Day 1: Arrival in SantiagoUpon arrival in Santiago, check into your hotel, unwind from your journey, and explore the city's vibrant street art, museums, and world-renowned restaurants.
Day 2: ValparaisoHead to Valparaiso, a UNESCO World Heritage City, to experience its bohemian atmosphere, colorful houses, cobblestone streets, and its vibrant port area. Take an old funicular to the top of the city for stunning views of the bay beneath.
Day 3: San Pedro de AtacamaFly to San Pedro de Atacama, a charming desert town famous for its otherworldly landscapes, salt flats, geothermal pools, and archeological sites.
Day 4: Valley of the MoonEmbark on a sunrise tour to the Valley of the Moon, a lunar-like landscape of salt mountains and colorful rock formations. Hike to the top of the dunes for a breathtaking view of the Andes Mountains.
Day 5: Tatio GeysersAwake before dawn and head to the high plains for a sunrise tour of the Tatio Geysers, the world's highest geothermal field, set amidst a sea of steaming vents, fumaroles, and colorful hot springs.
Day 6: Puerto Varas Travel by plane to Puerto Montt airport and continue to Puerto Varas by land. Puerto Varas enjoys stunning vistas to the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes and is located in the Chilean Lake District where you will spend the remainder of the day and explore its charming colonial city center.
Day 7: Chiloé IslandTake a day trip to Chiloé Island to discover its pastel-hued palafitos, idyllic fishing villages, and UNESCO-listed wooden churches. Undergo the island's mythology of witches and potato farming and indulge in its rich culinary culture.
Day 8: PuellaVisit Puella, a village nestled in the Andes Mountains on the border with Argentina. The village has an extensive trekking trail system with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains, lakes and valleys.
Day 9: Torres del Paine Head to Torres del Paine National Park to explore its glaciers, mountains, lakes, and wildlife. Take a boat tour to see Glacier Grey, hike to the base of the iconic towers, or horseback ride over the rolling hills.
Day 10: Punta ArenasTravel to Punta Arenas, Chile's southernmost city, for a taste of Patagonian culture, architecture, and cuisine. Visit the Plaza de Armas, the Salesian Museum Maggiorino Borgatello, and the Cerro de la Cruz lookout point for an overlook of the city.
Day 11: Tierra del FuegoTake a day trip across the Strait of Magellan to Tierra del Fuego, an archipelago split between Chile and Argentina, where you can visit penguin and sea lion colonies, explore its sub-Antarctic forests, and embark on a scenic train ride through the landscape of the End of the World.
Day 12: Return home Fly back to Santiago to connect with your return flight home.
Time and Costs Estimates
Santiago museums (2-3 hours, free)
Valparaiso funicular (2 hours, $10)
San Pedro de Atacama tour (full-day, $200)
Valley of the Moon tour (half-day, $50)
Tatio Geysers tour (half-day, $70)
Chiloe Island Day Tour (full-day, $150)
Puella trekking or horseback riding (2-4 hours, $30-100)
Torres del Paine boat tour and hike (full-day, $200)
Punta Arenas city tour (3 hours, $20)
Tierra del Fuego day trip (full-day, $200)
Total Estimated Costs: $1030-1280 per person
Transportation
Travelers to Chile can travel between destinations by plane, bus, car or a combination thereof. Air travel will be the most comfortable and time-efficient option for long distances, such as Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama or Punta Arenas. Bus travel offers a more affordable and scenic option for travel around the central and southern regions. Car rentals provide flexibility but be mindful of driving time and road conditions. Travel costs for flights range from $100-300, bus rides range from $20-50, and car rentals range from $40-100 per day. Be mindful of travel times which can range from 2-12 hours.
Useful Tips
If you have more time, consider adding a multi-day trek in Torres del Paine, wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley, or a visit to the Easter Island. Additionally, pack for contrasting weather conditions as certain destinations such as Patagonia will require warmer clothing than elsewhere. If you have less time, consider skipping Puerto Varas to save time or combine your trip with another neighboring South American country. In addition, although Chile is a safe country, be mindful of petty crime such as pickpocketing, as you would in any other destination.
Airports
The main international airport in Chile is the Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL), located 15km from Santiago. Other domestic airports include El Loa Airport (CJC) in Calama, Andres Sabella Galvez International Airport (ANF) in Antofagasta, Carlos Ibanez Del Campo International Airport (PUQ) in Punta Arenas, and El Tepual Airport (PMC) in Puerto Montt. All airports are located outside the city center and can be accessed by public transportation or by taxi.