Chile Travel Insights

Casablanca Valley Cycling & Wine Tasting Tour - 5 Days

Cradled between mountains and sea, the Casablanca Valley's cool climate and lush soils make it one of the top wine-growing regions in Chile. Setting out from the capital of Santiago, this active 5-day tour strikes a perfect balance between cycling and wine tasting, as you pedal your way through spectacular scenery and visit three of the valley's renowned wineries. End with an unforgettable ride over the mountains to the coast, where you'll discover the remote Pacific beaches of Tunquén.

Active Patagonia: Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales & Torres del Paine National Park - 7 Days

Patagonia's natural wonders take center stage on this week-long Chilean adventure. Arrive in the cosmopolitan capital of Santiago, then fly to the country's far south to embark on a series of unforgettable outdoor excursions. Meet the penguin colonies of Isla Magdalena, trek through the spectacular landscapes of Torres del Paine, and travel by boat through the Ultima Esperanza Sound to reach the remote Bernardo O'Higgins National Park.

The Magic of the Andes: Santiago, Atacama, Lima & Cusco - 12 Days

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Andes on this 12-day South American intinerary. Starting in Chile, you'll tour the bustling capital of Santiago and explore the arid Atacama Desert before flying north up the coast to Peru. After sampling the culture and cuisine of Lima, discover the rich Incan history of Cusco and set out to explore the iconic archaeological sites of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.

Wonders of Chile : Santiago, Easter Island & Atacama Desert - 10 Days

This 10-day itinerary takes you from Chile's capital to two of its most dramatic and secluded destinations. After touring the modern metropolis of Santiago and visiting the colorful seaside towns of Valparaíso & Viña del Mar, change gears and set out toward one of the most remote islands on earth. Spend three days discovering the iconic monoliths and windswept beaches of Easter Island, then return to the mainland to end your trip among the breathtaking landscapes of the Atacama Desert.

Chile Highlights: Patagonia, Santiago & Atacama - 10 Days

This diverse 10-day itinerary takes you on a journey from south to north as you visit three of Chile's most iconic regions. Start in remote Patagonia, where you'll explore the granite peaks, azure lakes, and rushing waterfalls of the famed Torres del Paine National Park. Sample the culture and cuisine of the capital in Santiago, then end your adventure in the far north—stargazing under desert skies and discovering the otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama.

Wonders of Chile: Patagonia, Lake District & Santiago - 14 Days

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.

Torres del Paine National Park: Self-Guided "W" Trek - 7 Days

Conquer Chile's famous "W Trek" trek on this seven-day self-guided excursion for experienced hikers and the adventurous at heart. Starting in the trekker's paradise of Puerto Natales, you'll set out into Torres del Paine National Park, following the w-shaped route through some of Chilean Patagonia's most spectacular scenery. Pass towering mountains, vast glaciers, and turquoise lakes as you hike the rugged and rewarding 35 miles (56 km) to the base of the magnificent Grey Glacier.

Trekking Kawésqar National Park - 6 Days

Trek through Kawésqar National Park in this 6-day tour of Patagonia, starting in the port city of Puerto Natales with a scenic boat ride across the channel and up the fjord, where you'll view wildlife and ice calving glaciers. Your trek creates a circuit through several fjords, glaciers, and forests, with hikes up to alpine lagoons, preglacial lakes, and atop passes, such as the Indian Pass that was used by a local tribe for nearly 6,000 years. Explore glaciers up close while sleeping soundly under the stars in sturdy tents or on the water in houseboats.

Landscapes of Chilean Patagonia: The Aysén Region - 4 Days

Explore the beautiful Aysén Region of Chilean Patagonia on this thrilling 4-day adventure. You will be staying in Puyuhuapi, where you will get access to incredible scenery that includes the Puyuhuapi Lake, fjords, glaciers, and forests. You can kayak through glacial channels and hike on mountain roads as you look for unique wildlife like sea lions and cougars. Back at your lodge, you will enjoy spa treatments, locally-grown food, and Chilean wine.

Kayak & Camp in Chile's Pumalín National Park - 6 Days

Connect with the incredible nature of Chile on this kayaking and camping adventure through Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park, the largest national park in South America. This pristine wilderness, which is home to a diverse array of flora, fauna, and Valdivian forests, extends from the heart of the Andes Mountains to the fjords of the Pacific Coast. Kayak through fjords, visit a sea lion colony, camp under the stars, and more on this six-day itinerary.Be aware that this itinerary includes about five hours of kayaking a day, so good physical condition is required to manage this intermediate level trip. The route can vary slightly due to currents, tide, and weather.

Active Chilean Honeymoon: Casablanca & Atacama - 8 Days

Have an alternative honeymoon with this biking and hiking adventure trip through gorgeous Chile. Arrive at Santiago, Chile's lively and eclectic capital before beginning a bike tour through the vineyards of Casablanca. Alternate physical activity with wine tours as you cross this region's magnificent landscapes. Then, you'll change it up by traveling to the Atacama Desert. One of the driest places on earth, this desert presents challenges and beauty in equal parts, and is perfect for hiking.

Chilean Glamping Experience: Torres del Paine National Park - 4 Days

Spend four days exploring the majestic landscapes of the Torres del Paine National Park. Located in Chilean Patagonia, the park boasts numerous unique ecosystems and endemic species. You'll get to enjoy the mix the comfort of modern luxuries with the adventure of being close to nature. Spend the days on guided hikes around the park, and nights looking up at the stars from the comfort of your private glass-domed yurt.

Total Solar Eclipse Tour (December 2020): Santiago to Pucón - 9 Days

Get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a total solar eclipse in Chile on this special tour in December 2020. As well as dedicating a full day to viewing the eclipse at Pucon, you'll tour many of Chile's other highlights, from the modern capital Santiago to the historic port city of Valparaiso, and the natural beauty of the Andes. Fit a wide variety of unforgettable experiences into nine days.

Total Solar Eclipse Tour December 2020: Santiago, Atacama & Pucón - 13 Days

There are few natural events as spectacular or memorable as a full solar eclipse, and on this 13-day tour of Chile in December 2020 you'll watch the amazing event from the clear skies of Pucon. As well as dedicating a full day to watching the eclipse, you'll tour many of Chile's other highlights, including the modern capital Santiago, the historic port city of Valparaíso, the excellent wineries of the valleys, and the unparalleled natural beauty of the Atacama Desert, plus much more. This comprehensive tour fits in a lot of different sights and experiences and is sure to be memorable.

13 Days in Chile - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 13 days, you can comfortably discover four regions of Chile—with several day excursions launching from the capital city (wineries and coastal cities) and Chilean Patagonian (island wildlife tours). Quick, domestic flights keep traveling time-efficient, so you can spend more of your days enjoying the great outdoors. Explore Santiago, the Pacific Coast, Torres del Paine, the Atacama Desert, Easter Island, the Lake District, and even cross the border into Argentine Patagonia, in these five trip plan ideas.

12 Days in Chile - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 12 days in Chile, you can enjoy a well-rounded adventure of three regions, which range from Patagonia and the Atacama Desert to the Lake District and Easter Island. While domestic flights transport you to specific regions for several days at a time, when stationed in Santiago, you have the freedom to venture out on day trips to coastal towns, like Viña del Mar and Valparaíso, and nearby valleys, such as Casablanca and Maipo. Experience the culinary, scenic, and historical highlights of Chile in these five trip plans below.

11 Days in Chile - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

An 11-day visit to Chile awards you with enough time to discover a few areas per trip, with several day excursions out of Santiago, too. By anchoring your travels in the capital, you can board short, domestic flights to hop from region to region—including Patagonia, Easter Island, and the Atacama Desert—with just enough time to cross over into another country, like nearby Bolivia.

Chile: Santiago, Pacific Coast, Patagonia, & More - 13 Days

Explore many Chilean highlights in just under two weeks. Arrive in Santiago and embark on a city tour, followed by a day trip to the coastal towns of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso. Then, discover Maipo Valley’s peaks and streams, along with a wine tasting excursion through Casablanca Valley. Then, it’s off to Patagonia to discover the Aysén region, home to beautiful glaciers and stunning marble caves. Next, fly to Punta Arenas to view native wildlife, explore the best of Torres del Paine, and visit a local estancia—before one final evening in Santiago.

Chilean Patagonia: Wildlife, W Trek, Ice Hiking, & Kayaking - 11 Days

Embark on an adventure through Chilean Patagonia on this eventful, 11-day trip. Fly into Santiago, and head straight to Punta Arenas. Do a bit of exploration before discovering the region’s native wildlife—visit the Austral dolphins in the Strait of Magellan, the penguins that inhabit Magdalena Island, and the sea lion colony on Marta Island. Then, it’s time to conquer the W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park. Hike to the famed Towers and walk along the ice of Glacier Grey. The trip winds down with a glacial kayaking excursion and a visit to a local estancia.

Santiago & Patagonia: From Chile to Argentina - 13 Days

Few other places in the world can compete with the wild, jagged mountains, incredible glaciers, and enormous panoramas of Patagonia. On this ultimate 13-day adventure, enjoy the best of the region. Following a quick tour of Santiago and a day along the coast, fly to Chilean Patagonia. Embark on the famed W Trek, a four-day hike that covers the furthest reaches of Torres del Paine National Park. Then, bus over to Argentinian Patagonia to view Perito Moreno Glacier and iconic Mount Fitz Roy.

Chile Grand Tour: Santiago, Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine, & Easter Island - 13 Days

Experience the highlights of diverse and beautiful Chile in less than two weeks. Begin in the capital Santiago with some sightseeing, before flying off to the Atacama Desert. Discover the lagoons, geysers, salt flats, and more. Then, fly to Punta Arenas for your Patagonian adventure. Visit the native wildlife of the islands, and then head into Torres del Paine National Park for two days of private tours. The final leg takes you to Easter Island to explore the ancient moai figureheads, volcanoes, and stunning beaches.

Southern Chile: Patagonian W Trek, Wildlife, & Wilderness Adventure - 13 Days

Conquer the highlights of Southern Chile on this 13-day adventure. After a quick stop to tour Santiago, hop a flight to Punta Arenas for your first glimpse of Patagonia. Then, visit penguins on Magdalena Island and enjoy a wildlife tour along the Straight of Magellan. Next, spend four days discovering the unparalleled beauty of Torres del Paine National Park along the W Trek, the famed Towers to the ice fields of Glacier Grey. The trip concludes with a kayaking excursion out of Pueblo Serrano—with more incredible glacial views along the way.

Chile: Santiago, Pacific Coast, Maipo Valley & Patagonia W Trek - 12 Days

This 12-day Chilean vacation starts in Santiago for some sightseeing, followed by a day trip to the coastal towns of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso. Then, head out to explore the rivers, gorges, and peaks of Maipo Valley. Next, fly to Punta Arenas to begin your Patagonian adventure. Visit penguins on Magdalena Island, take a tour of a working estancia, and spend four incredible days hiking Torres del Paine's W Trek highlights—Mirador Base Torres, Lake Nordenskjöld, the French Valley, and Glacier Grey.

Chile: Lake District, Torres del Paine, & Atacama Desert - 12 Days

This extensive 12-day itinerary covers the major highlights of north, south, and central Chile—the Lake District, Torres del Paine National Park, and the Atacama Desert. The Lake District is famous for its charming villages, Prussian-blue lakes, and snow-capped volcanoes. Torres del Paine, on the other hand, is the crown jewel of national parks to explore in Patagonia. Throw in a visit to a Patagonian penguin colony and a jaunt to the mystical and beautiful island of Chiloé, and you have the perfect Chilean adventure.

Northern Chile Highlights: Santiago, Atacama Desert, Easter Island & More - 12 Days

This 12-day trip to Chile takes you through several areas—the capital city, desert landscapes, coastal towns, and ancient islands. First, go sightseeing in Santiago, followed by a journey through the Atacama Desert region. Then, visit the coastal neighboring towns of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso and tour the stunning Maipo Valley. The finale leads you on an adventure through historical Easter Island, from moai stone figureheads to beautiful beaches.

Chilean Highlights: Patagonia, Santiago, & the Pacific Coast - 12 Days

On this 12-day Chilean vacation, explore three regions of the country—the capital city, Patagonia, and the Pacific Coast. Begin with some sightseeing in Santiago, and head to Patagonia the next day. Enjoy the waterfront promenade of Puerto Natales before venturing to Torres del Paine National Park. Spend an adventurous five days exploring the park’s highlights—Las Torres, Los Cuernos, Lake Nordenskjöld, the French Valley, Lago Grey/Glacier Grey, and more. Visit a Patagonian estancia, and go on a historical kayaking excursion. Then, return to Santiago and head out to the vibrant coastal towns of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso, a colorful grand finale.

Chile: Santiago, Casablanca Valley & Relaxed Patagonia - 11 Days

On this 11-day tour of Chile, experience several different sides of the country—the capital city, two coastal towns, one of the main wine regions, and Patagonia. Indulge in a food tour of Santiago, then visit the neighboring, colorful towns of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso. Next, embark on a wine-tasting tour of Casablanca Valley before heading to Punta Arenas, the hub of Patagonia. Enjoy several boat tours, hike around the gorgeous glaciers and peaks of Torres del Paine National Park, and visit a Patagonian estancia to close out the adventure.

9 Days in Chile - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Nine days in Chile is enough time to pair a few days in the Santiago area (including day trips) with one or two more regions. Consider splitting your time between the capital city and the Atacama Desert, or head south from Santiago to the glaciers and wildlife of Chilean Patagonia. Active travelers can hike and bike their way through the national parks of Pucón, and those seeking adventure can hop a flight to Easter Island. Learn more in the itineraries below.

8 Days in Chile - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In eight days, you can combine exploration of the Santiago area with one other major region—the Lake District, Atacama Desert, Patagonia, or Easter Island. Close to the capital, you can enjoy the culture of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, and wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley. For the adventurous, hiking, biking, kayaking, and wildlife tours await via the trip plans outlined below.

6 Days in Chile - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With six days in Chile, you can get a taste of Santiago and spend a few days in one other region. Explore Pucón and the Araucaria forest, visit Valparaíso and Viña del Mar in Central Chile, trek through the Atacama Desert or Torres del Paine in Patagonia, or discover the ancient stones of Easter Island—all in these five itineraries below.

Cultural Chile & Easter Island Exploration - 9 Days

Enjoy a cultural adventure through Chile on this nine-day vacation. Start in Santiago to tour the landmarks and markets and take advantage of the burgeoning restaurant scene. Then, venture to Easter Island to explore the history and moai of the ancient Polynesian destination. Next, return to Santiago and venture out on day trips to Viña del Mar, Valparaíso, and the Casablanca Valley for a grand finale of wine tasting.

Santiago & Atacama Desert Tour - 9 Days

On this scenic Chilean adventure, explore several regions of the country over the course of nine days. Begin in Santiago, and tour the landmarks and markets. Then, embark on two day trips—one to the neighboring towns of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso, followed by an excursion to explore the beauty of Maipo Valley. Next, venture into the Atacama Desert region to discover the valleys, geysers, and villages, along with memorable sunrises, sunsets, and stargazing.

Santiago, Valparaíso & Easter Island - 8 Days

This eight-day Chilean adventure begins in the capital, Santiago. Explore the city and surrounding region, including the neighboring cities of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso. Next, hop on a flight to Easter Island. This Chilean territory, formed of volcanic rock, is 2.5 million years old. As you tour this ancient Polynesian destination, explore the many moai figures, beaches, volcanoes, and significant archaeological sites.

Santiago, Valparaíso & Patagonia Nature Trip

Begin your adventure in the capital of Santiago. Experience the city's culture and culinary delights on a full-day walking tour. Next, head to the coast to immerse yourself in the artsy vibe of Valparaíso before heading out to the Casablanca Valley to taste some of Chile's world-renowned wines. Then, travel south to Punta Arenas to explore the rugged beauty and unforgettable landscapes of Chilean Patagonia. Take a boat out to Magdalena Island, and get a close-up look at the 150,000 strong penguin colony. Then you'll embark on a trek into the famed Torres del Paine National Park, a Patagonian Mecca for hikers. Finally, you'll tour lakes and rivers before finishing with a boat trip to Glacier Grey.

Santiago & Torres del Paine - 6 Days

Explore several sides of Chile on this six-day itinerary. Begin in the cosmopolitan city of Santiago to learn about the culture. Next, visit the neighboring coastal towns of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso for some sightseeing. Then, head to one of the most impressive landscapes on earth, Torres del Paine National Park. Hike to the base of the iconic towers and get an up-close look at the majestic Grey Glacier during a boat tour.

Explore Chilean Patagonia - 6 Days

On this brisk, six-day excursion, experience the unforgettable landscapes of Chilean Patagonia. Explore the capital city of Santiago to start, then travel to Punta Arenas to visit Magdalena Island, home to a colony of more than 150,000 penguins. Then, embark on a trek into the famed Torres del Paine National Park, a Patagonian Mecca for hikers. The vacation concludes with a stunning boat trip to Glacier Grey.

1 Week in Chile - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

If you have a week to spend in Chile, take advantage of your time and visit more than one region. Beginning in Santiago, venture to the Atacama Desert for stargazing, to the Andes for skiing and snowboarding, to Chile's wine regions for food and wine tastings, or to Easter Island for hiking around the Moai. Find out how with these five unique itineraries.

5 Days in Chile - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Just because you only have five days in Chile doesn't mean you have to limit yourself to one destination. Pair your visit to Santiago with an active adventure in the Lake District or the Atacama Desert, a gourmet excursion to Chilean wine regions, a side trip to the colorful port city of Valparaiso, even a side trip to Easter Island. Find out how with these five unique itineraries.

10 Days in Chile - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in Chile, you can enjoy a mix of relaxation and adventure on a highlights tour of Santiago, the Lake District, and Patagonia, while those looking to tick off the famous W Trek will delight in five days on the trail hiking from one refugio to the next. Wine enthusiasts will love a slower-paced journey around the picturesque vineyards of Chile and Argentina. Or, for the hearty adventurer, head to the Atacama Desert to explore its sand dunes, salt flats, and craggy canyons.

2 Weeks in Chile - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

If you have two weeks in Chile, you can visit a range of diverse landscapes or focus your energy on one region, like Patagonia. Explore the natural wonders of Chile, from the Atacama Desert to the glaciers of Torres del Paine National Park, take a boat tour through the Marble Caves, taste wines made at coastal wineries, and wander through the colorful streets of Valparaíso on these four unique itineraries.

Ultimate Guide to the Atacama: Chile's Desert Wonderland

In the far north of Chile, close to the Argentine and Bolivian borders, San Pedro de Atacama is the gateway to one of the world’s most extreme environments: the Atacama Desert. This guide will help you plan your trip and find the best that the town has to offer.

How kimkim Trips Work in Chile

Chile is what travel dreams are made of. Star-gazing, road tripping, wine tasting, and wildlife: from its northern reaches to the southern tip of Patagonia, this is a destination with endless options. Kimkim can help tailor a trip that's perfectly in line with your interests—find out how we do it in this article.

Ultimate Guide to Santiago de Chile

Chile’s capital is located right in the center of this long, thin country, midway between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean. Although it doesn’t yet have the glitzy reputation of Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires, Santiago is firmly on the up, with a host of attractions, thriving culinary and creative scenes, and world-class ski resorts within easy reach.

Ultimate Guide to Valparaíso

Spread across a multitude of hills carpeted with colorful homes and overlooking a wide, arcing bay, Valparaíso is Chile’s most engaging city. Commonly known as Valpo, it boasts eye-catching architecture, a flourishing creative scene, and a distinct bohemian vibe. This guide will help you plan your trip and find the best that the city has to offer.

Going Off the Beaten Path in Chile: 7 Places to Discover

There's so much to see and do in Chile. Getting off the beaten path—and away from the crowds—is a great way to experience the country's natural beauty and cultural character. Go whale-watching from a little-visited island, check out a ghost town, drive hairpin roads in Patagonia, and star-gaze in a quiet valley with this list of ideas.

Chile in November: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

November is a gorgeous month to visit Chile. Patagonia finally blooms into spring, while the north moves into even warmer, drier weather. It's an excellent time to visit the coastal towns and desert in the north, as well as Torres del Paine while the crowds and high prices are still a month away.

Chile in October: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

October is a great time to travel in Chile, with spring wildflowers blooming in both northern and central Chile, surf waves in the north, and Patagonia starting to come out of hibernation. You can also join in the fun with Oktoberfest taking place in the Lake District. Read on to learn more.

Chile in September: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

September brings early spring weather to central Chile, with warm, sunny days in Santiago, as well as great surfing waves in the north. Though it's just the start of shoulder season, the country is full of life during this month for locals. Case in point: loads of festivities for Chile's Independence Day.

Chile in August: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

August signifies the last month of Chile's ski season with lower prices than July. In the south, winter rains begin to taper off making this a good time to head to Patagonia with days starting to get longer for more outdoor adventures. Read this monthly guide to learn more.

Chile in July: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

July is peak winter season in Chile, and that means ski resorts are open for business in the central Andes and Lake District. This is also a great time of year to visit Santiago, the wine valleys, and northern Argentina for desert landscapes, coastal towns, salt flats, and starry skies. Read on for more tips on where to go and what to expect in Chile this month.