6 Days in Chile - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Santiago & Torres del Paine National Park

This scenic adventure through Chile takes you to Santiago and Central Chile—for a day trip to Valparaiso and Viña del Mar. Then, travel to the incredible Torres del Paine National Park to explore the mountains, lakes, glaciers, and forests of this spectacular Patagonian gem.

Upon arrival to the Chilean capital city, transfer to your hotel. Check in, and then enjoy Santiago on your own. Climb Cerro San Cristobal for incredible panoramic views of the city, stroll through Barrio Bellavista, with its graffiti, colorful homes, and shopping district, and enjoy your first dinner at one of the town’s fusion eateries. In the morning, depart Santiago for an eventful day trip to Valparaiso, with its colorful hillside neighborhoods and Viña del Mar, a modern, seaside town with upscale shopping and dining options.

On day three, catch a flight to Punta Arenas, and take the three-hour drive to Torres del Paine National Park. En route, make a stop in Puerto Natales for lunch with views of Mt. Balmaceda. Then, continue on, and admire the Patagonian landscapes on your journey. As you enter the park, check-in at your hotel. Despite the long day of travel, you will not miss out on the incredible sunset over Paine Massif, which occurs at 11 pm during the summer months.

Day four takes you to the western lakes of Torres del Paine for more stunning mountain views. Look out for local wildlife, including guanacos, condors, and foxes. Make your way to Lake Pehoé, and east to Lake Grey. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the shore, and then embark on an optional boat tour of Grey Glacier, for up-close views of the near-100-foot-high spectacle. In the morning, trek the 11-mile route within the park.

Beginning at Las Torres Hostel, take in the scenery of the rivers, valleys, mountains, and forests all around. The hike is taxing, but the views are worth the trip. Enjoy another scenic picnic before heading back down the trail—on a 4-hour descent. Relax in at the hotel after the long day of exploration, before departing from the park, and back to Santiago, for your departure home. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Patagonia Nature Trip

Experience two sides of Chile on this six-day Patagonian adventure. Begin in Santiago to do some sightseeing, and stroll bohemian Barrio Bellavista. Then, fly to the Patagonia region to explore the areas surrounding the Strait of Magellan in Punta Arenas, followed by an active tour of Torres del Paine National Park—from incredible mountain views to stunning glaciers.

Once you land at Santiago International Airport, make the transfer to your hotel for check-in. Then, the afternoon is yours to explore the city at your own pace. Stroll Barrio Bellavista and take in the street art and modern shopping complexes. Visit historical sites like Plaza de Armas and Palacio de la Moneda. Dinner is on your own, too, so be sure to experience one of the trendy restaurants about town.

On day two, fly to Punta Arenas, your first taste of Patagonia. Stroll the Plaza Muñoz Guerrero, tour the Palacio Sara Braun, take a walk by the sea, and watch the sunset at Mirador Cerra de la Cruz—over the city and the Strait of Magellan.

In the morning, embark on a half-day tour departing from the strait. The first stop is Marta Island, home to the Patagonian sea lions. Then, visit Magdalena Island, where you can visit Chile’s largest penguin colony and take a path to an old lighthouse for great views. Return to Punta Arenas midday, and then venture to Puerto Natales, which is the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Stroll the waterfront promenade, and take in the views at sunset.

In the morning, transfer to Torres del Paine National Park, with a short stop at Cerro Castillo Village along the way. Enter the park through Laguna Amarga, then take a shuttle to Las Torres for your hike up Mt. Almirante Nieto. After 2 hours, reach Refugio Chileno to stop for lunch and a rest. Continue the trek to Mirador Base Torres for the best view in the park.

On day five, board the Grey III catamaran for a tour of Glacier Grey. Take in the incredible views and take plenty of photos of the massive ice walls all around. In the afternoon, return to the hotel to relax, or hike nearby Mirador Ferrier, with views of the park’s colored lakes. In the evening, catch a bus back to Puerto Natales to spend the night. On day six, take a bus back Punta Arenas, and fly to Santiago for your departure flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Explore the Atacama Desert

Embark on this Chilean desert excursion featuring an active, six-day journey. Tour the landmarks in Santiago and indulge in a progressive welcome dinner. Then, head to San Pedro de Atacama to enjoy the many lagoons, thermal pools, and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.

When you touch down in Santiago, find your driver, who will take you to your hotel. Then, embark on a solo tour of the Chilean capital city. Take in the views from the top of Cerro San Cristobal, stroll the trendy enclave of Barrio Bellavista, and visit the city center to tour Plaza de Armas and Catedral Metropolitana. Indulge in a welcome dinner at one of Santiago’s progressive restaurants.

On day two, board a flight to Calama, and then transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. This small town is located on the edge of the desert, with little adobe houses and cozy eateries all around. Once settled, tour the Church of San Pedro de Atacama and dine at one of the globally influenced eateries.

In the morning, embark on two tours—the first to Moon Valley to see the rock formations, visit the salt caves of Cordillera del Sal, and watch the mesmerizing sunset, and the second is a half-day astronomic tour from the Ahlarkapin Observatory, with access to the starry skies via telescope.

Get an early start in the morning—at 4:30 am—and drive 1.5 hours to the Tatio Geysers. Watch the sunrise over the desert, and enjoy the cooler morning temperatures as you greet the day. Admire the geysers, snap photos, and eat breakfast with incredible views. Then, take a relaxing dip in the geothermal pool. On the way back to San Pedro, stop in the small, welcoming town of Machuca. Browse the local crafts, as well as llamas and flamingos by the marshlands.

The final leg of the trip includes a half-day tour of Puritama Hot Springs. Explore the eight geothermal pools which have been utilized by Chileans for centuries, thanks to their medicinal properties. Spend the final night out in San Pedro on your own. In the morning, discover more of San Pedro de Atacama, and then transfer to the Calama airport to catch your flight to Santiago, followed by your return flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Easter Island & Santiago

Experience three regions of Chile on this versatile vacation. Land in Santiago and explore the capital city, followed by a day trip to Valparaiso and the Casablanca Valley. Next, venture Easter Island to learn all about the ancient stones and sites of the volcanic Polynesian island.

Take the first day to get acquainted with the capital city. Tour the historic sites of Santiago, including Plaza de Armas and Catedral Metropolitana. Indulge in a nice dinner at one of the many trendy restaurants in Barrio Bellavista. In the morning, head out on a day trip. Stop in Casablanca Valley to do some all-natural wine tasting at Emiliana Winery, followed by a tour of Valparaiso, a colorful seaport with hilly neighborhoods—that you must explore—like Cerro Alegre, Cerro Concepción, and Cerro Florida. 

In the morning, fly to Easter Island to begin your exploration. Touch down in Rapa Nui, and check in to your hotel. Begin a bit of self-exploration today. With approximately 600 stone figures on this island, there is plenty to discover. Explore Hanga Roa, which is the main town. Then, visit the Museo Antropológico Sebastián Englert for a history lesson on the island. Depending on your preference, you can also take a hike to Ahu Tahai, a ceremonial altar on the ocean, which is located outside of town.

Next, head out on a full-day tour of Easter Island. Begin at Ahu Te Pito Kura, a unique structure that is said to still emit spiritual power—to this day. Then, stop at the volcanic crater of Rano Raraku, followed by Ahu Tongariki, which is considered the largest ceremonial platform on the island, with 15 stones displayed in a row. Then, it’s off to Ahu Akahang, yet another platform, before concluding the tour at the white-sand beach of Anakena.

In the morning, visit the remains of the village of Orongo. Nearby the rim of the interactive Rano Kau volcano, this area is deemed a special place derivative of the Birdman era, circa the 1500s. Next, visit the sea cave known as Ana Kai Tangata, and view the ancient petroglyphs inside. Then, embark on a second tour to Ahu Akivi, home to seven stones and named a celestial observatory. While here, hike to the archaeological sites of Ana Te Pahu and Puna Pau volcano. Following the adventure, kick back and relax.

Enjoy your final night on Easter Island, and head back to Santiago for your departure tomorrow—depending on your flight time, you may have a bit more time to tour around Rapa Nui. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Exploring Pucón & Chile's Lake District

This active tour of Chile provides plenty of adventure in six days. Begin in Santiago, and embark on a self-guided tour of the city sites, including Cerro San Cristobal and Palacio de la Moneda. Then, venture to Pucón to trek through Santuario El Cañi, the Pichillancahue Glacier, and more.

Upon arrival at the Santiago International Airport in Chile, a driver will transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy exploring Santiago on your own. Stroll the cobblestone streets of Barrio Bellavista, visit the Plaza de Armas, and snap photos in front of the Palacio de la Moneda.

Next, fly to Temuco, and transfer 1.5 hours to Pucón, which is home to Lago Villarrica and Volcán Villarrica. Discover the area on your own time—stroll the city center and waterfront, go on a boat tour of the lake, and then enjoy dinner at any of the globally influenced eateries. In the morning, embark on a full-day tour of mountain trekking to Santuario El Cañi. Take in the flora and fauna, including the iconic monkey puzzle tree, along with foxes, pumas, and condors. Wind down from the day with a soak in the geothermal pools of Termas Pucón Indomito.

On day four, head out on another full day of adventuring. Begin at Palguin, and take on an easy trail through the Araucaria forest. Then, trek through Pichillancahue Glacier, which is located at the foot of the volcano. The panoramic views a well-deserved reward, as is the towering,100-foot waterfall tucked away in the native forest.

In the morning, get an early start, and head to Huerquehue National Park, a protected, 30,000-acre forest. Embark on a kayaking adventure from one side of Tinquilco Lake to the other, and then head on an hour-long trek into the woods to discover the native flora and fauna. Deeper in the wilderness, stop by lakes and waterfalls, and keep an eye out for puma. Paddle back to the starting point, and return to Pucón for an evening at your leisure, before navigating back to Temuco for your onward flight out of Santiago. Learn more

More Great 6-Day Chile Itineraries

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