11-Day Itinerary for Santiago, Puerto Varas, and Atacama

1. Day 1: Arrival in Santiago
   Estimated time from airport: 30 minutes (12.5 km)

   Get settled in your accommodation and explore the neighbourhood.

2. Day 2: Santiago City Tour
   Estimated time from last destination: 20 minutes (8.3 km)

   Visit Plaza de Armas, Cerro San Cristobal, and Museum of Memory and Human Rights.

3. Day 3: Valparaiso and Viña del Mar Day Trip
   Estimated time from last destination: 1 hour 30 minutes (120 km)

   Explore the colourful city of Valparaiso and visit La Sebastiana, a house turned museum of famous poet Pablo Neruda.

4. Day 4: Travel to Puerto Varas
   Estimated flight time: 2 hours

   Take a morning flight to Puerto Montt and then a 30-minute taxi ride to Puerto Varas.

5. Day 5: Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt Tour
   Estimated time from last destination: 20 minutes (20 km)

   See the stunning Lago Llanquihue, visit the Angelmo Fish Market, and enjoy the beautiful German architecture in both towns.

6. Day 6: Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Falls
   Estimated time from last destination: 45 minutes (45 km)

   Take a day trip from Puerto Varas to check out Osorno Volcano and then stop at the Petrohue Falls on the way back.

7. Day 7: Travel to Atacama
   Estimated flight time: 2 hours 30 minutes

   Take a morning flight to Calama and then a 1-hour drive to San Pedro de Atacama.

8. Day 8: Atacama Salt Flats and Cejar Lagoon
   Estimated time from last destination: 1 hour (50 km)

   Visit the Salar de Atacama and take a dip in the Laguna Cejar.

9. Day 9: Moon Valley and Death Valley
   Estimated time from last destination: 20 minutes (10 km)

   See the stunning desert landscape in Moon Valley and visit nearby Death Valley.

10. Day 10: Geysers del Tatio
    Estimated time from last destination: 1 hour 30 minutes (100 km)

    Wake up early to watch the sunrise at the Geysers del Tatio.

11. Day 11: Departure from Atacama
    Estimated time from last destination: 1 hour (100 km)

    Take a morning flight back to Santiago to catch any connecting flights to your next destination.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Plaza de Armas (1 hour, free)
• Cerro San Cristobal (2 hours, $3 USD)
• Museum of Memory and Human Rights (1 hour 30 minutes, free)
• La Sebastiana (1 hour, $10 USD)
• Angelmo Fish Market (1 hour, free)
• Osorno Volcano (4 hours, $25 USD)
• Petrohue Falls (1 hour 30 minutes, $10 USD)
• Atacama Salt Flats (4 hours, $40 USD)
• Cejar Lagoon (2 hours, $20 USD)
• Moon Valley (3 hours, $15 USD)
• Death Valley (1 hour, free)
• Geysers del Tatio (4 hours, $35 USD)
• Total Estimated Costs: $158 USD

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to Cajon del Maipo to see the Andes mountains. If you have less time, consider skipping the Valparaiso and Viña del Mar Day Trip. Make sure to plan ahead and check for opening and closing times of each location, as some may vary based on the season or day of the week.