Twelve days to two weeks is the most popular trip length for Chile travelers interested in visiting Santiago, the Atacama Desert, and Puerto Varas, especially when also including Torres del Paine. If you’re only headed to Santiago, the Atacama Desert, and Puerto Varas, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in nine to 10 days. With less time, it’s still possible to see the highlights in as few as seven to eight days. Read on for the best itineraries, including Santiago, the Atacama Desert, and Puerto Varas, and beyond.
## Discovering the Wonders of Chile: Santiago, Atacama Desert & Puerto Varas – A Comprehensive Guide
Chile, a land of dramatic landscapes and vibrant culture, offers a unique travel experience for those seeking adventure and natural beauty. From the bustling metropolis of Santiago to the otherworldly terrain of the Atacama Desert and the charming lakeside town of Puerto Varas, a journey through these regions is an unforgettable exploration of South America. Planning the perfect itinerary involves considering the ideal duration to fully appreciate each destination and the travel options available to connect them.
**How Many Days Do You Need in Santiago, Atacama Desert & Puerto Varas?**
The optimal length of your Chilean adventure depends on your travel style and the depth of exploration you desire.
* **The Sweet Spot: 9-10 Days** Most travelers find that a 9 to 10-day trip provides a balanced experience, allowing sufficient time to immerse themselves in the highlights of Santiago, the Atacama Desert, and Puerto Varas without feeling overly rushed. This duration offers opportunities for guided tours, independent exploration, and relaxation.
* **A Quick Glimpse: 7-8 Days** While visiting Santiago, the Atacama Desert, and Puerto Varas in 7 or 8 days is feasible, be prepared for a whirlwind tour. This condensed timeframe requires prioritizing key attractions and minimizing travel time between destinations. It’s a suitable option for travelers with limited vacation time but may leave you wanting more.
* **Extending the Adventure: 11+ Days** With 11 or more days at your disposal, you have the luxury of expanding your Chilean itinerary. Many travelers choose to incorporate additional captivating destinations, such as the majestic Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia or the colorful coastal city of Valparaíso, adding further depth and richness to their experience.
**Recommended Itineraries for Santiago, Atacama Desert & Puerto Varas**
To help you craft your perfect Chilean escape, here are some recommended itineraries that cater to different durations and interests:
**Recommended Itinerary for 9 Days**
This itinerary offers a balanced introduction to Chile’s diverse landscapes and cultural experiences.
* **Day 1: Arrival in Santiago de Chile & City Exploration** Upon arrival at Santiago de Chile’s airport, you’ll be greeted by the vibrant energy of the Chilean capital. Settle into your hotel and embark on a self-guided tour of the city’s historical center, admiring iconic landmarks such as the Plaza de Armas, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Government Palace. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Chilean cuisine.
* **Day 2: Santiago Food Tour: A Culinary Journey** Immerse yourself in the rich flavors of Chilean gastronomy with a guided food tour of Santiago. Sample local delicacies, learn about the country’s culinary traditions, and discover hidden culinary gems in the city’s diverse neighborhoods. From empanadas to completos, your taste buds will thank you.
* **Day 3: Valparaíso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Valley: Coastal Charms & Wine Delights** Embark on a day trip to the picturesque coastal region, exploring the colorful hills of Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the elegant seaside resort town of Viña del Mar. In the afternoon, indulge in a wine tasting experience at one of the renowned wineries in the Casablanca Valley, known for its exceptional white wines. Return to Santiago in the evening.
* **Day 4: Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama & Stargazing Tour** Take a morning flight from Santiago to Calama, the gateway to the Atacama Desert. Upon arrival, transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, a charming oasis town. In the evening, embark on a mesmerizing stargazing tour, marveling at the clarity of the desert sky and learning about constellations and astronomical phenomena.
* **Day 5: Full-Day Atacama Desert Tour: Lagoons & Salt Flats** Explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama Desert on a full-day tour. Visit the stunning lagoons, such as Laguna Cejar and Laguna Tebinquinche, where you can float in the salty waters. Discover the vast expanse of the Atacama Salt Flat, a surreal landscape of salt formations and shimmering mirages.
* **Day 6: Tatio Geysers & Machuca Village: Volcanic Wonders & Indigenous Culture** Wake up early to witness the sunrise at the Tatio Geysers, a geothermal field with impressive steam columns and bubbling hot springs. Afterwards, visit the traditional village of Machuca, where you can learn about the local culture and sample regional cuisine.
* **Day 7: Transfer to Puerto Varas & Guided City Tour** Take a morning flight from Calama to Puerto Montt, the gateway to the Lake District. Upon arrival, transfer to Puerto Varas, a charming town nestled on the shores of Llanquihue Lake. Enjoy a guided city tour, admiring the town’s German-influenced architecture and learning about its history.
* **Day 8: Osorno Volcano, Petrohue Falls & Todos los Santos Lake: Natural Grandeur** Embark on a scenic day trip to explore the natural wonders surrounding Puerto Varas. Ascend the slopes of the majestic Osorno Volcano, visit the cascading Petrohue Falls, and cruise across the serene waters of Todos los Santos Lake, surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped peaks.
* **Day 9: Return to Santiago & Departure** Enjoy a final breakfast in Puerto Varas before transferring to the airport for your flight back to Santiago, where you’ll connect with your international departure.
Chile may be a small country geographically, but it’s filled with some of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in South America and, indeed, the world. Over a quick nine days, you’ll discover the furthest reaches of this ecological paradise, from the otherworldly landscapes of the northern Atacama Desert to the native lenga forests and active volcanoes of the rugged Lake District, which is also known as the “doorstep to Patagonia.” And to kick it all off, you’ll discover Santiago and Valparaíso, two of Chile’s most beautiful cities.
**Recommended Itinerary for 10 Days**
This itinerary builds upon the 9-day option, adding an extra day to explore the unique landscapes of Chiloé Island.
* **Day 1: Arrival in Santiago de Chile & City Exploration** Similar to the 9-day itinerary, begin your journey with an exploration of Santiago de Chile.
* **Day 2: Santiago Food Tour: A Culinary Journey** Indulge in a culinary adventure through Santiago, savoring the flavors of Chilean cuisine.
* **Day 3: Valparaíso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Valley: Coastal Charms & Wine Delights** Discover the coastal beauty of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, followed by a wine tasting experience in the Casablanca Valley.
* **Day 4: Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama & Stargazing Tour** Fly to Calama and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama for an evening of stargazing in the desert.
* **Day 5: Atacama Desert Tour: Lagoons & Salt Flats** Explore the iconic lagoons and salt flats of the Atacama Desert.
* **Day 6: Tatio Geysers & Machuca Village: Volcanic Wonders & Indigenous Culture** Witness the sunrise at the Tatio Geysers and visit the traditional village of Machuca.
* **Day 7: Transfer to Puerto Varas & Guided City Tour** Fly to Puerto Montt and transfer to Puerto Varas for a guided city tour.
* **Day 8: Tour of Osorno Volcano, Petrohue Falls & Todos los Santos Lake: Natural Grandeur** Explore the stunning natural landscapes surrounding Puerto Varas, including Osorno Volcano, Petrohue Falls, and Todos los Santos Lake.
* **Day 9: Chiloé National Park Tour: Island Exploration** Embark on a day trip to Chiloé National Park, located on the mystical Chiloé Island. Explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, coastal dunes, and peat bogs. Discover unique flora and fauna, and learn about the island’s rich cultural heritage.
* **Day 10: Return to Santiago & Departure** Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Santiago, where you’ll connect with your international departure.
Explore three distinct areas of Chile with this 10-day itinerary. After getting a taste (literally) of the big city and its nearby wine region, fly north to the Atacama desert—an oasis in the driest part of the world known for geysers, moonscapes, and starry skies. You’ll then base yourself in a German-style lake town while taking day trips to volcanoes, waterfalls, and an exotic rainforest along the coast.
**Extended Itineraries**
For those with more time to spare, consider these extended itineraries that incorporate additional captivating destinations:
**11-Day Itinerary Including Puerto Natales & Torres del Paine**
* **Days 1-4:** Santiago and Atacama Desert (same as previous itineraries)
* **Day 5:** Transfer to Puerto Varas, Guided Tour & Petrohue Waterfalls
* **Day 6:** Osorno Volcano & Petrohué Falls
* **Day 7:** Day Trip to Chiloé
* **Day 8:** Transfer to Puerto Natales & Exploration
* **Day 9:** Exploring the Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers
* **Day 10:** Torres del Paine Day Tour
* **Day 11:** Return to Santiago & Departure
Travelers flock to Chile from all over the world to visit three principal regions, and this 11-day itinerary has all of them covered. First, it’s a trip to the north of the country and the Atacama Desert, where you’ll do some stargazing and tour the otherworldly landscapes. Then it’s a flight to the southern Lake District and its enormous lakes, wild rivers, and snowcapped volcanoes. Finally, you’ll end up in the far south, in Patagonia, where you’ll spend a day exploring the most famous national park in the country: Torres del Paine.
**13-Day Itinerary Including Torres del Paine & Castro**
* **Days 1-7:** Santiago, Valparaíso, and Atacama Desert (same as previous itineraries)
* **Day 8-9:** Drive to Chiloé Island & Explore Castro
* **Day 10:** Transfer to Torres del Paine
* **Day 11-12:** Free Day in Torres del Paine
* **Day 13:** Return to Santiago & Departure
This 13-day itinerary covers the major highlights found in and around the Andes, including the northern Atacama Desert, the central Lake District, and Torres del Paine National Park. There’s even a break to do some wine tasting in Chile’s famous vineyards. This is a partial road trip, so you can set your own schedule and explore however and wherever you like.
**How to Travel Between Santiago, Atacama Desert & Puerto Varas**
Efficient transportation is crucial for maximizing your time in Chile. Here’s a breakdown of the best travel options between the key destinations:
**How to Get from Santiago to Puerto Varas**
Flying is the most convenient way to travel the 630 miles (1,016 km) between Santiago de Chile and Puerto Varas. Expect a 1.5-hour plane ride and a 30-minute drive from the Puerto Montt Airport. Shuttle buses are also available at the airport and take approximately the same amount of time as driving.
**How to Get to Santiago de Chile**
Santiago is one of the most visited cities in Chile and in South America. Depending on where you’re coming from, the city may be best reached by car, plane, and sometimes by bus.
**How to Get to Atacama**
The Atacama Desert, or San Pedro de Atacama, is known for its majestic desert located in the north of Chile, close to Antofagasta.
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