9 Days in Chile - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Santiago, Punta Arenas, & Torres del Paine

Embark on an active tour on this nine-day Patagonian excursion. Begin in Santiago to tour the capital, then venture to Punta Arenas to explore the Strait of Magellan and its surrounding islands. Then, travel to Torres del Paine National Park to climb epic peaks, and admire the famous valleys and glaciers.  

Upon landing in Santiago, get settled in the hotel and head out to explore the town. In the morning, take a day trip to two of Central Chile’s neighboring cities. Explore Viña del Mar and its upscale boutiques; then, venture to Valparaíso for fresh seafood and a tour of the town by trolley. Stop in neighborhoods like Cerro Alegre, Cerro Concepción, and Cerro Florida.

Next, spend a day in the Maipo Valley, with its snow-capped mountain peaks and sparkling rivers, before flying to Punta Arenas. Visit Plaza Muñoz Guerrero and Palacio Sara Braun, and watch the sunset at Mirador Cerro de la Cruz, with views of the Strait of Magellan. You'll tour two of the nearby islands—Marta Island, home to a sea lion colony, and Magdalena Island, known for its massive penguin colony. Then, take the ride to Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Stroll the promenade and take in the views at sunset.

On day six, the journey into Torres del Paine officially begins. Go on a long hike to the base of the Paine massif, and take in the rivers, forest, valleys, and peaks all around. Along the way, stop at lagoons and admire rock formations on this incredible Patagonian trek.

Your final field trip within Patagonia unfolds in the Grey sector. Board a catamaran to tour the ice walls of Glacier Grey. Then, hike across the forest and to the beach for one last excursion, before heading back to the hotel to relax and unwind. Catch the bus back to Puerto Natales, and head back to Santiago via a flight from Punta Arenas in the morning. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Santiago & "W Trek" Torres del Paine Adventure

Nine days in Chile allows you to embark on a two-region adventure. Start in the capital city of Santiago. Tour the landmarks, enjoy scenic views and stroll the local markets. Then, travel to Patagonia to embark on an adventure through Torres del Paine National Park, including an active stint along the W Trek for views and experiences that go above and beyond the typical park tour.

Touch down in Santiago, and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Then, walk around the capital city and enjoy dinner at one of the many progressive eateries around town. In the morning, continue discovering Santiago on a guided tour. Stop in Mercado Central and Mercado La Vega to visit the many vendors, stroll Cerro Santa Lucia park, and take in the views from Costanera Center, a glass-encased skyscraper.

Wake up and embark on a day trip to Maipo Valley, 45 minutes southeast of Santiago. Stop in San José de Maipo, and take in the mountain landscapes and beautiful rivers and streams. Next, visit Embalse de Yeso and learn the history of the Yeso River over a picnic lunch. After breakfast, fly to Punta Arenas, followed by a bus to Puerto Natales. Check in to your hotel in the Patagonian region, and then stroll the waterfront promenade at sunset, stationed on the Ultima Esperanza Sound.

Take a bus to Torres del Paine National Park in the morning. Begin your journey at Laguna Amarga and shuttle to Las Torres. Then, take a hike to see Asencio Valley below and Lago Nordenskjöld nearby. Stop for lunch and a break, and continue to Mirador Base Torres for views of several peaks, including Torre Sur, Central Tower, North Tower, and Condor’s Nest. After breakfast, hike past the base of Mount Almirante Nieto for 4.5-6 hours. Take in the backdrop of emerald lakes and hanging glaciers. Learn about the fascinating local flora and spend the night in Refugio Los Cuernos.

On day seven, the tour continues—with the most difficult leg of the W Trek. Hike two hours to reach Campamento Italiano, before ascending the French River Valley, passing French Glacier along the way. Once you reach Mirador Britanico, the most incredible viewpoints of the park become accessible. Then, begin your descent and head to Lago Pehoé to settle for the evening.

In the morning, hike through the native forest along Lago Grey for views of stunning Grey Glacier, along with peaks of Cordon Olguin in the background. Take a catamaran around the glacier to the Pudeto sector and then transport back to Puerto Natales in the evening. Then, it's time to say goodbye to Patagonia. Transfer to Punta Arenas and fly to Santiago to catch your onward flight out. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Santiago & Atacama Desert Tour

This city-meets-desert tour offers two types of Chilean adventures and day trips laced throughout. Begin in Santiago to explore the capital city, and then embark on day trips to Viña del Mar and Valparaíso. Take an adventure to the Maipo Valley and then travel to the Atacama Desert to tour the salt flats, valleys, and geysers.

Welcome to Chile! Meet your travel representative at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Then, take the rest of the day to explore Santiago on your own, or to relax after the day of travel. After breakfast, embark on a guided, half-day tour of the city. Start at Santa Lucia to admire Hidalgo Castle, a former Spanish fortress. Then, continue on to Constitution Square and Plaza de Armas, the main square, where Catedral Metropolitano is located. Then, take the drive to Cerro San Cristóbal, with stops at the local markets along the way, and wind down with a typical Chilean drink.

In the morning, venture out of Santiago to two coastal towns: Viña del Mar and Valparaíso. First, stroll the 20th-century landmarks and upscale shops in Viña del Mar. Then, travel to Valparaíso, a colorful, bohemian metropolis filled with music, poetry, and street art. Visit old plazas like Sotomayor and Aníbal Pinto, and take the Reina Victoria funicular to the top to tour La Sebastiana museum. On day four, head out on a day trip to Maipo Valley to experience mountainous landscapes and pristine water views. Stop at the turquoise reservoir of Embalse de Yeso and have a lunch picnic nearby.

Transfer to the airport this morning and catch a flight to Calama. Then, ride 1 hour and 20 minutes into San Pedro de Atacama for a desert adventure. Your first trip is to Altiplano to learn about the constellations before a stargazing excursion—along with some good Chilean wine. On day six, discover the Atacama Salt Flat, along with surrounding areas including Quebrada de Jérez and several lagoons, Chaxa, Miscanti, and Miñiques—as well as their volcanoes. In the afternoon, stop in the village of Toconao to interact with locals and stroll the town's historic plaza, church, and craft market.

Early in the morning—at 4:30 am—depart for the 1.5-hour trip to the Tatio Geysers. Experience a memorable desert sunrise among the steam produced by the tallest geysers in the world. Snap photos and enjoy breakfast, and have a mid-morning soak in nature's geothermal pool. Then, stop in Machuca to explore the small, welcoming town.

Day eight includes another early-morning departure to the mountains of the Cordillera de la Sal. Tour Moon Valley and the flamingo reserve, where the birds flock to the shallow saltwater. Then, visit Death Valley with its beautiful high dunes and narrow ridges. Watch the sunset from Mirador de Kari to commemorate your final night in the Atacama. Wake up and enjoy some free time, followed by a transfer to the airport in Calama for the start of your departure from Chile. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Chile's Deserts, Lakes & Culture

This versatile vacation offers several Chilean experiences. First, explore Santiago, go wine tasting in Casablanca Valley, and visit the neighboring towns of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. Then, go on a scenic adventure through the Atacama Desert, followed by a tour of the Puerto Varas lakes, volcanoes, and waterfalls.

Check-in to your Santiago hotel and set out on an adventure about town. Hike Cerro San Cristóbal for incredible welcome views, stroll the bohemian area of Barrio Bellavista and visit the historic center of Plaza de Armas. In the morning, join a half-day food tour of Santiago. Wander the markets and try traditional dishes, and visit any landmarks you missed yesterday.

On day three, depart Santiago for a day trip. First, enjoy wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley, along with lunch at Casa del Bosque Winery. Next, visit Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colorful, hilly neighborhoods. Finally, visit the adjacent town of Viña del Mar for some high-end shopping.

Fly to Calama and begin the transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. Embark on a stargazing tour in Altiplano to check out constellations through telescopes and binoculars. In the morning, visit Laguna Chaxa, which is located by the Atacama salt flats. Stop in Socaire, a village famous for its simple adobe homes and slow life pace. Then, it's off to the lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques for panoramic views of the desert with towering volcanoes—keep an eye out for native fauna. Close out the day in Toconao. Shop for handicrafts and visit the white-washed church that dates back to 1750.

Get an early start in the morning to visit the Tatio Geysers at sunset, followed by a scenic breakfast and an optional soak in the geothermal pool. Then, stop in Machuca to mingle with the friendly locals, buy crafts, and admire the llamas and flamingos inhabiting the land. On day seven, fly to Puerto Montt. Meet your guide, who will transport you to Puerto Varas, located on the shores of Llanquihue Lake. Visit the Petrohue Waterfalls for views of Osorno Volcano.

After breakfast on day eight, go on a full-day tour of the area to explore the scenic landscape—volcanoes, waterfalls, and lakes aplenty. Pass through the villages of La Poza and Los Riscos en route to Ensenada, a town at the foot of Osorno. Hike up the volcano for different vantage points and photo opportunities. Wake up and transfer back to Puerto Montt to board your return flight out of Santiago. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Bike & Hike the Backroads of Chile Near Pucón

On this active adventure, enjoy the best of Chile’s backroads in the Pucón region. Explore Santiago before heading into the Lake District to cycle and hike through destinations like Lake Caburgua, Mt. Villarrica, Huerquehue National Park, and Tinquilco Lake.

Upon arrival in Santiago, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Then, embark on a solo tour of the city. Hike to the top of Cerro San Cristóbal and enjoy lookouts with wraparound views of the capital city. Then, stroll the cobblestone streets of Barrio Bellavista with its trendy shops and loud street art. Visit Plaza de Armas and Palacio de la Moneda—two historical landmarks—to cap off the day.

In the morning, fly to Temuco and transfer 1.5 hours to Pucón. Take a stroll around the city center, and enjoy the waterfront shops, restaurants, and bars. Board a boat tour around the lake to get acquainted with the area, and then take a dip in the water. Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants; cuisine ranges from sushi to Argentine steakhouses. After breakfast, cycle to Lake Caburgua, which is 14 miles from Pucón. Take on rolling hills and short climbs, while noting the native flora and fauna along the way. Pass farms and views of Mt. Villarrica, an active volcano. After lunch, soak in hot mineral baths. Ride back to Pucón by bike, or hop on a van.

On day four, travel to Huerquehue National Park with its clear lakes and lagoons. Stop at a lookout point for views of Mt. Villarrica and Tinquilco Lake. Hike among orchids and birds and look out for the Araucaria trees. In 2.5 hours, pass Lake Chico with its snow-capped peaks. Then, visit Lake Toro for a lunch break, followed by a hike to Lake Verde before returning to Pucón.

In the morning, remount your bike and head toward the small village of Mapuche, located by the border of Argentina. Visit the cultural center and learn about the indigenous people. Ride 28 miles and then climb for 6 miles near the border, with a last, 12-mile stretch heading back to Mapuche along the Trancura River. In addition to Mt. Villarica, keep a close watch for two other volcanoes—Quetrupillan and Lanín.

Wake up and hike to the peak of Mt. Villarrica today. Take the chairlift partway up the mountain, and hike to reach views of the snow-covered peak, along with the five lakes and several volcanoes, including Llaima and Lanín. Depart from Pucón in the morning and drive 40 miles to Coñaripe, a resort town on the shores of Lake Calafquén.

Continue another 20 miles to Villarrica National Park. Climb through different alpine zones to a forest of Araucarias near Chinay, the highest hiking point. After 2.5 hours, reach Pichi Llancahue glacier trail and break for a snack. Hike the loop for another 2.5 hours and enjoy views of the ash-covered glacier.

Then, visit Geometricas Hot Springs for a soothing soak, before returning to Pucón for dinner. Ride along the scenic 7-Lake Route in the morning, along the shores of Lake Calafquén and Lake Panguipul—at one point, take in the sight of five volcanoes. Enjoy a picnic lunch and continue riding near the beach of Choshuenco before heading back to Pucón. Learn more

Itinerary #6: Cultural Chile & Easter Island Exploration

On this Chilean culture tour, embark on a variety of excursions over the course of nine days. Enjoy sightseeing in Santiago, tour the ancient stones of Easter Island, visit Central Chile, go wine tasting in Casablanca Valley, and more.

Once you arrive in Santiago, get settled in your hotel, and then venture out to explore the town at your leisure. In the morning, join a guided, half-day tour. Stroll through the local markets and visit Catedral Metropolitana and the glass-encased Costanera Center skyscraper. Make sure to ascend Cerro San Cristóbal for the 360° panoramas, too.

Wake up and fly to Easter Island. Check in to your hotel and explore Rapa Nui for the rest of the day. Get acquainted with the island, which is home to 600 stones, or moai, as they are called by the locals. Explore Hanga Roa, the main center, and visit the Museo Antropológico Sebastián Englert for a lesson on historical Polynesia. Take a hike outside of town to Ahu Tahi to explore stones and nearby caves.

In the morning, head out on a full-day tour of the island. Start at Ahu Te Pito Kura with its central stone, followed by a trip to Rano Raraku, a volcanic crater that is home to many moai. Next, have a snack at Ahu Tongariki, the largest ceremonial platform on the island, then tour Ahu Akahang and Anakena’s white-sand beaches.

On day five, embark on two, half-day tours. The first takes you to Orongo to visit the remains of the village at the rim of the inactive Rano Kau volcano. Then, head to Ana Kai Tangata, a cave by the sea filled with petroglyphs. In the afternoon, tour Ahu Akivi, home to seven moai and a celestial observatory. Hike to two archaeological sites to close out the day.

In the morning, explore more of the island before flying back to Santiago. Enjoy dinner in the city upon arrival. On day seven, take a day trip to two adjacent towns in Central Chile. First, explore Viña del Mar with its high-rises and upscale boutiques. Additionally, discover the 20th-century landmarks, including Wulff Castle and Vergara Palace. Then, head to Valparaíso. Stroll the plazas of Sotomayor and Aníbal Pinto and tour the hilly neighborhoods, before returning to Santiago.

Wake up and take a day excursion to Casablanca Valley for a day of wine tasting. Learn about winemaking and bottling, and enjoy premium pours, along with lunch. Then, visit Isla Negra before returning to Santiago for your last night in Chile, before tomorrow’s departure flight home. Learn more

More Great 9-Day Chile Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your Chile trip? Check out these other 9-day Chile itineraries, ranging from active, to cultural, to luxury, or family-friendly trips.

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