Chile’s capital is located right in the center of this long, thin country, midway between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean. Although it doesn’t yet have the glitzy reputation of Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires, Santiago is firmly on the up, with a host of attractions, thriving culinary and creative scenes, and world-class ski resorts within easy reach.
For Chileans, it doesn't get better than February (it's their favorite month to vacation). With temperatures reaching their peak and lots of summer events, people flock to the country's beaches and lakes, as well as Patagonia and Easter Island. Let this monthly guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.
Most travelers will find that about 10 days is perfect for a well-paced Chile trip with stops in Santiago, Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, and Puerto Varas. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—in a week to nine days. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another place, like Punta Arenas. See more ideas for Santiago, Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, and Puerto Varas itineraries below.
Stretching for more than 2600 miles along the western side of South America, Chile is a narrow country of dramatic extremes. You’ll find bone dry deserts in the north, glacial fields in the south, and lush valleys, smoldering volcanoes and enchanting beaches in between. With its diversity of geography and climates, Chile offers year-round appeal, from skiing in winter to trekking and beach-hopping in summer.
Adrift in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, this tiny volcanic island is one of the most remote inhabited places on earth, home to the distinct Rapa Nui culture and—of course—an incredible collection of Neolithic statues called moai, found nowhere else on earth. This guide will help you plan your trip and find the best that Easter Island has to offer.
There's so much to see and do in Chile. Getting off the beaten path—and away from the crowds—is a great way to experience the country's natural beauty and cultural character. Go whale-watching from a little-visited island, check out a ghost town, drive hairpin roads in Patagonia, and star-gaze in a quiet valley with this list of ideas.
January is prime summer season in Chile with great weather, longer days for enjoying outdoor activities, and, yes, more tourists—especially in Patagonia. Locals, meanwhile, head to the beaches while fun celebrations take place all over the country. This monthly guide will tell you what to do and where to go (and how to beat the crowds).
Nine to 11 days is the most popular trip length for Chile travelers interested in visiting Santiago, especially when also including the Atacama Desert and Torres del Paine. If you're only headed to Santiago, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in four to five days. Read on for the best itineraries, including Santiago and beyond.
Most travelers will find that 10 to 13 days is perfect for a well-paced Chile trip with stops in Santiago, the Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine, and Punta Arenas. It's also possible to hit the highlights in a week to nine days if you don't mind a fast-paced journey. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Puerto Varas, Valparaíso, or Easter Island. Get inspired with the below Santiago, Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine, and Punta Arenas trip ideas.
Nine to 11 days is the most popular trip length for Chile travelers interested in visiting both Santiago and Torres del Paine, especially when also including the Atacama Desert. If you're not interested in the Atacama Desert, a week to nine days is enough for your Santiago and Torres del Paine trip. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in four to six days for travelers with limited time. Check out kimkim's favorite Santiago and Torres del Paine trips below.