You have a little bit of everything of Latin America in the mysterious Chilean territory. With our itinerary in Chile we propose you a physical, but also initiatory and sensory trip.
From North to South, from the desert to the cold polar, from the lonely plains to the exalted life of the capital, this path full of surprises is designed to disorient you and show you the best of Chile.
The more time you have to visit, the more intense your immersion will be in this magnificent culture. But if you have a limited time, three weeks can be enough to travel this route and enjoy the suggested activities. Have a look at this typical itinerary in Chile that we have prepared for you.
Santiago
Your international arrival will be in the capital, the urban heart of the country. Santiago deserves a few days of exploration, especially since you will probably be tired after long hours of flight.
At the crossroads of culture, arts, gastronomy and nature, this lively city is never short of places to discover. Here are some must-see places to include in your stay:
- poet Pablo Neruda’s house
- Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art
- Mercado Central and its delicious flavors
- or the San Cristobal cerro, which offers a breathtaking view.
Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days
Santiago – San Pedro de Atacama
Our itinerary in Chile continues in the north of the country and the famous Atacama Desert. From the city of San Pedro you can go on a variety of day trips and soak up the peaceful and arid atmosphere of this extraordinary land. Don’t miss the Moon Valley and its landscape from another world, the Tatio geothermal park, the many turquoise lakes of the Altiplano, the Rainbow Valley, the Piedras Rojas, and the Atacama salar.
If you are interested in experiences and activities, the most original are surfing on the dunes of the Valley of Death. Or you might want to take a hike of one of the many volcanoes, and the walk with the Ancestral Caravan. You won’t get bored here !
Recommended length of stay: 5 days
San Pedro de Atacama – Valparaiso
Return to the center of the country with a short flight between San Pedro de Atacama and the port city of Valparaiso. Second largest city of Chile, this metropolis is appreciated for its marina, its historic center and its sweetness of life.
There is another house of Pablo Neruda, the splendid Matriz church, and a multitude of street art frescoes scattered all over the city. Take the time to get lost in the streets with colorful houses. Don’t forget to taste the excellent food offered in restaurants frequented by locals.
Recommended length of stay: 2 days
Valparaiso – Maipo and Casablanca Valleys
For this visit, several options are available to you. Either you take an organized excursion, with a private driver and guide, or, if your budget is more limited, you can take local buses and taxis to visit your places of interest.
In any case, the rental car is not a good idea, as the main attraction of these valleys is the wine tasting. Indeed, this region is conducive to the growth of vineyards, and producers know that very well! You can visit various cellars. Taste the best Chilean wines during this day dedicated to your taste buds.
Recommended length of stay: 1 day
Maipo Valley – Mapuche Territory
Returning to Santiago, you will now head south to explore the region of Araucania to meet the Mapuche people. To get there, hop on a local bus to Pucon, or take a plane to Temuco and a bus to Lonquimay.
Stays in the communities are offered by the inhabitants, for an experience in total immersion in the heart of their traditional life. This ancient people still live according to ancestral customs. They maintain an exceptional quality of craftsmanship and land cultivation. It is a unique opportunity to focus on nature and simple things, with people with millennial wisdom.
Recommended length of stay: 3 days
Araucania – Puerto Varas
Now, we continue further south, to reach the charming seaside resort of Puerto Varas. It is the ideal base for visiting the Lakes Region. Start at Lake Llanquihue, which borders the city at the famous red church, then continue exploring to the majestic Osorno volcano. Take a nautical activity on the Petrohué River, or take a stroll through Corcovado National Park to relax in contact with the elements and the primary forest.
Recommended length of stay: 2 days
Puerto Varas – Island of Chiloe
Continuing our itinerary in Chile, and passing Puerto Montt, and after a few minute ferry ride, you will reach the beautiful island of Chiloé.
Chiloé is mainly known for its small wooden churches, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is also an opportunity to take pictures of colorful cabins on stilts along the coast. You might also enjoy to roam freely on this small piece of windswept pebbles. Finally, don’t forget to taste the delicious seafood freshly caught by locals.
Recommended length of stay: 1 day
Island of Chiloe – Puerto Montt
It is now the turn of the city of Puerto Montt to reveal its charms. Thanks to its port and its strategic geographical position on the road between the center and the south of the country, this city has become an essential city.
Appreciated by tourists but also by Chileans, Puerto Montt is quite lively, and offers many restaurants and bars for entertaining. It is also a place of culture, whose architecture and markets are worth a visit.
Recommended length of stay: 1 day
Optional: Carretera Australe to Villa O’Higgins
From Puerto Montt, you can decide to take a mythical route full of adventure: the Carretera Austral.
On more than 1,000 kilometers, you will drive on scenic roads, crossing ferry fjords, and isolated places from any civilization. This path will take you to Villa O’Higgins, where the Carretera ends. It is impossible to go further by land, the only two options being to go to Argentina by boat from the lake, or to go back to Puerto Montt.
Puerto Montt – Punta Arenas
To finish your itinerary in Chile, you will discover the South of the country, in the legendary Patagonia.
Cover yourself well, because the temperature is rarely lenient in these extreme lands. To reach Punta Arenas, one solution: the plane. During the flight, you will pass over magnificent landscapes, then you will land in a unique place of the world.
Another alternative, if you have time and a comfortable budget, is to take a boat from Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales. But let’s get back to Punta Arenas and its frozen wonders. It is a pied-à-terre for your exploration of the Strait of Magellan and the surrounding national parks. For those wishing to go to Antarctica, Punta Arenas has a departure port for shipping boats.
Recommended length of stay: 1 day
Punta Arenas – Puerto Natales
Puerto Natales is the passage point between Punta Arenas and the Torres del Paine Natural Park. It is a very tourist port city in summer, with colorful and original architecture.
A little outside the town, you will discover the cave of Milodon, a unique site in the world. This is where the remains of this prehistoric animal, which looked like a giant sloth, were found. From there, you have the opportunity to go for an excursion to the Cerro Mirador, to observe the condors, while making a pleasant hike in the Patagonian forest. If you’re in no hurry, take a look at the Turbales waterfall, which is a hidden wonder.
Recommended length of stay: 1 day
Puerto Natales – Torres del Paine Park
Get ready for the most beautiful hikes of your life in this absolutely incredible national park. Hiking lovers come from all over the world to enjoy Torres del Paine, a grandiose rocky landscape that never ceases to dazzle travelers. The bravest will make the O trek, which goes around the park in a week, or at least the part called W.
But you can also enjoy the scenery from the viewpoints overlooking the lakes Gray and Péhoé. You will admire the glaciers, as well as the “horns of the Paine”, and the wet valleys in all their splendor.
Recommended length of stay: at least 1 day
Excursion to Magdalena and Marta Island
Once back in Punta Arenas, you will have the opportunity to sail on the Strait of Magellan, while admiring the local fauna.
On the island of Magdalena, your guide will take you to see the penguin colonies. From the boat, you will see the sea lions on the island of Marta, as well as gulls, cormorants, and maybe even dolphins. It’s a great way to end your stay in Chilean Patagonia.
Recommended length of stay: 1 day
Punta Arenas – Santiago
On the last day of your itinerary in Chile, you will leave the freshness of the southern tip to find the capital Santiago. After a final tour in the historic center and some souvenir shopping, it will be time to head back to the international airport and return to your home country. But don’t be sad, because you will return rich of your discoveries and exceptional moments that Chile has offered you.
Optional Itinerary in Chile: visit of Easter Island
This name immediately evokes green hills from which emerge huge heads carved in stone, on an island lost in the Pacific. Rapa Nui is officially part of Chile, even though it is 3,000 kilometers from the mainland.
So it’s a chance for you to discover this special legendary place, surrounded by mystery. Take your backpack and extend your itinerary in an extraordinary way by staying a few days among the moais and the millennial people who protect this world heritage so that all humanity benefits.
Recommended length of stay: 5 days
