Itinerary ideas to visite Chile : from 1 week to 5 weeks or more

How to Use Itinerary Ideas

Please consider these itineraries as a starting point for inspiration. They represent some of the most popular and well-tested routes through Chile, designed to showcase the country’s incredible diversity. Think of them as building blocks. As your international flights are likely confirmed, we can now work together to tailor a final plan that perfectly aligns with your interests, pace, and the time you have available. Your travel specialist is ready to discuss how to adapt, combine, or expand upon these ideas to create your ideal journey.

• Pacing: Be mindful that “travel days,” which involve domestic flights or long drives, can consume a significant portion of a day. We account for this in our planning to ensure a comfortable rhythm.
• Flexibility: These are merely suggestions. The sequence of destinations and the duration of your stay in each location can be adjusted to better suit your preferences.

1 Week: The Focused Sprint

With one week, the sheer length of Chile necessitates a choice to focus on a single, remarkable region. These itineraries are designed to be dynamic and comprehensive, offering a deep immersion into one of Chile’s distinct landscapes.

Option A: Patagonia Highlights

Focus: A concentrated journey into a world of glaciers, granite peaks, and iconic Patagonian landscapes.

• Day 1-2: Arrive in Santiago (SCL), connect immediately to Punta Arenas (PUQ), and transfer to your hotel in Puerto Natales, the gateway to the park.
• Day 3-5: Explore the wonders of Torres del Paine National Park. Potential excursions include a boat trip to the face of Grey Glacier, a hike into the dramatic French Valley, or the challenging but rewarding trek to the Base of the Towers viewpoint.
• Day 6: Return to Punta Arenas for your flight back to Santiago.
• Day 7: Depart from Santiago.

Option B: Atacama Desert Express

Focus: Discover the otherworldly landscapes, brilliant stargazing, and high-altitude lagoons of the world’s driest desert.

• Day 1-2: Arrive in Santiago (SCL), connect to Calama (CJC), and transfer to the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama.
• Day 3-5: Explore the diverse sights of the Atacama Desert. Experiences can include the surreal formations of the Moon Valley at sunset, the early morning spectacle of the El Tatio Geysers, the vibrant Altiplanic Lagoons, and an unforgettable stargazing tour.
• Day 6: Return to Calama for your flight back to Santiago.
• Day 7: Depart from Santiago.

Option C: Central Chile: Culture & Wine

Focus: A journey through the heart of Chile, combining the vibrant capital, bohemian coastal cities, and world-class wineries.

• Day 1-2: Arrive and explore Santiago, visiting the historic city center and enjoying panoramic views from San Cristobal Hill.
• Day 3-4: Take a day trip or an overnight excursion to the colorful, chaotic port of Valparaíso and its refined seaside neighbor, Viña del Mar.
• Day 5-6: Discover a premier wine region such as the Casablanca Valley or the Colchagua Valley, enjoying private tastings and guided tours of esteemed vineyards.
• Day 7: Depart from Santiago.

2 Weeks: The Classic Combination

Two weeks is an ideal duration to experience two of Chile’s most distinct and iconic regions without feeling overly rushed, allowing for a true appreciation of the country’s contrasting environments.

Option A: The Extremes (Atacama & Patagonia)

Focus: A classic journey combining the ethereal beauty of the world’s driest desert with the monumental glaciers and peaks of the south.

• Week 1 (Days 1-7): Atacama Desert

  Fly from Santiago to Calama and transfer to San Pedro. With 4-5 full days, you can explore the desert’s main sites at a more relaxed pace than the one-week option. This allows for unique experiences like relaxing in the Puritama Hot Springs or an adventurous excursion to the remote salt flats of Salar de Tara.

• Week 2 (Days 8-14): Patagonia

  Fly from Calama to Puerto Natales (via Santiago). Dedicate 4-5 full days to exploring the varied landscapes within and around Torres del Paine National Park before flying from Punta Arenas back to Santiago for your departure.

Option B: Lakes, Volcanoes & Culture (Central Chile & Lake District)

Focus: A blend of sophisticated urban exploration, fine wine, and the lush, volcano-dotted landscapes of the verdant Lake District.

• Week 1 (Days 1-6): Central Chile

  Spend 2-3 days discovering the museums, markets, and neighborhoods of Santiago. Follow this with 2-3 days visiting the historic port of Valparaíso and a nearby wine valley for a taste of Chile’s acclaimed viticulture.

• Week 2 (Days 7-14): The Lake District

  Fly from Santiago to Puerto Montt (PMC) and base yourself in the charming town of Puerto Varas on the shores of Lake Llanquihue. From here, explore Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, the conical Osorno Volcano, the emerald Petrohué Falls, and the mythical island of Chiloé with its unique culture and stilt houses. Fly from Puerto Montt back to Santiago for departure.

3 Weeks: The North-to-South Immersion

Three weeks provides the opportunity for the classic Chilean “trifecta,” allowing you to experience the Atacama, Central Chile, and Patagonia at a comfortable and immersive pace.

The Chilean Trifecta Itinerary

• Days 1-6: Atacama Desert

  Fly into Calama and settle into San Pedro de Atacama. Explore all major sites like the Moon Valley, El Tatio Geysers, and Altiplanic Lagoons. The extra time allows for a more in-depth activity, such as a high-altitude volcano climb or even a pre-arranged multi-day excursion across the border to the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia.

• Days 7-10: Santiago & Valparaíso

  Fly from Calama to Santiago. Spend time exploring the capital’s cultural offerings and take a 2-day/1-night trip to the colorful, artistic port city of Valparaíso.

• Days 11-19: Patagonia (Torres del Paine & more)

  Fly from Santiago to Punta Arenas. With 5-6 days dedicated to Torres del Paine National Park, you can undertake longer hikes or visit multiple viewpoints at a leisurely pace. This timeframe also allows for adding a day trip to see the Magellanic penguin colonies near Punta Arenas (seasonal).

• Days 20-21: Return & Departure

  Fly from Punta Arenas to Santiago for your final night before your international departure.

4 Weeks: The Explorer’s Pace

A month in Chile opens up remarkable possibilities, allowing for the addition of a fourth major region like the German-influenced Lake District or the remote and mysterious Easter Island.

Option A: The Ultimate Mainland Traverse

• Week 1: Atacama Desert

  A full week to explore the Atacama Desert and its high-altitude surroundings in depth.

• Week 2: Santiago, Valparaíso, and a Wine Valley

  Enjoy the culture of the central region, perhaps with a deeper dive into a wine valley like Colchagua.

• Week 3: The Lake District

  Fly from Santiago to Puerto Montt. Explore the area around Puerto Varas, the unique traditions of Chiloé Island, and the surrounding national parks.

• Week 4: Patagonia

  Fly from Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas. Explore Torres del Paine and the historic sites around Punta Arenas before returning to Santiago for departure.

Option B: Adding Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

• Week 1: Atacama Desert

  As described in previous itineraries.

• Days 8-12: Easter Island

  Please note the logistics for this segment are significant, requiring a flight path from Calama to Santiago and then onward to Easter Island (IPC). This journey will consume a full travel day on each end. You will have 3-4 full days to explore the enigmatic Moai statues, volcanic craters, and