After your flight (Qatar Airways X0X0903) arrives at Arturo Merino Benítez, collect luggage and take a taxi or pre-booked transfer to your apartment at Mono Ambiente en Santiago on Conde del Maule. Check in, freshen up, and enjoy a relaxed coffee on the apartment terrace or a nearby café such as Café Literario Parque Balmaceda to shake off travel fatigue and take in your first views of the city and the Andes.
Spend the afternoon getting acquainted with the neighborhood: stroll to Plaza de Armas to admire the cathedral and street performers, then wander up to Cerro Santa Lucía for panoramic city views and a gentle introduction to Santiago’s history. If you need groceries or local SIM/essentials, explore nearby shops along Avenida Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins or pop into the Central Market (Mercado Central) for a quick seafood snack and lively atmosphere.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a relaxed dinner—book a table at a classic Santiago spot like La Piojera for a spirited local experience or Bocanáriz in Lastarria for Chilean wines and small plates. After dinner, join the local festivities around Plaza de la Constitución or return to a quieter rooftop bar near your accommodation to watch distant fireworks over the city skyline and toast the start of your Chile adventure.
Begin the new year with a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café such as Café Literario Parque Balmaceda or Colmado Coffee, then walk to Plaza de Armas to watch street musicians and early-morning vendors as the city wakes. Take time to visit the Catedral Metropolitana and the little Museo Histórico Nacional on the square for a gentle cultural start that connects to yesterday’s first impressions of Santiago.
Stroll up Cerro Santa Lucía for panoramic views and the beautifully landscaped terraces—bring a camera for sweeping Andes vistas and explore the small 19th-century fortifications and fountains. After descending, wander through the bohemian Barrio Lastarria for lunch at Bocanáriz or Galindo, browse artisan shops and the outdoor stalls, and sip a Chilean wine or mote con huesillo at a sidewalk table.
As evening falls, enjoy a relaxed dinner in Lastarria or Bellavista—choose a parrilla or seafood restaurant to sample local flavors and pair with a Carmenère or Sauvignon from the Central Valley. If you feel like more nightlife, head to a rooftop bar near Providencia for night views of the city and a mellow toast to the year ahead, or find a small live-music venue in Bellavista to end the night on a lively, authentic note.
Ease into the day with breakfast at Colmado Coffee or Café del Museo, then walk over to the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes to explore its superb Chilean and Latin American collections—don't miss the 19th-century salon paintings and the rotating contemporary exhibits. After a quiet museum morning, stroll through the adjacent Parque Forestal, watching locals picnic and street artists at work, which makes for a gentle cultural bridge from yesterday's plazas to Santiago's art scene.
Head uphill to the colorful Bellavista neighborhood for lunch at Galindo or Peumayén, where traditional Chilean flavors meet inventive cuisine; linger over a plate of pastel de choclo or fresh seafood and pair it with a local Carmenère. Explore Bellavista's lively streets—visit La Chascona (Pablo Neruda's house) for a poetic glimpse into Chile's literary heritage, then wander the galleries, boutiques, and vibrant street art that give the barrio its bohemian character.
As dusk falls, settle in for an early evening drink at a rooftop bar like Cerro Bellavista Mirador or a cozy wine bar in Lastarria such as Bocanáriz to taste regional wines and small plates. Finish the night with live music at a nearby venue in Bellavista or a relaxed dinner at a parrilla to savor Chilean grilled specialties, continuing the easy cultural rhythm you've been building since arrival.
Catch an early bus or private transfer from Santiago to Valparaíso (about 1.5-2 hours) and start at the colorful Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción—wander their narrow stairways, admire the prolific street art, and pop into Café Turri or Fauna for coffee with a view. Be sure to visit the Paseo Gervasoni and Mirador Subida Yugoslavia for classic postcard panoramas of the harbor and the city’s patchwork facades.
After a seafood lunch at the historic Mercado Cardonal or at a seaside spot like Restaurant Puerto Valparaíso, take the steep, tile-lined ascensores (funiculars) up and down the hills to feel the city’s rhythms; stop at La Sebastiana (Pablo Neruda’s house) for quirky interiors and sweeping coastal vistas. Spend a leisurely hour hunting for murals in the streets around El Cerro Bellavista and browsing local galleries and artisan shops—pick up a handcrafted souvenir or a print from a street artist.
Before your return to Santiago, enjoy dinner on the waterfront—try fresh ceviche or congrio at a local restaurant while watching the sunset over the bay—and savor a pisco sour or a Chilean sauvignon blanc. If time allows, stroll along the Plaza Sotomayor to see the naval monuments illuminated, then catch an evening bus back to Santiago, arriving in time to relax and reflect on Valparaíso’s colorful charm.
After the colorful streets of Valparaíso, take a short morning ride to nearby Viña del Mar and start with a stroll along Playa de los Cañones or Playa Acapulco to feel the Pacific breeze and watch early surfers. Pop into the Flower Clock (Reloj de Flores) for a quick photo, then enjoy a relaxed coffee and marraqueta at Café del Mar or a seaside café on Avenida Perú before heading toward Castillo Wulff.
Spend the afternoon exploring Castillo Wulff and its clifftop promenades—wander the galleries inside the castle and take in panoramic views of the rocky shoreline. For lunch, try fresh seafood at an oceanfront restaurant like Restaurante Puerto Marina or Cap Ducal, then visit the Museo de Arqueología e Historia Francisco Fonck to see its Easter Island moai replica and local collections.
As evening falls, walk the Paseo Miramar toward the Casino and the lively Avenida San Martín for people-watching and pastel de choclo tastings at a neighbourhood eatery. Cap the day with a sunset drink at a rooftop bar near the coast or a relaxed dinner at Castillo del Mar, then return to Santiago or stay to enjoy Viña’s night atmosphere if you prefer a slower pace after the busy Valparaíso day.
Set out after breakfast for a scenic drive (or guided tour) to either the Maipo Valley—home to historic estates such as Concha y Toro and Cousiño Macul—or to Casablanca for cooler-climate whites at wineries like Matetic and Casas del Bosque. Begin with a vineyard walk and cellar tour: in Maipo you’ll learn about traditional Cabernet Sauvignon production amid rolling vines, while in Casablanca you’ll see modern stainless-steel vinification for crisp Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnays.
After the tour, linger for a long, leisurely lunch at a winery restaurant—try a paired tasting menu at Matetic or the outdoor terrace at Concha y Toro’s Don Melchor bistro—to enjoy local cheeses, grilled salmon or a parrillada alongside regional wines. Spend the early afternoon visiting a second boutique producer (for example, Emiliana in Maipo or Veramonte in Casablanca) for a tutored tasting and to pick up a bottle or two to bring home as a souvenir of Chile’s terroir.
Return to Santiago in the golden hour and freshen up at your Mono Ambiente apartment before heading out to Lastarria or Bellavista for dinner; choose a restaurant like Bocanáriz to continue your wine-focused evening with small plates paired to Carmenère or a relaxed parrilla for grilled specialties. If you’re still in a relaxed mood, finish with a nightcap at a nearby wine bar or rooftop terrace, reflecting on the day’s vineyard vistas and the contrasts between Maipo’s reds and Casablanca’s coastal whites.
After breakfast in Santiago, set off for a scenic drive (or organized tour) into Cajón del Maipo—arrive at Embalse El Yeso to drink in the turquoise reservoir and the dramatic Andean peaks, and take an easy walk along the water for iconic photo stops. On the way down, pause at viewpoints above the gorge to watch local condors and learn about the valley’s geology from your guide or interpretive signs, continuing the natural contrast from the city and vineyards you’ve enjoyed earlier in the trip.
Head to the riverside village of San José de Maipo for a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant like El Molino or Café de la Plaza, sampling trout or empanadas while soaking up mountain village life. In the afternoon choose a gentle hike to the nearby Termas Valle de Colina for a soak in thermal pools or explore the Paso El Volcán area for shorter trails and dramatic river crossings—both options offer restorative nature time after earlier cultural days in Santiago and the coast.
Return to Santiago around sunset and freshen up at your Mono Ambiente apartment, then enjoy a cozy dinner in Lastarria or Bellavista to trade mountain stories—try a parrilla or a hearty cazuela to warm up after the highland air. If you still have energy, cap the evening with a glass of Chilean wine at Bocanáriz or a quiet rooftop bar, letting the Andes day sink in before your flight south to Puerto Varas tomorrow.
After an early check-out in Santiago, take your flight to Puerto Montt and a short transfer to charming Puerto Varas; drop bags at Mono Ambiente en Santiago before departure and confirm arrival logistics with your host. Upon arrival, settle into your lakeside lodging and head for a restorative coffee and kuchen at Café Danés near the waterfront while admiring the snow-capped Osorno Volcano across Llanquihue Lake.
Spend the afternoon exploring the waterfront promenade (Ribera del Lago Llanquihue) and the German-influenced streets—visit the Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón and the Museo Antonio Felmer to get a feel for regional history and crafts. Continue with a scenic drive or short boat ride to the nearby Petrohué area for your first views of the Andean peaks and to scout tomorrow’s excursions to the Petrohué Falls and Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park.
As dusk falls, enjoy a lakeside dinner at Casa Valdés or La Marca—try freshly caught trout or a curanto-inspired dish paired with a regional beer or local wine. Finish the night with a relaxed walk along the lit promenade, sipping a warming infusion while the volcano silhouettes against the sky, and review plans for an active lakes-and-falls day tomorrow.
Start the day with an early transfer toward Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park and arrive at the Petrohué visitor area to walk the boardwalks and granite canyons above the turquoise Petrohué River; the roaring falls framed by lenga forest make for dramatic photos. Afterward, drive or join a guided excursion up the road toward Lago Todos los Santos for sweeping views of the Osorno Volcano and a short lakeside stroll where boat tours depart for closer volcano vistas.
Enjoy a lakeside lunch at a rustic restaurant near Petrohué—taste regional trout or marinated salmon while gazing across the water toward the volcano—and then take a scenic boat cruise on Lago Todos los Santos (weather permitting) to appreciate the volcano’s symmetrical cone from the water. If you prefer land time, follow a marked trail for a moderate walk to Mirador Los Saltos or explore the nearby Sendero del Cóndor for viewpoint photo stops and native forest birdwatching.
Return to Puerto Varas in the golden hour and freshen up before dinner along the Ribera del Lago; choose Casa Valdés or La Marca for hearty southern dishes like curanto-inspired plates or grilled trout paired with a local craft beer. Finish the night with a lakeside stroll to admire Osorno’s silhouette at dusk and a quiet drink at a cozy café such as Café Danés, reflecting on the day’s volcanic panoramas and rushing falls.
Catch an early ferry or scenic drive across the Gulf of Ancud to Chiloé and head straight to Castro to stroll the iconic palafitos (colorful stilt houses) along the waterfront in the morning light—stop for a coffee and kuchen at Café del Palafito while enjoying views of the wooden houses and the sea. Visit Iglesia San Francisco in Castro, a UNESCO-recognized timber church, and wander the Plaza de Armas to feel the island’s oak-and-boat heritage that contrasts beautifully with the lakes-and-volcano days you’ve just experienced.
After a seafood-centric lunch of curanto or chupe de jaiba at a local eatery like Restaurante Cucao or La Bolera, explore nearby artisan workshops to browse woven chupallas, lanas (wool) and locally carved wooden pieces; consider a short drive to the nearby village of Gamboa to see more palafitos and fishermen’s piers. If time allows, visit the nearby Museo de las Tradiciones de Chonchi or take a short boat trip to spot seabirds and the island’s distinctive coastline, continuing your southern Chile immersion with maritime culture and folk crafts.
Return toward Puerto Varas in the late afternoon, stopping for a final panoramic look at Castro from a hill viewpoint before the crossing; enjoy a relaxed lakeside dinner back in Puerto Varas at Casa Valdés or La Marca to compare continental flavors with island specialties. End the day with a quiet walk along the Ribera del Lago Llanquihue and a warm drink at Café Danés, letting the timber architecture and coastal stories of Chiloé settle into your memories before tomorrow’s return to Santiago.
Fly or drive back from Puerto Varas to Santiago and take a relaxed morning to settle into your Mono Ambiente on Conde del Maule; drop bags, freshen up, and enjoy a late café and pastry at Colmado Coffee or Café Literario Parque Balmaceda to reacquaint yourselves with the city’s rhythm. If you have time and energy, walk to the nearby Vega Central to experience a bustling local market — colorful stalls of fruit, vegetables and Chilean specialties provide a lively, sensory reintroduction to Santiago’s everyday life.
Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring Mercado Central for a seafood lunch—try congrio or ceviche at one of the classic stalls—and then wander through the pedestrian Paseo Ahumada toward the artisan stalls around Plaza de Armas and the craft shops of Barrio Lastarria. Pop into the Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos if you feel like a reflective cultural visit, or simply browse the boutiques and bookshops in Lastarria while sipping mote con huesillo or a glass of Chilean wine.
As evening falls, treat yourselves to a relaxed dinner in Lastarria or Bellavista—book a table at Bocanáriz for an excellent wine-pairing experience or at Galindo for comforting Chilean classics—and enjoy a stroll through the tree-lined Plaza Mulato Gil de Castro. Finish the night with a rooftop drink or a calm walk along the lit Alameda, recalling highlights from the south while preparing for the coastal drive to Pichilemu tomorrow.
After breakfast in Santiago, enjoy a scenic 3-hour coastal drive south (or a comfortable private transfer) toward Pichilemu, arriving mid-morning to stretch your legs at Playa Principal and watch local surfers ride the famous waves. Park near the Paseo de la Playa and wander the wooden boardwalk to take in the colorful surf shops, grab a coffee and a marraqueta at Café y Libro, and browse local surf boutiques to get a sense of the town’s bohemian surf culture.
Head to Punta de Lobos for lunch at a clifftop restaurant like El Escorial or a casual seafood spot near the shore, then walk the bluff for sweeping views of the iconic rock formation and the surfers below; this is a great time for photos and maybe a beginner lesson with a local surf school such as Punta de Lobos Surf School. If you prefer land-based exploring, cycle along Avenida Costanera to the historic Agustín Ross Park and its elegant pier, pausing to sample empanadas and fresh ceviche at a seaside kiosk.
As the sun sets, enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local favorite—try La Tía Rica or Aldea Nativa for fresh seafood and Chilean specialties—and sip a cold craft beer or a glass of Carmenère while listening to distant waves. Finish the night with a stroll along Playa La Puntilla or the lit Paseo de la Playa, absorbing the relaxed surf-town atmosphere and planning whether to catch an early morning surf or a lazy beach day tomorrow.
Wake up slowly and head to Playa Principal for a gentle beachfront stroll—grab a café con leche and a marraqueta at Café y Libro while watching local surfers launch into the morning swell. If you feel like joining them, book a short lesson with Punta de Lobos Surf School for a friendly introduction to the famous waves, otherwise relax on the sand and read or people-watch as the town wakes.
After a seaside lunch—try fresh ceviche or cazuela at El Escorial near Punta de Lobos—spend the afternoon exploring the dramatic bluff at Punta de Lobos where the rock formations and dramatic cliffs make excellent photo spots and short coastal walks. Alternatively, rent a bike to cruise along Avenida Costanera to the historic Agustín Ross Park and its elegant pier, pausing at artisan stalls for local treats and a scoop of helado.
As the sun lowers, settle in for a relaxed dinner at La Tía Rica or Aldea Nativa to savor grilled seafood and a glass of Carmenère while listening to waves, then take a slow post-dinner stroll along Playa La Puntilla or the lit Paseo de la Playa. End the night with a drink at a beachfront bar or a quiet moment on the sand, letting the surf-town calm carry you into tomorrow’s leisurely plans.
After your return from Pichilemu, settle back into Mono Ambiente en Santiago and enjoy a slow Santiago morning with coffee and a pastry at Colmado Coffee or Café Literario Parque Balmaceda; use this time to unpack, launder what you need, and recharge after the coastal drive. If you’d like a light cultural stop, walk to the nearby Vega Central to browse colorful produce stalls and sample street snacks—perfect for reconnecting with Santiago’s everyday rhythms before an active afternoon.
Spend the afternoon wandering the leafy streets of Lastarria: browse boutique shops and bookstores, visit the Museo de Artes Visuales (MAVI) for contemporary Chilean art, and enjoy a leisurely lunch at Bocanáriz or Galindo to taste regional specialties and wines. Stroll the small plazas and tree-lined Paseo Lastarria, stopping for gelato or mote con huesillo at a sidewalk café while soaking up the neighborhood’s bohemian atmosphere and preparing for the evening’s culinary focus.
For a memorable culinary night, book a tasting dinner at Bocanáriz or a chef’s-table experience in Lastarria to sample inventive Chilean cuisine paired with local wines; alternatively, choose a relaxed parrilla in Bellavista for grilled specialties and lively ambiance. Finish with a digestif at a rooftop bar—such as the Lastarria rooftop terraces—or a moonlit walk up to Cerro Santa Lucía for sweeping night views of the city, reflecting on the coast-to-city arc of your trip so far.
Take a relaxed start with coffee and a pastry at Colmado Coffee or Café Literario Parque Balmaceda, then browse the stalls at the nearby Vega Central to savor fresh fruit, local cheeses and street snacks—a perfect low-key reintroduction to Santiago life after your coastal days. If you prefer culture, head to the Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos for a thoughtful morning visit that connects recent Chilean history with the larger arc of your trip; allow 1.5-2 hours for the permanent exhibits and reflection.
Stroll through Parque Forestal toward Lastarria and enjoy lunch at Bocanáriz or Galindo, lingering over seasonal dishes and a glass of Carmenère while you people-watch in this leafy neighborhood. Spend the afternoon shopping boutique Chilean design at stores like Taller La Catrina and Feria de Artesanos in Parque Forestal, or opt for a restorative walk in Parque Bicentenario in Vitacura where the sculptures, ponds and wide lawns invite a quiet siesta or light picnic.
For your final full evening in Santiago, book a culinary experience—either a tasting menu at Bocanáriz in Lastarria or a lively parrilla in Bellavista—to celebrate the trip’s highlights from coast to lakes; end the night with a rooftop cocktail at a Providencia terrace for sweeping city views. If you prefer something gentler, enjoy an early dinner near your Mono Ambiente on Conde del Maule and take a moonlit walk up Cerro Santa Lucía for a last panoramic look at the Andes-lit skyline.
Wake slowly and savor a final Chilean breakfast at Colmado Coffee or Café Literario Parque Balmaceda, enjoying a marraqueta and café con leche while you make last-minute lists and check flight details. Return to your Mono Ambiente on Conde del Maule to pack, confirm your transfer to Arturo Merino Benítez (you might call +56 9 9439 6880 if you need local help), and drop off any laundry or souvenirs at a nearby shop along Avenida Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins.
Spend a relaxed afternoon revisiting a favorite spot—pop into Vega Central for a quick souvenir food haul or stroll through Lastarria to pick up a book or artisan piece you admired earlier, then enjoy a leisurely lunch at Bocanáriz or Galindo for one last plate of Chilean flavors and a final glass of Carmenère. If you prefer something quieter, take a gentle walk through Parque Forestal toward the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes to soak in green space and reflect on the trip before heading back to collect your bags.
Plan an early, uncomplicated dinner near your accommodation—choose a familiar spot such as a neighborhood parrilla or a calm Lastarria bistro—to avoid last-minute rush, then return to the apartment to double-check travel documents and set out your belongings for departure. Aim to leave for the airport with comfortable buffer time for international check-in at Arturo Merino Benítez, so you can relax with a final Chilean pastry or coffee at the airport before boarding your flight home.