Most travelers will find that 14 to 15 days is perfect for a well-paced Chile trip with stops in Santiago, Easter Island, Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine, and Punta Arenas. Travelers with less time can hit the route’s highlights in 11 to 13 days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Puerto Varas or Valparaíso. See more ideas for Santiago, Easter Island, Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine, and Punta Arenas itineraries below.
## Planning Your Chilean Adventure: Santiago, Easter Island, Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine & Punta Arenas
Chile, a land of striking contrasts and breathtaking beauty, offers a diverse range of experiences for the intrepid traveler. From the vibrant cityscapes of Santiago to the enigmatic allure of Easter Island, the arid expanses of the Atacama Desert to the majestic peaks of Torres del Paine, and the historical significance of Punta Arenas, a journey through this South American gem is an unforgettable adventure.
- Most travelers find that 14 to 15 days provides a comprehensive experience when exploring Santiago, Easter Island, the Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine, and Punta Arenas. This timeframe allows for a balanced itinerary, providing sufficient time to immerse yourself in each destination.
- While it’s possible to visit Santiago, Easter Island, the Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine, and Punta Arenas in a shorter duration of 11 to 13 days, be prepared for a whirlwind experience. This condensed itinerary may leave you feeling rushed, with limited opportunities for in-depth exploration and relaxation. Prioritization becomes key when opting for this shorter timeframe.
- For those fortunate enough to have 16 days or more at their disposal, the possibilities are endless. Many travelers choose to extend their journey by incorporating additional destinations within Chile or venturing into neighboring countries. This extended timeframe allows for a more leisurely pace and the opportunity to delve deeper into the culture and landscapes of the region.
Planning a trip to Chile requires careful consideration of the distances involved and the diverse climates encountered. The country stretches over 4,300 kilometers (2,670 miles), encompassing a wide range of landscapes, from arid deserts to glacial fjords. Therefore, efficient travel planning is crucial to maximize your time and ensure a seamless journey.
## Recommended Itineraries for Santiago, Easter Island, Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine & Punta Arenas
To help you craft the perfect itinerary, here are two recommended options: a two-week adventure and a slightly extended 15-day exploration. These itineraries provide a framework for your trip, allowing you to customize the details based on your personal interests and preferences.
### Recommended Itinerary for 2 Weeks
This two-week itinerary is designed to provide a taste of Chile’s diverse offerings, blending cultural experiences with outdoor adventures.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Santiago, settle into your accommodation and perhaps take a stroll through the city center to get your bearings. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. | Santiago |
| Day 2 | Viña del Mar & Valparaíso Excursion. Explore the coastal city of Viña del Mar, known for its beautiful beaches and gardens, followed by a visit to the colorful and artistic port city of Valparaíso. | Santiago |
| Day 3 | Travel to San Pedro de Atacama & Moon Valley Tour. Fly from Santiago to Calama and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. In the afternoon, embark on a tour of the otherworldly Moon Valley, known for its unique rock formations and stunning sunset views. | San Pedro de Atacama |
| Day 4 | Atacama Desert – Lagoons & Salt Flats. Explore the Atacama Desert’s lagoons and salt flats, including the iconic Laguna Cejar, where you can float in the incredibly salty water. | San Pedro de Atacama |
| Day 5 | Atacama Desert – Tatio Geysers & Machuca Village. Wake up early for a visit to the Tatio Geysers, a geothermal field with impressive geysers that erupt at sunrise. Afterwards, visit the traditional village of Machuca. | San Pedro de Atacama |
| Day 6 | Fly to Punta Arenas & Self-Guided Tour. Fly from Calama (via Santiago) to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, take a self-guided tour of the city, exploring its historical landmarks and waterfront. | Punta Arenas |
| Day 7 | Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine. Travel from Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine National Park, enjoying the scenic Patagonian landscapes along the way. Check into your accommodation and prepare for your adventures in the park. | Torres del Paine |
| Day 8 | Hike to Base Torres. Embark on a challenging but rewarding hike to the base of the iconic Torres del Paine peaks, enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. | Puerto Natales |
| Day 9 | Explore Torres del Paine National Park. Discover different parts of the Torres del Paine National Park through shorter hikes, boat trips or vehicle-based tours. | Torres del Paine |
| Day 10 | Torres del Paine to Santiago. Travel from Torres del Paine back to Punta Arenas and fly to Santiago. | Santiago |
| Day 11 | Fly to Easter Island. Fly from Santiago to Easter Island, a remote and mysterious island in the Pacific Ocean. | Easter Island |
| Day 12 | Easter Island – Rapa Nui Full-Day Tour. Explore the archaeological sites of Easter Island on a full-day tour, including the iconic Moai statues and the ceremonial village of Orongo. | Easter Island |
| Day 13 | Easter Island – Orongo and Ahu Akivi Tours. Visit the Ahu Akivi Moai platform and explore the Orongo ceremonial village further, learning about the island’s unique culture and history. | Easter Island |
| Day 14 | Departure From Santiago. Enjoy a final breakfast in Santiago before transferring to the airport for your departure. |
This itinerary offers a fast-paced but comprehensive overview of Chile’s main attractions. It’s perfect for those who want to experience a little bit of everything, from city life to desert landscapes to Patagonian wilderness and Polynesian culture.
### Recommended Itinerary for 15 Days
This extended itinerary builds upon the two-week option, providing more time to explore the wonders of Patagonia and the unique landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Santiago. Settle into your accommodation. Consider an evening stroll through the historic Lastarria neighborhood, known for its charming cafes and artisan shops. | Santiago |
| Day 2 | Viña del Mar & Valparaíso Excursion. Explore the “Garden City” of Viña del Mar and the bohemian port city of Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Consider taking a funicular ride for panoramic views of Valparaíso’s colorful hills. | Santiago |
| Day 3 | Travel to San Pedro de Atacama & Moon Valley Tour. Fly to Calama and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, a desert oasis. In the afternoon, experience the surreal landscapes of Moon Valley. | San Pedro de Atacama |
| Day 4 | Atacama Desert – Lagoons & Salt Flats. Discover the unique ecosystems of the Atacama Desert, including the vibrant lagoons teeming with birdlife and the vast salt flats. Consider stargazing at night, as the Atacama Desert boasts some of the clearest skies in the world. | San Pedro de Atacama |
| Day 5 | Atacama Desert – Tatio Geysers & Machuca Village. Witness the geothermal spectacle of the Tatio Geysers at sunrise and learn about the local culture in the traditional village of Machuca. | San Pedro de Atacama |
| Day 6 | Fly to Punta Arenas & Self-Guided Tour. Fly from Calama (via Santiago) to Punta Arenas, the southernmost major city in Chilean Patagonia. Take a self-guided tour of the city, visiting the Museo Regional de Magallanes and the Cementerio Municipal. | Punta Arenas |
| Day 7 | Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine. Travel to Torres del Paine National Park, enjoying the stunning Patagonian scenery along the way. Keep an eye out for guanacos and other wildlife. | Torres del Paine |
| Day 8 | Hike to Base Torres. Challenge yourself with a full-day hike to the base of the iconic Torres del Paine peaks. The breathtaking views at the end are well worth the effort. | Puerto Natales |
| Day 9 | Lake Pehoé & Grey Lake Tour. Explore the turquoise waters of Lake Pehoé and take a boat trip to Grey Lake, where you can see the Grey Glacier calving into the lake. | Torres del Paine |
| Day 10 | Torres del Paine: Sarmiento Lake & Laguna Amarga. Discover the diverse landscapes of Torres del Paine, including the shores of Sarmiento Lake and the vibrant colors of Laguna Amarga, known for its flamingo population. | Torres del Paine |
| Day 11 | Torres del Paine to Santiago. Enjoy a final morning in Torres del Paine before traveling back to Punta Arenas for your flight to Santiago. | Santiago |
| Day 12 | Fly to Easter Island. Embark on a flight to the remote and enigmatic Easter Island. | Easter Island |
| Day 13 | Easter Island – Rapa Nui Full-Day Tour. Immerse yourself in the mysteries of Easter Island with a full-day tour of its archaeological sites, including the iconic Moai statues and the ceremonial village of Orongo. | Easter Island |
| Day 14 | Easter Island – Orongo and Ahu Akivi Tours. Delve deeper into the island’s history and culture with visits to Orongo and Ahu Akivi. Consider attending a traditional Polynesian dance performance in the evening. | Easter Island |
| Day 15 | Depart Santiago. Enjoy a final Chilean breakfast before transferring to the airport for your departure, filled with memories of your incredible adventure. |
This 15-day itinerary provides a more relaxed pace and allows for greater immersion in the natural beauty of Patagonia. It’s ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want to spend more time hiking and exploring Torres del Paine National Park.
## How to travel between Santiago, Easter Island, Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine & Punta Arenas
Navigating the vast distances between these destinations requires careful planning and consideration of your budget and time constraints. Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to travel between each location:
**How to get to Easter Island**
Reaching the remote Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, is predominantly achieved by air travel. Mataveri International Airport (IPC) serves as the island’s gateway, receiving flights primarily from Santiago. While other potential routes exist through neighboring countries like Argentina and Peru, these typically involve connecting flights through Santiago, making it the most straightforward and efficient option for most travelers. Consider booking flights well in advance, especially during peak season, as availability can be limited.
**How to get to Santiago de Chile**
Santiago, as the capital city and a major transportation hub, enjoys excellent connectivity. Depending on your origin, you can reach Santiago by air, land, or sea. Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) is the primary international airport, receiving flights from around the globe. For those traveling within South America, buses are a common and affordable option, although journey times can be lengthy. Driving to Santiago is also possible, but be prepared for long distances and varying road conditions.
**How to get to Torres del Paine National Park**
Torres del Paine National Park, nestled in the heart of Patagonia, is typically accessed via the nearby cities of Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas. Most travelers fly into Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport (PUQ) in Punta Arenas and then take a bus to Puerto Natales, which serves as the main gateway to the park. From Puerto Natales, you can either join a guided tour or take a bus directly to the park entrance. Alternatively, some travelers opt to fly into El Calafate (FTE) in Argentina and cross the border into Chile, but this option requires more planning and coordination.
**How to get to Punta Arenas**
Punta Arenas, a historic port city on the Strait of Magellan, is a key transportation hub in southern Patagonia. Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport (PUQ) offers regular flights from Santiago and other Chilean cities. Buses also connect Punta Arenas with other destinations in Patagonia, including Puerto Natales and El Calafate in Argentina. From Punta Arenas, you can take boat tours to nearby attractions such as Magdalena Island, home to a large penguin colony.
**How to get to Atacama**
The Atacama Desert, specifically San Pedro de Atacama, is typically accessed by flying into El Loa Airport (CJC) in Calama. From Calama, you can take a transfer or a bus to San Pedro de Atacama, which is approximately a 1.5-hour journey. While it’s possible to drive to San Pedro de Atacama, the roads can be challenging, and a 4×4 vehicle is recommended. The dramatic desert landscapes make the journey worthwhile.
By carefully planning your transportation and accommodation, you can create a seamless and unforgettable journey through the diverse landscapes of Chile, from the bustling city of Santiago to the remote wonders of Easter Island and the majestic beauty of Patagonia. Remember to factor in travel time between destinations and book flights and accommodations in advance, especially during peak season. Enjoy your Chilean adventure!
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