With soaring peaks, majestic glaciers, pristine lakes and dramatic coastlines, Chile lures travellers longing for unforgettable experiences amidst stunningly-scenic backdrops.
Its location snaking down the side of the South American continent means a dizzying array of landscapes, from arid, rust-coloured deserts to the towering Andes to vineyards to ice floes dotted with tiny penguins–the last stop before Antarctica.
Is it possible to see it all during a 2 week Chile itinerary? Absolutely not. But with a lot of planning, a sense of adventure and some very long days, intrepid travellers can at least tick off a few of the main highlights. Here’s how to do it.
Globe Guide note: This Chile trip itinerary includes a 10 day option, as well as ideas for how to spend a full two weeks.
Day 1 + 2: Santiago
Most people kick off their trip to Chile in Santiago, as it hosts the main international airport and is the hub for domestic connections.
The sprawling city is similar to most South American capitals, complete with lively street markets, busy roadways, creative cuisine and epic views from the high-rise hotels. You’ll want to spend at least a couple of days here to get your bearings after the long flight down, enjoying some of the sights before heading off on your big adventure.
Some of the best things do in Santiago that can easily be seen in a day or two are:
Barrio Bellavista
This bohemian district feels like the soul of the city, where vibrant murals are plastered over most of the buildings and artisan stalls, and cafes and boutiques line its cobblestone streets. Home to fantastic restaurants and buzzing bars, this is one of the best places in the city to enjoy a pisco sour during happy hour.
Globe Guide tip: The whimsical Wonderland Cafe is found here, featuring two floors of fantastical decor dedicated to Alice in Wonderland. Come for the photo-ops, stay for the over-the-top milkshakes.
Cerro Santa Lucía
For great city views (so long as you don’t mind a lot of stairs) head to Cerro Santa Lucía which feels a bit like an oasis in the heart of the city. The hill has winding pathways, manicured gardens, a few historic landmarks and fountains leading up to the summit.
The Funicular at Cerro San Cristóbal
Santiago is all about great views, and one of the best is found at the summit of Cerro San Cristóbal and there are a couple of ways to get to the top: cable car, or funicular.
The historical funicular was inaugurated in 1925, and its first station is shaped like a medieval tower and built with stone cut from the same hill. The site is a National Historical Monument, and the fun ride up has glimpses of the city through the trees as you glide up to the top.
The park hosts attractions like the Santiago Zoo, a cafe, a church once visited by the Pope, and the Bellavista Terrace with sweeping, panoramic views. It’s impossible to miss the Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception, which is a large statue of the Virgin Mary that can be seen from all over Santiago.
Globe Guide tip: Despite having ‘skip the line’ tickets, we still waited 45 minutes to get up on a busy Saturday afternoon. Try to visit on a weekday, early in the morning or late in the day to avoid the crowds.
Gran Torre Santiago
Jutting straight out of Santiago’s skyline in the heart of the financial district (nicknamed ‘Sanhattan’), this skyscraper is the tallest in Latin America at an impressive 300 metres (984 feet) high and houses Chile’s largest mall.
Head up to the Sky Costanera observation deck located on the 61st and 62nd floors for panoramic views of the bustling city below and Andes mountains.
Santiago’s attractions are quite spread out, so you’ll definitely need an Uber to see them all. Alternatively, book a Hop On/Hop Off Bus Tour–this ticket includes a ride on the cable car.
Book a city tour in Santiago with GetYourGuide:
Where to stay in Santiago
Courtyard Santiago Las Condes: This was the first hotel I stayed at in Chile, and the modern, quiet and spacious rooms were the perfect place to regroup after a long flight. The service is excellent, there’s an on-site bar and restaurant, gym, huge swimming pool and an outdoor terrace with amazing city views.
The hotel is basically attached to a shopping mall and across from Parque Araucano–a great place for a walk which also has massive playgrounds for those travelling with kids. Click here to book
Hotel Ismael: With a fantastic location in the Bellavista district and walking distance to Cerro Santa Lucía, this boutique hotel features cool decor and a rooftop pool. While the rooms are a bit dated, the excellent breakfast buffet makes up for it. Click here to book
Day 3: Cajón del Maipo
One of my absolute favourite experiences during my trip to Chile was this day trip from Santiago out to Cajón del Maipo, so I highly recommend you book it!
Nestled in the Andes mountains about a two hours drive from the city, this region boasts spectacular peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, wild horses, volcanoes and outdoor activities like rock climbing, cycling, kayaking and hiking trails.
The day with our tour operator Ando Andes started with a moderate walk through an alpine valley, where meandering streams and cacti were framed by snow-capped mountains.
We learned about the volcanic rocks and medicinal plants surrounding us, as well as the area’s Mediterranean-like climate (Maipa means ‘fertile land’) which makes it ideal for wine production,
The afternoon brought us to Termas Colina (also known as Colina Hot Springs), a series of naturally heated thermal pools which are terraced along the hillside. Temperatures range from 25°C to a scorching 55°C, and the pools are said to have therapeutic benefits.
Our group spent a couple of hours at the site soaking in the bath-like water and admiring the mesmerizing views, before heading back down where our guide had arranged a picnic of charcuterie alongside glasses of Carménère wine–the perfect way to end the perfect day.
Book a similar tour to Cajón del Maipo with GetYourGuide
Book with Viator
Day 4: Valparaiso and Vina del Mar
The artsy city of Valparaiso is one of the most popular day trips from Santiago, with visitors lured by the endless sea of colourful murals that make parts of the hillside city look like an artist’s canvas.
Found a 90 minute drive west of the capital and perched along the Pacific coastline, the UNESCO-designated city is known for its brightly-hued homes dotting the steep slopes, and old-world funiculars that creak their way up to panoramic viewpoints (saving commuters a LOT of uphill steps).
A ride on one of the vintage funiculars, like Ascensor Reina Victoria or Ascensor El Peral, is not only a practical way to get around but also an experience in itself.
The first stop on most tours is La Sebastiana, the former home of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. The quirky, multi-level home provides insight into the poet’s life along with sweeping ocean views.
The main tourist areas are Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción, and the neighborhoods are a feast for the eyes and Instagram heaven: picture ever-changing street art that turns staircases, walls, and even doorways into masterpieces.
Simply wander around the steep streets, enjoy the melodies of buskers, or take part in a graffiti tour to leave your own mark on the city.
Don’t miss the Paseo Gervasoni and Paseo Atkinson walkways that offer incredible views of the city and the Pacific Ocean, and those visiting in the evening can dine on fresh seafood while enjoying live music in one of the many venues around town.
Globe Guide tip: Valparaiso is known to be quite crime-ridden, so keep your belongings close, walk with a group when possible and stay in well-lit, busy areas in the evening.
A fun experience we enjoyed in Valparaiso was a cooking class organized by G&D South America.
It started off with a visit to storied Mercado El Cardonal market to pick up all sorts of fresh meat and veggies, a stop at the liquor kiosk for wine, then up to a private home with incredible views from the balcony to learn how to make empanadas, a traditional soup and pebre which is similar to pico de gallo.
It was a fun, interactive way to get a ‘taste’ of local life in Valparaiso, and enjoy a fabulous meal topped off with tart pisco sours.
Just down the road is Viña del Mar, known as the ‘Garden City’ (La Ciudad Jardín) and famed for its beach resorts.
With a more modern, elevated feel than its neighbour, Vina Del Mar is a nice place to wander along the waterfront, enjoy the view from an oceanfront cafe or soak up the sun on a warm day. It only takes about 15 minutes to drive between the two, and taking the bus or train is also an easy, affordable option.
Book one of these guided tours to Valparaiso and Vina del Mar
Where to stay in Valparaiso
While most people visit as a day trip, there are some lovely boutique hotels in the heart of the action in Cerro Alegre.
We spent the night at Fauna Hotel, which has a rooftop terrace with great views, and a beautifully designed lobby, rooms and showstopping staircases reminiscent of a cool, industrial New York City penthouse. Book on Expedia or Reserve on Booking.com
Day 5: Casablanca
Tucked between Santiago and Valparaíso, the Casablanca Valley is a dreamy escape for wine lovers, known for its cool-climate varietals and enchanting landscapes.
Casablanca’s rolling hills and crisp coastal breezes has earned it a reputation as one of Chile’s premier wine regions, where more than a dozen wineries specialize in Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
The best way to experience Casablanca is by hopping between its renowned wineries, many of which offer intimate tastings and picturesque picnic spots. We started at Bodegas RE, a lovely, intimate boutique winery known for its unique blends (be sure to check out the centuries-old clay pots they still use to this day!).
Another good pick is Viña Casas del Bosque, where you can pair crisp whites with gourmet cuisine at their vineyard restaurant. For a more immersive experience, Matetic Vineyards offers tours through its sprawling organic estate, and hosts overnight visits in adorable cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows and geo-domes looking straight out at the vines, along with a main guesthouse. Click here to book
Globe Guide note: If you’re tight for time, skip this day of the Chile trip itinerary or stop in for a quick winery visit on the way to or from Valparaiso.
Day 6: Fly to Puerto Natales
If you only have time for a 10 day Chile itinerary, it’s like Sophie’s Choice trying to decide which region to fly to for the rest of the trip: the Lake District, the Atacama Desert, Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and Patagonia are all incredible!
Those with 2 weeks in Chile can explore at least two of them like I did, and if you’re in decent physical shape I’d highly recommend Patagonia. Trekking through Patagonia is arguably one of the world’s best backpacking trips, where icy glaciers, towering snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes await.
The iconic W Trek tops many people’s bucket lists, and the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park is Puerto Natales, a charming (and extremely windy) waterfront town on the shores of the Última Esperanza Sound. It takes about 3 ½ hours to fly from Santiago, where you’re greeted by a breathtaking mountain backdrop.
While most visitors just stop here for a night before heading into the park, Puerto Natales has plenty to keep outdoor enthusiasts entertained. Kayak along the fjords where glaciers tumble into icy waters, hop on a boat tour to see the impressive Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers up close.
There are lots of cafes and restaurants for backpackers to hang out pre or post hike, souvenir shops and outdoor outfitting stores to grab any last minute gear you might have forgotten, and a grocery store to stock up on snacks and ATMs to secure some cash.
Where to stay in Puerto Natales
Considering it’s a relatively small town, there’s a surprising array of unique accommodations to suit all sorts of price points and interests in Puerto Natales.
Our group stayed at Hotel Big Sur which has simple clean rooms, includes a hot breakfast and is centrally located. The Best Western Patagonia is a great place to unwind after days of hiking thanks to its outdoor hot tub and sauna with water views, while AKA Patagonia has a glamping-like vibe thanks to its serene, Scandinavian-styled freestanding rooms (I’d definitely opt to stay here next time!)
For a splurge-worthy experience, book into The Singular Patagonia. This luxury property is a National Heritage site originally serving as a cold storage facility that’s like a museum-hotel, where antique machinery is still intact and visible.
Boasting rooms with massive windows offering unobstructed views of the water, an on-site spa and multiple restaurants and bars, this property provides an unforgettable stay for those with money to burn.
Day 7-10: Torres del Paine National Park
It’s safe to say the next few days of your Chile travel itinerary will be the most memorable: the other-worldly landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park will truly take your breath away (and not just because of all the exercise required to get around).
The majority of travellers come here to do the four-day, 64-kilometre W Trek, or the O Circuit which takes about nine days to complete the 122 kilometer loop.
There’s a huge sense of camaraderie on the trails that feels like the good ol’ backpacking days, and you’ll see the same people over and over since there are only two routes and a handful of refugios.
Expect to spend 6-12 hours walking per day depending which part of the trail you’re on, and likely only see a few dozen hikers until you get to a refugio–the exception being the Mirador del Torres hike, which is absolutely packed with people since it’s the area’s most famous trail and can be reached by day trippers from Puerto Natales.
READ MORE: The ultimate guide to the Torres del Paine W Trek in Chile
There are a ridiculous amount of logistics involved with trekking in Torres del Paine–and in true Chilean fashion, they don’t make it easy. You’ll need to book transportation to and from the park gates and to/from the welcome centre (yup, these are separate buses), reserve refugios for each night of the trek, arrange food, gear rentals and permits/entrance fees.
With that in mind, while you might save a bit of money sorting all of this out yourself, most people opt to go with a licenced operator who handles all the hard planning so you just have to show up. Trust me, the W Trek is challenging enough without having to navigate complicated reservation systems on top of everything else.
Completing the W Trek or O Circuit is definitely a mental and physical challenge–luckily, the feeling of accomplishment coupled with jaw-dropping scenery like soaring peaks shrouded in mist, calving glaciers and gem-toned lakes makes it all worth it.
This post outlines everything you need to know about the W Trek itinerary, including how to book it, what to expect each day and packing tips.
Globe Guide tip: Not up for the full trek, or weren’t able to secure permits? Base yourself in Puerto Natales, and spend a couple of days doing day trips into the park including the full day hike up to the towers and the boat ride to Grey Glacier. This allows you to see some of the highlights, as well as a couple days to head south to Punta Arenas to see colonies of tiny penguins.
Book one of these adventurous day trips with GetYourGuide:
Day 11-14: Trips from Santiago, Chile
Once you’ve wrapped up your time at the so-called ‘end of the earth’, you’ll fly back to Santiago for an onward flight home, or complete your two weeks in Chile by heading to one more region for the final few days.
Globe Guide note: If you do have time for one of these areas and also want to visit Torres del Paine National Park, I’d suggest planning your itinerary so Patagonia is at the end of the trip: you’ll be exhausted after all that hiking, and likely want to get home to do some laundry!
The Atacama Desert
The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is a fantastic option, where star-studded skies, steaming geysers, vast salt flats and jagged red rock formations lure travellers to the driest desert in the world.
The town of San Pedro de Atacama is the base for exploring this dramatic terrain, where plenty of adventure outfitters await to take you off the beaten path (some tours also continue over to Bolivia to see the Uyuni Salt Flats).
There’s no shortage of memorable experiences in the Atacama, like watching sunrise over the Tatio Geysers as steam rises into the crisp morning air, floating effortlessly in the salt-rich waters of Laguna Cejar, or hiking through the Mars-like landscapes of Valle de la Luna.
After dark, this high-altitude region transforms into one of the best stargazing spots on the planet, and tours to observatories offer the chance to see planets and galaxies through powerful telescopes.
Book one of these guided tours in the Atacama Desert
Lake District
Down in the Lake District, you’ll find a paradise of snow-capped volcanoes, pristine lakes and lush forests at the base of the Andes. The picturesque region is a dream for outdoor lovers, offering pursuits like hiking, canyoning, whitewater rafting, paddling and volcano trekking, and is a favourite of road trippers.
At the end of an adrenaline-filled day, relax in the natural hot springs or wander around the charming lakeside villages and admire the Bavarian-style architecture and lakefront views.
Book a thrilling excursion from Pucón:
Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
I opted to spend my time ticking off a major bucket list destination: Rapa Nui (Easter Island).
The remote, volcanic island is 3,700 kilometers from mainland Chile and a five hour flight from Santiago, making it one of the most isolated, inhabited areas on the planet.
Best known for its mysterious Moai formations, the highlight of a trip here is visiting Rano Raraku, where most Moai were hand-carved out of the volcanic crater on the lower slopes of Mount Terevaka.
There are about 1,000 statues on Rapa Nui, and 397 of them are found here in various stages of construction making this the highest concentration of Moai on the island.
There’s a lot more to see than just the towering, ancient statues: rent an ATV or Jeep to explore the rugged beaches, wander through the shops in the main town Hanga Roa, peer into a crater, go for a horseback ride, and enjoy an incredible traditional dance performance.
READ MORE: The ultimate guide to travelling to Easter Island (Rapa Nui)
Most tourists only spend three nights on the island which works out to about 2.5 days of sightseeing; while it’s possible to see the main highlights in that time, I recommend at least five nights to see all that Rapa Nui has to offer and justify the expense and hours-long flight over.
You’ll also need to pay close attention to the entry requirements, as there are a few nuances that catch some people off-guard at the airport.
Best time to go to Chile
As Chile is located in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are opposite of North America and Europe. The biggest factor for deciding when to visit Chile depends on which regions you’re going to; as one of the longest countries in the world, there are all sorts of climates to contend with.
Santiago and area
The best time of year to visit Santiago for warm-weather activities is from late November to mid-March, when you can expect warm, clear days without usually getting extremely hot. Winters are cold (but rarely freezing) and partly cloudy, and not as ideal if you want to enjoy the beaches or vineyards outside of the city.
Patagonia
For Patagonia, the start of the season in November and December (spring) means decent weather, lower prices and not quite as busy as the prime time of January/February which gets the most sunlight. March and April are a nice time as the fall colours start to appear and it’s less windy.
Those visiting at any other time should be prepared for cold, snow, shorter days and many tour operators shut down for the season.
The Atacama Desert
This is a year-round destination thanks to its warm, arid climate, so the best time to visit depends on what you want to do and see. Generally, the dry season of May to September is the most popular time to visit, as the weather is mild and the skies are clear. The rainy season is January to March, and while it can still be a beautiful time to visit the desert there can be flash floods which make some roads impassable.
Rapa Nui
Easter Island also experiences great weather year round (it is in Polynesia, after all!). I travelled there during shoulder season in November and the weather was fantastic, and hot enough to get a sunburn—so be sure to pack sunscreen. January and February are the hottest months during the height of summer, when temperatures hover around 30 degrees celsius.
No matter where or when you choose to go during your 2 week Chile itinerary, it’s sure to be absolutely unforgettable.
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- How to get to Easter Island (Rapa Nui): Top tips and tricks
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