5 Days in Chile - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Santiago & the Lake District

Why choose between the capital city and Chile's famously beautiful landscapes? Get the best of both worlds with this five-day itinerary including Santiago and the Lake District.

Kick off the trip in Santiago, Chile's lively capital city. Ride a cable car or hike to the top of Cerro San Cristobál, stroll through Plaza de Armas, and stop for fresh seafood in the Mercado Central (Central Market). On day two, you'll fly to Temuco then drive to the town of Pucón, a village on the shore of Lago Villarrica in the shadow of Volcán Villarrica volcano. Go on a boat tour of the lake, or opt to kayak, swim, or stand-up paddleboard.

On day three, you'll hike in Santuario El Cañi, a 1,500-acre private reserve, and soak afterward in the natural pools at Termas Pucón Indomito. Round out the itinerary with a full day of trekking to Pichillancahue Glacier, with striking views of the surrounding volcanoes, ending up at a waterfall hidden deep in the forest. Dine out in one of Pucón's many restaurants—a great opportunity to try Chilean cuisine—before flying back to Santiago. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Central Chile Exploration

If you want to experience some of the highlights of Chile in just a few days, this five-day itinerary is perfect for you: you'll explore Santiago on foot, taste wines in two Chilean wine regions, and get lost in the winding streets of vibrant Valparaiso.

The beauty of this five-day itinerary lies in its simplicity: you spend every night in the same place. Base yourself in the capital city of Santiago, spending the first full day on a walking tour, strolling past the Palacio de la Moneda (Chile's Presidential Palace) and exploring the artsy neighborhood of Bellavista. The following day, drive into the nearby Casablanca Valley, home to many wineries, for a tour and tasting at Casa del Bosque. In the afternoon, visit Valparaiso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its street art, colorful hillside neighborhoods, and winding stairways. 

The next day, back in Santiago, go on a guided food tour of the city. You'll sample empanadas and pisco sours—the national cocktail—at a variety of venues. On day four, you'll explore another wine region, the Maipo Valley. Stop at Embalse de Yeso, a bright turquoise reservoir, before a picnic lunch accompanied with a selection of local wines. Enjoy the mountain scenery on the ride back to the capital city for one last night in Santiago. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Explore the Atacama Desert 

Dreaming of a getaway to the driest desert in the world? This action-packed five-day trip plan is the one for you.

After a day and night in Santiago, you'll fly up to the northern city of Calama and transfer by land to San Pedro de Atacama, a laid-back oasis town in the Atacama Desert. You'll hit the ground running with an excursion to the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon), including a short hike leading to incredible sunset views over the stark landscape below. You'll have an early wake-up call on day three, with a pre-dawn excursion to the Tatio Geysers—known as the highest geysers in the world—before a dip in natural thermal pools.

The following day, you'll drive out to the famous salt flats of San Pedro de Atacama and enjoy views of the pristine Cejar Lagoon, where you might spot native flamingos. Go for a dip in the Ojos del Salar, a pair of desert lagoons, then head back to town for a fireside dinner at one of San Pedro's many restaurants. You'll fly back to Santiago on the last day for a few more hours of sightseeing. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Chilean Wine Tour

Relax with a glass in hand on this five-day itinerary where you'll use the capital city of Santiago as a home base for exploring Chilean wine country. 

Land in Santiago and spend the day getting to know the city. On day two, you'll drive into the Casablanca Valley, a coastal wine region famous for Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs, stopping in the village of Lo Abarca to visit a boutique winery, Casa Marin, for a tasting. Stop in the beach towns of Santo Domingo Beach and San Antonio before returning to the city. The next day, you'll head south to the town of Pirque, an hour outside of Santiago, to visit the large winery Concha y Toro for a tour and tasting.

On day four, you'll visit a third Chilean wine region: Colchagua, famous for the production of Syrah and Carménere wines. Stop for tastings at high-end Viña Viu Manent, touring the grounds on a horse-drawn antique carriage, then go to nearby Apalta Valley to visit Viña Montes winery. Finish up the itinerary with one last evening in Santiago. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Torres del Paine Express Trip

On this quick trip in Chilean Patagonia, you'll get to explore one of the most impressive landscapes on earth, Torres del Paine National Park. You'll enjoy an in-depth exploration of the park's natural beauty, including a hike to the base of the iconic towers, and an up-close look at the majestic Grey Glacier during a boat tour.

Spend your first afternoon getting to know Santiago. Hike to the top of Cerro San Cristobal or stroll the cobblestone streets of trendy Barrio Bellavista on the north side of the city. In the morning, you'll hop a flight to Punta Arenas, deep in Chilean Patagonia on the shores of the Strait of Magellan. Then make the three-hour drive to Torres del Paine National Park, stopping en route in Puerto Natales—you'll likely spot some of Patagonia's famed wildlife, including guanacos (a type of camelid similar to a llama) and rheas. 

After breakfast on day three, you'll head to the western lakes of Torres del Paine, including Lake Pehoé, which affords sweeping views further south to Lake Toro, and the famous Lake Grey. Once there, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch on the shore and rest up before embarking on a boat tour to Grey Glacier, an ice mass with 30-meter (98-foot) walls in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

Celebrate your last full day in Chile with an epic hike to the base of the Paine massif—one of the most beloved trails in the park.  Every step of the way you will enjoy views of beautiful scenery comprised of rivers, native forest, mountain peaks, and narrow valleys. You'll likely even spot some impressive local avian varieties, like condors and black eagles. Expect steep ascents, some scrambling, and a breathtaking viewpoint that's worth all the effort. Learn more

Itinerary #6: Easter Island Expedition

Explore the geography and cultural heritage of Easter Island (Rapa Nui) on this ambitious five-day tour of the Chilean territory formed of volcanic rock 2.5 million years ago.

Get your bearings in Santiago before catching the three-hour flight to Easter Island (also known as Rapa Nui) where you'll have the afternoon free to hike in the hillsides, catching your first glimpse of the island's iconic Moai statues. These huge, mysterious humanoid stone sculptures are found nowhere else on earth. Dine on ceviche in Hanga Roa, the island's main town.

The following day, you'll go on a full-day tour of the island, stopping at natural attractions and ancient Polynesian archaeological sites including Ahu Te Pito Kura, a unique rock structure, Rano Raraku, a volcanic crater, and the beautiful white-sand beach of Anakena. Continue exploring the next day, visiting the inactive volcano called Rano Kau, a cave by the sea at Ana Kai Tangata, and inside the cave, petroglyphs made by the ancient inhabitants of the island. Fly back to Santiago to enjoy the cultural and culinary highlights of the city on your last night of the trip. Learn more

More Great 5-Day Chile Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your Chile trip? Check out these other 5-day Chile itineraries, ranging from active, to cultural, to luxury, or family-friendly trips.

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