Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Chile's capital, settle in, and get your first panoramic views from a historic hilltop park in the city center.
Morning
Arrival & Hotel Check-in
Arrive at
Santiago's Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL). Take a pre-booked airport shuttle or taxi to your hotel in the Lastarria or
Providencia neighborhoods. Use the morning to rest, freshen up, and get oriented.
Flexible
Airport transfer: $20-30
Pre-book a transfer for ease after a long flight.
Lunch
Fuente Alemana
Chilean (Famous Lomitos)
Mid-range
Afternoon
Cerro Santa Lucía & Lastarria Stroll
Climb the winding paths of Cerro Santa Lucía, a beautiful hilltop park in central
Santiago, for fantastic 360-degree views of the city and the Andes. Afterwards, wander the bohemian streets of the Lastarria neighborhood, browsing boutique shops and art galleries.
3-4 hours
Free (park entry)
Evening
Welcome Dinner in Bellavista
Enjoy a relaxed dinner at Patio Bellavista, a energetic courtyard filled with restaurants and bars. Try traditional dishes like pastel de choclo or a hearty cazuela.
Where to Stay Tonight
Lastarria or Providencia (Mid-range boutique hotel)
Central, safe, walkable neighborhoods with great dining options and easy access to metro stations.
Buy a Bip! card at any metro station for easy and cheap travel on
Santiago's excellent public transport system.
Day 1 Budget: $180
Explore the historic Plaza de Armas, visit a pre-Columbian museum, and take a funicular up San Cristóbal Hill for sunset.
Morning
Plaza de Armas & Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino
Start at the grand Plaza de Armas, the city's main square, surrounded by historic buildings like the Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Then, visit the superb Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino to understand the rich indigenous cultures of the Americas.
3 hours
$10 (museum entry)
Lunch
Mercado Central
Seafood
Mid-range
Afternoon
Barrio Yungay & Parque Quinta Normal
Explore the colorful, historic Barrio Yungay, known for its street art and 19th-century architecture. Visit the peaceful Parque Quinta Normal, home to several museums including the excellent Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos.
2-3 hours
Free (park), museums vary
Evening
San Cristóbal Hill Funicular & Sunset
Take the funicular from the Bellavista neighborhood up San Cristóbal Hill. Enjoy the sweeping views of
Santiago sprawled below the Andes. Have a pisco sour at the terrace cafe as the sun sets.
Where to Stay Tonight
Lastarria or Providencia (Mid-range boutique hotel)
Same as previous night for convenience.
For the best empanadas in town, seek out 'Emporio Zunino' in the Mercado Central arcade.
Day 2 Budget: $160
A day trip to the chaotic, colorful, and poetic port city of Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Morning
Bus to Valparaíso & Cerro Alegre
Take a 1.5-hour bus from
Santiago's Pajaritos or Alameda station to Valparaíso. Start your exploration in the Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción hills, wandering its steep, winding streets adorned with impressive street art and dynamic houses.
4 hours (including travel)
$15-20 (round-trip bus)
Buy bus tickets from Turbus or Pullman at the station; they run frequently.
Lunch
Café Turri
International/Chilean
Mid-range
Afternoon
Ascensores & La Sebastiana
Ride the city's iconic funiculars (ascensores), like Ascensor El Peral or Ascensor Concepción. Visit La Sebastiana, one of Pablo Neruda's eccentric and fascinating houses, filled with nautical collections and offering sweeping views.
3 hours
$10 (La Sebastiana entry)
Book La Sebastiana tickets online in advance, in summer.
Evening
Stroll along the Muelle Prat pier and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the port. Have a casual seafood dinner at a restaurant in the historic port district before catching an evening bus back to
Santiago.
Where to Stay Tonight
Lastarria or Providencia (Mid-range boutique hotel)
Returning to Santiago for an early flight north the next day.
Wear comfortable, grippy shoes. Valparaíso's hills are steep and the sidewalks can be uneven.
Day 3 Budget: $140
Fly from
Santiago to Calama and transfer to the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama, acclimatizing to the high altitude.
Morning
Flight to Calama
Take a morning flight from
Santiago (SCL) to Calama (CJC), approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival, collect your pre-booked shuttle or take a shared transfer for the 1.5-hour drive to San Pedro de Atacama.
4-5 hours (including transfer)
$100-150 (flight), $15 (shared transfer)
Book flights and airport transfers well in advance. Flights to Calama can be pricey.
Lunch
Blanco
Contemporary Chilean
Mid-range
Afternoon
Acclimatize & Explore San Pedro
Spend the afternoon gently acclimatizing to the high altitude (2,400m / 7,900ft). Wander the dusty, adobe streets of San Pedro, visit the quaint Iglesia de San Pedro church, and browse the artisan crafts at the Feria Artesanal.
2-3 hours
Free
Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and take it easy. Consider booking tours for the next few days.
Evening
Stargazing Introduction
Enjoy a simple dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant. The clear Atacama skies are incredible even with the naked eye. Consider booking a professional stargazing tour for later in your stay.
Where to Stay Tonight
San Pedro de Atacama town (Comfortable hostel or small hotel)
Central location for tour pickups, restaurants, and shops. Many offer courtyard gardens.
The sun is extremely strong. Apply high-SPF sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and carry a reusable water bottle everywhere.
Day 4 Budget: $250
Explore the surreal, lunar landscapes of the Moon and Death Valleys, culminating in a spectacular sunset view.
Morning
Relax & Bike Rental
Take a leisurely morning to continue acclimatizing. Rent a mountain bike from one of the many shops in town (like Atacama Bike) for independent exploration or simply relax.
Flexible
$15-20 (bike rental)
If biking, start early to avoid the midday heat and bring 3L of water per person.
Lunch
Picnic or town lunch
Sandwiches/Fruit from local market
Budget
Afternoon
Valle de la Luna Exploration
Join an afternoon tour or bike to the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) within the Los Flamencos National Reserve. Explore the salt caverns (Cavernas de la Sal), the strange salt formations, and the giant sand dune. The landscape feels extraterrestrial.
3-4 hours
$15 (park entry) + $30-50 (tour if not biking)
Tours can be booked easily in town the day before. Ensure the tour includes the sunset.
Evening
Sunset at Piedra del Coyote
The tour will typically end at the Piedra del Coyote viewpoint in the adjacent Valle de la Muerte (Death Valley) for a impressive sunset that paints the Cordillera de la Sal in deep oranges and purples.
Where to Stay Tonight
San Pedro de Atacama town (Comfortable hostel or small hotel)
Same as previous night.
The park entry ticket is valid for multiple days. Keep it safe for re-entry if you plan to visit other parts of the reserve.
Day 5 Budget: $120
A very early start to witness the powerful El Tatio geysers at sunrise, followed by a visit to high-altitude lagoons.
Morning
El Tatio Geysers at Sunrise
Depart around 4:00-5:00 AM for the 1.5-hour drive to the El Tatio geyser field (4,320m). Witness dozens of geysers erupting steam into the frigid dawn air, with the first rays of sun creating a magical scene. Soak in the natural hot springs if your tour includes it.
4-5 hours (total tour)
$50-70 (tour)
This is a must-do tour; book at least a day in advance. Dress in layers—it's below freezing at dawn but warms up quickly.
Lunch
Tour-provided breakfast/picnic
Simple packed meal
Included
Afternoon
Altiplanic Lagoons: Miscanti & Miñiques
On the return journey, visit the impressive Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons, located at over 4,000m altitude against a backdrop of volcanoes. Spot vicuñas and flamingos in the dynamic blue waters. The tour usually also stops at the traditional Atacameño village of Machuca.
3-4 hours
Included in geyser tour
Ensure your chosen tour includes the lagoons. The altitude is serious; move slowly.
Evening
Rest & Casual Dinner
Return to San Pedro exhausted but exhilarated. Have an early, hearty dinner—try llama steak or a quinoa stew—and rest.
Where to Stay Tonight
San Pedro de Atacama town (Comfortable hostel or small hotel)
Same as previous nights.
Take altitude sickness medication (like Diamox) if you are prone to it. Chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea is a local remedy for soroche (altitude sickness).
Day 6 Budget: $100
Visit the vast salt flat, observe flamingos at the Los Flamencos National Reserve, and explore a traditional village.
Morning
Laguna Chaxa & Salar de Atacama
Take a morning tour or taxi to the Salar de Atacama, the largest salt flat in Chile. Visit Laguna Chaxa within the Los Flamencos National Reserve, a shallow lagoon where you can observe three species of flamingos (James's, Chilean, and Andean) feeding in the salty crust.
2-3 hours
$15 (park entry) + $30 (tour/taxi)
Tours are easily arranged. Go in the morning for the best light and bird activity.
Lunch
Toconao Village
Local simple fare
Budget
Afternoon
Toconao Village & Valle de Jerez
Visit the oasis village of Toconao, known for its bell tower built from liparite stone and its skilled artisans. Explore its quiet plaza and church. If time allows, take a short walk into the nearby Valle de Jerez, a fertile canyon with orchards.
2 hours
Free
Evening
Farewell to the Desert & Stargazing Tour
Enjoy a final desert sunset. Tonight, consider taking a dedicated astronomy tour with powerful telescopes to see planets, nebulae, and the Magellanic Clouds in one of the world's clearest skies.
Where to Stay Tonight
San Pedro de Atacama town (Comfortable hostel or small hotel)
Last night in the desert before flying south.
At Laguna Chaxa, walk carefully on the designated paths. The salt crust is fragile and sharp.
Day 7 Budget: $150
A long travel day from the desert to the gateway of Patagonia, transferring via
Santiago to the southern town of Puerto Natales.
Morning
Transfer & Flight to Punta Arenas
Take a pre-booked shuttle from San Pedro to Calama airport (CJC). Fly from Calama back to
Santiago (SCL), then connect to a flight to Punta Arenas (PUQ). This is a long day of travel with a layover in
Santiago.
8-10 hours (total travel time)
$250-350 (flights), $15 (transfer)
Book all flights on the same itinerary for baggage through-check. Try to get an early start from San Pedro.
Lunch
Airport or plane meal
Varies
Mid-range
Afternoon
Bus to Puerto Natales
Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, take a direct 3-hour bus from the airport or downtown bus station to Puerto Natales. The drive offers your first glimpses of the vast Patagonian steppe and guanacos.
3-4 hours
$15-20 (bus)
Buses like Bus Sur and Buses Fernández run regularly. Schedule aligns with flight arrivals.
Evening
Settle into Puerto Natales
Check into your hotel in Puerto Natales. Have a warming dinner of centolla (king crab) or a classic Patagonian lamb dish at a local restaurant like Afrigonia or El Asador Patagónico.
Where to Stay Tonight
Puerto Natales town center (Hostel, guesthouse, or hotel)
Convenient for organizing park logistics, renting gear, and accessing restaurants. The atmosphere is friendly and geared towards trekkers.
Stock up on any last-minute trekking supplies or snacks in Puerto Natales. It's your last chance before entering Torres del Paine.
Day 8 Budget: $350
Tackle the classic day hike to the base of the iconic Torres del Paine, the park's namesake granite towers.
Morning
Transfer to Park & Hike to Base Torres
Take an early morning bus (2.5 hours) from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park. Start the challenging but rewarding day hike to the Base Torres lookout (Mirador Base Torres). The trail ascends through forests, past a glacial river, and up a steep moraine to reveal the three majestic towers reflected in a glacial lake.
8-10 hours (round-trip hike)
$30 (park entry) + $20 (round-trip bus)
Book the bus ticket a day in advance. Start the hike as early as possible (by 8 AM). Pack layers, rain gear, lunch, and 2L of water.
Lunch
Packed lunch from Puerto Natales
Sandwiches, trail mix, fruit
Budget
Afternoon
Complete the Hike & Return
Continue the hike to the iconic viewpoint. Spend time soaking in the awe-inspiring scene before descending back to the Hotel Las Torres area to catch your return bus to Puerto Natales.
Part of morning activity
Included
Confirm your return bus pick-up time and location with the driver in the morning.
Evening
Recovery in Puerto Natales
Return to Puerto Natales tired but triumphant. Enjoy a hearty, well-earned dinner and perhaps a local craft beer at Baguales Brewery.
Where to Stay Tonight
Puerto Natales town center (Hostel, guesthouse, or hotel)
More affordable and logistically simpler than staying inside the park for a day hike.
The final hour up the moraine is very steep and rocky. Trekking poles are highly recommended for the descent.
Day 9 Budget: $100
A more relaxed day exploring the park's western side with a boat trip to the face of the massive Grey Glacier.
Morning
Bus to Lago Grey & Paine Grande
Take another early bus from Puerto Natales into the park, but this time alight at the Pudeto catamaran dock. Take the catamaran across Lago Pehoé to Refugio Paine Grande on the park's western circuit. Enjoy impressive views of the Cuernos del Paine.
3-4 hours (bus + catamaran)
$30 (park entry, valid for 3 days) + $25 (catamaran) + $20 (bus)
Book the catamaran (Hielos Patagónicos) and bus tickets in advance, in peak season.
Lunch
Lunch at Refugio Paine Grande
Cafeteria-style hot meals
Mid-range
Afternoon
Grey Glacier Boat Tour
From Paine Grande, hike the relatively flat and easy 11km (round trip) trail along Lago Grey to the Grey Glacier lookout and pier. Board a boat that navigates among icebergs to get up close to the towering, blue-tinged face of Grey Glacier.
4-5 hours (hike + boat tour)
$80-100 (boat tour)
The boat tour must be booked well in advance. Check schedules to align with your catamaran and bus times.
Evening
Return to Puerto Natales
Take the return catamaran and bus back to Puerto Natales. Have a relaxed dinner, sharing stories of icebergs and glaciers.
Where to Stay Tonight
Puerto Natales town center (Hostel, guesthouse, or hotel)
Same as previous night.
The catamaran across Lago Pehoé can be extremely windy and cold. Have your warm layers and windbreaker easily accessible.
Day 10 Budget: $200
Fly from Punta Arenas to Puerto Montt and transfer to the scenic German-influenced town of Puerto Varas on the shore of Lago Llanquihue.
Morning
Flight to Puerto Montt
Take an early morning bus from Puerto Natales back to Punta Arenas airport (PUQ). Fly from Punta Arenas to Puerto Montt (PMC), approximately 2.5 hours. Enjoy aerial views of the Patagonian fjords and islands.
5-6 hours (including bus to airport)
$150-200 (flight) + $20 (bus)
Book flights connecting Punta Arenas to Puerto Montt. The bus from Puerto Natales to PUQ takes about 3 hours.
Lunch
Airport or quick bite in Puerto Montt
Varies
Budget
Afternoon
Transfer to Puerto Varas & First Impressions
Take a short 30-minute taxi or shared transfer from Puerto Montt airport to Puerto Varas. Check into your lakeside hotel. Take a leisurely stroll along the Costanera (lakefront path), admiring the views of the perfect cone of the Osorno Volcano across the lake.
2-3 hours
$20-30 (taxi)
Taxis are readily available at the airport. Pre-book a transfer for convenience.
Evening
German-Chilean Dinner
Puerto Varas has a strong German heritage. Enjoy a dinner of kuchen (cake) and perhaps a German-style beer at a café like Café Dane's, or try the excellent local salmon at a restaurant like Mesa Tropera.
Where to Stay Tonight
Puerto Varas lakefront (Lakeside hotel or boutique guesthouse)
For impressive, uninterrupted views of Lago Llanquihue and the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes.
If the weather is clear in the evening, the sunset behind the Osorno Volcano is not to be missed from the Costanera.
Day 11 Budget: $250
A day exploring the iconic Osorno Volcano and the turquoise rapids of the Petrohué River Falls.
Morning
Drive to Osorno Volcano Ski Center
Rent a car for the day or join a tour for the 1-hour drive to the slopes of Volcán Osorno. Drive up to the Centro de Ski y Montaña Volcán Osorno. In summer, you can take a chairlift even higher for phenomenal panoramic views of the lake district.
3-4 hours
$50-70 (car rental/day) or $60 (tour) + $15 (chairlift)
Car rental offers more flexibility. Book in advance in Puerto Varas. The road is well-paved.
Lunch
Picnic or café at the ski center
Simple sandwiches/kuchen
Budget
Afternoon
Saltos del Petrohué
Drive a short distance to the Saltos del Petrohué within Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. Walk the well-maintained paths to view the powerful, emerald-green waterfalls cascading over ancient volcanic rock formations.
1-2 hours
$5 (park entry)
Evening
Lakeside Relaxation
Return to Puerto Varas. If you have energy, consider visiting the charming town of Frutillar, known for its German heritage and beautiful Teatro del Lago. Otherwise, enjoy a relaxed evening by the lake.
Where to Stay Tonight
Puerto Varas lakefront (Lakeside hotel or boutique guesthouse)
Same as previous night.
The weather on the volcano can change rapidly and is often much windier and colder than in town. Bring a warm jacket, hat, and gloves even in summer.
Day 12 Budget: $150
A day trip to the mystical island of Chiloé, famous for its unique palafitos (stilt houses), UNESCO wooden churches, and rich mythology.
Morning
Ferry to Chiloé & Castro's Palafitos
Drive south from Puerto Varas for about 1.5 hours to Pargua, where you'll board a vehicle ferry (approx. 30 mins) across the Chacao Channel to Chiloé Island. Drive to Castro, the island's capital, and explore its famous colorful palafitos (houses on stilts) along the Gamboa River.
4 hours (travel + exploration)
$50 (car rental) + Ferry toll (~$30/car)
Ferries run continuously; no need to book. Arrive early to avoid potential lines during peak hours.
Lunch
Mercado de Castro
Curanto (traditional stew), fresh seafood
Mid-range
Afternoon
UNESCO Churches & Dalcahue
Visit the iconic Iglesia de San Francisco, a UNESCO-listed wooden church in Castro's main square. Then drive to the nearby fishing town of Dalcahue. Visit its church and browse the excellent Feria Artesanal for woolens and crafts. Take the ferry to the small island of Quinchao if time allows.
3-4 hours
Free (small donation at churches)
Evening
Return to Puerto Varas
Drive back to Puerto Varas via the ferry. Enjoy a final dinner in Puerto Varas, perhaps trying merquén (smoked chili pepper) seasoned dishes.
Where to Stay Tonight
Puerto Varas lakefront (Lakeside hotel or boutique guesthouse)
Same as previous nights.
Chiloé is often cloudy, rainy, and windy, giving it a magical, moody atmosphere. Pack a good waterproof jacket.
Day 13 Budget: $130
A final morning in the Lake District before flying back to
Santiago for your international departure.
Morning
Last Lakeside Stroll & Souvenir Shopping
Enjoy a final morning in Puerto Varas. Take a last walk along the Costanera, visit the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús church, and pick up any last-minute souvenirs (wool products, local honey, crafts) from the shops in town.
2-3 hours
Free (shopping variable)
Lunch
Café at the lakefront
Light lunch, kuchen, coffee
Budget
Afternoon
Transfer to Airport & Flight to
SantiagoCheck out of your hotel and take a transfer to Puerto Montt airport (PMC). Fly back to
Santiago's international airport (SCL). This flight is approximately 1.5 hours.
4-5 hours (including transfer and flight)
$100-150 (flight) + $30 (transfer)
Ensure you have ample time (4+ hours) between your domestic arrival in
Santiago and your international departure.
Evening
International Departure
Arrive at
Santiago's international terminal, check in for your flight, and enjoy a final pisco sour or empanada before departing Chile.
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (In transit) (N/A)
Departure day.
If you have a long layover in
Santiago, consider storing your luggage at the airport and taking the airport shuttle to the nearby Mall Parque Arauco for last-minute shopping or a meal.
Day 14 Budget: $200