Santiago, the Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine, Puerto Varas & Punta Arenas: Best Itinerary Ideas
How many days do you need in Santiago, the Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine, Puerto Varas & Punta Arenas?
- Most travelers spend 13-15 days in Santiago, Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine, Puerto Varas, and Punta Arenas combined
- Visiting Santiago, Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine, Puerto Varas, and Punta Arenas in 11 or 12 days is possible, but will feel rushed
- With 16 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Easter Island and Valparaíso
How Many Days to Spend in Chile
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Recommended Itineraries for Santiago, the Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine, Puerto Varas & Punta Arenas
Recommended Itinerary for 15 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Santiago de Chile, Explore | Santiago |
| Day 2 | Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Valley | Santiago |
| Day 3 | Casablanca Valley Wine Tour | Santiago |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Puerto Varas, Guided Tour | Puerto Varas |
| Day 5 | Tour of Osorno Volcano, Petrohué Falls & Todos los Santos Lake | Puerto Varas |
| Day 6 | Chiloé National Park Tour & Overnight in Puerto Varas | Puerto Varas |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Punta Arenas, Optional Activities | Punta Arenas |
| Day 8 | Isla Magdalena Penguin Colony & Transfer to Torres del Paine National Park | Torres del Paine |
| Days 9-10 | Torres del Paine National Park | Torres del Paine |
| Day 11 | Return to Santiago | Santiago |
| Day 12 | Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama & Stargazing Tour | San Pedro de Atacama |
| Day 13 | Atacama Desert Tour: Lagoons & Salt Flats | San Pedro de Atacama |
| Day 14 | Tatio Geysers & Machuca Village | San Pedro de Atacama |
| Day 15 | Return to Santiago, Depart |
To first-timers in Chile, visiting this country is like happening upon a great secret. Its natural beauty is as diverse as it is extensive. Throughout the length of this narrow, 4,270-km (2,653-mile) country, there are high-altitude deserts, a lake region abounding with volcanoes and wild rivers, and of course, the primal and unspoiled beauty that is Chilean Patagonia. You'll get to visit all three of these regions on this extensive 15-day itinerary, plus you'll even find time for wine tasting. Read more
How to travel between Santiago, Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine, Puerto Varas & Punta Arenas
How to get from Santiago to Puerto Varas
Flying is the most convenient way to travel the 630 miles (1,016 km) between Santiago de Chile and Puerto Varas. Expect a 1.5-hour plane ride and a 30-minute drive from the Puerto Montt Airport. Shuttle buses are also available at the airport and take approximately the same amount of time as driving. Read more
How to get to Santiago de Chile
Santiago is one of the most visited cities in Chile and in South America. Depending on where you're coming from, the city may be best reached by car, plane, and sometimes by bus. Read more
How to get to Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is one of those places that isn't easily overseen and attracts many travelers. Except for being just a boat tour away from Magdalena Island (also called Penguin Island), Punta Arenas is also the main stop before heading to Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine. If you're traveling through Chile, then you'll most likely want to include Punta Arenas in your travel plans. Read more
How to get to Torres del Paine National Park
Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most visited places in Chile—and South America. It's close to both Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas, and you'll often travel via one or both of these cities. This five-day trip will bring you face-to-face with all the best places and is especially great to consider if you're traveling from Santiago. Read more
How to get to Atacama
Atacama, or San Pedro de Atacama, is known for its majestic desert located in the north of Chile, close to Antofagasta. Read more
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