15 Days in Chile - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Chile Grand Tour: Santiago, Torres del Paine & Easter Island

Ideal for the first-time visitor to Chile, this grand tour has you covering the length of the country from north to south, including the mysterious Rapa Nui (Easter Island). You'll explore Santiago, the capital, and swim in lagoons, see geysers, and walk salt flats in the Atacama Desert, and trek trails in the famous Torres del Paine National Park.

Begin in Chile's capital, Santiago, and spend two nights taking in the views from the top of Cerro San Cristóbal, sampling a unique take on traditional dishes like empanadas and cazuelas (stews), and admiring the Vergara Palace. Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama via Calama and explore the Atacama Desert, known as the driest desert in the world. Embark on an excursion to see its lagoons and salt flats, such as Laguna Chaxa and the Atacama Salar, and spot Chilean flamingoes dancing in the shallow water. Rise early to catch the sunrise at the Tatio Geysers before flying to Punta Arenas for one day.

Explore Torres del Paine National Park over four days to see the Horns of Paine, the Salto Grande waterfalls, and the impressive Grey Glacier with a boat tour through Lake Grey. Hike to the base of the Torres del Paine mountain range, but be prepared for an 11-mile (18-km) trek. Alternatively, take in the scenery at a gentler pace by visiting Sarmiento Lake, Laguna Amarga, and Blanquillos lagoon on a guided expedition. Journey to Rapa Nui (Easter Island) from days 12-14 and see the iconic moai (stone figures), the Rano Raraku volcanic crater, and the ceremonial platforms of Ahu Tongariki and Ahu Akahang. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Chilean Nature Adventure: Santiago, Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine & Puerto Varas

Swap out Easter Island for three nights in Puerto Varas on this 15-day itinerary that takes you on a cross-country adventure through Chile's vast and varied landscapes. Tour the buzzing city of Santiago, see the Atacama Desert from above via a hot air balloon, and visit the sights in Puerto Montt from Puerto Varas.

Starting in Santiago, you'll take a private tour through the historical center to see the Palacio de la Moneda, Plaza de Armas, and the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral. Then it's a day trip toward San José de Maipo, the Cajón del Maipo (Maipo Canyon), and Embalse El Yeso (El Yeso Dam) before flying to the Atacama Desert. Visit the distinctive stone and sand formations of Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) and discover the highest-altitude geothermal geyser fields in the world known as El Tatio. Board a hot air balloon for a sunrise flight over the desert and indulge in a Champagne breakfast.

Fly to Torres del Paine National Park and embark on a short hike to the Mirador Cóndor (Condor Lookout Point) and savor the views of Lake Pehoé and the Paine River. Take a road trip to see the Paine Grande Mountain, Laguna Azul, and appreciate the views from the Lago Nordenskjöld Viewpoint. On Day 11, you'll base yourself in Puerto Varas for three nights and visit Puerto Montt to see the Monument to the German Settlers and the colorful Jesuit Church before heading back to Santiago for a gourmet food and wine tour. On your last morning, visit three vineyards in the Colchagua Valley before departing Chile. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Ultimate Chile Adventure: Cities, Wine Country, Deserts & Mountains

Another exciting itinerary, ideal for first-time visitors or those who've longed to brave the Strait of Magdelena, that lead you from Chile's north to Punta Arenas, the "Gateway to Antarctica" at the southern tip of the continent. You'll explore the delights of the Concha y Toro and Santa Rita Wineries in the Maipo Valley, the vast stretches of desert, volcanoes, salt flats, and hot springs in San Pedro de Atacama, and uncover sights such as Milodon Cave and Nordenskjold Lake in Torres del Paine National Park.

Arrive in Santiago and explore the colorful Barrio Bellavista neighborhood, head to the town of Viña del Mar and Reñaca Beach, and go on a day trip to the Maipo Valley to tour the Santa Rita and Concha y Toro Wineries. Transfer to the Atacama Desert to investigate its vast landscape. See petroglyphs in Yerbas Buenas, learn about the Indigenous culture and history in Río Grande Village, and marvel at the spectacular mountain views in Moon Valley. Take a dip in the saltwater Cejar Lagoon, then visit the freshwater lagoons of Ojos del Salar (Eyes of the Salt Flat) before experiencing an astronomy tour.

Fly to Puntas Arenas in the Patagonian south. Drive to Parque del Estrecho de Magallanes (Magellan Strait Park) or stay closer to the city and wander around Plaza Muñoz Gamero. Traverse through the Strait of Magellan to Isla Magdalena (Magdalena Island), where you can see one of the largest penguin colonies in the country. Head to Puerto Natales to uncover the natural beauty of Torres del Paine National Park. Stop at Milodon Cave, Nordenskjold Lake, and Sarmiento Lake, then hop on a boat excursion to see waterfalls, mountains, and glaciers before saying hasta luego to Chile. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Explore Chile's Lake District & Wine Country: Santiago, Chiloé Island, Puerto Varas & Colchagua

Splitting your time between Chile's Lake District near Puerto Varas and the wine country around Colchagua, this 15-day nature- and culinary-inspired itinerary has you tasting Chile's most prestigious wine in the Apalta Valley, indulging in a food tour on Chiloé Island, and trekking through the national parks of Alerce Andino and Vicente Pérez Rosales.

Spend three nights in Santiago before transferring to the city of Castro on Chiloé Island. Begin a day trip from Chonchi and head toward the town of Huillinco on the edge of Chiloé National Park to explore the extensive rainforests. Culinary fanatics will revel in a gastronomy tour where you can taste the signature dish of curanto al hoyo, among other local cuisines. Drive to Puerto Varas on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, then take a day trip to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park to see the imposing Osorno Volcano and Calbuco Volcano.

Trek the 2.5-mile (4-km) trail to the Chaica River waterfalls in Alerce Andino National Park, then enjoy the following day kayaking along the Reloncaví Fjord. Spot wildlife such as sea lions, dolphins, and penguins in the surrounding water and pelicans and cormorants in the skies above you. Head back north to the wine region of Colchagua, where you'll have three days to soak up the sights and delights of the Clos Apalta, MontGras, Neyen, and Viña Viu Manent vineyards and wineries. Visit the Museo de Colchagua on your final morning in Santa Cruz before leaving Chile via Santiago. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Ultimate Patagonia: Chile & Argentina

If you're looking to explore Patagonia in-depth, this multi-country 15-day tour takes you into Chile and Argentina and includes two nights in the latter's city of El Calafate and three nights in the town of El Chaltén. You'll enjoy many highlights, including a wine tour in the Casablanca Valley, a nature tour in the Andes Mountains, and a boat tour to see the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers.

Commence your trip in Santiago with a guided tour to Plaza de Armas, the Gran Torre Santiago, and Mercado Central. Journey to the coastal city of Valparaíso to take a tour of a winery in the Casablanca Valley, complete with chocolate and Chilean cheese samples. Board the Reina Victoria Funicular for views across the Cerro Alegre, Cerro Concepción, and Cerro Florida neighborhoods. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscape of the Andes Mountains, where you can embark on an educational three-hour hike to see the San José Volcano and learn about the area's abundant plant life and wildlife.

Head to Puerto Natales and venture into Patagonia to explore the wonders of the Cañadón Macho (Macho Ravine), the Silla del Diablo (Devil's Chair), and the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers. Cross the border into Argentina for a tour of the Perito Moreno Glacier and Lake Argentino in Los Glaciares National Park. Travel from El Calafate to El Chaltén on the longest highway in Argentina, stopping at La Estela Ranch and the Viedma Glacier. Explore a range of hiking trails around El Chaltén, such as a one-hour hike to the Chorrillo del Salto Waterfall before transferring back to Santiago. Learn more

More Great 15-Day Chile Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Chile? Check out these other 15-day Chile itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.