around 3 PM, when the desert light starts to shift. Valle de la Luna is only about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from town. The landscape here feels otherworldly, with sharp ridges, white salt crusts, and soft sand dunes.

You'll walk up Duna Mayor for a wide view across the valley, then explore the Anfiteatro, a rock formation with layers of mineral colors. Later you’ll stop at the Tres Marías, three narrow stone formations shaped by wind over time. The final stop is Piedra del Coyote, a clifftop viewpoint where you can watch the colors change across the Cordillera de la Sal as the sun goes down behind Licancabur Volcano.

Insider’s tip: Bring a headlamp. After sunset, it gets very dark and some trails can be tricky to follow.
 

Day 5: Altiplanic lagoons, Atacama salt flat and Toconao

Say five of this Chile itinerary is a longer day, with early departures to higher elevation.  First stop is Piedras Rojas, where the red rocks and turquoise water look surreal against the pale desert. Most tours serve breakfast here before continuing to the lagoons.

Miscanti and Miñiques sit over 13,800 feet (4,200 meters) up, backed by volcanic peaks. It’s quiet and still, with a few birds moving across the water. On the way back, you’ll drop down into the Atacama Salt Flat. At Chaxa Lagoon, you’ll likely see flamingos feeding, depending on the season. The last stop is Toconao, a small town with fruit orchards and a bell tower built from volcanic stone.

Insider’s tip: Even if you feel fine at first, altitude can sneak up on you. Bring coca leaves or pills just in case.

Day 6: Return to Santiago

Travel time: 3.5 hours total (1.5-hour drive plus 2-hour flight)

Shuttles usually leave San Pedro around 10 AM for the drive back to Calama Airport. It’s the same road as before, but on the way out, the landscape tends to look different. The midday sun brings out more of the desert’s texture, and you’ll probably notice the copper mines and geometric ridges that didn’t stand out when you arrived.

Flights to Santiago run throughout the afternoon, so you’ll likely land back in the city by mid-to-late afternoon. If you want to ease back into things, head to Providencia for dinner or drinks. There are a few rooftop bars with views of the Andes, and restaurants like Boragó focus on creative Chilean food using ingredients from around the country.
 

Day 7: Santiago

Start your morning at La Moneda Palace, the presidential building. Every other day, there’s a changing of the guard around 10 AM with full military pageantry. From there, walk through the Civic District, where wide boulevards and French-style buildings date back to the late 19th century.

Cousiño Palace is worth a visit if you’re interested in how the city’s wealthy families lived during the copper boom. The interiors are still fully furnished from the 1940s. Next, head to Plaza de Armas, which is usually full of street performers, vendors, and chess games under the palm trees. The Metropolitan Cathedral faces the square and has a striking gold-leaf altar inside.

Cross the river to the Central Market for lunch, especially if you're into seafood. Nearby, the old Mapocho Station has been converted into a cultural center with events and exhibitions. Bellavista is a good place to wrap up the day. It’s a bit livelier, with street art, bars, and Pablo Neruda’s quirky house-turned-museum, La Chascona.

Day 8: Cajón del Maipo & Colina hot springs

It takes about two hours to reach the mountains from Santiago, following the Maipo River through narrow canyons and past small towns. In San José de Maipo, you’ll find stalls selling empanadas, cheese, and honey. It’s a good place for a quick snack before continuing uphill.

Termas de Colina is a series of natural hot spring pools built into the slope at around 8,200 feet (2,500 meters). The water flows from pool to pool, each one slightly cooler than the last. The mineral content gives the rocks a yellow and green tint, and the surrounding peaks tower above. These springs have been in use since pre-Columbian times, when messengers used to rest here on long mountain journeys.

On the way back, you can stop at La Casa de Chocolate. It’s small and kitschy, but they make decent hot chocolate and sell handmade sweets.

Insider's tip: Go on a weekday if you can. It’s quieter, and you’ll have more space in the pools.

Day 9: Valparaíso and Viña del Mar

Travel time: 1.5 hours each way

The drive west to the coast on day nine of this Chile itinerary goes through Casablanca Valley. The fog in this region helps grow cool-climate grapes, so you might pass a few vineyards along the way.  Some tours stop for tastings along the way, but if you’re taking the bus, you’ll head straight for the water.

Valparaíso is built across 45 hills, and you feel it in your legs. Old funiculars help a little, but most of the day is spent walking: up steps, down winding alleys, through neighborhoods like Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción where murals cover entire buildings. You’ll pass musicians playing in doorways, kids skateboarding through plazas, and stray dogs sleeping in the sun.

Closer to the port, things are grittier. Shipping containers, peeling paint, fish markets. It’s a different energy. Then just around the bend, Viña del Mar feels almost like another country. The streets are wide and lined with palm trees, and people stroll along the seafront with ice cream in hand.

You might check out the Fonck Museum to see an Easter Island moai or visit the flower clock that’s on postcards everywhere. Sea lions sometimes stretch out on the rocks below the promenade.

Day 10: Departure from Chile

Your final day of this Chile itinerary usually starts with a relaxed transfer to the airport. If you’ve got time to spare, the terminal has a few craft stores where you can pick up lapis lazuli jewelry or alpaca scarves.

Most international flights leave in the afternoon or evening, so there’s usually no rush in the morning. Some travelers check out slowly, grab lunch nearby, or have a last pisco sour at the airport. Once in the air, you might catch one last view of the Andes or even glimpse the desert stretching north toward the Atacama.

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14 days in Chile itinerary

With two weeks you can see a lot of the country. This Chile itinerary takes you through some pretty different environments, from the dry high desert of Atacama to the green islands in the south. You’ll have time in Santiago, explore the desert around San Pedro, fly down to the Lake District, check out Chiloé Island, and finish in Patagonia with Torres del Paine.

Day 1: Arrival in Santiago

Land in Santiago and head to either Lastarria or Bellavista. Both are walkable and make a good base. Once you’ve dropped your bags, stretch your legs at Cerro Santa Lucía, a small hill in the center of the city with an easy path up and nice views at the top. From there, it’s a short walk to Plaza de Armas to see the old post office and the cathedral. If you arrive early enough, grab lunch at Mercado Central and try some of the seafood. In the evening, you’ll find plenty of restaurants around Lastarria

Insider’s tip: Most restaurants open late by North American standards. Locals eat around 8 or 9 PM, so grab a small snack beforehand if you’re hungry early.

Day 2: Santiago

Start with a visit to La Moneda Palace and try to catch the changing of the guard. The Pre-Columbian Art Museum is close by and worth a stop for some context on Indigenous cultures.

After lunch, head to Bellavista and check out La Chascona, Pablo Neruda’s old house. If you’re interested in wine, you can do a short afternoon tour to the Maipo Valley. Several wineries are close enough for a half-day trip. In the evening, Bellavista has plenty going on, from casual bars to live music.

Insider’s tip: Get a Bip! card early on. The metro is cheap, fast, and way easier than trying to deal with traffic or calling taxis.

Day 3: Valle de la Luna and stargazing

Travel time: Approximately 2.5 hours

On day three of this Chile itinerary you’ll fly from Santiago to Calama in the morning, which takes around 2 hours. Some hotels also organize transfers. If you’d rather rent a car, the road is straightforward and well maintained.

Spend the morning t in San Pedro. Walk around town, visit the 18th-century church, and stop by the small archaeological museum. In the afternoon, join a group tour out to Valle de la Luna. It’s not far from town and feels pretty surreal: wind-shaped rocks, salt flats, and dunes. Stay for sunset if you can. After dinner, head out again for a stargazing session. The skies here are famously clear, and some tours have serious telescopes that let you see deep-sky objects like nebulae and galaxies.

Insider’s tip: Look for astronomy tours with real telescopes. Some tours are more about storytelling and don’t actually show much through the lens.

Day 4: Geysers and hot springs

You’ll have to get up before sunrise on day four of this Chile itinerary to make it to the El Tatio geysers when they’re most active. It’s cold up there (around 14°F (−10°C) before the sun comes up) and the geysers put off huge plumes of steam in the morning. The drive takes about 90 minutes.

After walking around the field, you can warm up in the nearby hot springs. You’ll be back in San Pedro by midday. Later in the afternoon, head to Laguna Cejar. You can float in the salty water, and if the weather’s clear, you’ll see the volcano reflected across the surface.

Insider’s tip: Wear layers and bring gloves. It’s easy to underestimate how cold it gets up in the high desert before sunrise.
 

Day 5: Altiplanic lagoons

Day five of this Chile itinerary is another full-day trip, but the scenery is worth it. You’ll head into the Andes to see two high-altitude lakes, Laguna Miscanti and Laguna Miñiques. They’re both above 13,000 feet (4,000 meters), and you’ll likely see flamingos and other birds along the way.

The route passes through the village of Socaire and by the Tropic of Capricorn marker. On the way back, you can stop in Toconao for a short walk around the old bell tower and a look at local crafts. It’s a good idea to take the rest of the afternoon to relax before the next leg of the trip.

Insider’s tip: Coca tea or coca candies help if you start feeling the effects of altitude: headache, fatigue, or shortness of breath. Most local shops carry them.

Day 6: Puerto Varas and Osorno Volcano

Travel time: Approximately 3.5 hours

On day six of this Chile itinerary, fly from Calama to Puerto Montt on a morning LATAM or JetSmart flight, which takes around 2 hours. From Puerto Montt, it’s an easy 30-minute drive (about 12 miles or 20 kilometers) to Puerto Varas. 

Puerto Varas stretches along the southern edge of Lake Llanquihue, with views of both Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes when skies are clear. The waterfront promenade makes a good starting point, lined with gardens and traditional wooden houses. Later in the day, drive up to Osorno Volcano.

The road reaches the ski center at around 4,070 feet (1,240 meters), where chairlifts sometimes run to higher viewpoints. The landscape here shifts quickly: lava fields, open slopes, distant lake views. Petrohué Falls is nearby, with glacial water rushing over black volcanic rock.

Trails inside Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park are easy to access. Back in town, bakeries serve fruit-filled kuchen, and local restaurants often have lake fish on the menu.

Insider's tip: The old German cemetery just above town has views of Osorno and is usually quiet. A quick stop with a great backdrop for photos.
 

Day 7: Frutillar

On day seven, take a drive of about 19 miles (30 kilometers) north along the lake to reach Frutillar, a small town with neat gardens, German-style buildings, and a concert hall with glass walls facing the water. The open-air museum nearby focuses on the lives of settlers who arrived in the mid-1800s, with original homes and tools preserved on-site.

For those with extra time, it’s possible to begin the Cruce de Lagos route toward Argentina from here. The first segment, a catamaran ride across Lake Todos los Santos, cuts through forested mountains and past volcanic peaks. This part can be done as a day trip or extended into a multi-day journey to Bariloche.

Insider's tip: For a better slice of kuchen, skip the tourist cafés and check out Café Danés.

Day 8: Chiloé Churches and Palafitos

Travel time: Approximately 2 hours

From Puerto Varas, drive about 55 miles (90 kilometers) west to Pargua and catch the ferry to Chiloé Island.  The crossing to Chacao takes around 30 minutes and runs every 15 to 20 minutes.

Once you are on the island, start t in Ancud with a visit to the old Spanish fort. The view is wide open, and there’s a small exhibit about the history of the area. From there, head south to Dalcahue. The Sunday market is worth timing your visit around, and the wooden church there - built entirely without nails - is one of many on the island listed as UNESCO heritage.

Later, drive on to Castro. The bright yellow and purple church in the main square is hard to miss. Walk along the Gamboa waterfront to see the palafitos, wooden homes on stilts right over the water. Some have small restaurants or shops inside. The Museo Regional gives good background on local traditions and beliefs.

Insider's tip: Feria Yumbel in Ancud has better prices and more variety than the markets in Castro. It opens early and focuses on local products like wool, smoked seafood, and homemade liquor.

Day 9: Chiloé National Park

On day nine of this two week Chile itinerary, drive out to Puñihuil on the island’s northwest coast and join one of the small boat tours that leave from the beach. They take you out to see penguins on a group of rocky islands nearby. This is one of the only places where Humboldt and Magellanic penguins nest in the same area. You’ll also see sea lions and birds like cormorants.

After lunch, head toward Cucao to explore Chiloé National Park. There’s a short boardwalk trail called Sendero El Tepual that winds through dense temperate rainforest, and Lake Cucao is just beyond. There’s a wild beach nearby that opens onto the Pacific. For dinner, you can try curanto, a traditional meal cooked underground using hot stones.

Insider's tip: Book the penguin tour directly at Puñihuil. It’s cheaper than booking in Castro and the money goes to local families who run the boats.

Day 10: Onward to Puerto Natales

Travel time: Approximately 10 hours

Today’s a full travel day to Puerto Natales in southern Patagonia. You’ll take the ferry back to the mainland, then either fly or ride the bus. Flying is faster: go back to Puerto Montt and catch a flight to Punta Arenas (around 3 hours total with connections). From there, it’s another 3-hour bus ride north to Puerto Natales. If you’d rather save money, overnight buses run all the way from Chiloé to Puerto Natales. These take 18 to 20 hours and usually have reclining seats.
 

Day 11: Torres del Paine

Leave early on day 11 of this Chile itinerary for Torres del Paine, which is about 70 miles (112 kilometers) from Puerto Natales. If you’re up for it, the Base Torres hike is the one most people come here to do.

It’s about 11 miles (18 kilometers) round trip and takes 7 to 9 hours. The trail climbs through forest, crosses a boulder field, and ends at a glacial lake right below the three granite towers.

If that’s too much, you can take a shorter hike to Salto Grande waterfall or walk along the edge of Lago Grey to see the icebergs. Wildlife is common. You can expect to see guanacos and condors. Every now and then, people see pumas too.

Insider's tip: If you want a quiet trail and a clear view of the towers, start hiking by 7:00 a.m.

Day 12: A second day in Torres del Paine

Spend your second day checking out other parts of Torres del Paine National Park. You can take a boat across Lago Grey to get close to the face of Grey Glacier, where you’ll usually see chunks of ice breaking off into the water.

If you prefer to hike again, the trail into the French Valley gets you deep into the mountains with great views in both directions. The Mirador Cuernos hike is shorter and brings you right up close to the park’s horn-shaped peaks.

Insider’s tip: While you’re here, be sure to drive the main circuit road and pull over at viewpoints like Laguna Amarga, the blue waters of Nordenskjöld Lake, and the lookout for Paine Waterfall. 
 

Day 13: Puerto Natales

Day 13 of this Chile itinerary is a good day to slow down and explore Puerto Natales and the area around it. The Cueva del Milodón is an easy half-day trip. It’s a massive cave where they found the remains of a prehistoric ground sloth. There’s a life-size model inside that gives you a sense of how big it was.

Back in town, you can walk along the waterfront with views across Última Esperanza Sound. Baquedano Street has outdoor gear shops and small museums if you're curious about local history. If you want to keep exploring, you can take a boat trip through the fjords to Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers. Some trips include a short walk near the glacier face. Another option is visiting a nearby sheep farm to see how gauchos work in Patagonia.

For dinner, it's worth trying some local specialties like king crab or grilled lamb.

Insider’s tip: Afrigonia is a good call for your last night. They do Patagonian dishes with regional ingredients, and the calafate berry desserts are worth it.

Day 14: Departure from Santiago

Travel time: Approximately 4 hours

To get back to Santiago, you’ll travel from Puerto Natales to the airport in Punta Arenas. Regular buses take around 3 hours, or you can ask your hotel to help book a private transfer. The flight to Santiago takes about 3.5 hours. Most flights leave in the afternoon, so you’ll have a slow morning to get breakfast or take one last walk by the water.

Depending on your flight, you’ve either got time to squeeze in one more outing or it’s straight to the airport. If you have a late flight, consider a short trip to Valparaíso. It’s about 55 miles (90 km) from Santiago, and you can walk the steep streets, ride the old funiculars, and see murals just about everywhere. 

Insider’s tip: Give yourself at least three hours at the airport before your flight. 
 

Personalize your Chile travel itinerary

Chile can be many things. You might plan multi-day hikes through wide-open wilderness, or combine wine tastings in sunny valleys with time on the coast.

Rough Guides' local experts put together itineraries that match your pace and interests. They handle logistics, from permits for popular trails to booking lodges in remote Patagonian areas, and coordinate travel across long distances. With 24/7 support and optional private guides who explain the landscapes and culture, you can explore Chile with an itinerary planned by someone local to the area.

Ready to plan your trip? Connect with our local experts to turn your ideas into a personalized itinerary.
 

Best Chile wine itinerary

This relaxed itinerary takes you through some of South America’s most famous wine regions, starting with city life in Buenos Aires before heading into the vineyards of Mendoza. You’ll then cross into Chile to explore the wine valleys near Santiago and spend time in Valparaíso, where the culture and history are as rich as the reds you'll be tasting.

• Days 1 to 3: Buenos Aires
  • Start with a few days getting to know Buenos Aires. Walk around San Telmo’s cobbled streets, see the street art in La Boca, and stop into Café Tortoni for a break. If you’re up for it, head out for a late dinner and catch a live tango performance at a neighborhood milonga. It’s touristy in some places, but you can still find places that feel genuine.
• Days 4 to 6: Mendoza
  • Fly west to Mendoza, the heart of Argentina’s wine scene. Spend a few days visiting wineries around Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. Expect long, slow lunches with mountain views and tastings of Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Torrontés. Many tours walk you through the winemaking process, from the vineyard to the barrel.
• Days 7 to 11: Santiago & Valparaíso
  • Cross into Chile and base yourself in Santiago. You can spend a day visiting the historic center, grabbing lunch at the Central Market, and checking out neighborhoods like Bellavista. On the way to the coast, stop in Casablanca Valley, known for Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Valparaíso is a short drive away and makes a good overnight stop. Wander the hillside streets, take a funicular for the views, and visit Pablo Neruda’s house.
• Day 12: Departure
  • Head back to Santiago for your flight home. Depending on your timing, you may be able to squeeze in a final café stop or one last glass of wine.
     

Best family Chile itinerary

This itinerary keeps things easy to manage, with just two main bases and short travel times. There’s enough variety to keep everyone interested, with hands-on museums, scenic train rides, walks in nature, and chances to try local food. It’s designed to work well for families with kids of different ages.

• Days 1 to 4: Santiago & central Chile
  • Start off in Santiago with a few simple, kid-friendly activities to ease into the trip. The science museum is great for younger children, and the funicular up Cerro San Cristóbal gives you a view over the city without a long hike. Spend a day exploring Valparaíso’s hillside neighborhoods, where you can ride the old funiculars and check out the street art. If the weather’s good, stop by the beach in Viña del Mar before heading back. Another good option is a day trip into the Andes to see Embalse El Yeso.
• Days 5 to 10: Puerto Varas & the Lake District
  • From Santiago, fly to Puerto Montt and transfer to Puerto Varas. It’s an easy town to get around and a good base for low-key outdoor activities. You can bike along the lakefront or walk short trails near Petrohué Falls. Kids usually enjoy the boat ride across Lake Llanquihue, especially with the volcano in the background. Plan a day trip to Chiloé Island.
• Days 11 to 12: Back to Santiago
  • Fly back to Santiago and spend your last two days winding down. Pablo Neruda’s house, La Chascona, is a quick visit and has plenty of interesting details, even for kids. For souvenirs or a look at traditional crafts, head to Pueblito Los Dominicos, where local artisans work on everything from textiles to pottery. Finish the trip with a laid-back dinner somewhere nearby, with a few familiar dishes from earlier in the journey.
     

Best Chile itinerary with local experiences

This Chile itinerary takes you through parts of country that feel lived-in and local. This is for those who prefer early-morning markets in Santiago and earth-oven cooking in the south. You’ll spend time in neighborhoods where people actually shop, eat, and hang out, and balance that with hikes, ferry rides, and quiet afternoons by the lake.

• Days 1 to 4: Santiago and the central valley
  • Start off this itinerary in Santiago by heading straight to La Vega Central and Mercado Central. These are working markets, not made for tourists, so you’ll see people doing their daily shopping. Try a plate of mariscos at one of the lunch counters. From there, take a walk through Bellavista. It’s a casual neighborhood where people go out for drinks or to see local bands, and the walls are covered in street art. Make sure to save time for Valparaíso, where the hills are full of murals, staircases, and alleys you could wander for hours.
• Days 5 to 10: Puerto Varas & Lake District
  • Fly south to Puerto Varas. It’s an easy place to base yourself while exploring the area. Drive out to Petrohué Falls for a short walk with views of Osorno Volcano, or take a hike in one of the nearby parks if the weather holds. Chiloé Island is just across the water by ferry, and it’s worth at least an overnight trip. Try to arrange a curanto meal, where the food is cooked in a pit lined with hot stones.
• Days 11 & 12: Return to Santiago
  • Back in Santiago, head to La Chascona, Pablo Neruda’s old home near Bellavista. It’s filled with his collections and feels more personal than a typical museum. For local crafts, Pueblito Los Dominicos has stalls where artisans sell handmade goods, and you can usually watch them working.
• Day 13: Departure
  • On your last night, find a restaurant serving traditional Chilean food like pastel de choclo or cazuela. 
     

How many days do you need in Chile?

Chile is long and narrow, stretching over 2,600 miles (4,184 km), so planning enough time really depends on what you want to see. If you’re focusing on Santiago, Valparaíso, and either the Atacama Desert or Patagonia, 10 to 14 days works well. If you want to fit in both Atacama and Torres del Paine, you'll need closer to 16 to 21 days. Each major stop deserves a few days. In Atacama, people usually stay at least three nights to see the landscapes, salt flats, and do some stargazing. Torres del Paine is best with at least four days so you’re not rushing the hikes.

If you’re adding Easter Island, plan on four or five extra days to account for the flight and time difference.

What is the best time to visit Chile?

Because Chile runs from the tropics to the edge of Antarctica, different regions are better at different times. Summer, which runs from December to February, is the best time to hike in Patagonia, though it’s also when more people travel and prices are higher.

The shoulder months of October, November, March, and April usually the best time to visit Chile generally. These monthshave good weather across most regions and fewer crowds.

If you're heading to the Lake District, March and April are good for fall colors. Atacama doesn’t change much with the seasons, but summer afternoons can get extremely hot. If you're going for wine, harvest season in March and April is the most active time.
 

How do you get around Chile?

Because Chile is so long, flying is the most practical way to move between the major regions. Low-cost airlines run regular flights between Santiago, Calama, Punta Arenas, and Easter Island. Booking in advance usually gets you the best price.

Long-distance buses are reliable and more comfortable than you might expect. Overnight buses between Santiago and places like the Lake District or Valparaíso can also help you save a night on accommodation. If you're exploring wine country or Patagonia at your own pace, renting a car gives you more flexibility. Just check if you need an international license.

In Santiago, the metro is easy to use, and rideshare apps are widely available.

Can I visit both Patagonia and the Atacama Desert in one trip?

Yes, though you’ll be covering a lot of ground. These two regions are about 2,000 miles (3,218 km) apart, so flying is the only real option unless you have a lot of time. Most people fly from Santiago up to Calama for Atacama, then back to Santiago before heading down to Punta Arenas for Patagonia. It’s doable if you plan at least four to five days in each place, plus some buffer for travel.

This kind of trip gives you a quick look at two completely different landscapes. November through March works best if you're hoping for decent weather in both places. 
 

How much does a trip to Chile cost?

Chile can be more expensive than other countries in South America, but how much you spend really depends on where you go and when. On a budget of around $240 per day (roughly €225), you can get by with buses, hostels, and cooking your own meals. Mid-range travelers tend to spend closer to $350 per day (about €330), staying in guesthouses or hotels, eating out regularly, and booking a few guided experiences. If you’re looking for more comfort or want to cover a lot of ground by flying, costs can climb to $500 per day (around €470) or more.

Patagonia is where prices go up. Accommodation and activities cost more there, and the same goes for the Atacama Desert, since most excursions require a guide. Domestic flights are another big expense, so booking a few months in advance can make a difference.

Is it worth visiting Easter Island?

Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, is one of those places that feels completely different from the rest of Chile. Seeing the moai statues in person is powerful, especially when they’re surrounded by rugged coast and volcanic rock. There's also good snorkeling, some nice hikes, and a strong sense of Polynesian culture that sets it apart.

Getting there does mean a long flight, about 5 to 6 hours from Santiago, and you’ll need at least 3 to 4 days on the ground to make it worthwhile. So you’re looking at close to a full week once you factor in travel. There aren’t many budget options for sleeping or eating, so it’s not a cheap add-on.

If your trip is already focused on Patagonia or wine country, you might find the extra time and cost a bit much. But if you're really into archaeology or places with a strong cultural identity, it’s worth thinking about.

What altitude considerations should I know about?

Altitude comes into play in a few places across Chile, especially in the north. San Pedro de Atacama is already high at 7,900 feet (2,400 meters), and a lot of popular day trips go even higher. The geysers and salt flats often take you above 14,000 feet (4,300 meters), and some of the lagoons near the Bolivian border climb past 15,000 feet (4,600 meters).

Symptoms like headaches, shortness of breath, or nausea are pretty common if you haven’t acclimatized. It helps to spend a day in town before doing any high-altitude tours. Drink a lot of water, skip the alcohol at first, and think about bringing altitude pills if you're prone to feeling it. Coca tea is available around Atacama and can actually help a bit.

Santiago is lower at around 1,700 feet (520 meters), and it’s not an issue for most people. Patagonia and the far south are mostly low altitude, so altitude isn’t a concern in that part of the country.

Can I do Torres del Paine without a tour?

Yes, you can absolutely explore Torres del Paine on your own, especially if you’re planning to hike the W or O circuits. You’ll just want to make sure you have time to do extra planning. You’ll need to reserve campsites or mountain lodges well in advance: at least six months ahead if you’re going during the high season. The trails are clearly marked and busy enough that you’re unlikely to get lost.

If you’re not doing the full trek, you can still drive into the park from Puerto Natales and do day hikes or visit key viewpoints like Grey Glacier or Lago Pehoé.

If you’re confident planning ahead and are okay with being self-sufficient, going independently can work. But for most travelers, especially those visiting Patagonia once in a lifetime, a guided trip is the smoother way to experience the park without missing the details.

Hikes like the one to Base Torres can be done independently as long as you start early. Things like boat rides or glacier hikes usually require a guide, so those need to be booked through a tour company. Winter trips are a different story: you’d need to be experienced with unpredictable weather and backcountry travel. 


If you’re ready to start planning, Rough Guides’ local travel experts are here to help. They’ll create a trip shaped around your interests, arrange all the bookings, and make sure everything runs smoothly.