Best of Chile - 15 Days

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Santiago de Chile

You'll be met at the international airport and have the rest of the day to discover Santiago de Chile at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Day 2: City tour of Santiago de Chile

Begin your tour of Santiago de Chile at the hill of Santa Lucia. From the Caupolicán terrace, you can admire the Hidalgo Castle (formerly a Spanish fortress) and enjoy beautiful views of the city. The tour continues to Constitution Square and the La Moneda Palace, the current seat of government. Next up is Plaza de Armas, the main square, surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Palace of the Royal High Court, the Main Post Office and other buildings of historical interest.

A short drive takes you to San Cristobal Hill. On the way, you will see the Central Market, the Mapocho Station, the Forestal Park, and the Museum of Fine Arts. Take a stroll and try the mote con huesillo, a typical Chilean drink. Return to your hotel by cable car or car, depending on the time.

Day 3: Valparaiso, Viñas del Mar, & Casablanca Winery Valley

Start the day by visiting some wineries in the Casablanca Valley. Enjoy lunch at the wonderful Casa del Bosque Winery.

After lunch, continue to Valparaiso and Viña del Mar. Be amazed by the colorful port city of Valparaiso. Famous for its stacked hills and winding stairs with incredible street art, this UNESCO World Heritage city takes you back in time, yet has a modern, forward-looking feel. As you climb the winding stone stairs or head up in one of the famous funiculars, you'll enjoy incredible views of the bay and surrounding German-style homes. The city tour will show you the important places such as Plaza de la Victoria, the famous Turri Clock, and the Naval Academy. A highlight of this tour is visiting the home of Chile's Nobel Prize-winning poet, Pablo Neruda. Find a restaurant along the cobbled streets.

Take the funicular down, and then head just up the coast to Viña del Mar. In the afternoon, return to Santiago de Chile.

Day 4: Santiago de Chile to San Pedro de Atacama

This is a travel day: fly to Calama and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama.

Day 5: San Pedro de Atacama, Salt Flat & Altiplanic Lagoons

Embark on a full day tour to the Atacama Salt Flat and the Altiplanic Lagoons. Enjoy the stunning surroundings of the Chaxa Lagoon and marvel at the flamingos that migrate to the salt flat every year.

Then, drive to the highlands through a landscape of many contrasts to visit the Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons. These are situated 13,779 feet (4200 m) above sea level, at the base of the volcanic Andes.

Have lunch in Socaire village, famed for its traditional cuisine. Finally, visit the town of Toconao, with its bell tower and Church of San Lucas, both of which have been national monuments since 1951.

Day 6: San Pedro de Atacama, Tatio Geysers & Machuca, Moon Valley Tour

Start early today and head towards one of the most incredible geothermal fields in the world. Walk among the Tatio Geysers as they spurt steam and water, and enjoy an outdoor breakfast against the natural backdrop of the Andes.

Visit the Pozon Rustico, where there are warm thermal springs. Taking the road back to San Pedro you can appreciate the beautiful landscapes, native flora, and fauna, before finally stopping at the village of Machuca, ancient home to the llama shepherds. Today, this town of adobe, straw, and cactus houses specializes in local products, such as Andean handicrafts, llama meat, and empanadas. Visit the Church of San Santiago, patron saint of the town, locally renowned for its historical and architectural appeal.

In the afternoon, head to the Valley of the Moon, deep in the mountains. This landscape of salt and clay has been formed by water and wind over millions of years. End the day by taking in the incredible mountain sunset, before returning to your hotel.

In the evening, take a private tour of the Astronomic Sanctuary in Atacama with a specialist guide in astronomic science. Enjoy the amazing views of constellations that only the Atacama Desert offers.

Day 7: San Pedro de Atacama to Santiago de Chile to Puerto Montt

Return to Santiago de Chile by air and connect to your flight to Puerto Montt. Upon arrival, pick up a rental car at the airport and drive yourself to your Hotel in Puerto Varas.

Day 8: Puerto Varas to Chiloe Island

Drive to Chiloe Island, which takes about two hours. Spend three nights in Chiloe, which will give you lots of time to discover the island at your own pace. You will be provided with maps and recommendations for things to do and where to eat, and so on.

Days 9 & 10: Chiloe Island

Enjoy two days of leisure time to explore Chiloe Island. 

Day 11: Chiloe Island to Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine

Drive to Puerto Montt Airport (about one hour) and drop off the rental car, then fly to Santiago de Chile and connect with your flight to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to Torres del Paine National Park. This transfer takes about three hours.

Day 12: Torres Del Paine

A free day to enjoy any of the area’s wonderful treks. A great hike is to the base of the towers, the most impressive location in the park. Hike through enchanting woodlands and forests until you reach the glacial lake, behind which the three imposing granite towers rise.

Day 13: Torres del Paine

Another day at leisure to do a different hike. There are plenty of options in the National Park, from very easy hikes to more challenging ones.

Day 14: Torres del Paine to Punta Arenas to Santiago de Chile

Transfer to Punta Arenas Airport for your return flight to Santiago de Chile.

Day 15: Depart Santiago de Chile

Transfer to the international airport for your flight home. Goodbye Chile!