How many days do you need in Santiago, Puerto Natales, Puerto Varas & Punta Arenas?
- Most travelers spend 10-13 days in Santiago, Puerto Natales, Puerto Varas, and Punta Arenas combined
- Visiting Santiago, Puerto Natales, Puerto Varas, and Punta Arenas in 7 to 9 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
- With 14 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Torres del Paine and Valparaíso
How Many Days to Spend in Chile
Recommended Itineraries for Santiago, Puerto Natales, Puerto Varas & Punta Arenas
Recommended Itinerary for 10 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Santiago, Afternoon City Tour | Santiago |
| Day 2 | Day Trip to Valparaíso, Private Dinner Experience | Santiago |
| Day 3 | Fly to Puerto Varas & the Chilean Lake District | Puerto Varas |
| Day 4 | Day Trip to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park | Puerto Varas |
| Day 5 | Kayaking on the Reloncaví Estuary | Puerto Varas |
| Day 6 | Fly to Puerto Natales, Gateway to Torres del Paine | Puerto Natales |
| Day 7 | Torres del Paine National Park Full-Day Tour | Puerto Natales |
| Day 8 | Day Hike to Base Torres | Puerto Natales |
| Day 9 | Bus to Punta Arenas, Optional Activities | Punta Arenas |
| Day 10 | Depart Punta Arenas |
The frontiers of Chile are vast, but 10 days is just enough time to hit the major highlights of this legendary South American country. Your bucket-list journey begins in the northern capital of Santiago and among the colorful streets of seaside Valparaíso. Jet south to the gorgeous Lake District, where you'll stroll colorful German towns and kayak across glassy fjords. Then, continue deeper into Patagonia to the crown jewel of Chile's national parks—Torres del Paine—where epic mountain treks await. Read more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Extended Itineraries
2-Week Itinerary Including Torres del Paine
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Santiago, Fly to Punta Arenas | Punta Arenas |
| Day 2 | Visit Isla Magdalena Penguin Colony | Punta Arenas |
| Day 3 | Bus to Puerto Natales | Puerto Natales |
| Day 4 | Full Day Torres del Paine Private Tour | Torres del Paine |
| Day 5 | Hike to the Base of the Towers, Return to Puerto Natales | Puerto Natales |
| Day 6 | Day Trip to a Patagonian Estancia | Puerto Natales |
| Day 7 | Fly to Puerto Montt, Transfer to Puerto Varas | Puerto Varas |
| Day 8 | Scenic Tour of Osorno Volcano, Petrohué Falls & Todos los Santos Lake | Puerto Varas |
| Day 9 | Kayak Reloncaví Fjord | Puerto Varas |
| Day 10 | Free Day in Puerto Varas | Puerto Varas |
| Day 11 | Fly to Santiago | Santiago |
| Day 12 | Day Trip to Viña del Mar & Valparaíso | Santiago |
| Day 13 | Casablanca Valley Wine Tour | Santiago |
| Day 14 | Depart Santiago |
This diverse 14-day journey through Chile's highlights includes rugged mountains, pristine fjords, and lush wine country. Start in Patagonia, where you'll hike through the wilds of Torres del Paine National Park, visit penguins on the Strait of Magellan, and horseback ride across an estancia. Head north to kayak and climb amid the Lake District scenery, then wind down with a final three days in Santiago. Explore the vibrant capital and enjoy day trips to nearby wine country and colorful villages of the Pacific coast. Read more
How to travel between Santiago, Puerto Natales, Puerto Varas & Punta Arenas
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 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 from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales
The distance between Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales is 154 miles (247 km), and the best way to travel between the two cities is by car, either self-driving or with a private transfer. Driving via Route 9 takes about three hours without stops, though you'll likely want to take your time at the various scenic points along the way, making it a full-day trip. 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 Isla Magdalena (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