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"From the world's driest desert to the Patagonia glaciers, and from the sunny vineyards to the Moai of Easter Island, I'll show you how to navigate all the diverse landscapes of Chile."

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Discover the colourful fishing town of Puerto Natales

See the bright rooftops of Puerto Natales, a fishing town in the Señoret Channel in southern Patagonia. It’s the famous gateway to Torres del Paine, but the city has its own treasures. Take a walk along the waterfront where you can spot wild swans and ducks, and admire the backdrop of rugged mountains.

Visit Torres del Paine National Park

Venture deep into UNESCO-listed crown jewel of Chilean Patagonia with our Local Specialists. Explore the churning Salto Grande waterfall and the famous peaks of the Cordillera Paine. Take a boat ride to see the Grey Glacier and embark on hikes to see the incredible natural icons up close.

See the icy turquoise sheets of the Serrano Glacier

We’ll take you on a spectacular boat ride through icy fjords to see the glittering blue Serrano Glacier. Join our Local Specialists for a hike through the unspoiled rainforest to Seno de Última Esperanza (Fjord of the Last Hope), where you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the Southern Patagonian Icefield.

Boat up the Rio Serrano

Our Chile private tours will take you on a boat journey up the Rio Serrano, a river winding through the Magallanes wilderness of Chile. The Serrano takes you past a trove of natural beauty, from the dazzling blue Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers, to the Southern Patagonian Icefield and Seno de Última Esperanza.

Explore the capital of Chile, colorful Santiago

Santiago is the vibrant capital of Chile and our Local Specialists will reveal the wonders of the city. Climb Cerro Santa Lucia for panoramic views, explore the Central Market and sample local delicacies, or visit the Casablanca Valley where you’ll meet a local winemaker and enjoy an exclusive tasting in the beautiful vineyards.

Our top 5 things to do in Chile

Discover the highlights and hidden gems of the country on our Chile vacation tours, from the jagged peaks of Torres del Paine to the scenic beauty of the Rio Serrano.

Chascona House Museum

Located in the Bellavista neighborhood of Santiago, Chascona House was the home of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. He named the home ‘La Chascona’ (‘tangle-haired woman’) after his wife Matilde, and today it’s an excellent museum full of his personal possessions, including a painting by Diego Rivera.

Museum of Memory and Human Rights

Set in Santiago, the Museum of Memory and Human Rights was founded to commemorate the victims of human rights abuses during the regime of Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet between 1973 and 1990. The museum has three floors with audio exhibits, interactive photography, newspaper archives and video footage of detention centres.

Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts

Housed in a beautiful building across from the Parque Forestal in Santiago, the Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts holds one of the finest collections of Chilean and Latin art. You’ll wander through the spectacular entrance to discover over 5,000 works ranging from Spanish paintings to African sculptures.

Best museums in Chile

Our escorted tours of Chile take you to the country’s top museums, from the former home of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, to a commemoration of the victims of the Pinochet regime.

Traditionally made from deep-fried wheat dough, a sopaipilla is South America’s version of doughnuts. In Chile, they’re made with pumpkin in the dough, and served as a side dish with pebre, a chili sauce, or as a delicious dessert after being boiled in a chancaca sauce, a hot sweet syrup.

A classic Chilean condiment found across the country, pebre is served with many meals including fried sopaipilla, or spread on bread and meat. It’s a sauce of chili pepper, garlic, onion, olive oil and coriander, although variations can be found in different regions and households.

Empanadas are a beloved dish across Latin America. In Chile, they’re traditionally made with a filling called ‘pino’, a mix of ground beef, raisins, onions, black olives and hard boiled eggs. Our Local Specialists will show you where to try the best empanadas at any time of the year.

Best food in Chile

We’ll take you on a culinary journey through Chile, as we reveal the best places to try classic empanadas and delicious sopaipilla.

What to pack for Chile

Hiking shoes

Whether you’re trekking the snowy peaks of Patagonia, or traversing ancient volcanoes in the Atacama Desert, you’ll need a sturdy pair of shoes in Chile.

Wind and waterproof coat

The southern region of Chile is known for its fierce winds and chilly weather, so you’ll need a reliable coat to protect you from the elements.

Reusable water bottle

Chile is full of outdoor adventure and a reusable water bottle will help you stay hydrated without contributing to the plastic waste in the pristine national parks.

Adaptor plug

In Chile the standard voltage is 220 V and the power plugs and sockets are of type C and L. The standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Chile is enormous, spanning the equivalent of the entire length of the USA, and a pair of headphones will provide entertainment on the long scenic journeys.

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Chile Tours & Vacations

From the eclectic sprawl of Santiago to the glacial fjords of Chilean Patagonia, the world’s longest country is jam-packed with adventure.

Get ready to be treated to a land of contrasts from the hip capital of Santiago with its funky graffitied neighborhoods, to the coastal town of Valparaiso made famous by the poetry of Pablo Neruda. Taste your way through a family-owned wine estate in Casablanca Valley, explore the Mars-like landscape of the Atacama Desert or discover Patagonia's awe-inspiring Torres del Paine National Park. Follow the flow of  Chile  and you'll undoubtedly collect the best of South America along the way.

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Articles of Chile

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7 different ways to see Patagonia with Intrepid

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The top 7 destinations for travel in March 2024

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Hiking in Torres del Paine? Here’s what you need to know

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Chile at a glance

Capital city.

Santiago (population 6.9 million)

19.6 million

Chilean Peso (CLP)

(GMT-04:00) Santiago

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type L (Italian 3-pin)

Learn more about Chile

Culture and customs.

With the Andes on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, Chile’s geographic isolation has resulted in a distinct national identity. About 95 per cent of Chileans share a mixture of European (predominantly Spanish) and indigenous ancestry.

For many, being Chilean often means celebrating huaso (Chilean cowboy) culture, going to rodeos, dancing the cueca (Chile’s national dance performed in traditional huaso clothing), eating empanadas and drinking pisco.

Spanish is the national language, though Chileans tend to speak fast, drop consonants and litter their speech with a healthy dose of chilenismos (Chilean slang).

Life is focused around the family with frequent get-togethers to share food in good company. More than half of Chileans are Roman Catholics and there is a growing number (estimated at 25 per cent of the population) who are ‘unaffiliated’ – choosing not to identify with a religion.

While many Chileans are traditional in their views, the younger generations are challenging cultural norms and politics is often a passionate topic among youths.

Geography and environment

Chile is a land of quirky geographical characteristics, most noticeably its incredible length. Measuring in at over 4600km long, yet only 430km wide, Chile covers a massive geographic scale that includes a variety of landscapes and an impressive coastline.

Straddled by the epic Andes, this gigantic mountain range acts as a natural border with  Argentina  in the east, while the Pacific Ocean - including the remote Chilean territory of Easter Island - forms the western coastline.

The capital and largest city, Santiago, lies inland, roughly in the center of the country. Further north, Chile shares a border with  Peru  and  Bolivia , as well as the largest section of the parched Atacama Desert, one of the world’s driest places.

South of Santiago, Chile unfolds into the wilderness playground of Patagonia - a largely uninhabited, prehistoric landscape brimming with forests and enormous glaciers.

Discover Patagonia on our 6 day trekking trip in Torres del Paine National Park

Festivals and events

Chile has a busy events calendar with many festivals to celebrate the diversity of its culture throughout the year. Here are some of the country's biggest events:

Fiesta de la Tirana

Each July, the quiet streets of La Tirana morph into a massive dance floor filled with masked performers acting out the ‘Dance of the Devils’. Blending indigenous culture with Catholic tradition, some say the festival honors the Virgin Mary, while others say it honors an indigenous warrior princess.

Either way, it's a fascinating experience seeing the frenetic dancing, fireworks and tasty foods that make up Chile’s largest religious festival.

Festival de la Vendimia (Wine Harvest Festival)

Chile’s wine regions take it up a notch in March and April when weekend-long festivals celebrate the harvest and rural life. Think cowboys, country food and folk dancing. With so many wine regions, it can be hard to know which festival to check out, though Curico Valley’s festival is the longest-running and widely regarded as the biggest.

Fiestas Patrias (Independence Day)

As a fiercely patriotic nation that loves a good party, Fiestas Patrias is a big deal. Each September, flags are hung, and the aroma of barbeque fills the air as people eat, drink, dance and celebrate. Look for a fonda (huge tent party) and join locals as they party into the wee hours of the morning.  

Tapati Rapa Nui (Easter Island Tapati Festival)

Get a glimpse of Easter Island’s vibrant Polynesian heritage at this spectacular two-week festival in February. It features dancing, chanting, carving competitions, body painting, a string figure (kai kai) contest, and so much more.

Public holidays that may impact travel include:

Feast of Saints Peter and Paul

National Unity Day

Independence Day

Discovery of Two Worlds Day

All Saint’s Day

Immaculate Consumption

Please note dates of Chile's public holidays may vary.

Food and drink

Chilean cuisine is all about seasonal produce and simplicity. Potatoes, corn and quinoa are staple ingredients in many traditional dishes, including pastel de choclo (corn pie) and humitas (steamed corn pudding wrapped in corn husks).

Chile’s extensive coastline provides a wide array of seafood. Visit one of the country’s many marisquerias (fish restaurants) to try picorocos (barnacles) or erizos (sea urchin). Most places serve fish grilled with a little seasoning. Ceviche is also a dietary mainstay.

Chileans also love their meat. Like in Brazil and Argentina, a leisurely asado (barbeque) is a cherished tradition. Held either in a backyard or a specially equipped park, an asado can stretch for hours and always features lots of grilled beef, pork, sausage, lamb and Chilean wine. If you don’t manage to snag an invitation to an asado from a local, head to a parrillada instead – a restaurant that serves grilled meats.

Here are some must-try foods in Chile:

1. Mote con huesillo

Dried peaches and husked wheat are stewed in a sugary syrup to create Chile’s favorite summertime treat. The perfect reward after a long day of exploring. 

2. Pastel de choclo

A hearty Andean pie of ground beef or chicken and vegetables, topped with pureed sweet corn is a local favorite. 

The perfect dish to warm your bones on a cold day, cazuela is a thin stew of chicken or beef with corn on the cob, potatoes, pumpkin and noodles. Do as the locals and drink the broth first.

Things to buy in Chile

Most towns will have a local market where you can pick up handmade souvenirs. You'll also find large shopping centers in big cities. Head to Avenida Alonso de Córdova in Santiago for boutique and luxury stores and trendy bars.

Keep in mind that haggling isn't part of Chilean culture, so prices are usually fixed, and most markets and street vendors deal only with cash. Stores are typically open between 10 am and 9 or 10 pm Monday through Friday.

Many stores are only open during the morning on Saturdays and are closed on Sundays, though these hours can vary in tourist areas. Shops in smaller cities also tend to close for lunch and take a siesta between 1 and 5 pm.

Here are a few things to buy in Chile.

1. Alpaca clothing

Sweaters, gloves, scarves and other items made from alpaca wool are a South American specialty. Both unique and practical, alpaca wool does a good job of blocking out high altitude chill.

2. Lapis lazuli jewellery

The Romans considered it an aphrodisiac, and Cleopatra was said to powder it for use as an eyeshadow. Lapis lazuli has quite a history, but these days the semiprecious indigo-blue stone is found only in Chile and Afghanistan.

Cheaper here than lapis sold abroad, it's still a somewhat pricey purchase. The general rule of thumb is the deeper the color, the better the quality, and always shop at reputable stores to ensure you’re not sold a fake.

3. Mapuche silverware

Indigenous women of the Lake District traditionally wore handcrafted silver earrings, headdresses and other pieces of jewelry as a sign of wealth. Dramatic silver pieces are still made by Mapuche women in this region today.

You might recognize the grape-based brandy known as pisco from Peru, but Chile shares the claim too. The battle of the birthplace of pisco has been going on for centuries.

Must-visit places in Chile

With so much on offer in Chile, from glacier trekking to wine tasting, it can be hard to choose which places to visit. Here are  a few must-visit places  to consider.

1. Santiago

Santiago is Chile's bustling capital. Set within a circle of snow-capped mountains, this city is a stone's throw from outdoor adventures (if you can ever leave, that is). From traditional European buildings in artsy neighborhoods to a brilliant food scene and thriving nightclubs, Santiago has it all.

2. Valparaiso

With its colorful buildings, mural-filled streets and labyrinthine laneways lined with cafes and galleries, Valparaiso  is arguably Chile's most creative city. Sip pisco sours on a rooftop in the historic center, rub shoulders with local artists or visit a restaurant credited with the invention of chorrillana.

Discover Santiago and Valparaiso on our Premium & Argentina trip

3. Patagonia

Chile and Argentina both stake a claim over  Patagonia  — and it's no wonder when the region is  this  beautiful. Think rolling grasslands flanked by snow-clad peaks, remarkably blue lakes, beech forests and huge glaciers. Patagonia was practically made for adventuring.

Trek past glaciers and mountains on our Patagonia Wilderness trip

4. San Pedro de Atacama

Welcome to the driest town on earth. San Pedro de Atacama is also home to some of Chile's most dramatic landscapes, from hissing geysers to imposing volcanoes and sprawling salt flats. Go sandboarding in the dunes, explore the stunning Moon Valley or admire one of the most impressive night skies you've ever seen.

Explore San Pedro de Atacama on our Epic Peru, Bolivia & Argentina trip

Similar destinations

Inspired by Chile but still curious about other destinations? Check out our tours to neighboring countries:

Uruguay tours

If you've narrowed it down to Argentina and Chile,  check out our Chile vs Argentina blog  to help you decide.

Further reading

Chile travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to travel to Chile?

Travelers from over 90 countries do not need a visa to enter Chile. This includes passport holders from other South American countries, the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada. Visa-exempt travelers will usually receive an entry stamp valid for 90 days on arrival.

Citizens from other countries will need to apply for a visa online or at your nearest embassy or consulate prior to travel. Tourist visas can grant entry for up to 90 days.

Visit the official Chilean Consulate website for more information .

In any case, your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Chile.

The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. 

Last updated: 07/12/2023

When is the best time to visit Chile?

Chile’s substantial length ensures that the climate is incredibly varied, and the best time to visit depends on your chosen destinations.

Summer (December to March) is possibly the best time to visit Chile, as the Parque Nacional Torres del Paine and lakes region are reasonably warm. However, the trade-off is that the Atacama Desert can be very hot during this time. Summer is also festival time, so it's a good chance to experience Chile’s unique culture.

For the central and northern regions, autumn is a comfortable time to visit, but note that it can be quite cold in the south, especially at night.

Snowfall is common during winter (July to September) in the south of the country, so this is the ideal time for a skiing or snowboarding holiday.

Is tipping customary in Chile?

It's customary to lea ve an extra 10% on top of your restaurant bill if you've had great service. The same goes for tipping porters and other service workers. Feel free to leave spare change or tip extra if you're particularly impressed with the service.

What is the internet access like in Chile?

Wi-fi access is widely available in cafes, bars and restaurants in cities and tourist areas. However, you may struggle to find wi-fi in rural and remote areas.

Can I use my cell phone while in Chile?

Cell phone coverage is good in Chile’s cities, but may not be available in rural and mountainous areas. Ensure global roaming is activated with your service provider before leaving home.

What are the toilets like in Chile?

Toilets in Chile will vary depending on what area you are traveling in. Flushable, western-style toilets are common in the cities, large hotels, malls, and clubs but more modest squat toilets are the standard in rural areas and while camping. Either way, carrying a supply of toilet paper and soap is a good idea, as these aren’t always available in public toilets.

Can I drink the water in Chile?

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Chile, though some may get an upset stomach from the different mineral content. If you have a delicate stomach, you may want to opt for filtered water to avoid this. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, bring a reusable water bottle that can be filled with filtered water. Your leader or hotel can tell you where to find filtered water.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Chile?

Major credit cards are widely accepted in Chile’s large cities and towns but may not be accepted by smaller vendors such as family restaurants and market stalls in small towns and rural areas. Make sure to carry enough cash when visiting these parts in case credit cards are not an option.

What is ATM access like in Chile?

ATMs are found widely throughout Chile, so withdrawing cash shouldn't be problematic in most areas. Some smaller villages and rural areas may not have ATM access, so prepare for this before venturing too far from a city or major town.

Will I experience altitude sickness in Chile?

Most people can start to feel the effects of altitude at over 6561ft ( 2000m) regardless of age, gender, or fitness level. Santiago is well below this elevation, but travelers heading to San Pedro de Atacama and the northern and central Andes might experience symptoms of high altitude. It’s important to take it easy, drink plenty of water and speak to your group leader at once if you feel unwell.

We recommend seeing your doctor if you have any health concerns before undertaking the trip, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition or take any medication.

Do I need any vaccinations before visiting Chile?

No vaccines are required in order to enter Chile but some are recommended for protection against disease. Visit your doctor or travel clinic for advice and make sure to schedule vaccinations 4–6 weeks before your departure date, as some require time to become effective.

Is Chile a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

Chile is a relatively hassle-free destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers. Though traditionally a very Catholic and conservative nation, attitudes are slowly changing. Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2015 and people are now more open about their sexuality.

Santiago hosts an annual gay pride parade and has an active gay scene, particularly in Barrio Bellavista. Beach resorts such as Vina del Mar also have a number of gay clubs. You may find that attitudes are less liberal outside of big cities.

Transgender rights and public attitudes are also developing. The Chilean government signed a bill into law in 2019 to allow people aged 18 and over to change their legal gender and name on Chile's Civil Registry. Teenagers between the ages of 14 and 18 can also do so in court.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting   Equaldex  or   ILGA   before you travel.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip to Chile support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to Chile directly support our foundation partner, Torres Del Paine Legacy Fund . 

Torres Del Paine Legacy Fund  

The Huemul, also known as the South Andean Deer, are almost exclusively found in southern Patagonia and are currently endangered. Torres del Paine Legacy Fund is helping to conserve the endangered huemul by improving visitor management, advancing community education and tourism industry engagement, and mitigating the human-wildlife conflict in Torres del Paine National Park. Donations from our trips help Torres del Paine's huemul habitat conservation work.

Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.  

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The best Tours in Chile

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TOURS CHILE NORTH TO SOUTH

Torres  del paine and puerto natales, san pedro de atacama, easter island, puerto varas and lakes, coyhaique and carretera austral, arica and iquique, punta arenas y tierra del fuego, the best tours in chile.

The following are the main tourist destinations in Chile. In each of them you can find specially designed tours and travel packages, that will let you explore the best of this wonderful country.

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Customer comments.

I was apprehensive booking my itinerary following a cruise arriving in Chile, I booked your services from the UK There was never a need to worry, a nice driver in a good vehicle collected. 3 excursions were booked, again good drivers in nice cars arrived I can only compliment Visit Chile for providing quality service (at good prices)

I booked your services from the UK. Good drivers in nice cars arrived I can only compliment Visit Chile for providing quality service (at good prices)

I was apprehensive booking my itinerary following a cruise arriving in Chile, I booked your services from the UK There was never a need to worry, a nice driver in a good vehicle collected us in San Antonio, bringing us to Santiago where a nice hotel was arranged, 3 excursions were booked, again good drivers in nice cars arrived I can only compliment Visit Chile for providing quality service (at good prices)

Rosemary Bradley

Replys to emails were very prompt and efficient though. It was not really a tour as tour was done at concha y toro. Information and interaction from guide on the bus there would be helpful. I did the wine tour. Apart from a lift there I could not comment on quality of services. Driver and guide introdiced themselves and that was it. No specific complaints, but minimal service was provided on the actual tour.

Kris Dabkowski

Service provide by your agent was better than I could expected. In hotels: waiters should now a few English/international words e.g.: beer or ordering food some simple English/international terminology not only Spanish.

Marjorie Risinger

Our guide was wonderful and the excursion terrific.

Francis Peter

Damien and Paola was very professionnal and attentive and kindless and Katherin thé driver super!! Everything was réally fine thank you so much.

Nellie Knight

Cliff our guide was prompt, professional and knows Chile very well. He did an excellent job giving us a great sampling of Chile in a few hours. He knows all the great views. where good photos can be made. I will use your services again when in Chile.

Pamela Donaldson

Very satisfied with services provided. Our driver/guide arrived on schedule and was most helpful and informative. Thank you.

Keith Springer

Excellent service from both guide and driver.

teresa bunn

Jorge was a great guide, and ended up being our transportation to Vina the next day as well. On time and courteous and personable!

Jessica Austin

Daniela was very helpful in making arrangements. It is nice to have the name of a person when working with a large organization. I had a great experience on the Isla Negra trip I arranged through you.

Annika Leichtweiss

No complaints! Paola was extremely helpful and answered promptly any questions!

Kristina Scherbichler

Very informative tour, qualitative guide

Jean Pierre MOREL

We enjoyed your services and shall recommend you: It was well organized and had no trouble at all, our requests were fulfilled properly and professionally. Go on ! We wereon 1st time discovery. Next we may be more demanding. It was great.

Mary elacqua

The hotel offered other excursions and our options which were not present on your website we would have stayed another day go trip to hot springs /termas

Maria van Burik

The guides services were very good and all the transports etc. worked very well.Hotel Lady Florence Dixi: The staff could be friendlier! \r\nSuggestion: When a trip starts early in the morning, the hotel should be asked to provide either an early breakfast or give a packed breakfast. It is after all included in the price and is part of the tour. Really important!

Yolanda Liu

The tour I received was very good. It would have been better if the tour information I received would have told me to bring my bathing suit so I have an option to enjoy the hot spring at the Tatio Geyser.

Stephen Rickard

Great service to combine days trips with a quality hotel as a base. Highly recommend

Patrick Lehrman

Ata of AKU AKU Tours was very knowledgeable and an excellent guide. We were fortunate enough to have him on all three tours.

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Chile Tours and Trips 2024/2025

Chile may be a skinny stretch of a country along the coast of South America, but a Chile tour packs a punch with many interesting destinations and exciting activities. Explore the highlights of the country at the most affordable price with a budget tour of Chile . With a Chile luxury tour , experience lavish cruises and stylish wildlife excursions. With a Chile private tour , see the best of the country at your own pace, with your own people. Take advantage of many  Chile-guided tours to explore the nation's hidden gems. Regardless of how you plan to holiday in Chile, you will experience an unmatched variety of landscapes, activities, and culture at every corner.

• Chile Travel Guide
• Things to Do in Chile
• Best Time to Visit Chile

162 Trips in Chile with 493 Reviews

• Starts Santiago, Chile
• Ends Santiago, Chile

Discover Chile

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Adventure Cultural, religious and historic sites , Adventure & Explorer 'data-more-tripid='7455'>+1 more
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Boat & Flight
• Age Range 16-99 yrs
• Operated in English
• Nov 25 Only 4 seats left
• Dec 16 Only 3 seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

Chile, Patagonian Lakes and Atacama Desert

• Trip customizable
• Tour Type Private Tour
• Activities City sightseeing & Volcanoes City sightseeing , Volcanoes , Lagoons & Deserts and canyons 'data-more-tripid='24055'>+2 more
• Transport Flight, Private Vehicle & Taxi
• Age Range 1-79 yrs
• Operated in English, Spanish

• Starts Puerto Natales, Chile
• Ends Puerto Natales, Chile

Torres del Paine - The W Trek

• Activities Wildlife & Trekking and Hiking Wildlife , Trekking and Hiking , Explorer & Safari 'data-more-tripid='6147'>+2 more
• Accommodation Camping & Hotel
• Transport Ferry, Bus, Boat & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,699
• Special Deal (25%): - US$ 675
• Total Price from: US$ 2,024
• Oct 15 Only 4 seats left
• Oct 19 Only 8 seats left

• Starts Calama, Chile
• Ends Calama, Chile

Atacama Adventure - Nature Tour in the Atacama Desert

• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Adventure
• Transport Private Vehicle
• Age Range 18-79 yrs

Torres del Paine O Circuit - TOP Trekking!

• Activities Trekking and Hiking
• Accommodation Tent, Guest House, Camping & Hotel
• Transport Boat

Torres del Paine - Full Circuit Trek

• Activities Wildlife & Trekking and Hiking Wildlife , Trekking and Hiking , Explorer & Safari 'data-more-tripid='6148'>+2 more
• Accommodation Camping, Lodge & Hotel
• Transport Bus & Private Vehicle
• Nov 23 Only 5 seats left
• Dec 07 10+ seats left

• Starts Puerto Varas, Chile
• Ends Temuco, Chile

Cycling the Lake District of Chile & Argentina

• Activities Bicycle tours & Adventure Bicycle tours , Adventure & Explorer 'data-more-tripid='7712'>+1 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Villa
• Transport 4WD Jeep
• Oct 13 Only 8 seats left
• Dec 01 Only 8 seats left

Trending Destinations in Chile

3 Day Wine & Dine Tour: Colchagua Valley

• Free cancellation
• Activities Wine tasting tours & Food tours Wine tasting tours , Food tours & Honeymoon 'data-more-tripid='6112'>+1 more
• Accommodation Lodge & Hotel
• Age Range 5-79 yrs

• Starts Punta Arenas, Chile
• Ends Punta Arenas, Chile

Exploring the Best of Torres del Paine - W circuit

• Tour Type Independent Tour
• Activities Trekking and Hiking & National parks Trekking and Hiking , National parks & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='15274'>+1 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Camping & Tent
• Transport Bus & Boat
• Age Range 5-80 yrs

• Starts Easter Island, Chile
• Ends Hanga Roa, Chile

Easter Island Experience 4D/3N

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Explorer Cultural, religious and historic sites , Explorer & Honeymoon 'data-more-tripid='26395'>+1 more
• Transport Private Vehicle & Bus
• Age Range 18-99 yrs
• Jun 10 10+ seats left
• Jun 11 10+ seats left

Torres del Paine Circuit

• Accommodation Camping, Tent & Hotel
• Transport Boat & Bus
• Dec 08 10+ seats left
• Jan 12 Only 7 seats left

Highlights Of Chile

• Activities Chill out & City sightseeing
• Accommodation Hotel & Camping
• Transport Flight
• Age Range 8-95 yrs
• Jul 09 10+ seats left
• Jul 23 10+ seats left

Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

• Tour Type Cruise Tour
• Activities Cruise & Polar expeditions and cruise
• Accommodation Hotel & Ship Cabin
• Transport Cruise Ship & Flight
• Age Range 8-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 18,295
• Special Deal (30%): - US$ 5,489
• Total Price from: US$ 12,806
• Dec 05 Only 4 seats left
• Dec 15 Only 4 seats left

• Ends San Pedro De Atacama, Chile

Best Of Chile

• Activities City sightseeing & Chill out City sightseeing , Chill out & Cultural, religious and historic sites 'data-more-tripid='39024'>+1 more
• Transport Flight, Private Vehicle, Bus & Coach
• Jul 16 10+ seats left
• Jul 30 10+ seats left

Traveling to Chile? Chat with a local travel specialist in Chile who can help organize your trip.

Chile Tour Reviews

• Monica Shao
• Orion Hawke
• Seraphina Rivers

Chile — Tour Highlights and Travel Tips

Finding adventure, diversity, and closeness to nature are the three pillars of a trip to Chile. Chile is one of the few countries where you would actually want to take a wrong turn because you never know where it might take you—a hidden oasis that few tourists have ever discovered. 

The unique configuration of Chile's mountains and sea ensures that it offers some of the clearest night skies in the world. You will have the ideal place to spend long nights cuddled up next to your special someone, stargazing and naming stars as you take in the breathtaking natural beauty. A 3700-year-old tree is located in the Torres del Paine National Park, one of many national parks in Chile. Other sights to see are Moon Valley in the Atacama Desert and the strange stone statues on Easter Island. In conclusion, taking a tour of Chile is an experience you won't soon forget.

Tour Highlights

• See the Moai on Easter Island
• Drive through the Atacama Desert
• Take in the view of Santiago from San Cristóbal Hill
• Explore the blue glaciers of Torres del Paine National Park
• Visit the end of the world in Tierra del Fuego
• Take a selfie with a Guanaco

Travel Tips

• There are hot deserts and beaches in Chile, but there are also mountains and glaciers. For a holiday in Chile, pack for all types of weather and try to dress in layers for long days out.
• Many bank machines in Chile will not accept foreign bank cards. Do your research before the trip to find out which banks will work for you, and be sure to exchange money before you travel.
• Colourful Chilean sunrises and sunsets are some of the most beautiful in the world. Take some siestas during the day so you get to experience both.
• When dining in Chile, be prepared to eat slightly later than you are used to. Lunch in typically served around 2pm, while dinner is not eaten until anywhere from 8pm to 10pm. Chileans also have a snack time called 'once' - a light dinner of hot drinks and cakes. Chile is rich in food culture, so know what you must not miss to eat in Chile.
• Earthquakes are very common in Chile, but there's no need to be alarmed. While you may feel a tremor or two during your visit, the country is built to withstand even large earthquakes.

Popular tour types in Chile

• Chile luxury tours:  Relish Patagonia's serene peace from the comfort of opulent seaside resorts or go on thrilling expeditions like a wildlife excursion around Cape Horn. Explore Torres del Paine National Park by zodiac boat and take a luxury cruise tour to Punta Arenas. Our Chile luxury tours will take you to the farthest end of the planet while creating the most authentic experiences.
• Chile private tours:   Walk among sea lions and penguins, and watch whales in Peninsula Valdes. Stargaze in the Atacama Desert or traverse the city of colorful cliff-top homes, Valparaiso. Whether it is Isla Negra or Torres del Paine, experience the best of Chile at your own pace with one of our  Chile private tours .
• Chile guided tours:   Jump on one of our Chile-guided tours to discover the hidden treasures of the country. As you tour Puerto Natales, Puerto Varas, Patagonia, and Santiago, you will come across Chile’s unparalleled range of landscapes. Hopping on and off at cultural, religious, and historic sites, you will grasp the whole of Chile under the guidance of fun-loving, friendly guides.
• Chile budget tours:   Our   Chile budget tours will take you to all the popular spots you wish to see at the lowest market cost. Hike through Guatin Canyon and visit the mysterious Easter Island and the wineries of the Colchagua Valley. Go easy on your wallets and keep your tour to a single destination like Torres del Paine O Circuit or the Atacama Desert while still getting a wonderful experience.
• Chile customized tours:   Your itineraries to Chile can be altered and personalized to fit your pace and preferences. Indulge in activities and visit the highlights of Chile that you find the most enticing. Contact our local travel experts in Chile to design your customized tour and satisfy your expectations.
• Chile group tours:  Join those in accord on a Chile group tour for an adventure of geysers, fertile valleys, vineyards, and lakes. Cruise Lagos Todos Los Santos and cycle through the Lake District. Take your time on the excursions to the Atacama salt flats and Altiplano lagoons, with travelers just like you.

Activity-based Chile tours

• Adventure tours:  From a safari tour through the world's driest desert, the Atacama, to cycling through Chile's Lake District's renowned Andean Lakes, explore adventure tours to Chile , packed with distinct experiences. You can even sign up for a long trip that includes trekking, catamaran rides, cruise tours, and more.
• Trekking tours:   From Patagonia's beautiful mountains and gigantic blue glaciers to the Atacama Desert's singular moon-like rocks, you can fully experience Chile's distinct geography and biodiversity on the country's hiking routes. There are plenty of  trekking tours in Chile  that would leave the most experienced trekker in awe of the terrific landscapes such as the famous Torres del Paine National Park or the Dientes de Navarino.
• Sightseeing tours:   Besides the famous stone sculptures of Easter Island and museums and galleries in Santiago, Chile is blessed with a wealth of world-class wineries, active volcanoes, and dramatic coastlines. Our sightseeing tours to Chile , in destinations such as Patagonia, Casablanca Valley, and Isla Negra, will give you an in-depth insight into the country.
• Hiking tours:  With the world's driest desert, the Atacama, in the far north, and glacier-carved valleys and fjords in the far south in Patagonia, Chile is a visual feast for travelers. From the Lake District and the Andes to Torres del Paine National Park and Tierra del Fuego National Park, join  hiking tours that will take you through popular trails in Chile.
• Wine tasting tours:  If you love wine, a  wine tasting tour in Chile is an excellent way to broaden your knowledge of wine-making while opening your palate to new experiences. Grab a drink and stroll in Valparaiso and Santiago, or head to the Chilean valleys of Casablanca, Maipo, and Colchagua to locate famous vineyards that create some of the world's best wines.

Popular durations for Chile trips

Chile tours — Top destinations to visit

• Tour the Patagonian Fjords and glaciers: Patagonia is a breathtakingly beautiful region. In addition to hiking and trekking trails in parks like Torres del Paine, it is home to mountains, glaciers, rivers, and lakes. It has a land area of roughly 1,000,000 square kilometers and extends across Chile and Argentina in the southernmost regions of South America. You can travel to Patagonia on a small ship, stopping at some of the world's most southerly cities along the way and possibly even landing at Cape Horn, the geographical "end of the earth" that marks the continent's southernmost point. Visitors can expect a lot from Patagonia, which stretches from the farthest northern reaches of its Lake District to its farthest southern point in Tierra del Fuego.
• Discover the cosmopolitan Santiago: Located in the Maipo Valley, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the snowy Andes to the east, Santiago enthralls visitors with its breathtaking vistas, neoclassical architecture, and inventive cuisine. Explore Santiago 's thriving neighborhoods by dining in the Barrio Italia, shopping with style-conscious Santiguenos in Bellavista, or taking in the view from Santa Lucia Hill. After that, stroll around Plaza de Armas to see the Metropolitan Cathedral or the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art's exhibit of Pre-Columbian antiquities. Experience the vibrant nightlife scenes of Barrios, Brazil, and Lastarria. With a burgeoning economy, revitalized arts exhibits, and plenty of exhilarating activities, Santiago is an old-guard city on the edge of a contemporary reawakening.
• Explore the distinct landscapes of the Atacama Desert: Travel to the Atacama Desert the driest desert on earth, is far from lifeless. Rather, it is a region brimming with energy thanks to its hospitable indigenous cultures and the oases that provide life in the desert. Ascend the Andean Altiplano's more than 4,000 meters in elevation to discover tiny towns that uphold their traditions amidst breathtaking scenery. Discover unique landscapes in San Pedro de Atacama, which include deep blue lagoons, geysers, and salt flats. Also, stop by one of the many astronomical observatories in the Elqui Valley.
• Mingle with wildlife in Torres del Paine National Park: Prepare your hiking supplies and set out to explore the sizable Torres del Paine National Park . While the Las Torres and French Valley rank among the best day hikes in the world, the W and O Treks are among the best multi-day hikes in Chilean Patagonia. Navigate Lake Gray while keeping an eye out for foxes, huemuls, and guanacos, or be patient and wait for the majestic puma to make its showy entrance. Torres del Paine is one of those wonderful places that you do not get to visit every day. It is home to four distinct ecological zones, including the Andean Desert, Magellanic Subpolar Forest, Pre-Andean Shrubland, and Patagonian Steppe.
• Unveil the hidden adventures of Puerto Natales : The tranquil seaside community of Puerto Natales, which serves as the entrance to Torres del Paine National Park, has gained appeal among those travelers seeking breathtaking and amazing adventures while taking in the slow-paced eclectic local way of life, varied history, and distinct culture of Southern Patagonia. Get a closer view of Serrano and Balmaceda glaciers by taking a catamaran tour of Última Esperanza Sound. Go kayaking in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, examine countless fossils in Milodon Caves; and enjoy horseback riding on the Sierra Dorotea Trail.

Peak season and low season tours in Chile

• Chile in December
• Chile in January         
• Chile in June
• Chile in July
• Chile in August

Popular Chile trip travel guide

If you are planning a trip to Chile, you will want to know about the best time to visit Chile as well as check out all the available Chile tours. You may also wish to learn more about the top things to do in Chile . Once you are sure about some of the activities you wish to experience in Chile, along with the destinations you want to visit, you may want to consider how many days to stay in Chile . We generally recommend staying at least 7 days in Chile , but recommend 10 days in Chile or more, to get the most out of your trip to Chile.

Next, we recommend you start thinking about the money you can allocate to the trip to know whether you should be looking for a budget tour, a luxury tour, or perhaps a completely customized tour to Chile . If you are in doubt, check out all our Chile tours at the top of this page.

Chile is an amazing country to visit, and there may be other key factors that you wish to consider before traveling there. Please check our " Chile travel guide " which will give you a lot of relevant information about traveling to Chile.

Tours in Chile - Questions and Answers

Chile is well connected from north to south via flights and buses. But it’s trickier to travel from east to west, and south of Puerto Montt because of the unusual landscape comprising glaciers and mountains. Long-distance buses are the best way to go up and down the country. For travelling to remote areas, you can hire your own car. Trains are useful only in certain parts, like Central Chile. You can also consider low-cost airlines: they are sometimes cheaper than long-distance buses—if you don’t mind missing out on the scenery on the way.

We recommend, at the very least, a 2-weeks tour of Chile to explore the blue glaciers and emerald forests of Torres del Paine, the enticing landscapes of the Atacama desert, and similar must-see destinations. You will be left with enough time to add a few more delightful places like capital Santiago, Valparaiso, and one or two world-class vineyards. A three-week tour will allow you to linger longer in all your favorite places. But if you have only 5 to 7 days, it’s best to focus on Santiago, the nearby colorful towns, and the wine valleys. Add a few more days, and you can squeeze in Patagonia, Atacama, Easter Island, or the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. To get more details on how many days to spend in Chile, see here .

Chile is not the cheapest place to visit in South America. But the kind of trip you have in mind will determine your budget. Typically, most tourists like to hike in the Torres del Paine and explore the desert landscape of Atacama during a 10 to 15-day trip. It is possible to do a trekking-heavy trip on a budget of USD 90 to 100 per day per person. Basic accommodation and food costs are higher in Chile than in other South American countries. So be ready to spend at least USD 75 daily for a non-luxurious trip.

Chile is best known for its diverse landscapes. It is home to incredible glaciers and fjords, the driest of deserts, superb rock formations, and ancient forests. Chilean hospitality is well known, and the people like to bond over maté tea. You’ll find buena onda (good vibes) wherever you go. The world has woken up to the exquisite taste of Chile’s wines . In fact, Latin America’s largest winegrower is in Chile’s countryside. Capital Santiago has some of the finest art galleries in South America like the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino. Neighborhoods like Bellavista in Santiago and Concepción in Valparaíso have a very vibrant street-art culture. 

Traditional Chilean cuisine is hearty and winsome, imbibing many European and South American influences. Some famous dishes include Plateada (soft-cut beef), Chorrillana (French fries with meat and seasoning); Empanada (baked or fried puff pastry with salty or sweet fillings), Pastel del choclo (a sort of shepherd’s pie made using corn mash), Pastel de jaiba (crab pie), Machas a la parmesana (a clam dish topped with cheese), and Completo (Chilean-style hot dog that is bigger than its American counterpart). And you must try Terremotos, a rather potent alcoholic drink, and the many excellent Chilean wines

If your trip to Chile includes hiking along glaciers and mountains, you’ll need to pack some serious winter clothing and trekking wear. But in places like Santiago, you don’t need to overthink what you’re wearing. You are likely to be walking a lot in the capital city, so bring some comfortable walking shoes. Since the weather is usually on the warmer side in most cities, t-shirts and tank tops (for women) are great. To avoid standing out as a tourist, men should wear longer shorts and women longer skirts—but that’s really a matter of choice. Chile is a fairly relaxed place when it comes to clothes.  

The best time to visit Chile depends on what you want to do, which places you’d like to explore and how keen you are to avoid crowds. Spring (September to November) is the ideal time to visit the volcanic Lake Districts; Patagonia (you won’t have to experience too many bitter cold winds); and popular places like Pucon and Vina del Mar (minus the summer rush). The weather is equally good from March to May, especially in areas north of Santiago. March is also the time for grape harvests and wine festivals. You might want to cover the Atacama Desert at this time too before the summer heat becomes oppressive. 

From exploring the towering mountains and roaring rivers of Torres Del Paine National Park and stargazing in the Atacama Desert to uncovering the mysteries of Easter Island, visiting the monuments and museums of Santiago, and enjoying the bohemian vibe of the port of Valparaíso—Chile has something for all tastes and seasons. Compared to most of Latin America, Chile is politically stable and has a strong economy by regional standards. So, you can focus on all the fun things. Our travel experts will help you choose the perfect customized tour to Chile . 

• Chile budget tours
• Eco tours in Chile
• Chile guided tours
• Chile family tour packages
• Chile luxury tours
• Chile private tours
• Chile self-guided tours
• Chile small group tours
• Chile solo trips
• Chile tailor-made vacation packages
• Chile tours for senior citizens
• Chile tours for young adults
• Chile group tours
• Chile travel deals

Popular Destinations

• Patagonia Tours
• Puerto Natales Tours
• Punta Arenas Tours
• Santiago Tours
• Tierra Del Fuego Tours
• Torres del Paine National Park Tours

Popular Activities

• Adventure tours
• City sightseeing tours
• Explorer tours
• Natural landmarks sightseeing tours
• Trekking and Hiking tours

Upcoming Departures

• Summer 2024/2025
• Winter 2024/2025
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Free cancellation on most trips

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Why Choose a Chile Tour?

Chile’s diversity stretches as long as the country itself. From spectacular Patagonia and Torres Del Paine in the south, to coastal fjords and glaciers, to the eerie desert landscape of Atacama and ancient traditions of Rapa Nui, our Chile tours cover it all. Chile tours are as active as you wish with numerous options for adventure for all ability levels. Hike and trek remote circuits in Patagonia. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard in highland lakes. Soak in desert hot springs or swim in refreshing salt lagoons in Atacama. Fully guided adventure explorations are part of every Chile vacation tour. Our Adventure Specialists know the best Chile land tours and experiences. We work with you to customize the best itinerary for your interests, ability and budget. Want to add a wine tour in Santiago? We can do that. Do you prefer extra days of trekking in Patagonia?  No problem. Want to upgrade your lodge in Atacama? We’ve got you covered.  Work with our Chile vacation tour professionals to craft the perfect trip at the best price.

This 5-, 6- or 7-day lodge-based trip in the center of Torres del Paine National Park offers over 40 unique explorations to choose from, including Base Torres and Grey Glacier. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Paine Massif and Salto Chico waterfall from home base.

The trails amongst the famous Torres del Paine craggy mountains are among the world's classic trekking routes. By day, explore nature in its raw form while winding through these exceptional mountains. By night, enjoy the cozy luxury of EcoCamp's unique dome accommodations, or camping.

From the Explora Patagonia National Park Lodge in Chile's stunning Chacabuco Valley, choose from 30+ daily guided activities to experience the park as few do. Hike, bike, kayak and travel overland to discover valleys, forests, wildlife, fossils, glaciers, lakes and rivers. Start and end each day at your 13-room lodge with included meals, open bar and an attentive staff.

Chile Tours

Chile tours with AdventureSmith Explorations get folks off the beaten path to actively explore up close and in style. Travel with expert naturalist guides to tour Chile as few visitors do, staying in remote wilderness lodges and boutique hotels away from tourist crowds. Our award-winning small group tours and private custom tours ensure a seamless experience to diverse landscapes such as Patagonia, Atacama, Santiago and Rapa Nui.

Chile is vast, spanning nearly 2,700 miles of South America’s Pacific coastline, yet only 110 miles wide, making overland tours a challenge to plan and execute. Our itineraries focus on off-the-beaten-path regions that highlight the country’s diverse nature and culture. Hike and trek in Patagonia. Explore the otherworldly landscape of Atacama and the towering moai on Easter Island. Our experts will help you combine shorter regional tours into a comprehensive Chile vacation tour. Contact our experts for personalized custom tour planning.

Planning Chile Tours with AdventureSmith

AdventureSmith’s hand-picked Chile vacation tours offer a large selection of daily activities to explore the breathtaking nature and intriguing wildlife found within the region. Enjoy Atacama desert adventures, Easter Island explorations and rugged experiences in Torres Del Paine. Why tour Chile with us?

Personalized

Work exclusively with one Adventure Specialist to research, book & prepare for your trip.

Choose your adventure daily, with options like hiking, biking, horseback riding & diving.

We’ve personally tested our Chile tours and apply that knowledge to your booking process.

Our local connections & deals on Chile tours mean you save on a top-notch experience.

Five-Star Chile Patagonia Tours

Chile’s spellbinding Patagonia region is a popular destination for nature lovers and active outdoor enthusiasts. Options abound to get outside on hikes, explore by bike and boat, or track the local pumas. While the landscape offers challenges, AdventureSmith’s Chile Patagonia tours won’t sacrifice your comfort. Tour Chile and Patagonia right from the front door of your cozy geodesic dome or luxury wilderness lodge, with expert naturalist guides, five-star service, relaxing spaces and mouthwatering meals to complement the experience. While some of our longer Chile Patagonia tours may use refugios for a few nights while out on a trek, expect to bookend your experience with private accommodations. Return from your Patagonia adventure revitalized and with a new sense of wonder about the world.

Our Style of Chile Vacation Tours

Our Chile tours range from the Earth’s driest desert in northern Chile, to the peaks and glaciers of the Patagonia region in the south, and the mysterious and culture-rich Easter Island off shore. Learn which of our Chile tours is best for you by talking with one of our experts. Browse our Chile vacation tours and lodges on this page or design your own custom Chile tour with the help of our staff. We can also link any of our Chile vacation tours with other nearby adventures, such as an Antarctica cruise .

“Enjoy Atacama desert, Easter Island and rugged Torres Del Paine.”

Temperature & Rainfall

The Best Timing For Chile Tours

While some of our Chile tours operate year-round, the best weather is during the warmer months of the southern hemisphere, from October to April. In particular for Chile Patagonia tours, the weather can change in an instant (and the winds can be strong), so we recommend arriving prepared for the elements. Note that the climate data referenced above is for Santiago, Chile, which is a jumping off point for all of our Chile tours.

Want to Learn More About Chile’s Climate?

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Chile Lodges

Our Chile tours are based from remote, upscale lodges where expert naturalist guides lead active explorations of nature, wildlife and culture. Strategically located and surrounded by wilderness, comfortable lodges provide unparalleled access to your surroundings. Lodges are rooted in the region’s environment and employ cutting edge sustainability practices. After a full day of active exploration return to the lodge for a glass of Chilean wine, an informative lecture and a delicious meal. Rest well encompassed by solitude and awake refreshed for another day of active exploration. Chile tours visiting towns and cities utilize boutique hotels and historic inns that capture the essence of Chile’s culture. Expect upscale accommodations and excellent service in an authentic Chilean atmosphere. We use only the finest lodges and hotels striving to ensure our travelers experience the best of Chile accommodations.

Explora Atacama is a luxury lodge located in the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama 8,202 feet above sea level in Chile’s Atacama Desert. Exquisite dining, enchanting grounds and over 40 unique explorations are how you will spend your time embracing the area.

EcoCamp is situated in the very heart of Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile, and provides the region’s first fully sustainable accommodation, complete with green technology and individual geodesic domes.

Explora Rapa Nui is a luxury lodge located on Easter Island. Exquisite dining, privileged grounds and over 30 unique explorations are how you will spend your time experiencing this magnificent area.

The Explora Torres del Paine Lodge is located at the center of the Torres del Paine National Park, the heart of Patagonia, Chile. On the shores of Lake Pehoe, it has breathtaking views of the Paine ridge and the granite towers.

Chile Tour & Travel Guides

Since our Chile tours explore everything from the driest desert on Earth to the jagged Andean mountains of Torres Del Paine and the underwater wonders of Easter Island, there are many ways to research your ideal way to tour Chile. Read expert reviews to discover what it’s like to trek on Chile Patagonia tours, summit an 18,000-foot mountain in the desert, or take in the mysterious moai stone statues on Easter Island before returning to relax at Explora Rapa Nui Lodge —one of AdventureSmith founder Todd Smith’s picks for the best wilderness lodges worldwide. Let our experts be your guide to adventure travel in Chile and beyond.

Reach new heights with AdventureSmith founder Todd Smith as he explores the Atacama Desert and climbs the 18,000-foot Cerro Toco.

See what it's like to hike to the Towers Base in Patagonia's Torres del Paine National Park, and why EcoCamp lodge is the best basecamp for this famous trek.

AdventureSmith Specialist Andrew Browning reviews his Explora Torres del Paine Lodge stay within the park. Read about his trip, and tips on booking your stay.

Travel to remote Rapa Nui, Easter Island, with AdventureSmith's founder who reviews his trip at the luxury basecamp Explora Rapa Nui.

A Conde Nast Traveler top specialist details his opinion of the world’s best wilderness lodges, from Rapa Nui to Alaska, and why he finds them so special.

What Travelers Say About Their Chile Tours

Explora at Rapa Nui was perfect. Fabulous food. Great service. The hikes were gorgeous and led well. It is really the best way to do this trip as the hikes are not available to others.

I loved the EcoCamp in Patagonia--every evening, you can decide with the help of staff and fellow travelers what you'll be doing the following day, depending on how you're feeling. Every choice of activity level is top-quality. The EcoCamp represents a good balance between sustainable adventure travel and comfort, and the staff succeeds in quickly building a sense of community.

Smooth trip, great guides. Patagonia is obviously one of the most beautiful places on earth. Torres del Paine is almost terrifying in its beauty. The (reasonably) close contact with wildlife/birds is extraordinary.

Patagonia/Torres del Paine was incredible. I was able to enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

Everything was great. Hikes, food, staff, culture.

Accommodations Review

Explora at Rapa Nui was perfect.

Meals Review

Fabulous food. Great service.

Crew & Guides Review

Informed, interested, and knowledgeable. The hikes were gorgeous and led well.

Transportation Review

Does't really apply. We arranged our own flights

Traveler Advice

Make sure you know about the form to enter Easter Island. And have it filled out with on phone or print before you depart. Also, if you can afford Explora, it is really the best way to do this trip as the hikes are not available to others. The town was fine but not that interesting, except for Sunday mass which was such a great thing to do.

Featured in this Traveler Review

• Explora Rapa Nui
• Explora Rapa Nui Lodge, Chile

Note that this review also includes comments on the traveler’s post-trip Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake cruise with AdventureSmith Explorations. 

I loved the EcoCamp in Patagonia--every evening, you can decide with the help of staff and fellow travelers what you'll be doing the following day, depending on how you're feeling.  Every choice of activity level is top-quality. The EcoCamp represents a good balance between sustainable adventure travel and comfort, and the staff succeeds in quickly building a sense of community among visitors and between visitors and its staff--even after just 3 days at camp, I was already saying goodbye to people who already felt like good friends (including, in particular, fabulous guides Franco, Sebastien and Pablo). 

Unbelievably top-quality service and amazing food, both at the EcoCamp and on board Quark's Sea Adventurer. In fact, all of us guests spontaneously cheered the chef during one of our EcoCamp dinners, and the service on board the Sea Adventurer was on par with any Michelin-starred restaurant in New York City (where I live). Both venues did an excellent job managing my dietary restrictions (pescatarian).

Franco, Sebastien, and Pablo were simply extraordinary, with a passion for Patagonia and a genuine desire to make every guest's experience extra-special. Franco even dived after my backpack as it was rolling off a cliff; Sebastien made time to get to know each guest over dinner and drinks deep into the evenings; Pablo has an encyclopedic knowledge of local flora and fauna that turned every day trek into an unforgettable experience.  

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Andrew was great at providing advanced reading materials, packing lists, and answering all manner of pre-trip questions quickly and accurately. He had great advice and I consider Andrew to be primarily responsible for ensuring that this 2-in-1 trip combo worked so beautifully.

Bring twice as much camera film as you think you'll need. Prepare to be stunned by your fabulous surroundings.

• Patagonia Wildlife Safari
• EcoCamp Patagonia
• Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake
• Quark Expeditions
• Andrew Browning

Smooth trip, great guides. Patagonia is obviously one of the most beautiful places on earth. The boat trip to across the glacier lake and up to the glaciers (the second day of our safari) is exciting, reasonably safe, and breathtakingly beautiful. Torres del Paine is almost terrifying in its beauty. The (reasonably) close contact with wildlife/birds is extraordinary.

The Hotel Orly is excellent. EcoCamp is a bit rough (even in the "suites") but that is to be expected. This would not pull down our rating from excellent.

Plainly, the chef at EcoCamp takes great pride in his or her work.

Our guides in Santiago were extraordinary. The first day of our safari was beyond our physical abilities, but our guide had assured us that it would not be. Your materials had made the difficulty fairly clear, and we had decided to take the "easy" routes, but there was fairly strong pressure from our guides (and others in our group) to do this "hard" trek on our first day, when we really had no reference point to know how hard "hard" would be. We (now) understand that "trekking" is serious exercise, but that was not explained to us (I think everyone just assumed that we knew what "trekking" means; but for folks over 50, that is a relatively new concept of which many of us are not really aware). Otherwise, the rest of the safari was absolutely fabulous! (We went "easy" after that first day!) Claudio was an outstanding guide on our third day.

Clothing requirements for EcoCamp could have been clearer due to the stark changes from cold to hot (and vice versa), even within a few hours. Transportation was very smooth.

This was a trip of a lifetime (particularly because we tacked it onto the a cruise around Cape Horn, which is equally wonderful). But we are being candid about the problems mentioned above simply to offer what we hope is constructive criticism to help you improve a truly wonderful adventure even more for folks like us.

Itinerary Review

Amazing trip. I normally do a lot of research and planning but since Arielle helped to identify amazing options with a lot of structure baked into the itinerary, I was able to just tell my buddy we could show up and figure things out for the day. It reduced a lot of the typical planning burden.

Explora guides were knowledgeable and engaging. They did a better job to speak a combination of English and Spanish than guides on other parts of our trip.

I really appreciate AdventureSmith/Arielle with all the suggestions and support.

• Explora Torres del Paine
• Explora Torres del Paine Lodge
• Arielle Lightcap

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Chile defies many visitors’ expectations of an Andean country. It is developed, relatively affluent and non-corrupt. Travel to Chile and you’ll discover one of the safest and most relaxing countries in South America. Its buses are comfortable and run on time; its people polite and respectful. Above all, though, visitors travel to Chile for its beautiful landscapes. The population is concentrated to the major cities, which leaves vast tracts of scarcely touched wilderness to explore.

Chile travel facts

Where to go in chile, best time to go to chile, how to get to chile, how to get around chile, best places to visit in chile, itineraries for chile, travel visa requirements for chile, food and drink in chile, festivals in chile, sports in chile, top activities in chile, national parks and reserves, shopping in chile, chile’s wildlife, what to see.

A country of geographical extremes, Chile’s diversity is reflected both in its people and its cuisine, which encompasses the tropical fruit of the arid north as well as king crab from the southern fjords. Above all, visitors head to Chile for its remote and dizzyingly beautiful landscapes. Our travel guide to Chile will provide you with everything you need to make the most of it.

• Motto: ‘ Por la razón o la fuerza ’ meaning, ‘By right or by might’.
• Population: 17.2 million people live in Chile, consisting of a fairly homogenous mestizo population with a few indigenous groups ranging from Mapuche in the Lake District, Yámana and Kawéskar (around 2,800) in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.
• Economy: One of the most developed countries in Latin America, Chile has the steadiest growth in the region and the lowest level of corruption in Latin America.
• Law: Chile only legalised divorce in 2004.
• Politics: Although notorious for the Pinochet’s infamous military dictatorship during the 1970s and 1980s, Chile otherwise has a long history of parliamentary democracy.

Travel to Chile’s capital Santiago and you’ll find monuments, museums and restaurants. Whilst on the popular Central Coast, the port of Valparaíso provides a contrasting bohemian vibe. Chile’s largest beach resort Viña del Mar couldn’t be more different, with high-rises, casino and seafront restaurants.

Continue north and you’ll find a succession of idyllic beaches spread out along the dazzling fringe of the Norte Chico, which comprises semi-arid landscapes and hardy vegetation.

South of Santiago, the lush Central Valley, with its swathes of orchards and vineyards, invites you to find Chile’s best vintages, including Carmenère, the country’s signature grape. Further south, the much-visited Lake District is a postcard-perfect landscape spanning conical volcanoes to dense araucaria forests.

Just off the southern edge of the Lake District, the Chiloé archipelago is famous for its rickety houses on stilts, distinctive wooden churches and rich local mythology.

Back on the mainland, between the Carretera Austral and Campo de Hielo Sur (Southern Ice-Field), lies Patagonia , a land of bleak windswept plains bordered by the magnificent granite spires of the Torres del Paine massif, a magnet for hikers and climbers.

Across the Magellan Strait, Tierra del Fuego sits shivering at the bottom of the world, a remote place of harsh, desolate beauty, while Chile’s southernmost town, Puerto Williams, is the gateway to one of the continent’s toughest treks, the Dientes de Navarino.

No Chile travel guide would be complete without mentioning the country’s two Pacific possessions: Easter Island – one of the most remote places on earth – and the little-visited Isla Robinson Crusoe, part of the Juan Fernández Archipelago, with its dramatic volcanic peaks and a wealth of endemic wildlife.

Discover more places in Chile

• Patagonia Travel Guide
• Santiago and around Travel Guide
• The Central Valley Travel Guide
• The Lake District Travel Guide
• Tierra del Fuego Travel Guide
• Valparaíso Travel Guide

Given the variety of its climate and geography, you can travel to Chile at any time of year. The best time to visit Chile depends on what area of the country most interests you.

Santiago, northern Chile and the Atacama Desert are year-round destinations. Temperatures here tend to be hottest between January and March.

If you have your heart set on skiing around Santiago or further south, the best time is from July through to September. The season for adventure sports in the Lake District and Northern Patagonia tends to be November through to March.

The best time to visit South Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego is in warmer months of November to March. From June to September many places close and the area is difficult to navigate due to the snow.

The most straightforward way to travel to Chile is via Santiago’s modern international airport, though some travel to Chile by land from neighbouring countries, and a handful arrive by sea.

Airfares depend on the season. You’ll generally pay the most if you travel to Chile in the December-February and June-August periods, the southern and northern hemisphere’s summer holiday months, respectively. Fares drop slightly during the ‘shoulder’ months – March and November – and you’ll normally get the best prices during the low seasons: April, May, September and October.

For those travelling to Chile’s Easter Island, your flight from Santiago is likely to be cheaper if bought in conjunction with a LATAM Airlines international flight.

Getting around Chile is easy, comfortable and relatively good value. When you are there, you will most likely choose to travel by bus (or micros) due to the comfort and cost. Chile’s long-distance buses offer an excellent service thanks to the enormous amount of legroom, frequent departures and flexible itineraries.

Internal flights in Chile are useful for covering long distances in a hurry, though fares can be quite high. The country has a good road network, so hiring a car and driving is a quick and stress-free way of getting around.

Colectivos, shared taxis operating along a set route with fixed fares, are normally only slightly more expensive than local buses. These are good options when travelling in a couple or small group. Most colectivos look like regular taxis and have their route or final destination marked on a roof-board.

Taxis are normally black with a yellow roof. Foreigners are often overcharged, so check the meter has been turned on before you start a journey and get an estimate for the fare, if possible in Spanish. Fares should be shown on the windscreen.

• Atacama desert

Visit erupting geysers, crinkly salt plains and emerald lakes in the morning, and deep, mystical valleys by sunset in the driest desert on earth.

Travel advice for Chile

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Chile

• Sports and Outdoor activities in Chile
• Eating and drinking in Chile
• Getting around Chile: Transportation Tips
• Travel Tips Chile for planning and on the go
• Elqui Valley

Take advantage of some of the clearest skies in Chile and look at the universe through some of the world's most powerful telescopes.

Chile's rapidly evolving capital city boasts a vibrant eating out and nightlife scene, several fascinating museums, numerous cultural pursuits and a selection of excellent places to stay.

Valparaíso has a tangle of colourful houses, cobbled streets and bohemian hang-outs spread across a series of undulating hills overlooking the Pacific.

Pablo Neruda's house has been turned into a beguiling museum with an evocative collection of the Nobel Prize-winning poet's kitsch and often bizarre trinkets and knick-knacks.

Visit the numerous traditional bodegas around San Fernando and Santa Cruz, and sample some of Chile's finest vintages.

• Parque Nacional Torres del Paine

Hike the trails of Chile's most popular – and most spectacular – national park or climb the granite towers that give the park its name.

• Easter Island

Gazing down into the giant crater of the extinct Rano Kau volcano and visiting the magical moai at Ahu Tongariki and Rano Raraku are once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

• Isla Robinson Crusoe

Isla Robinson Crusoe has the end-of-the-world castaway feel that inspired Daniel Defoe's famous book.

Sample one of Chile's most memorable dishes, admire the palafitos (traditional houses on stilts) or hike through temperate rainforest on Chile's mist and legend shrouded island.

• Patagonian islands

Lose yourself in this veritable maze of fjords and tiny islets by taking to the water in a sea kayak, or take a boat trip in search of the elusive blue whale.

• Tierra del Fuego

Explore the deserted roads running through steppe and dotted with guanacos and rheas, or fish in the pristine lakes and rivers of Chile's remotest region.

• Isla Navarino

Chile's southernmost inhabited territory (barring Antarctica), where the warmth of the locals contrasts with the harshness of the landscape.

Fly over some of the world's most treacherous waters or brave a sailing trip to Chile's southernmost group of islands – the biggest nautical graveyard in the Americas.

• Parque Nacional La Campana

Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin by hiking up to the 1880m summit of Cerro La Campana, where you'll be rewarded by some of the best views in the country.

As part of our Chile travel guide we’ve drawn up some fantastic itineraries for travelling through Chile, taking you from the icy fjords and snow-tipped mountains of the south to the fertile wine-growing valleys in the centre and parched desert and highland lagoons of the north. In short, places to visit Chile abound.

Travel ideas for Chile, created by local experts

11 days  / from 4896 USD

Luxurious Chile - Atacama Desert & Easter Island

Explore two of Chile's extraordinary highlights: the Atacama desert with its salt flats and lagoons and Easter Island. The island is famous for its stone monoliths and source of mystery for many. Your stay will be complemented in the best hotels, making this trip even more special.

10 days  / from 2650 USD

Chile Explored: From Santiago to Torres del Paine

The vast expanse of Patagonia is home to extreme landscapes, from jagged mountains, stark glaciers, clear blue lakes, and grassy fields. You will find them all in Torres del Paine, a huge contrast to the start of the trip in the historical, bustling city of Santiago.

14 days  / from 3800 USD

Self-Drive Santiago, Wines & Lakes

Discover the beauty of Chile independently in your own rental car. Start in Santiago before heading to Pucon, Huilo Huilo and Puerto Varas. As you'll be in your own car, you can plan each day at your liking - hikes, relaxing or cultural exploration? Decide spontaneously.

Most foreign visitors who travel to Chile do not need a visa. Visitors of all nationalities are issued with a ninety-day tourist entry card ( Tarjeta de Turismo ) on arrival, which can be extended once for an additional ninety days.

If you lose your tourist card, ask for a duplicate immediately, either from the Fronteras department of the Policía Internacional, General Borgoño 1052, Santiago or from the Extranjero’s department of the Intendencia in any provincial capital. There’s no charge.

As with all countries, make sure you check on the country’s government website about your visa requirements, before you travel.

Travel to Chile and you’ll find a vast array of quality raw produce, though many restaurants lack imagination, offering similar limited menus. That’s not to say, however, that you can’t eat well here, and the fish and seafood, in particular, are superb.

On the whole, eating out in Chile tends to be good value. In local restaurants you can expect to pay around CH$4,000–7,000 for a main course. The best trick is to do as the Chileans do and make lunch your main meal of the day; many restaurants offer a fixed-price menú del día, always much better value than the à la carte options.

Most of Chile’s festivals are held to mark religious occasions or to honour saints or the Virgin Mary. What’s fascinating about them is the strong influence of pre-Spanish, pre-Christian rites, particularly in the Aymara communities of the far north and the Mapuche of the south. Added to this is the influence of colourful folk traditions rooted in the Spanish expeditions of exploration and conquest, colonization and evangelism, slavery and revolution.

In the altiplano of the far north, Aymara herdsmen celebrate Catholic holy days and the feasts of ancient cults along with ritual dancing and the offering of sacrificial llamas.

In central Chile, you’ll witness the influence of colonial traditions. In the days of the conquest, an important ingredient of any fiesta was the verbal sparring between itinerant bards called payadores , who would compose and then try to resolve each other’s impromptu rhyming riddles. The custom is kept alive at many fiestas in the Central Valley, where young poets spontaneously improvise lolismos and locuciones , forms of jocular verse that are quite unintelligible to an outsider. These rural fiestas always culminate in an energetic display of cueca dancing, washed down with plenty of wine and chicha – reminiscent of the entertainment organized by indulgent hacienda-owners for their peons.

In the south, the solemn Mapuche festivals are closely linked to mythology, magic and faith healing, agricultural rituals, and supplications to gods and spirits. Group dances (purrún) are performed with gentle movements; participants either move round in a circle or advance and retreat in lines. Most ceremonies are accompanied by mounted horn players whose four-metre-long bamboo instruments, trutrucas , require enormous lung power to produce a note. Other types of traditional wind instruments include a small pipe ( lolkiñ ), flute ( pinkulwe ), cow’s horn ( kullkull ) and whistle ( pifilka ). Of all Mapuche musical instruments, the most important is the sacred drum ( kultrún ), which is only used by faith healers ( machis ).

A list of festivals in Chile

Spaniards brought the first wooden image of San Sebastián to Chile in the seventeenth century. After a Mapuche raid on Chillán, the image was buried in a nearby field, and no one was able to raise it. The saint’s feast day has become an important Mapuche festival, especially in Lonquimay, where it’s celebrated with horse racing, feasting and drinking.

Celebrated throughout Chile since 1780, when a group of miners and muleteers discovered a stone image of the Virgin and Child while sheltering from an inexplicable thunderstorm in the Atacama. Typical festivities include religious processions and traditional dances.

This glitzy and wildly popular five-day festival is held in Viña del Mar’s open-air amphitheatre, featuring performers from all over Latin America and broadcast to most Spanish-speaking countries.

Among the nationwide Easter celebrations, look out for Santiago’s solemn procession of penitents dressed in black habits, carrying crosses through the streets, and La Ligua’s parade of mounted huasos followed by a giant penguin.

In many parts of central Chile, huasos parade through the streets on their horses, often accompanied by a priest sitting on a float covered in white lilies.

Throughout the altiplano, villages celebrate the cult of the Holy Cross, inspired in the seventeenth century by the Spaniards’ obsession with crosses, which they carried everywhere, erected on hillsides and even carved in the air with their fingers. The festivities have strong pre-Christian elements, often including the sacrifice of a llama.

A huge parade through the streets of Santiago bearing the Cristo de Mayo – a sixteenth-century carving of Christ whose crown of thorns slipped to its neck during an earthquake, and which is said to have shed tears of blood when attempts were made to put the crown back in place.

An important feast night, celebrated by families up and down the country with a giant stew, known as the Estofado de San Juan. In Chiloé, an integral part of the feast are roasted potato balls called tropones, which burn the fingers and make people “dance the tropón” as they jig up and down, juggling them from hand to hand.

Along the length of Chile’s coast, fishermen decorate their boats and take the image of their patron saint out to sea – often at night with candles and flares burning – to pray for good weather and large catches.

The largest religious festival in Chile, held in La Tirana in the Far North, and attended by over 80,000 pilgrims and hundreds of costumed dancers (see Santuario de la Tirana).

Military parades throughout Chile honour the patron saint of the armed forces; the largest are in Maipú, on the southern outskirts of Santiago, where San Martín and Bernardo O’Higgins defeated Spanish Royalists in 1818.

Thousands of Chilotes flock to the archipelago’s tiny island of Caguach to worship at a two-metre-high figure of Christ, donated by the Jesuits in the eighteenth century.

Chile’s Independence Day is celebrated throughout the country with street parties, music and dancing.

Each year, numerous dance groups and more than 10,000 pilgrims from Chile, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina make their way along a tortuous cliff path to visit a rock carving of the Virgin in the Azapa valley, near Arica. There are many smaller festivals in other parts of Chile, too.

Traditionally, this is the day when Chileans tend their family graves. In the north, where Aymara customs have become entwined with Christian ones, crosses are often removed from graves and left on the former bed of the deceased overnight. Candles are kept burning in the room, and a feast is served for family members, past and present.

A second vigil to the dead is held in cemeteries, with offerings of food and wine sprinkled on the graves. In some far north villages, there’s a tradition of reading a liturgy, always in Latin.

Celebrated in many parts of Chile, the festival of the Immaculate Conception is at its liveliest in San Pedro de Atacama, where it’s accompanied by traditional Aymara music and dancing.

More than 100,000 pilgrims from all over the north come to Andacollo, in Norte Chico, to worship its Virgin and watch the famous masked dancers (see Andacollo and around).

The Chileans are not a particularly exuberant people, but passions are roused by several national enthusiasms – chiefly football and rodeo, which at their best are performed with electrifying skill and theatricality.

El fútbol reigns supreme as Chile’s favourite sport. Introduced by British immigrants in the early 1800s, football in Chile can trace its history back to the playing fields of the Mackay School, one of the first English schools in Valparaíso, and its heritage is reflected in the names of the first clubs: Santiago Wanderers, Everton, Badminton, Morning Star and Green Cross.

Horse-racing

There are two very different types of horse racing in Chile: conventional track racing, known as hípica , and the much rougher and wilder carreras a la chilena . Hípica is a sport for rich Santiaguinos, who don their tweeds and posh frocks to go and watch it at the capital’s Club Hípico and Hipódromo Chile.

Carreras a la chilena are held anywhere in the country where two horses can be found to race against each other. Apart from the organized events that take place at village fiestas, these races are normally a result of one huaso betting another that his horse is faster.

Rodeos evolved from the early colonial days when the cattle on the large estancias had to be rounded up and branded or slaughtered by huasos. The feats of horsemanship required to do so soon took on a competitive element, which eventually found an expression in the form of rodeos. Even though ranching has long declined in Chile, organized rodeos remain wildly popular, with many free competitions taking place in local stadiums (known as medialunas) throughout the season, which runs from September to April. Taking in a rodeo not only allows you to watch the most dazzling equestrian skills inside the arena, but also to see the huasos (riders) decked out in all their traditional gear: ponchos, silver spurs and all. Added to this, the atmosphere is invariably loads of fun, with lots of whooping families and excited kids, and plenty of food and drink afterwards.

The Chilean huaso

“Of the many cowboys of the Americas, none remains as shrouded in mystery and contradiction as Chile’s huaso,” says Richard Slatta in Cowboys of the Americas. Certainly the huaso holds a special place in Chile’s perception of its national identity. But the definition of the huaso is somewhat confused and subject to differing interpretations. The one you’re most likely to come across is that of the “gentleman rider”, the middle-class horseman who, while not a part of the landed elite, is a good few social rungs up from the landless labourer. This is the huaso you’ll see in cueca performances and at rodeos.

Chile offers an enormous range of outdoor activities, including volcano-climbing, skiing, surfing, white-water rafting, fly-fishing and horseriding.

Rafting and kayaking

Chile’s many frothy rivers and streams afford incomparable rafting opportunities. Indeed, the country’s top destinations, the mighty Río Bío Bío and the Río Futaleufú, entice visitors from around the globe. Rafting trips generally range in length from one to eight days and, in the case of the Bío Bío, sometimes include the option of climbing 3160m Volcán Callaquén. In addition to these challenging rivers, gentler alternatives exist on the Río Maipo close to Santiago, the Río Trancura near Pucón, and the Río Petrohue near Puerto Varas.

Chile’s white-water rapids also offer excellent kayaking, though this is less developed as an organized activity.

For the most part, Chile is a very empty country with vast tracts of wilderness offering potential for fantastic hiking. Chileans, moreover, are often reluctant to stray far from their parked cars when they visit the countryside, so you’ll find that most trails without vehicle access are blissfully quiet. However, the absence of a national enthusiasm for hiking also means that Chile isn’t particularly geared up to the hiking scene. There are relatively few long-distance trails (given the total area) and a shortage of decent trekking maps.

That said, what is on offer is superb, and ranks among the country’s most rewarding attractions.

The north of Chile, with its harsh climate and landscape, isn’t really suitable for hiking, and most walkers head for the lush native forests of Chile’s south, peppered with waterfalls, lakes, hot springs and volcanoes. The best trails are nearly always inside national parks or reserves, where the guardaparques (rangers) are a good source of advice on finding and following the paths. They should always be informed if you plan to do an overnight hike (so that if you don’t come back, they’ll know where to search for you).

The majority of trails are for half-day or day hikes, though some parks offer a few long-distance hikes, sometimes linking up with trails in adjoining parks. The level of path maintenance and signing varies greatly from one park to another, and many of the more remote trails are indistinct and difficult to follow.

Hardly any parks allow wild camping, while the few others that now allow it have a series of rustic camping areas that you’re required to stick to – check with the guardaparque. If you do camp (the best way to experience the Chilean wilderness) note that forest and bush fires are a very real hazard. Take great care when making a campfire (having checked beforehand that they’re allowed). Also, never chop or break down vegetation for fuel, as most of Chile’s native flora is endangered.

By far the most popular destination for hiking is Torres del Paine in the far south, which offers magnificent scenery but fairly crowded trails, especially in January and February. Many quieter, less well-known alternatives are scattered between Santiago and Tierra del Fuego, ranging from narrow paths in the towering, snow-streaked central Andes to hikes up to glaciers off the Carretera Austral.

If you go hiking, it’s essential to be well prepared – always carry plenty of water, wear a hat and sun block for protection against the sun and carry extra layers of warm clothing to guard against the sharp drop in temperature after sundown. Even on day hikes, take enough supplies to provide for the eventuality of getting lost, and always carry a map and compass (brújula), preferably one bought in the southern hemisphere or adjusted for southern latitudes. Also, make a conscious effort to help preserve Chile’s environment – where there’s no toilet, bury human waste at least 20cm under the ground and 30m from the nearest river or lake; take away or burn all your rubbish; and use specially designed eco-friendly detergents for use in lakes and streams.

The massive Andean cordillera offers a wide range of climbing possibilities. In the far north of Chile, you can trek up several volcanoes over 6000m, including Volcán Parinacota (6330m), Volcán Llullaillaco (6739m) and Volcán Ojos del Salado (6950m). Although ropes and crampons aren’t always needed, these ascents are suitable only for experienced climbers, and need a fair amount of independent planning, with only a few companies offering guided excursions.

In the central Andes, exciting climbs include Volcán Marmolejo (6100m) and Volcán Tupungato (6750m), while in the south, climbers head for Volcán Villarrica (2840m) and Volcán Osorno (2652m), both of which you can tackle even with little mountaineering experience.

Fly-fishing

Chile has an international, and well-deserved, reputation as one of the finest fly-fishing destinations in the world. Its pristine waters teem with rainbow, brown and brook trout, and silver and Atlantic salmon. These fish are not native, but were introduced for sport in the late nineteenth century; since then, the wild population has flourished and multiplied, and is also supplemented by generous numbers of escapees from local fish farms. The fishing season varies slightly from region to region, but in general runs from November to May.

Chile offers the finest and most challenging skiing in South America. Many of the country’s top slopes and resorts lie within very easy reach of Santiago, including El Colorado, La Parva, Valle Nevado and world-renowned Portillo. A bit further south, but no less impressive, stands the popular Termas de Chillán.

Horse-trekking

Exploring Chile’s dramatic landscapes on horseback is a memorable experience. The best possibilities are around Santiago, and in the Central Valley, where riding has been a way of life for centuries. In addition to the spectacular scenery, you can also expect to see condors and other birds of prey. Trips are usually guided by local arrieros, who herd cattle up to high pastures in springtime and know the mountain paths intimately. You normally spend about five or six hours in the saddle each day; a lingering asado (barbecue), cooked over an open fire and accompanied by plenty of Chilean wine, will be part of the pleasure. At night, you sleep in tents transported by mules, and you’ll be treated to the most breathtaking display of stars.

The only disadvantage of riding treks in the central Andes is that, due to the terrain, you’re unlikely to get beyond a walk, and cantering is usually out of the question. If you want a faster pace, opt for the treks offered by some companies in Patagonia, where rolling grasslands provide plenty of opportunity for gallops – though the weather can often put a dampener on your trip.

Mountain biking

For most of Chile’s length, there are extremely good and little-used dirt roads perfect for cycling – although the numerous potholes mean it’s only worth attempting them on a mountain bike. For a serious trip, you should bring your own bike or buy one in Santiago – renting a bike of the quality required can be difficult to arrange. An alternative is to go on an organized biking excursion, where all equipment, including tents, will be provided. Note that during the summer, cycling in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego is made almost impossible by incessant and ferociously strong winds.

Chile’s beaches are pulling in an increasing number of surfers, who come to ride the year-round breaks that pound the Pacific shore. By unanimous consent, the best breaks – mainly long left-handers – are concentrated around Pichilemu, near Rancagua, which is the site of the annual National Surfing Championships. Further north, the warmer seas around Iquique and Arica are also increasingly popular.

Some 18% of Chile’s mainland territory is protected by the state under the extensive Sistema Nacional de Areas Silvestres Protegidas (National Protected Wildlife Areas System), which is made up of 30 national parks, 38 national reserves and 11 natural monuments. These inevitably include the country’s most outstanding scenic attractions, so the main aim is always to protect and manage native fauna and flora. Given Chile’s great biodiversity, park objectives are as varied as protecting flamingo populations and monitoring glaciers.

National parks ( parques nacionales ) are generally large areas of unspoilt wilderness, usually featuring fragile endemic ecosystems. They include the most touristy and beautiful of the protected areas, and often offer walking trails and sometimes camping areas too. National reserves ( reservas nacionales ) are areas of ecological importance that have suffered some degree of natural degradation; there are fewer regulations to protect these areas, and “sustainable” commercial exploitation (such as mineral extraction) is allowed to take place. Natural monuments ( monumentos naturales ) tend to be important or endangered geological formations, or small areas of biological, anthropological or archeological significance.

In addition to these three main categories, there are a few nature sanctuaries ( sanctuarios de la naturaleza ) and protected areas ( areas de protección ), usually earmarked for their scientific or scenic interest.

Before heading out of the capital, head to Conaf’s head office in Santiago, where you can pick up brochures, books and basic maps. No permit is needed to visit any of Chile’s national parks; you simply turn up and pay your entrance fee (usually CH$1000–4000), though some parks are free.

Alternatively, Conaf’s Annual Pass (CH$10,000) allows unlimited access to all of Chile’s national parks and reserves – except Torres del Paine and Easter Island – for a year; it can be purchased from Conaf offices.

Ease of access differs wildly from one park to the next. Some parks have paved highways running through them, while others are served by dirt tracks that are only passable for a few months of the year. Getting to them often involves renting a vehicle or going on an organized trip, as around two-thirds of Chile’s national parks can’t be reached by public transport.

A few parks now have camping areas. These are often rustic sites with basic facilities, run by Conaf, which charge around CH$5000–10,000 per tent. In other parks, particularly in the south, Conaf gives licences to concessionaires, who operate campsites and cabañas, which tend to be very expensive. Some of the more remote national parks, especially in the north, have small refugios attached to the ranger stations – these are usually rustic, stone-built huts (from CH$5000 per person) containing around eight to ten bunk beds, hot showers and gas stoves. Some of them are in stunning locations, overlooking the Salar de Surire, for example, or with views across Lago Chungará to Volcán Parinacota. Sadly, however, they are increasingly unreliable.

While Chile’s handicrafts (artesanía) are nowhere near as diverse or colourful as in Peru or Bolivia, you can still find a range of beautiful souvenirs, which are usually sold in ferias artesanales (craft markets) on or near the central squares of the main towns. As for day-to-day essentials, you’ll be able to locate just about everything you need, from sun block to contact lens solution, in the main towns across the country.

Artesanía and other souvenirs

The finest and arguably most beautiful goods you can buy in Chile are the items – mainly jewellery – made of lapis lazuli, the deep-blue semi-precious stone found only in Chile and Afghanistan. The best place to buy these is in Bellavista, Santiago: note that the deeper the colour of the stone, the better its quality. Though certainly less expensive than lapis exports sold abroad, they’re still pricey.

Most artesanía is considerably less expensive. In the Norte Grande, the most common articles are alpaca sweaters, gloves and scarves, which you’ll find in altiplano villages like Parinacota, or in Arica and Iquique. The quality is usually fairly low, but they’re inexpensive and very attractive all the same. In the Norte Chico, you can pick up some beautiful leather goods, particularly in the crafts markets of La Serena. You might also be tempted to buy a bottle of pisco there, so that you can recreate that pisco sour experience back home – though you’re probably better off getting it at a supermarket in Santiago before you leave, to save yourself carting it about. The Central Valley, as the agricultural heartland of Chile, is famous for its huaso gear, and you’ll find brightly coloured ponchos and stiff straw hats in the numerous working huaso shops. The highlight in the Lake District is the traditional Mapuche silver jewellery, while the far south is a good place to buy chunky, colourful knitwear.

A range of these goods can also be bought in the major crafts markets in Santiago, notably Los Dominicos market. Also worth checking out are Santiago’s little flea markets.

Hard haggling is neither commonly practised nor expected in Chile, though a bit of bargaining is in order at many markets. It’s also worth trying to bargain down the price of hotel rooms, especially outside the peak months of January and February.

Top image © Erlantz P.R/Shutterstock

Chile’s diverse animal kingdom inhabits a landscape of extremes. The country’s formidable natural barriers – the immense Pacific, lofty Andes and desolate Atacama – have resulted in an exceptional degree of endemism , with a third of Chile’s mammals, such as the shy pudú (pygmy deer) not found anywhere else in the world.

Four species of camelid alone are found in Chile’s barren altiplano, namely the shaggy, domesticated llama and alpaca in the north, and their wild cousins – the Patagonia-dwelling guanaco and the delicate vicuña with its highly prized fur, restricted to the high altitudes. Chile’s biggest cat is the elusive puma , another Patagonia resident, while smaller wildcats, from the colo-colo to the guiña , also stalk these grasslands. Endemic rodents, such as the mountain vizcacha , are found in the northern highlands, while several species of fox can be spotted in the desert, altiplano and coastal forest.

A country seemingly made for birdwatchers, Chile is home to a curious mix of the small and beautiful, such as hummingbirds (including the firecrown, endemic to the Juan Fernández islands), while at the other end of the scale is the mighty Andean condor , soaring over the mountains. High in the Andes near the Bolivian border, the Chilean and James’s flamingo gather at remote saltwater lakes, while the long-legged ñandú propels itself over the Patagonian steppe. Equally impressive sea birds include the Humboldt , Magellanic and king penguins , and Chile’s coastal waters host some spectacular mammals, such as the blue whale and several species of dolphins .

Few countries, moreover, can match Chile for the sheer diversity of scenery and range of climatic zones – from the driest desert in the world to immense ice fields and glaciers. Spread between these extremes is a kaleidoscope of panoramas, taking in sun-baked scrubland, lush vineyards and orchards, virgin temperate rainforest, dramatic fjords and endless Patagonian steppes . Towering over it all is the long, jagged spine of the Andes, punctuated by colossal peaks and smouldering volcanoes . Given this geographical spread and dearth of population, it’s not unusual to stumble on steaming hot springs, gleaming white salt flats or emerald lakes, and have them all to yourself.

Lovers of the great outdoors will likewise be seduced by the almost endless possibilities for outdoor activities , whether it be jeep rides, birdwatching, skiing, horse trekking, hiking, volcano climbing, sea kayaking, whitewater rafting or fly-fishing – all offered by a large number of local outfitters, with the possibility of designing unique itineraries to suit your tastes. If you have less active plans in mind, you can sit back and take in Chile’s scenery from multi-day boat cruises through the southern fjords or jaw-dropping topography from the comfort of a plane or hot air balloon. Wilderness aside, Chile’s wine-growing regions are second to none and connoisseurs can sample a wide range of tipples, including Carmenère, Chile’s signature grape, while cultural exploration may take you from Santiago’s Salvador Allende memorial to to the Mapuche reducciones of the Lake District, the gold rush remains in Tierra del Fuego, the Chinchorro mummies in Arica’s best museum or the remains of nitrate mines around Iquique. However you do it, Chile will not disappoint you, and you can experience its diversity in whatever style you choose – this is not a developing country, and you don’t have to slum it while you’re here. There are plenty of modest, inexpensive accommodation options and camping facilities up and down the country, while those on a more generous budget will find increasing numbers of luxurious, beautifully designed boutique lodges in spectacular locations, particularly in the south.

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updated 03.06.2024

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The best places to visit in Chile, from urban glam to natural highs

Aug 26, 2023 • 7 min read

Plan your Chile itinerary while strolling the streets of Santiago © Lucy Valdes / Getty Images

With the soaring Andes to the east, the pounding Pacific to the west, Patagonian fjords down south and an immense desert up north, Chile is the kind of diverse natural playground that adventure lovers dream about.

Yet, this thin South American country also boasts vibrant cities, enigmatic islands and rolling vinelands dotted with world-class wineries. Below, we look at the 10 spots you won’t want to miss.

1. San Pedro de Atacama

Best place to access the Atacama desert 

When the green oasis of San Pedro appears on the otherwise barren horizon of the Atacama Desert it feels, at first, almost like a mirage. Then, as you begin to navigate the narrow streets of this small adobe village, you realize that those spindly chañar trees hide the kind of resort town travelers dream about, catering as much to well-heeled jetsetters as it does to scruffy backpackers.

Just beyond San Pedro are lunar-like valleys, snow-capped volcanoes, soaring sand dunes, ancient rock art, steamy hot springs and flamingo-filled lagoons. You could spend an entire week here and never run out of activities. Those who like to tick off superlatives can’t miss the world’s loftiest geysers  and largest ground-based astronomy facility .

Local tip:  Always be sure to plan your excursions with the altitude in mind, saving attractions higher up in the Andes (like the El Tatio geysers) for your final days.

2. Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

Best place to learn about Polynesian culture

This tiny volcanic outcrop in the middle of the vast Pacific has an outsized reputation around the world thanks to the 887 monolithic human statues (known as moai) that guard its azure shores. The mystery of how the ancient Rapa Nui people were able to build and move such massive structures has fascinated travelers for decades.

Yet, the island is more than just an open-air archeology museum. You can spend an evening listening to Polynesian music at a local dance show, snooze under the palm trees at Anakena Beach and dine on tuna ceviche at the restaurants in Hanga Roa – all of which are perfectly aligned for tangerine sunsets over the Pacific.

Local tip: Three days is the absolute minimum amount of time you'll need to see everything. It's far more recommended that you stay up to a full week to not only see the archeological sites but also snorkel, swim and enjoy the Polynesian culture.

3. Santiago

Best place to go to a party

Chile’s frenetic capital is a cultural powerhouse whose historic center is filled with world-class museums , stately theaters and palm-lined plazas. Key neighborhoods for travelers include Barrio Yungay (for street art), Barrio Italia (for shopping), Lastarria (for strolling), Providencia (for sleeping) and Vitacura (for dining). Come nightfall, neighborhoods like Bellavista and Barrio Brasil explode with energy as Chileans party until sunrise at clubs blasting everything from Latin trap to K-pop, EDM and Reggaeton. 

Santiago makes a great base as there’s plenty to do within an hour of city limits. You can raft whitewater in Cajón del Maipo , swirl Cabernet in the Maipo Valley or snowboard at some of the biggest (and best!) ski resorts in the Southern Hemisphere.

Local tip: LGBTIQ+ travelers should head to Bombero Núñez street, which is lined in bars, clubs and performance venues where drag queens entertain into the wee hours of the night. When going out to dance, don't even think about showing up before midnight! 

Best place to hike and ski a volcano

When it comes to adventure-filled outdoor fun, few places can match Chile's breadth of options – this woodsy resort village in Chile’s Lake District is one of South America’s most alluring adventure hubs. Those with a head for heights can strap on crampons and climb to the top of an active volcano or strap on boots and ski back down it. Abandon urban stresses and hike until you're amid ancient araucaria trees on an Andean hilltop or bathe in a hot spring tucked into a temperate rainforest. Hire a kayak and paddle yourself across an emerald lake to a remote cabin or raft down raging whitewater towards a craft brewery. Located in the spiritual heartland of the Mapuche, it’s also the best place to learn about the culture of Chile’s largest Indigenous group.

5. Valparaíso

Best place for sweeping views and street art

This scrappy seaport west of Santiago has a way of capturing travelers’ hearts (and upending onward travel plans). Maybe it’s the sweeping views you get from hotels and hostels that cling off the edge of the city’s 42 hills? Perhaps it’s the narrow lanes of Unesco-listed architecture, which are covered in prismatic street art? Or could it be the 100-year-old funiculars, which transport visitors up into the clouds? Whatever the reason, Valparaíso has an unkempt charm that can become oddly addicting.

Local tip: Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción are the safest and nicest hills to use as a base for exploring Valparaíso. They're also the most colorful with some of the city's most extravagant murals. 

Best place to get away from it all

Are you rich in time and patience? The remote region of Aysén offers the kind of untouched landscapes and clock-stuck towns that are vanishing elsewhere on earth. There’s only one real road here, the Carretera Austral, and a lot of it remains unpaved, particularly the further south you tread. At points, there is no road at all and you must instead drive onto a car ferry. That’s the tradeoff of visiting the lesser-seen Patagonia, but the rewards are many: vast mountain ranges, deep fjords, loamy rainforests and huge ice fields of glistening glaciers.

7. The Colchagua Valley

Best place for wine

No wine region in Chile can compete with the star power (and tourism infrastructure) of the Colchagua Valley . Centered around the small city of Santa Cruz, about three hours south of Santiago, it boasts dozens of high-end resorts, fine dining restaurants and, of course, vineyards – all catering to international wine lovers. The wineries themselves are true works of art ranging from grand colonnaded estates to ambitious glassine tasting rooms stuffed with million-dollar paintings. Red wines such as Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon shine in Colchagua, though most places also serve whites from their vineyards near the Pacific Coast. 

Best place for mythology and ghost stories

Ever heard of a potato? Of course you have. Well, the common spud actually traces its origin to this peanut-shaped island off the coast of northern Patagonia. Culinary travel based around the island’s prismatic native potatoes thrives in the island’s capital, Castro, which is also known for its colorful stilt homes (called palafitos).

But everyone's favorite carb isn't the only reason to visit. You can also hike on coastal trails to remote beaches, seek out Unesco-listed wooden churches or dive into the island’s unique mythology of ghost ships and forest gnomes.

9. Parque Nacional Torres del Paine

Best place for hiking

Search the internet for images of Patagonia and half of them will be from this one national park in southern Chile, whose iconic granite spires have come to represent the entire region. Most visit to either hike along the five-day W Trek or sleep in one of the park’s luxurious all-inclusive adventure lodges, which offer daily guided excursions. With massive glaciers, turquoise lakes and the highest concentration of pumas anywhere on earth, you can spend days here and never run out of places to explore.

Local tip: To get off the beaten path, intrepid hikers should consider doing the  Dientes Circuit on nearby Isla Navarino instead of the W Trek. This remote 5-day 53km (33-mile) route is the southernmost hiking circuit in the world.

10. The Elqui Valley

Best place for stars and pisco

This fertile valley on the southern fringe of the Atacama Desert is the epicenter of Chile’s pisco industry, with a half-dozen distilleries where you can learn about the nation’s revered brandy (as well as toss back a few sours). There are also craft breweries and boutique wineries where you can stock up on supplies for sun-drenched picnics alongside the Elqui River. Come nightfall, this International Dark Sky Sanctuary boasts some of the clearest skies on earth. Several hotels offer glass roofs and telescopes so you can probe the night skies just as some of the world’s top astronomers do in the Valley’s multimillion-dollar observatories.

Local tip: At between 1650 and 2206 meters (5413-7237ft) above sea level,   Viñedos de Alcohuaz is one of Chile's highest-altitude wineries. It produces some truly experimental (and spectacular) bottles, and has a Bond-like underground tasting room.

This article was first published Oct 13, 2021 and updated Aug 26, 2023.

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Chile Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 30, 2023

Chile is one of the most slender and longest countries in the world — it’s just 150 miles across at its widest point! From the snow-capped volcanoes of Patagonia and blistering heights of the Andes to world-class wineries and Maoi sculptures of Easter Island , there are a lot of wonderful things to see in Chile.

Traveling to Chile was one of the best experiences I’ve had in South America. It just constantly blew me away. It’s one of the most developed South American countries (the capital, Santiago, is a tech hub for the region), the people were awesome, the food was incredible, and the scenery made me feel in awe of nature.

Not only is there lots to do but the country is budget-friendly, which really rounds it out as a must-see destination.

Use this travel guide to Chile to plan your visit, save money, and make the most out of your trip!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Chile

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Chile

1. See Easter Island

Easter Island, located 3,540 kilometers (2,200 miles) off the coast of Chile, is the most isolated inhabited island on earth and home to the Rapa Nui Polynesian indigenous people that have lived there since 300 CE. Named after explorer Jacob Roggeveen’s ‘discovery’ of the island on Easter Sunday in 1722, this protected UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its Moai sculptures (the iconic big faces dotted all over the island). However, there is so much more to the island, including thousands of archaeological sites, volcanic craters and tunnels, pristine beaches, and excellent diving. To explore this magical place, hike around the dramatic cliffs and extinct volcanoes around the Moai archeological sites or around the spectacular Rano Kau crater and the Ana O Keke Cave. Or go sun yourself on Anakena’s beautiful white coral sand beach or Ovahe, a secluded pink sand beach hidden in a little cove with sparkling turquoise waters.

2. Discover Torres del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine lies between the Andes and Patagonian steppe and is made up of snow-clad mountains, glacier lakes, and some of the best hiking in Chile. It also happens to be one of the most beautiful and desolate regions on the planet. There is no end to the scenic views here, including the three rugged, towering peaks of Central, Monzino, and Dagostini as well as the Southern Ice Fields. Be sure to wander around the enchanting Sarmiento Lake and see the Amarga Lagoon and the giant Salto Grande Waterfall. Admission is 29,250 CLP for up to three days for foreigners.

3. Explore Santiago

Chile’s capital is a thriving city and home to a third of the country’s entire population. Founded in 1541, this vibrant capital offers gorgeous panoramas, great restaurants, tasty locally-produced wine, and of course, Barrio Bellavista’s nightlife. There are quite a few must-see attractions in the city: Parque Metropolitano (a large urban park) as well as Cerro San Cristóbal, where you can hike around taking in beautiful views of the city, shouldn’t be missed. The Museum of Human Rights is also a must-visit site, as it chronicles the dark years of Pinochet when thousands of people ‘disappeared’ at the hands of his violent regime.

4. Marvel at San Pedro de Atacama

Located in Chile’s Norte Chico northern region, San Pedro de Atacama is one of Chile’s hottest tourist towns. Literally. Sitting at 2,400 meters (7,874 feet), the ancient town is in the driest desert in the world (it reportedly hasn’t seen rain since 1870). But the rock formations here are stunning, and it’s the perfect place to stargaze. This little town with adobe houses and dirt streets only has 5,000 inhabitants but plenty of tourists visit up to explore the stunning valley landscapes, the Atacama Salt Flats, and the Chaxa and Miniques Lagoons. Don’t miss the famous beautiful jagged geological formations of Valle de la Luna and Valle de la Muerte valleys that can be reached by bicycle from town.

5. Visit colorful Valparaiso

Nicknamed the “Jewel of South America,” this colorful city near Santiago is a mesh of bohemian bars and Victorian architecture along a coastline of sheer cliffs. The laid-back atmosphere and beauty of the area have inspired generations of writers and poets, including poet Pablo Neruda. Be sure to bring your camera because the whole city is painted in vibrant Insta-worthy colors. Take the Ascensor Reina Victoria funicular up to the Concepcion neighborhood and have a cocktail on the hilltop overlooking the city as you try some of the delicious local seafood dishes. Also, be sure to check out two of Chile’s top beaches nearby, the upscale Viña del Mar and the super cool Reñaca.

Other Things to See and Do in Chile

1. see the san marcos cathedral.

The same architect who was responsible for the Eiffel Tower, Alexandre Gustav Eiffel, designed San Marcos Cathedral. The cathedral is in Arica, Chile’s northernmost city, and was built to replace the original cathedral destroyed by an earthquake in 1868. The new cathedral was commissioned in 1876 and is a rare example of Gothic architecture in South America.

2. Get tipsy on a wine tour

Chile’s vineyards have been producing world-class wine for over 400 years. There are plenty of tours available around the country as vineyards stretch the entire length of Chile. I think the best wineries are located near Santiago. Expect to pay around 15,000-20,000 CLP for a basic tour, though fancier tours at more prestigious vineyards can easily be over 55,000-100,000 CLP per person. Most tours last 4-8 hours.

3. Hike a volcano

Chile is home to the world’s tallest active volcano, Ojos del Salado, which lies in the Andes near the Argentine border. Villarica and Osorno are also popular volcanoes (and both lie close to lakes). Most volcanoes in the country have thermal spas at their base too. Experienced hikers can do the trip on their own, though there are plenty of guided tours available for travelers looking for a group tour. Most multi-day tours span 10-14 days and cost millions of pesos. For day trips like the Cajon de Maipo, Osorno Volcano, Termas Colina, and Petrohue Falls, expect to pay 32,000-56,000 CLP per person.

4. Valle de la Muerte

Also known as “Death Valley,” this is an astounding place to hike, go horseback riding, or even go sandboarding. Located in the northeast of the country near San Pedro de Atacama, there are also guided moonlight walks that take you out over the rocky martian landscape. You can rent a sandboard for around 8,300 CLP or go on a sandboard tour for 23,000 CLP per person which includes transportation. There are even tours that sandboard at midnight, using spotlights to light the way (they have a DJ too!). If you’re looking to hike, check out the Corniza Trail. It’s a 7-hour loop that’s relatively easy (many families do it).

5. Santuario de la Naturaleza Valle de la Luna

Also located near San Pedro de Atacama, the “Valley of the Moon” is an otherworldly landscape that is home to stones and sand formations that have developed an extraordinary texture due to thousands of years of winds and flooding. The rock formations look like the surface of the moon, hence the park’s name. It’s a great place to go hiking — just don’t forget to bring water as it can get quite warm. Tours are available for around 26,000 CLP per person.

6. See the El Tatio geysers

A popular tourist attraction, these geysers are incredibly beautiful and well worth a visit as they make up the largest geyser field in the Southern Hemisphere (and they are the third largest in the world). You have to get up around 4am as all the tour companies aim to get you there by sunrise and it’s a 90-minute drive from San Pedro de Atacama. But it’s worth the effort! Bring a swimsuit as there are thermal pools nearby. Tours cost around 33,000-38,000 CLP. You can visit without a tour (admission is 15,000 CLP) but you’ll need to rent your own vehicle to get there.

7. Museo de Bellas Artes

This museum is one of the best in the country. Located in Santiago, it’s home to a wide display of fine art, sculptures, photography, paintings, and digital media. Built in 1910, the building is somewhat small but the architecture is equally as impressive as the collection within (it was built in the Beaux-arts style and has a very Parisian feel to it). Admission is free.

8. Mingle among the wealthy in Viña del Mar

Considered a Chilean Miami, this city next to Valparaiso serves as a hotspot for casinos, upscale cafes, and seaside restaurants. Even if you don’t have money to burn, it’s an interesting place to spend an afternoon people-watching as you wander the beach promenade. You’ll find lots of world-class restaurants here. If you’ve got some money to burn, stay a night!

9. Tour Pablo Neruda’s homes

One of the world’s most famous poets used to call Chile home. With homes in Valparaiso, Santiago, and Isla Negra, this Chilean icon stuffed a lifetime of knick-knacks, literature, and interesting maritime architectural pieces into his three abodes. All of them are open to the public. Even if you’re not a huge fan of his work, his homes alone are an interesting glimpse into Chilean culture as Neruda is a cultural icon and one of the most famous poets of the 20th century. Admission to each home costs around 7,000 CLP and includes an audio-guide system in multiple languages.

10. Get off the beaten path

Some lesser-known treasures worth visiting in Chile are Frutillar (a beautiful lakeside community in southern Chile’s Los Lagos Region), Lonquimay (another gorgeous lakeside town in the Malleco Province of southern Chile’s Araucanía Region), Caleta Tortel (a rugged seaside town with wooden walkways instead of streets in the heart of Patagonia) and Coyhaique (a less pricey Northern Patagonia city that’s a hub for great nature adventures). If you’re looking to beat the crowds, be sure to visit some of these lesser-known destinations.

11. Swim in the world’s largest pool

If you’re looking for some luxury, head to the Crystal Lagoon, home to the world’s largest swimming pool. It’s located at the San Alfonso del Mar resort in Algarrobo, just west of Santiago. The pool is the size of twenty Olympic swimming pools and is the biggest recreational swimming pool in the world, requiring 66 million gallons of water just to fill it! A 1-2 bedroom apartment rental here costs 70,000-120,000 CLP per night.

Chile Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostel dorms start around 9,800 CLP per night and private rooms come in at around 22,000-30,000 CLP. Free breakfast and free Wi-Fi are common, and many hostels have self-catering facilities if you want to cook your own food.

Budget hotels are inexpensive in Chile with prices starting at 25,000-35,000 CLP per night for a basic double or twin bed (though expect to pay closer to 55,000 CLP for a nicer budget hotel). Many budget hotels include free breakfast and free Wi-Fi (though not all, so be sure to double-check).

Airbnb is available in the larger cities, with prices as low as 16,000 CLP per night for shared accommodation. If you want a private home or apartment, expect to pay at least 45- 60,000 CLP.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is possible. There are a handful of campgrounds scattered around the country where you can pitch a tent for as little as 5,300-6,000 CLP per night but some with lots of amenities and proximity to the beach are as much as 35,000 CLP.

Food – With an extensive coastline, Chilean cuisine relies heavily on seafood. Cod, salmon, shrimp, lobster, prawn — there are tons of options available. BBQ meat (including alpaca) is particularly popular in the north. Other popular Chilean dishes include churrasco (steak sandwich), machas a la parmesana (clams baked with white wine, parmesan cheese, and butter), and chupe (a hearty seafood stew), and empanadas.

Overall, food in the country isn’t too expensive, though prices get a lot higher the further south you go due to higher transportation costs. Most places in the country offer a set menu for lunch with a starter, main, and drink for about 7,000 CLP. A steak dinner with wine and an appetizer costs around 35,000 CLP while a fast food combo meal (think McDonald’s) costs around 6,000 CLP.

A latte or cappuccino costs 2,300 CLP while a domestic beer can be as cheap as 3,000 CLP. Bottled water is 850 CLP.

Grocery shopping can save you a lot of money if you have access to a kitchen. Expect a week’s worth of groceries to cost around 25,000 CLP depending on your diet. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, quinoa, vegetables, and some meat.

As everything must be shipped south, food prices in Patagonia are about 30% higher than elsewhere in the country.

Backpacking Chile Suggested Budgets

How much does it cost to visit Chile? That depends on a few different factors, specifically, what you plan on doing while you’re here as well as your travel style.

On a backpacking budget of 36,000 CLP per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook your own meals, use public transportation to get around, and visit a few museums. If you plan on drinking, you’ll need to add 5,000-8,000 CLP per day.

On a mid-range budget of 105,000 CLP per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, take buses between destinations, eat out at street stalls and cheap restaurants serving local cuisine, take the occasional taxi, drink at the bar, and do some paid excursions like guided hikes and wine tours.

On a “luxury” budget of 205,000 CLP per day, you can stay in a hotel, hire a rental car to get around, do some guided tours, drink as much as you want, and eat out at nice restaurants for every meal. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in CLP.

Chile Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Chile can be an expensive place to visit, especially if you’re doing a lot of tours and activities. The size of the country also means you can end up spending a lot on transportation. Here are some tips to help you save during your visit:

• Buy wine at the supermarkets – Surprisingly, buying wine from vineyards can be more expensive than in the supermarkets. Buy from the supermarkets if you’re on a tight budget.
• Take the bus – Bus service is inexpensive and efficient here. Night buses are comfortable and a good way to save on a night’s accommodation (they often have lie flat beds).
• Buy food from La Vega Market – La Vega Market in Santiago sells everything you could possibly need and all sorts of local ingredients from Chile and Peru. Shop here for your veggies, fruits, and to get an authentic experience.
• Eat at the local fish markets – In the coastal cities, the local fish markets are usually the best place for a seafood meal. Though the restaurants look cheap and thrown together, they’re delicious!
• Shop around – Haggling is not common and vendors stick to their guns even when called out for price discrimination. So, if you’re quoted an inflated price for being a tourist it’s best to just move around and find alternatives where the prices are already set and visible. Otherwise, you’ll just be wasting your time and energy.
• Ride in a micro or colectivo – Regular buses are for intercity transportation. “Micros” are intracity, and “colectivos” are taxis that drive a specific route once they get four people in the car, and charge a very low rate. If you want to go somewhere, chances are there’s a micro or colectivo that can get you close — just ask a local and they’ll know where to point you.
• Stay with a local – Chile doesn’t have a huge Couchsurfing community, but you can still give it a shot and try to find a host (and get a local friend and a free place to stay). Just be sure to send your requests early!
• Take a free walking tour – There are some great options available when it comes to free walking tours in Santiago, such as Tours 4 Tips or Free Tour Santiago . If you want to explore the city while learning about its history, architecture, and people then be sure to take a free tour. Just remember to tip at the end!
• Stay at a Hola Hostel – Hola Hostels is a network of hostels predominantly in South and Central America. They offer 10% off to their members, as well as other local discounts for food and activities. Joining is free, and their hostels are also committed to environmentally sustainable practices.
• Travel in the shoulder season – Prices in the country are cheaper outside of the high season (which is November-March). This includes admission to parks like Torres del Paine, which charge double during the busy summer months. Beat the crowds and save some money by skipping the high season.
• Bring a water bottle – LifeStraw is a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter that you can use instead of buying single-use plastic bottles. It removes bacteria, parasites, micro plastics, and other contaminants so it’s perfect for cities as well as if you’re out hiking in nature.

Where to Stay in Chile

Hostels can be found in all the major destinations across Chile. Here are my recommended places to stay if you’re on a budget:

• Hostal Forestal (Santiago)
• Poker Hostel (Santiago)
• Hostal Po (Valparaiso)
• Hostal Rural (San Pedro de Atacama)
• Kona Tau (Easter Island)
• Chili Kiwi Lakefront (Pucon)

How to Get Around Chile

Public transportation – Public transportation, especially in Santiago, is reliable and affordable. In Santiago, you need to purchase a refillable bus pass (BIP Card) for your journeys as individual tickets are no longer available. The card costs around 1,550 CLP with the average ride costing around 700 CLP (prices vary depending on the time of day). BIP cards need a minimum initial credit of 1,000 CLP. You have to pay for your card and top-ups in cash; non-Chilean credit cards are not accepted.

Bus – For intercity travel, buses are the cheapest way to get around — and they are nice too! Reclining seats are common and many even recline almost all the way down. Additionally, some night buses even have a curtain between the seats so you can have a little privacy from your neighbor. The best companies to use are Turbus and Pullman.

Expect to pay at least 38,000 CLP per person from Santiago to Antofagasta. From Santiago to Valparaiso, bus tickets cost around 6,000–10,000 CLP each way. For something like the cross-country journey from Santiago to Punta Arenas, expect to pay at least 60,000 CLP for the 40-hour bus ride (this is an incredibly long distance so you have to change at Osorno or choose flying).

Train – Traveling by train in Chile is virtually non-existent. Much of the tracks have been left to decay beyond repair outside the central region of the country. Trains link Santiago with Curico, Talca, Linares, and Chillan with air-conditioned cars but that’s the extent of Chile’s train infrastructure. You can visit trencentral.cl for the available routes and prices.

Flying – Flying around the country is surprisingly affordable. Expect to pay around 28,000-35,000 CLP for the two-hour flight from Santiago to Antofagasta. Prices are similar for trips from Santiago to:

• La Serena (one hour)
• Calama (two hours)
• Arica (two hours forty-five minutes)
• Concepcion (one hour)
• Puerto Montt (one hour forty minutes)

For a flight between Santiago and Puerto Natales, expect to pay around 40,000-55,000 CLP. Round-trip flights from Santiago to the remote Easter Island cost around 240,000-300,000 CLP.

Car rental – Driving in Chile is much easier (and safer) than driving in other South American countries. Many of the highways are well-maintained thanks to their liberal use of toll roads. While driving in Santiago can be a little chaotic, once you get out of the city things generally become much easier. Expect to pay around 178,000 CLP for a one-week rental. Drivers need to be at least 21 years old.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Chile

Since Chile is in the southern hemisphere, the summer months are December, January, and February. With landscapes ranging from desert to tundra, the weather and temperatures can vary tremendously here. Expect daily highs around 28-30°C (82-86°F) in Santiago, while the highs in Torres del Paine are closer to 13°C (55°F).

Winter is not a particularly great time to visit as the temperatures can drop below freezing, with snowfall common in certain regions. Daily lows reach -15 °C (5 F), making it rather unpleasant to be out and about during the day. Unsurprisingly, you can see why most travelers visit during the summer.

Fortunately, the shoulder season is also a fantastic time to visit Chile as you’ll be able to beat the crowds and save yourself some money. It’s an especially good time to visit if you plan on visiting Torres del Paine as there will be fewer hikers here and the park admission will be much cheaper. November and March are usually included in the high season, so aim for late October or early April. The weather won’t be perfect, but it’s a good compromise for travelers looking to dodge the crowds.

How to Stay Safe in Chile

Chile is considered a safe destination and generally ranks as one of the safest on the continent. That said, crimes still do occur so you’ll want to take some precautions during your trip. The most common crimes in Chile are petty theft and bag snatching. Since these are crimes of opportunity, you’ll always want to make sure your possessions are secure. Be extra vigilant when riding the bus and when you’re in areas popular with tourists.

When taking the bus (especially the night bus) make sure you don’t have any valuables in your checked bag. Additionally, keep any valuables secure and out of reach from any would-be pickpockets.

If you’re enjoying the nightlife of Santiago, keep an eye on your drink as drink-spiking can occur.

Be sure to read about the common travel scams to avoid here .

Earthquakes are also common enough in Chile that you’ll want to make sure you are prepared should one occur. Know where your emergency exits are in your accommodation as well as any local evacuation locations for major emergencies. If you have a map downloaded on your phone, save the location of the nearest hospital and airport as well, just in case.

If you need emergency services, dial 113 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Chile Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

[packing_guide country=Chile]

Chile Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Chile travel and continue planning your trip:

Is Chile Safe to Visit?

How to Travel Easter Island on a Tight Budget

18 of the Best Spots in Patagonia

Patagonia: Thoughts on Getting Offline and Trying to Camp

12 Ways to Save Money in Argentina

16 Amazing Photos from My Visit to Torres Del Paine

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The Ultimate Chile Itinerary For Ten Days and Two Weeks

By Author Steph Dyson

Posted on Last updated: 8th April 2024

With the piercing peaks of the Andes prominent in the north, glacier-riddled national parks of the south, and fertile, wine-growing valleys of the center, it’s fair to say that Chile has jaw-dropping geographical diversity oozing from every pore.

It’s for this very reason why planning a Chile itinerary for ten days or more of travel might seem a bit of a headache. However, I’ve got plenty of ideas about how to organize a showstopping tour of this truly incredible country – and even wrote a guidebook about it .

Click to navigate this article:

How to use this Chile itinerary

Luckily, Chile has one of the best plane networks and road connectivity in South America, meaning you can – and should – zip between its diverse regions if you’re on a short trip.

Staying here longer? Even better; you’ve got plenty of time to really get under the skin of a country I came to love over the three and a half years I was based here. You can also get inspired by my list of the 31 best places to visit in Chile – which includes not just the “must-sees” but those under-the-radar destinations that few other websites mention.

This Chile itinerary focuses on the things to do in Chile broadly, but you’ll find plenty more details about where to go in Patagonia in the following:

• Four itineraries for one and two weeks of travel in Patagonia
• An itinerary for three or more weeks in Patagonia and free e-book download )

Looking for guidance about what to take with you on a trip to Chile? Check out our detailed Patagonia packing list , as well as our guide to what to pack for South America more generally.

Recommendations for travel in Chile and using this Chile itinerary:

• As a vast, sprawling country, there are plenty of things to do in Chile; it’s always better to slim down your travel itinerary, take it slow and really dig deep into a place than scratch the surface with a whistle-stop tour of all the top attractions. In the latter, you’ll also spend too much time traveling between places which, let’s face it, is not the main idea of a holiday or even longer-term travel.
• Travel in Chile is expensive and while this post doesn’t delve too deeply into how you can travel Chile on a budget, consider booking cheaper types of accommodation, such as local alojamientos or hospedajes (cheap B&Bs) or cabañas (cabins) if you’re in a group, many of which aren’t available to book via hotel booking websites.
• Chile is a safe place to visit. Since the pandemic, parts of Santiago and Valparaiso have become less safe than they used to be (for example, avoid Downtown at night) and the use of Uber or official taxis firm is highly recommended, but once you get out of the city, you’ll find Chile a safe and welcoming place to travel . Patagonia, and pretty much any rural area, is incredibly safe.
• There is a wealth of good hotels and guesthouses across the country. Some of the best had a profound impact on my trips around the country, which is why I’ve pulled together my absolute favorites into this guide to the best hotels in Chile (just 31 of them!!).
• Plenty of hostels and the previously mentioned accommodation types also have kitchens, making it easy to self-cater. Bear in mind that Chile has some excellent restaurants and some surprisingly good local cuisine (even if it might not seem like it at first glance) so make sure to factor in some time and money for eating out!
• Alternatively, camping is relatively easy throughout the country , so pack camping and cooking equipment (see my recommendations in this post about packing for Patagonia ) and use that as a way of seeing Chile on the cheap.
• These Chile itineraries for ten days and two weeks rely on the fact that you will take some long-distance transport to travel between the regions. Yes, flights can be expensive, but if you plan ahead, you can get a good deal with Sky Airline (the low-cost airline) and LATAM (the more upmarket airline). I generally compare prices on Skyscanner and then book directly through the companies themselves.
• Additionally, Jet Smart is Chile’s answer to Easyjet in Europe and has some extraordinarily low fares, although, they don’t yet offer flights to all of the cities and they’re often at slightly more awkward hours. However, they’re definitely worth checking out, particularly as they’re starting to offer direct flights between cities in Chile without having to go through Santiago, which can significantly reduce your flight time (you can see their full list of destinations here ). Be aware that you always have to pay an extra fee for both hold baggage and cabin baggage and they will charge you if you go over the weight limit for either. 
• Buses are also an inexpensive and reliable way of traveling through Chile, with long-distance, overnight buses making it easy enough to travel from Puerto Montt to Santiago or Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama in reasonable comfort (although prices of flights, if booked a few weeks in advance, are generally as cheap as bus tickets for these routes). Aim to book a couple of days in advance; websites such as Bus Bud , Viaje en Bus , and Recorrido are really helpful, while you can book off the cuff at the bus terminals in all towns and cities.
• Renting a car is also a great way of traveling. I’ve personally driven through a lot of Chile and it’s much faster than taking buses and gives you the freedom to explore beyond the main tourist destinations. Driving in Santiago is somewhat terrifying and you find drivers don’t pay a lot of attention in most cities and even in rural areas, so you’ll want to keep your wits about you. However, of all the countries in South America, Chile (and Argentina) is definitely the safest place to rent a car. There are lots of tolls on the highways, so make sure you’ve always got cash and download Maps.me for maps available without internet. I always book using Rental Cars , as I find they have the best prices (even better than going directly with companies generally) and have insurance documents in English. Always double-check your insurance documents to ensure your insurance is valid for driving on unpaved roads if you plan on exploring the Carretera Austral , as this is not always guaranteed.
• Uber works in Chile. Uber used to be illegal, but now isn’t. Uber is generally a reliable and safe way of traveling around cities (and better than hailing a cab, which will often try and rip you off or scam you).
• Oh, and I lived in Santiago for close to three years and wrote a guidebook about Chile (you can learn about the project here and buy the book here ), so rest assured that these itineraries stem from some pretty extensive exploration and travel.

Planning Your Trip to Chile?

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FAQs about visiting Chile

Chile is a vast country, extending 4,270 km (2,653 mi) from tip to toe and packed with superlative natural landscapes, world-renowned wineries, and remarkable cultural destinations. As a result, the minimum amount of time you want to spend in Chile to truly get a feel for the country is ten days.

Seven days isn’t much time to see this huge country. However, with just seven days, you could spend one in Santiago enjoying the city’s fine restaurants and exploring its museums and street art , before heading out to the Casablanca wine valley to sample the country’s tastiest white wines or to the historic coastal city of Valparaíso . 

From there, you can fly three hours south to Punta Arenas, the southernmost settlement in continental South America, where you can see penguins and whales.

Afterward, continue to Puerto Natales (three hours north by vehicle), the gateway town to Torres del Paine National Park . Spend three days in this beautiful protected area kayaking to glaciers, hiking to lofty mountain peaks, and even catching sight of pumas. Then, fly back to Santiago and then home.

January and February mark the hot summer months in Chile, but also the busiest times for tourism. If you want to explore the sights of Patagonia and other popular places around the country without the crowds, the months of November and March are the best times to visit Chile . Expect slightly cooler temperatures but quieter attractions!

Yes I can! While there will be tour agencies operating wherever you’re based in the world, I suggest booking through local company EcoChile Travel , a leading tour operator based out of Santiago.

Because they’re local, they’re far better acquainted with what’s going on in the country and the new, exciting places that should form part of your itinerary than international companies and will also get you the best price.

All of EcoChile Travel’s itineraries can be custom designed and they’ll organize all the logistics of booking your trip, plus set you up with an interactive app with all your travel reservations, and dining recommendations.

If any of the itineraries below tickle your fancy, they you they should be able to turn it into reality for you!

Chile Itinerary for ten days of travel 

Day one: santiago.

Arrive at Aeropuerto Internacional Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) in Santiago and take either a transfer ($7,000 with Delfos or TransVIP ; no need to book in advance), Uber or the Turbus airport bus (get off either at Terminal Pajaritos (better if it’s rush hour) or Terminal Alameda and take the metro Line 1 to the centre of town).

Spend your afternoon trotting around Downtown. Visit the Plaza de Armas to see the oldest buildings in the city, some of which date back to the 18th century.

Pop into the Museo Histórico Natural (Natural History Museum) to learn about Chilean history and, more importantly, to take their free tour up to the Reloj de la Torre , the Clock Tower, for incredible panoramas of the entire Plaza de Armas.

Visit the nearby Museo Chileno de Artes Precolombino (Chilean Museum of Pre-Colombian Art), with its incredible collection of pottery, textiles, and artwork covering the pre-Colombian civilizations across Latin America.

You could also spend an afternoon learning about another side of Chile at the Museo de Memoria y los Derechos Humanos (Museum of Memory and Human Rights), which explores the darkest days of Chile’s history: the Pinochet dictatorship.

Finally, read this article about the best things to do in Santiago , this piece about day trips you can’t miss from Santiago , and then listen to my interview on the We Travel There podcast to learn more about my recommendations for visiting Chile’s capital city.

For dinner, you’ve got various options:

• Head to Barrio Bellavista to experience unique, indigenous cuisine at Peumayen or go for gourmet Chilean dishes paired with some of the best Chilean wines at Bocanariz .
• Barrio Lastarria (a couple of blocks west of Plaza Baquedano) is also a good shout for dinner. Learn about Chilean pisco at Chipe Libre or go for traditional Chilean dishes at Liguria , a restaurant popular among local Santiaguinos and even Kate Moss.
• For meat lovers keen to learn about the Chilean art of the asado (barbecue), make sure you head east along Line 1 of the metro for a steak (cooked a punto (medium rare) at Eladio .

Where to stay in Santiago: Stay overnight in Santiago’s first ‘ecoHotel’,  Carménère Eco Hotel  (Santander 292, double room $155,000 CLP ($196 USD)), which is equally appealing to environmentally conscious travelers and those seeking an authentic Chilean wine experience from their own hotel. It’s in the heart of the hip Barrio Italia, surrounded by a wealth of bars and restaurants and excellent transport links.

Alternatively, read my complete guide to Santiago’s best hotels and hostels for every budget, ordered by neighborhood. 

Days Two to Five: San Pedro de Atacama

Head back to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) , from where domestic flights leave from a separate terminal. Take a two-hour flight to Calama .

Transfer services at the airport are timed to leave after flights arrive, so hop on one (one hour 30 minutes) to San Pedro de Atacama , one of Chile’s top tourist attractions.

While I explored the region by hire car a few years ago, this isn’t something to do lightly. Elevations are really high and altitude sickness is no joke (trust me, I’ve had it twice), while driving conditions on roads, many of which are unpaved and practically just sand, can be lethal if taken too fast. If you’re in any way unsure, opt instead for a tour.

Spend the next two days exploring the region’s top sites, including Piedras Rojas, the Lagunas Altiplanicas and Geisers del Tatio, and spend an evening stargazing and learning what ancient Andean cultures believed lay in the night sky.

I highly recommend taking a tour of the Geisers del Tatio with Trekana , whose guides are borderline obsessed with the wildlife that you can see en route, including two species of flamingoes, a whole host of bird species, beautiful vicunas (the wild cousin of the alpaca), and if you’re lucky, vizcachas (a type of chinchilla with extremely big ears and a penchant for sunbathing).

For more detailed information and inspiration for San Pedro de Atacama read this post on adventurous places to visit in and around San Pedro de Atacama .

Where to stay in San Pedro de Atacama: If you’ve got a bigger budget or are traveling in a couple, stay at Ckuri Atacama   (double $63,000 CLP/$80 USD; minimum two-night stay); it’s definitely the nicest accommodation you’ll find in San Pedro. Their three double rooms include private bathrooms, large double beds, a small breakfast area with fridge, cutlery, and plates (breakfast isn’t included – so go and check out Pananderia Franchuteria (Calle Gustavo Le Paige) in town for Chile’s best croissants and other delicious French pastries!).

Where to stay on a budget in San Pedro de Atacama: For smaller budgets,   Hostal Lackuntur (dorm $30 USD, $90 USD double) is ideal. It’s got a decent kitchen, loads of hammocks, and a very welcome swimming pool. Its location a few blocks north of the town also ensures it’s nice and quiet during the evenings.

Days Six and Seven: Valparaíso

Return to Calama and take a flight to Santiago. Buses leave from the Terminal Alameda (Av. Alameda 3750) and the Terminal San Borja (San Borja 235) in the city center for Valparaíso (two hours, $3,000 CLP/$4 USD), a historic harbor city set across 42 hills and home to a wealth of street art.

This includes La Sebastiana, the beautiful ship-inspired house of Nobel Prize-winning Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda (well, one of his three), elderly acensores (which are also UNESCO heritage monuments), and a colourful skyline of brightly-painted houses, cobbled streets, and vivid graffiti.

Read all about our favorite things to do in Valparaíso for more information about the city.

If visiting over the summer (be warned: it gets rammed full of Chilean holidaymakers), be sure to hop on a local  micro ( bus) and head around the coast towards Viña del Mar where the best beaches are.

The easiest to access is Playa Caleta Abarca as it’s right on the main road that passes through the city, while nearby Reñaca also has a pretty beach.

Viña del Mar is also home to the brilliant Museo de Arqueología e Historia Natural Francisco Fonk , which houses a collection of artifacts from Rapa Nui (Easter Island) – including a 2.9-meter tall moai statue – and is well worth a visit.

Valparaíso has a reputation for being unsafe, with Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción the safest areas to explore during the day, and practically the only areas I would recommend staying at night.

Avoid the bus station where possible (if arriving here, call an Uber to pick you up or arrange a taxi with your hotel) and the area around the harbor. Always stick to areas with plenty of street lights and don’t carry valuables with you.

If driving, look out for your tyres being punctured; it’s a clever trick by thieves, who come and offer to assist you change the type but manage to relieve you of your belongings while they do.

Where to stay in Valparaíso: Winebox (Baquedano 763, $99,000 CLP/$125 USD double) is a truly unique hotel, built entirely from 25 recycled shipping containers. What’s more, they have an urban winery in the basement and a wine bar cum restaurant on the roof (which is open to the public). It’s actually on Cerro Mariposa, so you’ll need to take local colectivos (shared taxis) or taxis to get into the centre at night.

Where to stay on a budget in Valparaíso: For smaller budgets, the pint-sized Puerta Escondida (Templeman 549, $79,000 CLP/$100 USD double room) is a welcoming B&B in the heart of Cerro Concepción. It gets booked up fast, so be sure to reserve in advance.

Days Eight and Nine: Santiago and Colchagua

Return by bus to Santiago and you’ve got two options for exploring another of Chile’s top attractions: vineyards (which, in our opinion, make Chile the best country in South America for wine ).

• For bigger budgets: rent a car and drive to winery Casa Silva, just north of San Fernando.
• For smaller budgets: take the bus from the Terminal Santiago ( Av. Alameda 3850) operated by Nilahue to Santa Cruz (3 hours, $7,000 CLP),

1. For bigger budgets

One of the most awarded wineries in the country and on the northern tip of the Colchagua Valley, Casa Silva not only has a wonderful setting (think rolling hills covered with neat rows of vines and a colonial-style bodega overlooking their polo field) but also an excellent restaurant.

Where to stay: I stayed in their gorgeous accommodation, Hotel Casa Silva  (double $181,000 CLP/$210 USD) and spent a day eating in their two fine restaurants, wine tasting in their wine shop, and wandering their vineyards.

You can stay one day at Casa Silva, and then on the next, drive to Santa Cruz, the main town for the Colchagua wine valley, and spend an afternoon exploring some of Chile’s top vineyards (see below).

2. For smaller budgets

Take a bus to Santa Cruz where you can rent mountain bikes, complete with panniers, from Casa Suiza ($40,000 CLP/$51 USD double, $19,000 CLP/$24 USD dorm) to explore the local vineyards of the surrounding Colchagua Valley at your leisure.

For all budgets

All of the wineries in the Colchagua Valley offer tastings, tours and many even have fine-dining restaurants (in beautiful settings, surrounded by vines), so I strongly suggest you aim to have lunch at one of the restaurants.

The valley is also known for its carménère wine , a grape similar, and for a long time, confused with Merlot, so make sure you sample plenty while you’re here.

My favorite is Montes , which lies ten kilometers north of Santa Cruz. It’s a renowned winery (they age their wine to the sound of Gregorian chant in an amphitheater-shaped cellar) with tours (from $10,000 CLP/$14 USD), tasting (from $2,000 CLP/$3 USD per glass) and the truly sensational Fuegos de Apalta restaurant.

I had the best steak of my life in their dining room, which surrounds a circular iron grill where you can watch the chefs at work. It doesn’t come cheap (expect to pay $20,000-$24,000 CLP/$28 USD-$34 USD per main) but their lomo liso (sirloin) and entraña (skirt steak), washed down with a Cabernet Sauvignon is an experience you’ll never forget.

Other wineries to visit from Santa Cruz include:

• Boutique winery Laura Hartwig , which you can easily walk to for a tasting as it’s on the outskirts of Santa Cruz. They produce very small quantities of wine each year and while it can sometimes be hit-and-miss, they often strike gold. You can sample glasses for just $1,000 CLP/$1.5 USD).
• Eight kilometers east of Santa Cruz, Viu Manent is a winery set within a beautiful old hacienda. Their star grapes are Carménère and Malbec and they have tours of the vineyard via horse-drawn carriages (from $15,000 CLP/$21 USD) as well as tastings (from $12,000 CLP/$17 USD) and great food in their restaurant Rayuela Wine & Grill ($9,000-$14,000 CLP/$13-$20 USD mains).

Where to stay in Santa Cruz: Hotel TerraViña (Camino a los Boldos, $166,000 CLP/$210 USD double) has a charming location overlooking rows of vines from cast-iron balconies and a swimming pool. The added benefit is they’re a short walk through the vines to the Laura Hartwig winery, which can be reached by a short vine-lined path.

Where to stay on a budget in Santa Cruz: Small budgets will enjoy staying overnight in Casa Suiza (Los Libertadores 199, $40,000 CLP/$51 USD double, $19,000 CLP/$24 USD dorm). There are plenty of places for unwinding, including a grassy garden, plus kitchen access, and owners who run cycling tours to tiny boutique wineries.

Day Ten: Santiago

Spend a final day in Santiago. Dedicate at least three hours to exploring the Museo de Memoria y los Derechos Humanos (Museum of Memory and Human Rights), an excellent museum dealing with a grizzly topic: the Pinochet dictatorship that lasted from 1973 to 1990.

If you want to learn first-hand about the Chilean love of the sanguche , head to La Fuente Alemana for a traditional churrasco (beef or pork sandwich) – just ask them to go easy on the mayo. Alternatively, sample some other key Chilean dishes in Santiago with the help of this guide to Chilean food .

Head over to nearby Barrio Lastarria ( barrio means neighborhood) and take the short hike up to Cerro Santa Lucia for views across the city and the omnipresent Andes Mountains beyond.

For even more impressive cityscape views, take the funicular up to Cerro San Cristóbal in Parque Metropolitano (don’t walk; there have been reports of muggings of people hiking up the hill and those straying from the trails).

Finally, listen to my interview on the We Travel There podcast to learn more about my recommendations for visiting Chile’s capital city.

Return to the airport and fly home.

Chile itinerary for two weeks of travel : Santiago and the Lakes District

In this itinerary, I talk you through how you can organize it yourself. However, if you want someone to take care of the logistics and plan a once-in-a-lifetime trip, then reach out to my recommended local tour operator, EcoChile Travel . They’re experts in planning trips in Chile and can custom design the itinerary to suit you and your budget. Their Chilean Lakes District itinerary follows a similar route to this itinerary. Mention Worldly Adventurer to get a 5% discount off this trip.

Arrive at Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago and take either a transfer ($7,000 with Delfos or TransVIP; no need to book in advance, Uber, or the Turbus airport bus (get off either at Terminal Pajaritos (better if it’s rush hour) or Terminal Alameda and take the metro Line 1 to the center of town).

For more inspiration, read this article about tourist attractions you can’t miss in Santiago .

Where to stay: Splurge on your hotel and stay overnight at the foot of Cerro Santo Lucia in  Hotel Magnolia  (Huérfanos 539, $276,000 CLP ($350 USD) double) in the heart of the Barrio Lastarria and surrounded by a wealth of bars and restaurants, plus excellent transport links.

Alternatively, read my complete guide to Santiago’s best hotels and hostels for every budget (including much more affordable than Hotel Magnolina), ordered by neighborhood or learn about other things to do in Santiago .

Days Two to Five: Chiloé

The fastest way to reach Chiloé is with a direct flight between the domestic terminal of Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) and Aeródromo Mocopulli (MHC; just outside of Castro).

This cuts your travel time down considerably, as flying to Puerto Montt means a four-hour journey (including a 30-minute ferry across the Canal de Chaco).

It’s not the most scenic of journeys, either, and you’ll be doing it on the way to Puerto Varas, so save yourself time by flying directly to Chiloé. There are far fewer daily flights to this airport, however, so book early.

From the airport, it’s a short taxi ride to Castro, where you can organize to pick up a hire car .

Chiloé is a small island, however rural public transport – like in most of Chile – isn’t the most frequent nor the most reliable. As a result, I would highly recommend hiring a car for your time here, giving you the freedom of seeing multiple parts of the island in one day – and also handy if you want to stay at one of the more remote lodges (which I highly recommend!). 

Driving in Chiloé is straightforward and easy; roads are generally one two lanes and other drivers are relaxed (unlike those in Santiago). There are also no toll booths that require cash to contend with, although I do recomend having Chilean pesos on hand for dining at more rural restaurants and for entering the national parks and reserves.

Need more inspiration?

You’ll find even more detailed itineraries, off-the-beaten-path gems, hiking routes and accommodation, restaurant and tour recommendations to suit your travel style in my brand-new guidebook, Moon Chile.

Alternatively: Fly from the domestic terminal in Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) to Aeropuerto El Tepual (PMC) (one hour 40 mins), the airport just outside of Puerto Montt . Rent a car from the agencies at Aeropuerto El Tepual and drive to Chiloé Island. Puerto Montt airport has some of the cheapest car rents in Chile (from $30 USD per day) and you can book using Rental Cars , who provide insurance documents and all contracts in English.

Castro , the capital of Chiloé is famed for its vibrant  palafitos:  colorful, traditional fishermen’s houses on stilts that line the harbor overlook the bay at two places, just off Calle Ernesto Riquelme and another accessed by Calle Puerto Montt.

However, the best place to appreciate them in all their colorful glory is across the river from Calle Ernesto Riquelme at Mirador Gamboa .

Another unmissable stop in Castro is at the Feria Artesanal (Lillo s/n, just before the harbor), a craft market where you can find both local woolen crafts to buy and a cheap lunch of empanadas  (stuffed with seafood or cheese and prawns) or huge plates of fish.

Nip out the back to meet the resident sea lion population, who’ll also be fighting over their lunch – scraps of fish thrown into the sea by the fishermen.

Where to stay in Castro: If you fancy finding out what it’s like inside a palafito, stay at the brown-shingled Palafito 1326 (Ernesto Riquelme 1326, $79,000 CLP/$100 USD double). Rooms are spacious, with crisp white linens and those overlooking the water have a balcony from which you can watch the ocean.

Alternatively, I can’t sing the praises of Refugio Pullao ($185 USD double) enough. Run by its Santiaguino owners, this tiny hotel is located on the Peninsula Rilan, across the bay from Castro, and has astounding views east out towards the ocean. Tierra Chiloé , a five-star hotel a little further around the shore, charges four times the price for the same view (although, admittedly, this includes tours and all-inclusive (and exceptional) dining). The latter is beautiful, but definitely only for those with a very large budget. 

Where to stay on a budget in Castro: La Minga Hostel (dorm $16,000 CLP/$20 USD, $25,000 CLP/$40 USD double) is a proper backpacking hostel (run by the wonderful Camila, a Brazilian and former backpacker herself) that is small but perfectly-formed. Rooms are fairly tiny and there aren’t that many bathrooms to go around, but it’s got a really sociable atmosphere without being a party hostel. Camilia also has great local knowledge and can help with suggestions for local things to do.

Spend the rest of your time on Chiloé exploring the churches; my favorite was definitely Tenuan , which you could reach by bus from the terminal in Castro (one hour 10 mins, $1,600 CLP/$2 USD).

If there’s a group of you, take a wander along the shore and you can try negotiating a small boat to take you to Isla Mechuque, which also has its own church and a small museum and is supposed to be stunning.

Cucao, a one-hour bus journey (again from the local bus terminal in Castro), is one of my favorite places on the island and has the mind-blowingly beautiful Palafito Cucao   ($55,000 CLP/$130 USD double).

Not only is this place hugely comfortable (it has lovely double rooms), it’s the living room area and outdoor terrace with views across Lago Cucao that make this place one of the most sensational places I’ve ever stayed in Chile. I even saw a giant otter swimming past one day.

Palafito Cucao is close to the Muelle de las Almas , a destination that has shot to fame in Chile in recent years.

While it is beautiful – it’s an art installation shaped like a pier that appears to jut out over the cliff edge and into the ocean on a desolate hillside – it’s now so overrun that much of the magic is lost.

If you do want to go, make sure you get here as early as possible in the morning, as 45-minute queues for photos with the muelle are unfortunately common.

Another option, instead, is to visit the Muelle de la Luz near Chepu, another of the artist’s sculptures. Again, this can get very busy with tour groups and, for the boats to run to the muelle, it requires at least 10 people.

There’s not a huge amount there, just the muelle and beautiful views across the beach below – which admittedly ranks among the most beautiful on the island.

Insider tip: Muelles have sprung up all over Chiloé, after the original Muelle de las Almas was constructed by Santiago sculptor Marcelo Orellana Rivera. Note that there are only three original muelles : Muelle de las Almas, Muella de la Luz, and Muelle del Tiempo. All the rest are imitations, designed by local people to capitalize on the craze for selfies on them. 

Days Five and Six: Puerto Varas

Drop the car back in Castro and then take the bus to the terminal in Puerto Montt and then take a small micro (a blue local bus) from the terminal to Puerto Varas (20 mins, $1,000 CLP/$1 USD).

Hiring a car for this part of the itinerary: Alternatively, I recommend hiring a car from Puerto Montt; some of the most interesting things to do in the Lakes Region are served by fairly infrequent public transport, so it can really help to have your own vehicle. Book a one-way rental from Puerto Montt to Temuco; this is surprisingly affordable (Puerto Montt is the cheapest place in the country to rent a car) and the one-way free doesn’t add much to the overall rental price.

Known locally as the City of Roses for its abundant blooms in summer, this lovely lakeside town sits beneath the shadow of Volcán Osorno, a volcano that, thankfully, hasn’t erupted since 1869.

There’s not a whole lot to do in the town; the main attractions lie in the activities in the surrounding national parks, lakes and rivers.

If you’ve just got an afternoon here, the somewhat eccentric collection of artwork and accumulated bric-a-brac in Museo de Pablo Fierro , run by enthusiastic owner and artist Pablo Fierro is definitely worth an hour of your time,

I’d also suggest heading to La Mesa Tropera for a pizza and locally brewed beer plus the best views of the lake and the volcano, or, if you’re a wine lover, La Vinoteca has a brilliant selection of wine by the glass, a range of Chilean dishes, and an excellent attached wine shop. 

For hikers, you’ve got plenty of options nearby. Alerce Andino National Park has a range of different hikes, including one to a 3,000-year-old alerce tree, and can be reached without 4WD (although bear in mind that both routes include a gravel section of the road (and the southern entrance is in particularly poor condition). 

The Llanquihue National Reserve is another beautiful protected area, with a mix of Valdivian temperate rainforest and lava floes from Volcan Calbuco, which erupted in 2015 and closed the reserve until just last year.

Again, this park is accessible without 4WD, but with roads in a similarly poor condition, so drive slowly and carefully. 

Another option is to head to Petrohué on the banks of Lago Todos los Santos where there are a handful of treks.

The most interesting is  Paso Desolación , which goes around the edge of the volcano, taking you above the tree line with beautiful views of the Osorno volcano and Lago Llanquihue below, over an around eight-hour return hike (23km/14.2mi).

A shorter, 11km (6.8mi) route takes a path along the edge of the lake before heading back in a loop and offering views of the volcano and the valley, with a walking time of around three hours.

Don’t miss the Museo Pioneros Petrohué ($2,000 CLP/$3 USD), which is run by Petrohué Lodge and details the various “pioneers” who ventured to this once remote part of the Chilean lakes district across history, including explorers and German settlers.

If it’s not open (which it probably won’t be), nip into the Expeditions Office next door to ask to be allowed in.

Another popular attraction here is the Saltos de Petrohué ($4,000 CLP/$6 USD) where the raging, crystalline waters of the Río Petrohué churn over the rocks in a series of waterfalls, with a stunning backdrop of the Osorno volcano.

There are a handful of worthwhile trails to different viewpoints here but be warned: they are absolutely crammed throughout the season (even in October they were busy), so get here early doors. The entrance opens at 9am.

You can also get here by cycling. Lago Llanquihue has a cycling trail that extends from Puerto Varas north. You can hire bikes in Puerto Varas itself or, if you don’t want to have to drive back, Birds of Chile offers an e-biking tour, which can be combined with a half-day hike along the El Solitario trail through Valdivian temperate rainforest and volcanic ash.

Their guides have plenty of fascinating information about the flora and fauna of the region, which contains some of the final remaining tracts of Valdivian temperate rainforest on the planet.

Watersports are another part of Puerto Varas’ adventure offerings. You can also raft down the class II and IV rapids of the Río Petrohué with AlSur Expediciones , a local kayaking and rafting specialist operator.

Alternatively, book a sea kayaking tour out into the Chilean fjords for dramatic, volcano-studded landscapes (AlSur also specialize in epic, multi-day sea kayaking adventures into Pumalin National Park at the northern tip of the Carretera Austral – a must-do tour if you’re a keen kayaker!).

For a more relaxed afternoon, hop on a bus to Fruitillar (from the same place in Puerto Varas) to try locally baked kuchen , a German dessert brought, and cooked, by the German descendants who started this town.

There’s also a really good museum, the Museo Colonial Alemán , with its collection of artifacts brought over from Germany with the settlers and the history of founding the different towns around the lake.

There’s also Frutillar’s elegant, lakeside theatre, Teatro del Lago (they have performances from all across the globe and the building is renowned for its acoustics).

Where to stay in Puerto Varas: It’s definitely pricey, but the location right on the shores of Lago Llanquihue of AWA ($350 USD double) makes this a truly remarkable place to stay. Bedrooms are huge, while the restaurant serves up delicate dishes showcasing local ingredients – all with a serving of volcano views. I’ve stayed here twice now and it’s definitely my favorite hotel. Bear in mind, you’ll need a car – or to organize tours with a local operator – due to it being a 20-minute drive from Puerto Varas. FYI don’t do your laundry here. I almost wept when they gave me the $50 USD bill.

Where to stay on a budget in Puerto Varas: The wonderful Compass del Sur (camping $17,000 CLP/$21 USD, $24,000 CLP/$30 USD dorm, $54,000 CLP/$68 USD double), with its cozy sitting room with wood fire, breakfast room, and huge new kitchen, it’s my personal favorite when I’m in town. Their owners are very knowledgeable about activities to do in the local area and bedrooms are large, most of which now have their own private bathrooms after extensive renovations in 2017.

Days Seven to Ten: Pucón

Drive four hours or take a bus to Pucón (five hours, $17,500 CLP/$22 USD) from the bus terminal for Buses Jac in Puerto Varas.

Pucón is one of Chile’s best-known adventure destinations thanks to a range of highlights, including an active volcano that you can hike up, accessible national parks, and a whole host of other activities to get your pulse racing.

One of the best day trips you can take from Pucón is to nearby Parque Nacional Huerquehue , a one-hour bus ride or drive from the town with Buses Caburgua (they have their bus station at Uruguay 540).

There are five trails in the park, the most exciting being the  Sendero Los Lagos , which goes past a pair of impressive waterfalls and ends with glorious views across the lakes at the top of the mountain.

The most challenging (and with the best vistas ) is Sendero San Sebastian , where you’ll see not one, not two but NINE volcanoes and 14 lakes from the top. Uh, yes please!

You can also stay within the park, either camping (there are various places, including Camping Olga ($18,000 CLP/$23 USD for two people, minimum two-night stay) or at the basic Cabañas Tinquilco ($50,000 CLP/$63 USD per night; minimum stay four nights between December and March.

It’s also impossible to visit Pucón without hiking up Volcán Villarrica , the snow-topped volcano that dominates the landscapes surrounding the town and is easily one of the top Chile attractions for visitors.

It’s a tough climb (you start around 6-7am from Pucón and are at the crater by lunchtime), but not one that requires technical expertise; you will need to go with a guide unless you have all of your own equipment (ice axes, crampons etc.). Bear in mind, this trail is packed with other tourists, so can feel like you’re queuing up the side of the mountain, rather than hiking it.

Patagonia Experience  is the most recommended of all the agencies in the town. Expect to pay upwards of $80,000/$132 USD.

And don’t miss Termas Geometricas , some really beautiful hot springs located on the southern flanks of the volcano. Unless you’ve got a car, you’ll need to take a tour ($35,000/$58 USD) – but it’s worth the cost as you get to spend an afternoon relaxing in these stunning pools.

Where to stay in Pucón: Another personal favorite, if you’re willing to splash some cash, is the Maison Nomade B&B (double $90,000/$120 USD – but email them as they can offer cheaper prices), which is a few kilometers away from Pucón but has glorious views of the volcano from their huge garden, a swimming pool, beautiful modern rooms decorated with the handicrafts that Carolina, one of the owners, makes, plus a kitchen for guests. Alain, the other owner, also runs an orientation meeting to help you decide what you plan to do during your stay (and he knows the region like the back of his hand).

Where to stay on a budget in Pucón: Having visited this place as part of my research for Moon Chile , I can back up the general consensus that Chili Kiwi (dorm $20,000 CLP/$25 USD, $49,000 CLP/$67 USD hobbit hole) is one of the best hostels in Latin America. I stayed in both a hobbit hole and a treehouse (the hobbit hole was a bit roomier and had its own tiny private terrace, which was a nice touch), but they’ve genuinely thought of everything here: from their private bar to their three kitchens, huge lockers for people who’ve checked out but need somewhere to store their bags and just the enthusiasm of the owners and the staff who can answer practically any question you have about travel in the region (and beyond). It’s not a party hostel, but it does attract a youngish crowd.

Days Eleven to Thirteen: Parque Nacional Conguillio

From Pucón, start early for the three-hour drive to Parque Nacional Conguillio .

Alternatively, get an early bus to Temuco (one hour forty minutes) and catch the 10.30am Nar Bus to Parque Nacional Conguillio (leaves from the Terminal Rural de Temuco only in January and February, two and a half hours). It’ll drop you off right at the campsite and main ranger office for the park.

From here, there are a number of different day hikes that pass through the park’s incredible ancient scenery of thousand-year-old Araucania trees, black lava flows from looming Volcán Llaima, and gloriously blue lakes.

It’s one of my top three national parks in Chile (Patagonia National Park and Torres del Paine National Park take the other two spots) and one I highly, highly recommend.

Travel tip: The park is actually quieter and more beautiful to visit in November and December, when the weather’s warming up, or in April, to see the forests turn shades of autumn yellows and golds. The easiest way to get here in these months (or a faster means than taking the bus in high season) is hiring a car from the rental agencies in the arrivals terminal of Aeropuerto Araucanía (ZCO) in Temuco. You can get to the airport with a taxi (around $15,000 CLP/$21 USD from the bus terminal in Temuco).

You can get hold of maps from the ranger station here. The bus returns back to Temuco at 1pm (soon after it arrives).

Out of season, your only options are to take a taxi from nearby Curacuatin or rent a car in Temuco .

There’s a small shop at the campsite, but otherwise, you’ll need to bring food with you (unless staying at La Baita , who can prepare meals for you).

Where to stay in Parque Nacional Conguillio:  There are a number of campsites run by  Sendas Conguillio . The best of these, if you’re traveling in a pair or alone, is Camping El Estero ($6,500 CLP/$11 USD pp), which you cannot book (but there is normally space). If you’ve got a vehicle,  La Baita  (double $90,000 CLP/$150 USD) is spectacular, with stylish, wooden bedrooms, cozy communal living room with wood fire, and hot tubs. Outside of the summer, the prices are cheaper (but they’re closed in June).

Drive back to Temuco to return the car or hop the bus back to the city. Fly from Temuco airport to Santiago or take the bus overnight (eight hours).

Chile itinerary for two weeks of travel : The highlights

Days Two and Three: Valparaíso and the Casablanca Valley

Either hire a car or hop on a bus from the Terminal Alameda (Av. Alameda 3750) and the Terminal San Borja (San Borja 235) in the city center to Valparaíso (two hours, $3,000 CLP/$4 USD), a historic harbor city set across 42 hills and home to a wealth of street art.

This includes La Sebastiana , the beautiful ship-inspired house of Nobel Prize-winning Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda (well, one of his three), elderly acensores (which are also UNESCO heritage monuments), and a colorful skyline of brightly-painted houses, cobbled streets, and vivid graffiti.

If visiting over the summer (be warned: it gets rammed full of Chilean holidaymakers), be sure to hop on a local micro ( bus) and head around the coast towards Viña del Mar where the best beaches are.

The easiest to access is Playa Caleta Abarca as it’s right on the main road that passes through the city, while nearby Reñaca also has a pretty beach. Alternatively, you can drive further north to the pretty beaches of surf-town Maitencillo , secluded and beautiful Cachagua , or exclusive Zapallar . 

The following day, head out to the Casablanca Valley , Chile’s premier white wine-producing region. A bus to Casablanca and then a taxi can take you around some of the best wineries, including Casas del Bosque (which has a brilliant restaurant), Viña Mar (which is known for its sparkling wines, Bodegas RE (which produces unusual blends), and Emiliana (an organic, sustainable winery).

Alternatively, drive south via Isla Negra (the prettiest of poet Pablo Neruda’s houses) to reach the Valle de San Antonio , where first-rate wineries offer outstanding wines and stunningly-located accommodations. 

The best are Matetic and Casa Marin , the latter of which produces delicious sauvignon gris. 

Where to stay in Valparaíso/nearby: Winebox (Baquedano 763, $99,000 CLP/$125 USD double) is a truly unique hotel, built entirely from 25 recycled shipping containers. What’s more, they have an urban winery in the basement and a wine bar cum restaurant on the roof (which is open to the public). It’s actually on Cerro Mariposa, so you’ll need to take local colectivos (shared taxis) or taxis to get into the centre at night. Alternatively, stay in La Casona ($774 USD double) Matetic winery’s stylish 10-bed hotel, set within the vineyard and with a welcome swimming pool or at the more affordable Bungalow Miramar ($167 USD one-bedroom bungalow) that has sweeping views across the vineyards of equally brilliant Casa Marin.

Days Four to Seven: Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

Head back to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) and take a six-hour flight west across the Pacific Ocean to Rapa Nui (Easter Island).  

Having captivated archaeologists and tourists alike for decades, Rapa Nui – while still being part of Chile – lives and breaths the Polynesian culture of its inhabitants: the Rapanui. 

After landing on the runway of Matavari International Airport (IPC) , take a transfer with your hotel into Hanga Roa, the island’s only town and the location of most lodgings. 

Spend the afternoon snorkeling off Playa Pea on the lookout for Green Pacific, leatherback, and hawksbill turtles, before catching the sunset at Ahu Tahai, where various ceremonial platforms known as ahu play host to the angular stone heads (moai) for which the island is famed. 

The following day, head out to Parque Nacional Rapa Nui , where the majority of the moai are located. New rules mean you’ll need a guide, who can show you around key locations across the island. 

Don’t miss Rano Raraku , the volcanic crater and quarry where the moai were carved, or nearby Ahu Tongariki . With 15 moai statues, it’s the largest of the platforms and ideal for sunrise. 

Read our guide to visiting Rapa Nui for more detailed information about getting to the island, as well as recommendations for what to do and where to stay , and the best time to visit Easter Island .  

Where to stay in Rapa Nui: The stunning sea views from certain suites and bungalows make  Hotel Boutique La Perouse  ($210 USD suite; $288 bungalow) an excellent choice for accommodation on Easter Island. Situated right at the heart of Hanga Roa, but with a tranquil setting, this is a great place to relax after a day of touring the island, while a delicious breakfast will ensure you’ve got the fuel you need.   

Where to stay on a budget in Rapa Nui:  If price is your number one factor when it comes to finding accommodation on Easter Island then look no further than  Camping y Hostal Tipanie Moana  ($57 USD double room with shared bathroom, $14 USD camping). Offering private rooms (some with shared bathrooms), it’s hard to quibble over the price here, which grants you clean and spacious bedrooms – some with mini-fridges – and a sociable atmosphere among the other guests staying here. 

Days Eight to Nine: Punta Arenas 

Fly back to Santiago’s Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) and then hop on a flight to Punta Arenas, a three-hour flight south. 

The gateway to Patagonia, Punta Arenas is where the first colonizers landed in southern Chilean Patagonia and is home to some of the best wildlife-watching opportunities. 

You’ll have time for at least one tour. Head out to Isla Magdalena for a half-day visit to the 120,000-strong Magallenic penguin colony that resides on this island. 

Alternatively, take a tour with Solo Expediciones to Parque Marino Francisco Coloane (Francisco Coloane Marine Park) to catch a glimpse of the many species of whales that come here to breed, including humpbacks and sei whales. 

Want a custom-made Chile itinerary, but without the effort of planning it?

Get it planned by an expert (me!) with my travel itinerary planning service ; you’ll give me an overview of your ideal once-in-a-lifetime trip to Chile and/or Patagonia, and I’ll put together a custom itinerary just for you using my expert knowledge of the destination.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a local operator to plan and book your trip, I recommend our trusted partner EcoChile Travel. They design and book tours throughout the country, such as this 12-day highlights of Southern Patagonia itinerary – and offer Worldly Adventurer readers a 5% discount on their services!

Book here to claim your discount.

At the end of your second day, hop on a public bus to Puerto Natales (three hours). 

Where to stay in Punta Arenas:  Easily the smartest choice in Punta Arenas is the luxurious La Yegua Loca ($160 USD double), where antique wooden furniture rubs shoulders with superb views of the Strait of Magellan. Don’t miss the restaurant on the ground floor, which specialises in local specialties such as king crab.

Where to stay on a budget in Punta Arenas:  Budget digs don’t get much better than the family-run Hostal Aventura Austral ($57 USD double), which has small but comfortable rooms and brilliant hosts.

Days Ten to Fourteen: Torres del Paine National Park 

Unless you’re planning on hiking the W or the O Circuit , the best way to explore Torres del Paine National Park is with a rental car . 

From Puerto Natales, head north along Ruta 9 and then northwest along the Y-290 to enter Torres del Paine National Park from its southern entrance, where you’ll get the best views of the Los Cuernos mountains that dominate the park. 

Over the next few days, you’ve got time to hike the park’s ubiquitous route up to Mirador Las Torres where you’ll stand beneath the three sky-spearing shards of granite after which the park is named. 

Day hikes and shorter routes to viewpoints abound in the national park, with the steep climb up to Mirador Ferrier for 180-degree views across the park and the short meander along Sendero Mirador Cuernos for dazzling views of Los Cuernos among the best. 

Read our guide to day hikes in Torres del Paine National Park for detailed route information. 

There’s plenty more to do in Torres del Paine, including tracking pumas , with the park believed to be home to the highest concentration of these big cats in the world. 

The best way is on a two-day tour with Chile Nativo (use the referral code “Worldly Adventurer” for a 5% discount), which takes you along some of the paths most frequented by the cats and has a close to 100% success rate for seeing them.

Return to Puerto Natales and then fly back to Santiago.

Where to stay in Torres del Paine National Park: With its cluster of 20 deluxe yurts, Patagonia Camp  ($2,160 USD double all-inclusive for two nights) sits pretty on the southern shore of Lago Toro as a top luxury accommodation option just 15 kilometres from the park entrance. There’s no TV or internet connection in the rooms, but who needs WIFI when you’ve got a private terrace with panoramic views, and even a jacuzzi in the suites?

Where to stay in Torres del Paine National Park on a budget: Restaurant costs within Torres del Paine have skyrocketed with the park’s popularity. Stock up on food in Puerto Natales and head to Cabañas Lago Tyndall ($110,000 CLP ($160 USD) four-person cabin), which is situated on a bend in the Río Serrano and a short drive from the southern entrance to the park.

Our complete guide to what to do in Torres del Paine National Park is packed with plenty more information about how to visit this incredible place, while our detailed Patagonia itineraries contain recommendations for exploring Southern Patagonia, plus how to combine a trip to Torres del Paine National Park with Argentine Patagonia, including the Perito Moreno glacier and hiking capital, El Chaltén. 

How to amend this two-week itinerary

Rather than heading to Rapa Nui, you could spend three days in the Atacama Desert. San Pedro de Atacama is the region’s main hub and jumping-off point for Mars-like scenery and wildlife-packed protected areas, such as the Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos.

We’ve got a full guide to what to do in San Pedro de Atacama , while, if you want to avoid the hassle of organizing your trip, EcoChile Travel can help you plan a four-day trip to the region , including visits to local indigenous communities to learn more about the unique culture of the region. Mention Worldly Adventurer for a 5% discount on the tour.

Itinerary for one or two weeks in Patagonia (Chilean and Argentine)

I’ve written a whole guide to where to go and what to do in Patagonia, so head over to this one- and two-week Patagonia itinerary or these three- and four-week itineraries .

Tuesday 23rd of July 2019

Great article. I love this piece of writing. Thanks

Thursday 13th of June 2019

Hello Steph,

Thank you for your detail guide and the itineraries of 10 and 14 days. My husband and I are planning to go to Chile 10/11 days on late October or early November. I had planned to go to Ecuador but considering the high altitude that we probably couldn't stand.

There are so many blogs on Pinterest just telling me how great the attractions there but very few itineraries provided. So happy that I found yours

Here I have a few questions for the 10 days itinerary: 1) Any tours around the hostels to the attractions @ San Pedro de Atacama (my husband hates driving on vacation and I don't have a license)? 2) any other suggestions for the day 8 to 9 if not going to the vineyard? Thank you in advance!

Steph Dyson

Friday 21st of June 2019

Hi Sarah, yes you can find tour companies for destinations around San Pedro de Atacama on the main drag in the town - there are loads of them! Try and negotiate several tours with one company as this will help you get a discount. Whipala Expedition and 123 Andes Chile Conectado (both have websites) are recommended companies. There are plenty of other destinations to visit in San Pedro. Check out this article for more ideas! Enjoy your trip :)

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Airports in Chile

Best Santiago Hotels

One-Week Itinerary for Chile

Best Places to Visit in Chile

Beach Destinations

Top National Parks

Guide to Chilean Patagonia

Guide to Valparaiso

Guide to Vina del Mar

Best Wineries in Chile

Things to Do in Chile

Things to Do in Santiago

Must-Try Food

Your Trip to Chile: The Complete Guide

South America’s skinniest country spans a volcano-fringed desert, fertile wine valleys, pristine fjords, and glacier stippled mountain ranges making it the ultimate destination for adventure travelers. This guide to Chile is a one-stop-shop for planning, covering everything from must-see places, tantalizing local cuisine, and money-saving tips to help you squeeze the most out of your trip.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit: Most trips are timed to make the most of fine weather in Patagonia in the south, with the austral spring, summer, and early autumn (October through April) good months for clear, warm days.
• Language: Chileans speak Spanish but thanks to their penchant for slang and dropping constants at the end of words, bringing a phrasebook is recommended even for advanced Spanish speakers. Most tourist-fronting businesses have good English, as do younger Chileans residing in Santiago.
• Currency: The Chilean peso ($ CLP) is the official currency of Chile.  
• Getting Around: Chile has an extensive infrastructure of increasingly low-cost flights that connect most cities across the country and, if booked in advance, are often significantly cheaper than buses. However, most inter-city flights are indirect and pass through the capital, so expect to spend plenty of time in Santiago’s domestic terminal. For local travel, affordable and comfortable bus services cater to short and overnight journeys, while Santiago’s excellent Metro/subway system is an easy and cheap means of exploring the capital. Hiring a rental car is an excellent option in Chile, particularly for exploring Patagonia.
• Travel Tip: Chile is a vast country packed with far more than you can see in a short period of time. We know it’s tempting to cram a whole month’s worth of activities into a far shorter time period, but we strongly recommend stripping your trip down to just a small number of destinations. You’ll spend far fewer hours on flights or overnight buses and come away wowed by the deep and unforgettable moments you’ve had the time and space to experience.

Things to Do

Chile’s remarkable diversity of landscapes and culture means you’re guaranteed to find plenty to fill an action-packed vacation. The north is home to the Atacama Desert, with its world-class stargazing and otherworldly landscapes; Santiago brims with fine museums, trendy new restaurants, and a burgeoning street art scene; the Central Valley is a place of rolling vineyards and classy boutique hotels; while the Lakes region is volcano country, where the intrepid can summit a fiery giant. In the far south, Patagonia is a place of pristine national parks and outdoor adventure, while west across the Pacific brings you to Rapa Nui (Easter Island), a UNESCO World Heritage site dotted with statues of long-lost ancestors.

On a first trip to Chile, don’t miss the following:

• Spend a day exploring coastal Valparaíso ’s tumbling, street art daubed hills, dining on freshly-caught fish in its trendy eateries, and learning about the life and loves of the much-adored Chilean Nobel Prize-winning poet, Pablo Neruda.
• Strap on your hiking boots and discover Patagonia’s most striking wildernesses in Torres del Paine National Park . Clamber up to glassy lagoons or paddle a kayak across icy waters filled with bobbing icebergs to admire vast glaciers. Head out by boat to visit chattering Magellanic penguin colonies or learn how to be a cowboy at a sheep ranch before dining on local specialties of spit-roasted lamb and king crab.
• To appreciate a completely different side to Chile, take the six-hour flight across the Pacific to Rapa Nui—a Polynesian island home to almost 900 moai (stone statues)  —to tour these sacred sites, dive into warm, crystalline waters, and sample tuna ceviche.

Get more inspiration with our guide to the top destinations to visit in Chile , the best things to do in Chile , and the best things to do in Santiago .

What to Eat and Drink

Chile might not be known for its dining scene, but prepare to be surprised. This is a country with a tradition of asado (barbecue) and expertly-cooked seafood, while growing indigenous culinary influences promise truly inventive flavors.

Santiago is a hub of increasingly fine dining, with a handful of restaurants that showcase unusual Chilean ingredients now on the world’s best restaurant lists. But it’s not all fancy: traditional markets and no-frills food trucks in the capital are great places for classic Chilean meat and fish stews and savory empanadas. In the south, Chiloé Island is proud of its traditional seafood dishes including curanto (a seafood stew cooked underground), while Patagonia lays claim to juicy lamb roasted for hours over an open fire.  

Chile is home to two main alcoholic drinks: wine and pisco. A large proportion of the Central Valley is stippled with vineyards, with Colchagua and Casablanca the most sought after, for their red carménère and white sauvignon blancs respectively, and both offering tours, tastings, and even top dollar dining. Further north in the Elqui Valley, moscatel grapes are fermented to become the grape brandy, pisco, which is best sampled in the zingy cocktail, pisco sour, which any self-respecting bar across the country can whip up.  

Learn more about what to eat with our list of must-try Chilean foods .

Where to Stay

Chilean accommodations run the whole gamut of basic campsites to exclusive five-star hotels, with plenty of family-run B&Bs, boutique hotels, and rental cabins in between.

Santiago is home to a wealth of affordable B&Bs and small hotels located right in the heart of the tourist districts of Lastarria, Bellavista, and Italia, granting quick access to the metro, as well as excellent restaurants, bars, and shops on your doorsteps. In more rural parts and in national parks across the country you'll find increasingly stylish chalet-style cabins. They are a hallmark of Chile and a great option for self-catering, with many built to include hot tubs. In Chiloé, you’ll want to stay in an oceanside palafito (a traditional fisherman’s dwelling on stilts) for the best sea views.

In the south, long-distance treks through isolated national parks mean lodgings in campsites or hostel-style accommodation, although many parks are now home to at least one five-star hotel, generally tucked deep into the wilderness and offering outstanding, lavish accommodation. In more remote parts of Patagonia, sheep and cattle ranches, many of which are still operational, also provide comfortable, sometimes rustic lodgings—all with the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Patagonian barbecue feast. 

Getting There

Santiago’s one international airport, Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez, is the hub for all flights into the country with a record-setting 24.6 million people passing through the airport in 2019.   Most U.S. airports have connections with Santiago, with many offering direct flights in the summer months. These include American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines.

If flying from within South America, budget companies including Sky Airlines and Jet Smart, as well as regional mainstay LATAM, provide the most frequent connections from hubs such as Lima in Peru and Buenos Aires in Argentina.

Rickety buses also provide an overland connection to Chile from Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina, although adventure cruise ships from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas in Patagonia in the south are a far more daring means of crossing the border.

For domestic travel, aim for budget carriers Jet Smart and Sky Airlines where possible and plan to book at least a few months in advance for the cheapest fares. If you do, you’ll often find that three-hour flights between cities are the same price, if not cheaper, than 12-hour bus journeys.

Culture and Customs

• Chileans greet family, friends, and visitors alike with a kiss on the right cheek (for women greeting women and men greeting women) or a brief one-arm hug (for men greeting men).
• Much the same as other South American countries, punctuality is not a national strength, and Chileans are known for arriving to social occasions late—although most tour operators and all transport companies pride themselves on their punctuality, so be sure to arrive on time for paid excursions or risk being left behind.
• In restaurants, a 10 percent tip is added to your bill though you’re under no obligation to pay it if the service doesn’t meet your expectations.
• Uber and other ridesharing apps are illegal but widely used in Chile with 85,000 Uber drivers across the country in 2019.   Despite the technical illegality, rideshares are a convenient means of getting around and avoiding being scammed by yellow taxi cabs (an unfortunately common occurrence in the capital). Avoid using an Uber from Santiago’s airport to the city, however; police regularly impound Ubers operating here, so you’re better off arranging an official airport shuttle instead.

Money-Saving Tips

• In popular destinations such as Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and Patagonia, prices rise considerably in January and February, so avoid these months for a chance to secure cheaper deals on airfare, hotels, and tours.
• Santiago’s excellent Metro is the fastest and cheapest means of exploring the capital - just keep a close eye on your belongings as pickpockets do operate here.
• Book domestic flights at least a few months in advance to secure the best deals. This is particularly the case for Rapa Nui (Easter Island), where prices can triple closer to the departure date.
• If traveling to Patagonia, take plenty of US dollars with you. Paying in this currency at hotels and tour agencies can save you up to 10 percent off the advertised price.
• Bringing US dollars to switch at exchange houses will also save plenty of cash as ATMs can charge up to US$10 per withdrawal, and these can often be capped at a maximum of US$150 each.
• Request small bills where possible when receiving change. Most national parks accept cash only and may refuse to change large, 20,000 peso notes. If hiring a car, you’ll also want small bills for toll booths on the highways.

Chile Travel. " Currency. "

History.com. " Easter Island ." February 28, 2020.

Arturo Merino Benítez Airport. " Santiago Airport Projects Passenger Traffic to Drop From 24.6 Million to 9 Million by 2020. " September 8, 2020.

Reuters. "Chilean Bank Ordered to Open Uber's Accounts to Taxman." October 15, 2019.

A Guide to Airports in Chile

The Best Time to Visit Chile

Weather in Chile: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

Best Snow Sports in South America

The 20 Best Things to Do in Chile

Top 15 Destinations in Chile

One Week in Chile: The Ultimate Itinerary

Road Trip Ideas Through South America

Top 10 South America Travel Destinations

The World's Most Gay-Friendly Beach Cities and Resorts

Where to Go in 2021: 10 Future Trips You Can Start Planning Now

The Best Places to Ski in Argentina

Torres del Paine National Park: The Complete Guide

The 28 Best Day Trips From Seattle

The Top 15 Places to Visit in Argentina

The Best Staycation in Every State

• Huasco Valley
• San Pedro de Atacama
• Elqui Valley
• Antofagasta
• Limarí – Fray Jorge National Park
• Bahía Inglesa
• Alto El Loa
• La Serena and Coquimbo
• Copiapó Valley
• Tagua Tagua – Almahue Valley
• Alto Colchagua Universidad Glacier 
• Cachapoal Valley
• Portillo Ski Resort

Pirque and Maipo Valley

• Aconcagua Valley
• Valle Nevado Ski Resort
• El Colorado Ski Resort
• Curicó Valley
• Maule Valley
• San Antonio/Leyda Valley
• Colchagua Valley and Santa Cruz
• Casablanca Valley
• Viña del Mar
• Cajón del Maipo
• Robinson Crusoe Island
• Rancagua and Sewell
• La Parva Ski Resort
• Rano Raraku
• Llanquihue Lake
• Chillan Ski Resort
• Puerto Montt
• Osorno and Puyehue
• Valdivia and Corral
• Pucón and Villarrica
• Panguipulli
• Temuco and Lago Budi
• Arauco Territory
• Puerto Varas
• Chilean Antarctic Destination

General Carrera Lake

• Tierra del Fuego
• Coyhaique and Puerto Aysén

Carretera Austral

• Torres del Paine
• Puerto Natales
• Punta Arenas
• Family recreation
• Coastal beaches
• Lakeside Beaches
• Hot Springs
• Spa and relaxation
• Patagonian cruises
• Lake sailing
• International cruises
• Visits to observatories
• Astronomical facilities
• Indigenous Peoples and Ethnotourism
• World Heritage Sites
• Archaeology
• Paleontology
• Poetry and Literature
• Typical gastronomy
• Gastronomy of the world
• Hiking y trekking
• Skiing and snowboarding
• Mountainbike
• Horseback Riding
• Mountain and rock climbing
• Sport fishing
• Kitesurfing and water sports
• Ice walking
• Overland 4×4
• Paragliding and aerial sports
• Wildlife watching
• Landscape photography
• National Parks
• Bird Watching

Tourism in Chile Where the impossible is possible

From the extreme north with the driest desert in the world to the austral south with eternal ice and inverted waterfalls, Chile is an invitation hard to refuse. Learn about tourism in Chile and be amazed by the experiences in the southernmost portion of the world.

Discover our diversity

The tranquility of vast sandy esplanades and intense sunshine contrast with deep blue lagoons, small towns where the native customs are kept intact and large cities with beautiful beaches.

Nestled in a plain of small valleys and coastal destinations, central Chile stands out as one of the most populated areas and surprises with the assortment of activities that can be performed, from the mountains to the beaches.

The mystical Rapa Nui culture floods the entire island and gives life to one of the most emblematic destinations in the world. Its pink sand beaches, volcanoes and grasslands along with more than a thousand Moais are just some of its main attractions.

The rain falls heavily on millenary ancient forests of deep vegetation and assorted wildlife, and then gives way to a deep blue sky. Southern Chile stands out not only for its wonderful green landscapes, but also for being one of the most important areas for adventure tourism in the world.

An almost untouched nature full of mountains, fjords, glaciers, forests, steppes, pioneer villages where you can breathe the cattle traditions and the gaucho culture, along with important cities, is part of what you can find in the Chilean Patagonia.

Enjoy Chile, live Chile

• Itineraries
• Destinations

3 amazing destinations to visit from the PUQ Airport

Five magical cities in the south of Chile that you must visit

Los Jesuitas Route in Chile: How to get there and all the points you should visit

Visit Osorno Volcano and discover the magical surroundings of southern Chile

Neighborhoods and Activities to Enjoy Nightlife in Santiago

Salt flats, wildlife, and more: Things to see and do in the Atacama Desert

Discover the panoramas that await you in the metropolitan region

Come to Chile with your partner! What you need to know to come to Chile with your pet

Overland on the Carretera Austral and Tierra del Fuego: an adventure in nature

Pumalín National Park: preservation as an impulse in local development

Come to Chile’s most romantic destinations

The most romantic experiences that you could live in San Pedro de Atacama

Three days in the main vineyards and valleys in Chile

A few kilometers from santiago: what to do in the cajón del maipo, adventures that endure: 2 days of hikes in the andean araucanía, enjoy santiago’s mountains and the casablanca valley.

How to get to Chile?

No matter where you are! Select the country you are in and choose the airline that suits you best to get to Chile*:

(*) Official information of Nuevo Pudahuel

Travel through Chile's destinations

Are you an adventure, beach or desert person? Select the following options to give you the best recommendation according to your interests:

Travelers Recommend

The Aysén region in Chile is full of special places. Today we went to the Exploradores Glacier, and it has been quite an adventure! In total 6 hours on foot, going through forest, moraine, ice… using crampons, being cold and hot at the same time… I LOVED IT.

After an hour on the road, we began to see herds of guanacos running through the Patagonian pampas, and that confirmed that we had reached our next destination: @parquepatagonia.

After going rafting down the Baker River with @raftingbaker, bathing in icy water, seeing incredible landscapes and chatting with people who only teach and add things to our lives

Chasing Chanelle

13 Best Santiago Chile Day Tours: The Complete Guide [2024]

Are you looking for the best Santiago Chile day tours? You’ve come to the right place, as they’re all listed here!

How do I know these are the best Santiago Chile day tours? I recently spent several months exploring South America, including a week in Santiago and its surrounding regions. Plus, I’ve vetted all the tours in this article, as well as the reviews, so you can be sure they’re all highly rated.

👍 BEST SANTIAGO CHILE DAY TOUR

Don’t have time to read the whole article? Book this Cajón del Maipo, Hot Springs, Waterfall & Chilean BBQ Tour , for the complete 5-star Santiago experience!

Santiago is the vibrant capital of Chile and the country’s largest city. Nestled amidst some of Chile’s most beautiful and fascinating landscapes, and with a rich history and culture, there’s so much to see and do in Santiago.

Luckily, there are plenty of fantastic day tours to help you explore the city and surrounding regions so you can get the most out of your stay. But with so much variety, it can be difficult to choose which tours to do.

To help you out, I’ve narrowed down the top Santiago Chile day tours. In this list you will not only find the most highly rated tours, but also the most interesting and comprehensive day tours, to ensure you experience as much as possible during your time in Santiago.

With everything from sightseeing, wine tasting, and hot springs to hiking, wildlife and adventure, there’s something for every type of traveler on this list! So read on for the 13 best Santiago Chile day tours, to ensure you have an unforgettable trip.

Quick Guide: Santiago Day Tours

# 1 top pick ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.

Cajón del Maipo, Hot Springs and Chilean BBQ Tour ✔️ Complete Cajón del Maipo sightseeing experience ✔️ Traditional Chilean feast, drinks & campfire included ✔️ Relax in volcanic-heated thermal hot springs Check Rates & Availability

# 2 PICK ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 Vineyards & Tastings ✔️ Wine & Pisco tastings included ✔️ Varied day with full farm and winery tour ✔️ Wine glass and mini bottle to take home Check Rates & Availability

# 3 PICK ⭐⭐⭐

Full-Day Tour of Valparaiso and Viña del Mar ✔️ Experience 2 of Chile’s most iconic coastal towns ✔️ Wine tasting stop in the Casablanca Valley ✔️ Guided tour of Valparaiso’s colourful streets & hills Check Rates & Availability

Top 13 Santiago Chile Day Tours

1. cajón del maipo, hot springs & chilean bbq experience.

Discover the best of the Santiago region with this Cajón del Maipo, hot springs and Chilean BBQ tour.

⭐ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕒 Tour Length: 10 Hours | 💰 Check Rates & Availability

Why choose this tour? It’s one of the most comprehensive and unique Santiago Chile day tours . With something for everyone, the tour has several highlights including the Maipo Canyon, thermal hot springs, a 4×4 adventure, spectacular waterfalls, a traditional Chilean BBQ feast & much more!

✅ Small-group day trip discovering the Cajón del Maipo ✅ Includes admission to the ‘Termas Valle de Colina’ ✅ Relax in hot springs heated by the nearby volcano ✅ Stop at the Chocolate House ✅ Traditional Chilean Barbecue dinner ✅ Includes wine, beer, juice & bottled water ✅ Panoramic sunset views of the volcano and Andes Mountains ✅ Stargaze by the campfire ✅ Hotel pickup and drop-off included

What makes this Cajón del Maipo tour the best is that it includes so many memorable and unique activities in one day. Not only will you get to experience the majestic Maipo Canyon, but you will also see spectacular waterfalls, volcanos and mountains, visit key attractions like the Chocolate House, and enjoy stargazing around a campfire.

Plus the tour includes a stop at the Termas Valle de Colina natural hot springs, where you will get to relax in 7 natural pools heated by the nearby volcano, ranging in temperatures from 130ºF to 86ºF (55ºC to 30ºC).

And, to top it all off, indulge in a traditional Chilean barbecue feast including appetizers, grilled vegetables, sausages, choripanes and beef (or vegan/vegetarian options). And all of this is accompanied by plenty of Chilean wine, beer and juice!

Incredible Experience! A must do!

Note – this tour operates from 3 pm to 1 am in the summer season (November to April) and from 6 am to 5 pm in the winter season (April to October).

➡️ BOOK: Cajón del Maipo, Hot Springs and Chilean BBQ Experience

2. Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 Vineyards from Santiago

To spend the day exploring Chile’s best red wine region book this Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 Vineyards from Santiago .

⭐ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕒 Tour Length: 9 Hours | 💰 Check Rates & Availability

Why choose this tour? It’s one of the only tours which gives you a full Maipo Valley experience. You will have the opportunity to explore a family-run farm and three of the valley’s best wineries . Plus, you will get to try more than 10 different wines, and have a pisco tasting!

✅ Visit 4 traditional family-run vineyards ✅ Taste premium and signature wines and Pisco ✅ Tour a farm, vineyards, production warehouses & wine cellars ✅ Interact with alpacas and other animals ✅ Receive a wine glass and small bottle of wine to take home ✅ Experience different agricultural productions ✅ Includes hotel pickup & drop-off ✅ Wheelchair & stroller accessible

This Maipo Valley tour is one of the top wine experiences in Chile, and it’s the most comprehensive winery tour available from Santiago. You will get to experience both wine production and agriculture in the Maipo Valley, and taste some of Chile’s best wines. Plus, this tour has hundreds of 5-star reviews!

Best wine tour I’ve ever been on !

The Maipo Valley is where the first vines were planted in Chile in the 1540s. And to this day, it remains the heart of Chile’s wine making industry, which you will get to experience on this tour. With both large and more intimate wineries on the itinerary, you will get a true sense of Chilean wine culture, and have the opportunity to taste a wide variety of wines.

➡️ BOOK: Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 vineyards from Santiago

3. Full-Day Tour of Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar

For a day of colour, sightseeing and discovering local culture, book this Tour of Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar from Santiago .

⭐ Rating : 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 🕒 Tour Length: 10 Hours | 💰 Check Rates & Availability

Why choose this tour? This is the most popular tour to discover the historic Valparaiso port and beach town of Viña del Mar, with thousands of 5-star reviews! Plus you will get to experience the Chilean countryside on the way, including a wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley .

✅ Full-day tour of two of Chile’s most iconic coastal cities ✅ Travel through Chile’s spectacular countryside ✅ Wine tasting stop in the picturesque Casablanca Valley ✅ Optional seaside lunch in Viña del Mar ✅ Explore the beach and boardwalk ✅ Guided tour of Valparaiso’s colourful hills, alleyways, and street art ✅ Includes Funicular Ride in Valparaiso ✅ Learn about the port’s fascinating history ✅ Includes luxury coach hotel pickup and drop-off

Valparaiso and Viña del Mar are two must-visit coastal towns from Santiago. This full-day tour will give you the opportunity to explore both, in a small-group setting, with an experienced guide who can teach you about the history and culture of the region.

Plus, you will get to experience the picturesque Chilean countryside on the way, by stopping at Chile’s top white wine region for a tasting!

A must do in our opinion!

If you’re only visiting Santiago for a few days, this is the ideal day trip out of the city. You will get to see some of the most beautiful regions surrounding Santiago and fit multiple must-do experiences into one day!

➡️ BOOK: Tour of Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar from Santiago

4. Authentic Andes Adventure: Private Horse Riding Tour

For an authentic Chilean adventure book this Private Horse Riding Tour in the Andes mountains!

⭐ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕒 Tour Length: 4 Hours | 💰 Check Rates & Availability

Why choose this tour? Discover the Andes on horseback and experience Gaucho culture with this guided tour and picnic, suitable for first-time riders!

✅ Private morning or afternoon tour ✅ Authentic Chilean Experience in the Andes ✅ Discover unbeatable views in Chile’s rural countryside ✅ No experience necessary: suitable for first-time riders! ✅ Learn riding safety, techniques and how to ride on mountain trails ✅ Picnic with cheese & wine included ✅ Learn about Gaucho culture and native flora and fauna ✅ Hotel pickup and drop-off available

The best part about this tour is that you get to experience an authentic Chilean adventure in the foothills of the Andes. Your guide will not only take you on a tour of the beautiful rural Chilean countryside, but will also teach you about horse riding, the local geography and landscapes, and traditional Gaucho culture.

Book this tour NOW!!!

This is a fantastic tour if you want to include an adventurous activity in your Santiago itinerary. And, as this is a half-day tour with both morning and afternoon times available, it can easily fit into your schedule.

➡️ BOOK: Authentic Andes Adventure: Private Horse Riding Tour

5. Andes Mountains Full-Day Hiking Tour

For a true Andes Mountain adventure, take this full-day small-group guided hiking tour through the Cajón del Maipo.

⭐ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕒 Tour Length: 12 Hours | 💰 Check Rates & Availability

Why choose this tour? This is the best way to experience the rugged landscapes and pristine beauty of the Andes mountains from Santiago!

✅ Guided small-group tour ✅ Hike through the Maipo Canyon towards San Jose Valcano ✅ Breathtaking mountain scenery, glaciers and rivers ✅ Enjoy a scenic picnic in a secluded spot ✅ Includes gourmet sandwich lunch, snack and wine ✅ Relax at a pristine waterfall ✅ Moderately difficult hike at a leisurely pace ✅ Round trip transportation included

It turns out you don’t have to visit Patagonia to get an epic Chilean hiking adventure! Just a short drive from Santiago you will find the breathtaking Maipo Canyon, full of jagged peaks and pristine glaciers, waterfalls and rivers. You might even spot the majestic condor flying high above!

This guided tour includes everything you need to get the most out of your Andes trekking experience. With round trip transportation, a gourmet picnic lunch and professional guides to teach you about the history and geography of the landscapes along the way, this will be a particularly memorable hiking experience.

The best views are worth the effort

Keep in mind that this is a moderate hike so you do require a moderate level of fitness. It’s also recommended that you wear hiking shoes or boots, and bring a backpack with sunscreen, a sun hat and a warm jacket.

➡️ BOOK: Full-Day Guided Andes Mountains Hiking Tour

6. Casablanca Valley Wine Tour and Tasting

For a true 5-star experience , ideal for white wine lovers, book this Casablanca Valley Wine Tour & Tasting Including 3 to 4 Vineyards .

Why choose this tour? This is the most highly rated tour of Chile’s best white wine region , and includes 3-4 vineyards with tastings!

✅ Viator Experience Badge of Excellence ✅ Full-day wine tasting tour in the Casablanca Valley ✅ Taste the best white wines in Chile ✅ Enjoy stunning scenery and panoramic views of the valley ✅ Sample award-winning and organic wines ✅ Guided tasting sessions and learn about winemaking ✅ Lunch Stop at a Fantastic Local Restaurant ✅ Hotel pickup and drop-off included

If you’re a white wine lover, then this tour is the one for you! The Casablanca Valley is Chile’s top white wine region. In particular, it’s best known for its Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

But it’s not just the excellent white wines that you can enjoy here. The valley also produces some excellent Pinot Noir. And, on this tour, you will get to sample a variety of white, red and sparkling wines, including organic and award-winning wines.

Wonderful tour!

This whole tour is really enjoyable from start to end. With knowledgeable guides, comprehensive tastings and stunning scenery throughout the entire day. Plus, the variety and quality of the wines and knowledgeable guides make it a really special experience.

➡️ BOOK: Casablanca Valley Wine Tasting Including 3 to 4 Vineyards

7. Full-Day of Outdoor Activities & Wildlife Tour

For adventurous travellers, outdoor enthusiasts and animal lovers, book this full-day tour of exciting outdoor activities and wildlife spotting !

⭐ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕒 Tour Length: 9-13 Hours | 💰 Check Rates & Availability

Why choose this tour? This is the most adventurous tour on the list, offering exhilarating experiences like sand boarding and paragliding , as well as the chance to see Humboldt penguins and sea lions in their natural habitat!

✅ Comprehensive small-group tour Led by an experienced guide ✅ Boat ride to see sea lions and Humboldt Penguins in the wild ✅ Sandboard down the Concon Dunes ✅ Visit Valparaiso and Viña Del Mar ✅ Includes a traditional Chilean picnic lunch and locally-produced wine ✅ See ancient volcanic rocks and native flora and fauna ✅ All equipment provided, including sandboards and binoculars ✅ Option to go paragliding ✅ Includes hotel pickup and drop-off

This is the ideal tour for active travellers who are looking for a full day of adventure! Heading out of Santiago, you will get to visit some of Chile’s most iconic coastal towns and pristine coastline. Plus, enjoy non-stop activities including a boat ride, wildlife spotting, sand boarding, a picnic, coastal walks & more!

Best tour of the trip

The only reason this tour isn’t higher up the list is because it’s not the cheapest of Santiago Chile day tours. However, given all the memorable experiences it packs into one exciting day out, most would agree it’s well worth the money!

➡️ BOOK: Full-Day of Outdoor Activities and Wildlife Tour

8. Private Full-Day Santiago City Tour

Discover the history, culture and highlights of Santiago on this highly rated private full-day Santiago City Tour !

⭐ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕒 Tour Length: 7 Hours | 💰 Check Rates & Availability

Why choose this tour? With the full attention of a knowledgeable guide, you will get to intimately explore Chile’s historic capital city, discovering famous sites, beautiful architecture and hidden gems.

✅ Private tour with a knowledgeable and entertaining local guide ✅ Get inside knowledge and navigate like a local ✅ Tour can be customized to suit your interests ✅ Visit all of Santiago’s key attractions and sites ✅ Learn about the architecture and significance of key buildings ✅ Visit the city’s largest market ✅ Includes hotel pickup and drop-off

No list of Santiago Chile day tours would be complete without a tour of the city itself!

This day tour is ideal for anyone wanting to spend the day discovering and learning about the city of Santiago and Chile’s history. Plus, as this is a private tour you will have the full attention of your guide, to make sure all your questions are answered and so you can get the most out of the day.

Book now before someone else does! A++++

This tour is the best way to experience as much of Santiago as possible in one day. And the key advantage of taking a private tour is that it can be personalized to suit you, so you will get to see everything that’s of interest to you in the city.

➡️ BOOK: Private Full-Day Santiago City Tour

9. Cajón del Maipo Sightseeing and Spa Tour with Lunch

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, food and relaxation on this Cajón del Maipo, pool and spa tour with lunch from Santiago.

⭐ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕒 Tour Length: 8 Hours | 💰 Check Rates & Availability

Why choose this tour? It offers a great mix of sightseeing and relaxation, with the opportunity to visit one of the most important attractions near Santiago and relax at a luxury spa all in the same day!

✅ Explore the breathtaking Cajón del Maipo ✅ Learn about the area’s mining history and significance in colonial time ✅ Visit the region’s first self-sustaining hotel, El Morado Lodge & Spa ✅ Includes lunch and drinks at the lodge’s restaurant ✅ Relax and rejuvenate in the spa, pools and sauna ✅ Visit the Chocolate House in San Alfonso ✅ Indulge in delicious ice cream and chocolates ✅ Key photo stops in El Morado ✅ Includes round-trip transportation

This is the ideal tour for anyone looking to relax and unwind on their Chilean vacation, without missing the key tourist attractions. This sightseeing and spa tour offers the perfect balance of both, so you can experience the best of the Andes.

Serendipity!

This tour will also ensure you’re well fed, as it includes a delicious lunch with a view at the lodge. And you will get to stop at the Casa Chocolate Tienda Boutique , for some tasty sweet treats and ice cream!

➡️ BOOK: Cajón del Maipo, Pool and Spa Tour with Lunch

10. Private Andean Tour from Santiago

If you’re looking for a more intimate Andes experience, book this private Andean half-day tour from Santiago , for groups of up to 5 travellers.

⭐ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕒 Tour Length: 5 Hours | 💰 Check Rates & Availability

Why choose this tour? This private tour packs a lot into just half a day, with stops at several prominent ski resorts near Santiago and a cheese and wine picnic at Condor’s lookout!

✅ Enjoy a private mountain tour for up to 5 travellers ✅ Visit multiple ski resorts around Santiago for diverse mountain views ✅ Marvel at the grandeur of the Andes from different angles ✅ Indulge in a wine and cheese tasting overlooking Condor’s Lookout ✅ Morning tour, ideal for travellers short on time ✅ Snowshoes, poles and binoculars provided if needed ✅ Includes hotel pickup and drop-off

This is the ideal tour for those who are looking to explore as much of the Andes as possible in a short space of time. Plus, you will have the undivided attention of your own private guide. They will be able to answer all your questions, tailor the experience around your interests and ensure you get the best views.

Perfect Day in The Andes

After a big morning of exploring the Andes, the highlight of this tour is the cheese and wine lunch overlooking the Mirador de Cóndores. You might even spot the majestic Condor flying high above as you enjoy a relaxing lunch!

➡️ BOOK: Private Andean Half-Day Tour from Santiago

11. Observatory Stargazing Tour from Santiago

If you’re interested in astronomy and want to experience the Andes at night, book this observatory stargazing tour from Santiago !

⭐ Rating : 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 🕒 Tour Length: 5 Hours | 💰 Check Rates & Availability

Why choose this tour? For a unique Santiago experience, catch the last of the daylight and learn about astronomy as you admire the stars in the Andean skies!

✅ Stargazing above the Andes Mountains ✅ Witness the transition of the Andean sky from daylight to nighttime ✅ Hosted at a private observatory with an experienced astronomer ✅ Includes wine, cheese and snacks ✅ One of the best places for stargazing in the world ✅ Use specialized telescopes to spot stars, planets & more ✅ Learn fascinating insights about astronomy ✅ Early-evening tour, ideal for those short on time ✅ Includes hotel pickup and drop-off

The skies around Santiago are some of the clearest in the world – you can even see stars in broad daylight here! Therefore it’s one of the best places for astronomy.

This tour will ensure you get to experience the best of the skies above the Andes Mountains, with an evening of stargazing led by an experienced astronomer.

Beyond our expectations!

On top of the astronomy experience, the tour also includes wine, cheese and appetizers, for a complete and memorable evening.

➡️ BOOK: Observatory Stargazing Tour from Santiago

12. Full Day Tour to Siete Tazas from Santiago

For a day out in one of the most beautiful national parks near Santiago, book this full day tour to Siete Tazas .

⭐ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕒 Tour Length: 10-11 Hours | 💰 Check Rates & Availability

Why choose this tour? This tour is the perfect blend of pristine nature, interesting culture, adventure and relaxation, all in one day!

✅ Visit Radal Siete Tazas National Park ✅ Experience seven cascading waterfalls ✅ Swim in the crystal-clear pools beneath the majestic waterfalls ✅ Relaxing picnic lunch amidst stunning natural scenery ✅ Includes all park entrance fees ✅ Drive through picturesque Chilean countryside ✅ Stop at a local village to sample traditional Chilean food ✅ Includes hotel pickup and drop-off

Radal Siete Tazas National Park is located around 260 kilometres (162 miles) south of Santiago. Named after its 7 waterfalls, the park’s pristine beauty and crystal-clear water is a true Chilean oasis.

On this day tour to Siete Tazas , not only will you get to witness the park’s immense beauty, but you will also get to experience Chilean culture, history and cuisine, with a stop at a local village.

I can’t even put it into words how amazing this tour was

However, the highlight of this trip is getting to swim in the clear blue waters of the park’s stunning waterfalls, where you will feel like you’re on a paradise island!

➡️ BOOK: Full Day Tour to Siete Tazas from Santiago

13. Portillo and Laguna del Inca Day Tour

Visit South America’s pioneer ski centre and see the pristine Inca lagoon on this Portillo and Laguna del Inca day tour .

Why choose this tour? Experience the region’s dramatic landscapes, enjoy panoramic views and visit Chile’s most famous ski area!

✅ Full-day trip in the Andes Mountains ✅ Visit South America’s first and most famous ski resort ✅ Panoramic views of the Inca lagoon and snow-capped mountains ✅ Stop at the Salto del Soldado viewpoint ✅ Learn about the history and legends of the region ✅ Free time to explore the resort and surrounding landscape ✅ Includes return transportation

Portillo is one of the most famous places in Chile. It’s South America’s original ski resort and is known for it’s spectacular views, striking turquoise Lagoon and the hairpin turns on Highway 60 leading up to it!

And even if you’re not a skier, Portillo is still worth visiting for the spectacular views, excellent service and fascinating attractions along the way.

Well worth a full day in the Andes

This tour will ensure you make the most of your day in the Andes with stops at key sites along the way and excellent photo opportunities. Plus, in Portillo you’ll have time to explore on your own and enjoy some delicious local food at the on-mountain restaurant.

➡️ BOOK: Portillo and Laguna del Inca Day Tour

Santiago Chile FAQs

How many days is enough in santiago chile.

5 to 7 days is the ideal amount of time to spend in Santiago, to properly explore the city and the surrounding regions. However, if you’re short on time, 2 to 3 days is more than enough to get a taste of what Santiago has to offer, and to take a day trip outside the city !

How should you spend one day in Santiago?

If you only have one day in Santiago, I would recommend taking a guided city tour , to ensure you see and experience as much as possible in the time you have!

Is a day trip to Valparaiso worth it?

Yes, a day trip to Valparaiso is absolutely worth it! The colourful port town has a fascinating history, culture and street art scene to explore. And, while there you can also visit the neighbouring town of Viña del Mar for some time at the beach.

What is the closest wine region to visit from Santiago?

The Maipo Valley is the closest wine region to Santiago, at about a 1-1.5 hour drive away. The other nearby wine regions are up to a 2.5 hour drive from the city, but can easily be visited on a day tour .

READ MORE: The 11 Best Wine Tours from Santiago Chile

Is Santiago Chile safe?

Santiago is generally considered a safe city. However, as of 2023, according to travel advisories petty crime like theft, pick-pocketing, scams and muggings have been on the rise. Therefore, you should always exercise caution, book experiences , transport and accommodation through trusted providers, and be careful with your belongings.

What is the best time of year to visit Santiago?

Santiago is a great year-round destination. The summers are hot and dry (September to February) and this is the best time to visit Chile’s wine country, go hiking and visit the beach. Whereas in winter (June to August) you can go skiing and explore the city in more comfortable temperatures.

Is Chile an expensive place to visit?

Chile is one of the most expensive country’s in South America. However, compared to many other places around the world, it’s actually very affordable. Especially if you’re visiting from a country with a stronger currency, you can expect your money to go further here.

➡️ Browse All Santiago Chile Day Tours

Final Thoughts – Best Santiago Day Tours

Taking a day tour is one of the best ways to experience Santiago and the surrounding regions. And luckily there are plenty of fantastic Santiago Chile day tours to choose from!

Whether you’re looking to get off the beaten path on a unique outdoor adventure, sample local wines in Chile’s top wine regions, or visit pristine landscapes and learn about the local culture, there will be a tour to suit your interests in Santiago. And hopefully this list has helped you narrow down the options so you can make the most of your trip.

Still unsure which tour is right for you? View all Santiago Chile day tours .

11 Best Santiago Chile Wine Tours: Everything You Need To Know

Is Santiago Chile Worth Visiting? 13 Reasons To Visit

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Hikes in Chile – 13 Amazing Hikes & Treks For Your Bucket List

O Circuit & W Trek Reservations – How To Book Torres Del Paine

Chanelle is the founder and author of Chasing Chanelle, a blog that aims to help travellers and expats navigate new destinations and take on more outdoor adventures. She has lived in Canada, Europe, the UK, Australia, and South America, which has given her a local’s perspective of the places she writes about. She is also an avid hiker, camper, runner, paddler, skier, and snowboarder, and is passionate about sharing her hobbies with others through her blog.

FLASH SALE💥   Book now for   up to 60% off!

Budget Tours & Trips to Chile

Discover a varied offer of Chile budget adventures that will take you through some of the most renowned destinations such as Santiago and Puerto Natales. Each affordable tour will provide you with great experiences for some of the lowest prices on the market.

74 cheap Chile tour packages with 91 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Northern Highway (Carretera Austral) - Group Tour

The salt flats are incredible, and we saw loads of flamingos! Highlight is the hot springs - we went in in the evening which was amazing watching the stars!

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

• Hiking & Trekking
• Mountain Hikes

W-Trek in Torres del Paine Standard – Self Guided (5 Days / 4 Nights)

It was a wonderful trek, incredible nature and nice hiking camps! Patagonia is the best :)

• Sightseeing
• Wine tasting

Chilean Patagonia: Santiago, Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park & Viña del Mar - 8 days

We liked all of the people who provided services and information on the trip.

Santiago de Chile and Lakes Region (10 Days)

5 Days Unique Experience @ Chilean high Plateau (Chilean Altiplano)

The accommodation was very good, and the landscapes very beautiful.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• In-depth Cultural

5 Days Exploration @ Elqui Valley & Humboldt Penguins National Reserve

An excellent experience! It was so good to have done something like this

5 Days Active Tour in Atacama - Young at Heart

The Great Atacama Desert - 11 days

Best Of Chile

4-Day Trip Santiago

Budget tours & trips to chile reviews.

Another great tour organised by Tourradar! Communication with our Tourradar organiser - tamer - was great. He answered all of our questions ☺️ the actual tour was a lot of fun! The salt flats are incredible, and we saw loads of flamingos! Highlight is the hot springs - we went in in the evening which was amazing watching the stars! The tour guides try and explain some of the astronomy! Would highly recommend ☺️

Great experience and everything planned for you!

Overall it was a wonderful trip and we enjoyed all of the experiences we had. We liked all of the people who provided services and information on the trip. There are some things which you should consider for an even better experience 1. On the trip to the glacier on Gray Lake, the driver neither spoke nor understood English. He have all instructions and information in Spanish. Some of these were crucial. Fortunately two of the people on the tour who spoke Spanish also spoke English and they translated the essential information we needed. 2. Sky Airlines was terrible. They charged for every thing extra, the plane was very cramped and instead of booking us on a direct Flight from Punta Arenas to Santiago we made a stop which meant we got into Santiago very late. I would suggest changing to Latam Airlines even it cost a little more. 3. On the Gray Lake tour the walk from the drop off point of the van to the boat was a considerable distance. In most cases this would not be too bad, but the wind was extraordinary this day and very difficult. There should be a better way to do this transfer because some people might not be able to walk this distance under vrey windy conditions. Also we were not informed that is was possible to make lunch reservations and we were lucky to have brought sandwiches otherwise only snacks were able in the gift shop.

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• Atacama Desert tours (8)
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• Budget Christmas & New Year tours (60)
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• Budget Explorer tours (42)
• Budget Active tours (24)
• Budget Sightseeing tours (22)
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• Budget Historical tours (11)
• Budget In-depth Cultural tours (10)
• Budget Self-Guided tours (10)
• Budget Wine tasting tours (10)
• Budget Private tours (8)
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• Chile Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

Travel Styles

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Chile Private Tour Guides

Contact a private tour guide to plan your chile itinerary and book online..

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Popular Chile Destinations

Popular santiago tour guides.

I fell in love with the country and… one of her habitants. I am passionate about the country’s culture, history and gorgeous landscapes. This passion is what my colleagues and I want to share with you, visitors from all over the world, when we show you around. And when we plan an itinerary for you, we do it just as if it was for myself or for my friends. This is our commitment to you: that my team and I will guide you with the same enthusiast than if we were good friends.                                                                                                                                  

I was born, grew up and I´ve been living here for along all of my life, except some time when I travel around. I am very knowledgeable in my area. I know my own country and city´s history and culture. Every Tour I give is Very Personal, Private, Leisurely and 100% Flexible. I have a lot of experience with different kind of Tourists from different part of the world like seniors, professionals, students, handicap, middle age and teenagers people for city, adventure, trekking, nocturnal , wineries tours, business and search purposes, etc. I definitely try to surpass tourists expectations giving you the “Best Chilean Hospitality” If I do this for a living, It’s because I am a Professional Tour Guide, whose my primary concern is to provide a unique travel experience to every single Customer making them, through my person, taste a bit of my country´s culture, folklore, customs, food, living style, sceneries and much more. I state you that I am totally responsible for your happiness and safety meanwhile you are in my care. My role is critical in your satisfaction tour and business needs. I am passionate and well known in every tour and information I provide, but, I am not perfect. if I don´t know the answer about some of your questions, I will be forthright about saying so and I will make an effort to get the answer before the end of the tour. But, if the answer is hard to get it... For sure, you will receive it in a few days later by e-mail. Please note that I also count with a Very Specialized Tour Guide Team. Each one has same and/or similar characteristics described above. Some of them will attend you if I had reserved myself by somebody else before or in case of illness, emergency or accident or any family problems. After reading these very sincere words I hope we let´s rock and roll together in this wonderful land by Santiago, Valparaiso, Vineyards, Coast, Country sides, Up at the Andes Mountains Range, Patagonia, Puerto Montt, etc., etc., etc. It will be a Real Pleasure to have you, family and friends as a “VERY SPECIAL CLIENT “ As somebody said…. “When in Chile…. Do as Chilenos Do” My Very Best Regards Hector M                                                                                                                                  

I am the manager of a tour company based in Santiago, Chile. We have been ruuning for 12 years private tours in Chile. We mainly offer nature tours in or near Santiago. Such as hiking, horseback ridding, kayaking, wine tours and other amazing experiences .                                                                                                                                  

Many years working with tourism with the people from all over the world gave me a lot of experience. I'm specialized in private tours where you will be more comfortable with our services. My clients get happy with our services. Also we give them the support they need all the time. I love what I do!!! Chile is a country with a large extense territory. Lakes, Mountains, River coming down directly from the mountains, wonderful vineyards, historic places and heritage, beaches, Ski center and much more you can find in this beautiful country. When you think about travel to Chile , please join me. Let me know first and you will see the quality of our services.                                                                                                                                  

Popular puerto varas tour guides.

I'm a private professional guide with Wilderness First Responder Certificate (WFR) and knowledgeable in native flora and fauna. I am focused on small groups and outdoor activities.                                                                                                                                  

Francisco hanu U.

Hello, it is a pleasure to greet you. i'm hanu, i'm a tour guide, graduate in tourism and entrepreneur, i have guided all over chile, with a career of 20 years now. i specialize in tailor made private programs and i love this job. the vocation in tourism has to do with enjoying being a host and i love showing my country and sharing unique experiences with our visitors. the visitor is someone very important to me, and i want your trip to be the best possible experience for everyone involve. in latin america, not everyone thinks like that, but i grew up with an education that taught me to try to do our best. i speak english, french and of course spanish. and today i am dedicated to offering daily excursions around puerto varas, but also programs from pucon to chaiten. for other parts of chile i could also join you when planned in advance. i work aswell with colleagues and other micro-entrepreneurs to be able to offer all kinds of experiences. if we work together, we will gradually put together a program just for you.                                                                                                                                  .

We are a family run business with thirteen years of experience in bikes, settled in Puerto Varas, Chile. I am the manager and my husband Sergio and my sons Daniel, Juan Pablo or Adolfo will be your guides. Our main objective is to give you the best mountain bike experience!! Going through beautiful places and enjoying incredible landscapes that only the south of Chile has to offer you. You decide: either you can rent one of our mountain bikes or you can choose between one of our guided tours. It will only depend on the time you wish to spend, we will take care of the rest.                                                                                                                                  

I'm an Argentinean with French roots. Have been Chilean residence in the south of Chile for 30 years. I had worked as a tour lider guide taking groups to the north of Chile, South of Bolivia and Peru as well as Argentinean and Chilean Patagonia in the south. I also worked with cultural tours in the Island of Chiloe. Have been guiding cruise ships land excursions from Puerto Montt and Chiloe. I organized and designed trekking and horse riding programs in patagonia and North patagonia too.                                                                                                                                  

Popular easter island tour guides.

Greetings from Easter island Im Laura T, im a certificate local tour guide that wants to show you my beautiful island visiting the most important archeological sites or we can create a tour according your preferences.                                                                                                                                  

Patricia R.

Iorana my name is patricia and i am a local acredited guide in easter island. i have 20 years worth of experience guiding our beautiful island. i am also a mother, so i have plenty of patience and a great personality to make your visit unforgettable i would love to show you our island and its amazing polynesian culture including the moai statues, so please enquire about my flexible and personalized services.                                                                                                                                  , popular san pedro de atacama tour guides.

I create tailor-made travel experiences in the driest desert in the world, where I focus on small groups to take them to live the desert and Andes experience in a profesional , unique and safe way. I started my outdoors life when I was just a kid, always looking for new adventures and places to discover, since I a young age I enjoyed arranging adventurous walks for me and my friends, and I grow up doing this without knowing that one day I would study ecotourism and make my hobbies my source of work. After the highschool, I studied Ecotourism projects management for 5 years, This is why I moved to the Atacama Desert, to discovering and learning outdoors. After 10 years in the desert working like a guide and learning about everything in this area I start to take my own guest to show the desert. Now I spent most of my time working with outdoor activities, like climbing volcanos, mountain bike, exploring new areas, hiking and more. I work during all the year here in the desert, doing full days tour and half days trips from San Pedro de Atacama, here is a lot things to do. If you get a tour with me get ready for adventure , fun, knowledge, and a delicious food experience. I can arrange all the meals, the transportation, and all the adventure.                                                                                                                                  

Popular puerto montt tour guides, popular pucon tour guides.

My name is Gabbi and I have been basically a tour guide since I was very young, having the privilege of knowing lots of places in my own country and in the United States where I lived for several years, I graduated from the University of Massachusetts as a bilingual interpreter and work translating, guiding, and as an artist as a hobby and Iove meeting new people, I love nature and sports related with Natural environment, water sports as sailing, surfing, snowboarding, river rafting, trekking, etc... I am willing to be able to work more in all these activities, and give people a good knowledge of what important is to be connected with our planet. I love archaeology and used to guide in the Atacama Desert showing the path of many places that are from our past and in southern Chile in the Araucania region, in the Valparaiso region, Easter Island, Lake District as many others, I want to share my passion for all of it. I hope to be there for all who want to enjoy the beauties of our earth.                                                                                                                                  

Popular antofagasta tour guides, more popular chile tour destinations.

Chile Tour Reviews

Private transfer Santiago-Valparaiso + Tour & tasting Villard Fine Wines + Private transfer Valparaiso-Airport

“ Wine tasting was great ”

Pick up were punctual, drivers were great. Vincent our driver from Aantiago and for the tasting in Casablanca Valley was very informative

Wine Tour @Casablanca & Valparaiso Tour from Santiago

“ Fantastic service and personalized touches. ”

We needed transport from the Santiago Airport to Vina Del Mar where we would stay a few days before embarking on a cruise. Hector picked us up directly from the Santiago airport in a very nice and clean Mercedez mini-van. We stopped in a quaint coffee shop in a small town to take a breather before heading to a beautiful winery, tucked away in the rolling hills of the Casablanca Valley. We were hosted by Alexandra, the sommelier of the Villard Winery who recounted the French history of the winery and explained the characteristics of the soil, micro climate and sun exposure that gave each grape its unique and wonderful flavor. By far, the best wine tasting experience we ever had. Then Hector presented us with a series of options for lunch and we opted for a small Italian restaurant in his native city of Valparaiso, outside of the usual tourist tracks. We loved it!! He then took us around the city of Vina Del Mar before dropping us at our hotel in late afternoon. Throughout the tour and intersperse with personal stories, Hector took the time to explain his country’s history and culture. The day could not have been better. We highly recommend Hector and his driver.

Airport-SANTIAGO Tour - Transfer SnAntonioCruiseTerm

“ City tour and transfer to hotel San Antonio ”

We enjoyed a relaxing but informative private city tour with Juan after arriving in Santiago from Canada. Juan showed us many sights, some driving but also some walking, as well as the gondola, before driving us to San Antonio hotel. He was efficient, kind and had a sense of humor. Appreciated his English! Thanks.

The best tours and activities

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Local tour guides in chile.

Create new adventures in Chile with a guide and let tailored knowledge, exclusive experiences, and personalized private tours redefine how you travel.

From Michelin star eateries in Santiago, to locally beloved street food stalls in Puerto Montt, Chile’s food is not to be ignored. If you’re a traveler who loves to indulge in culinary delights, a tour of this nation’s enticing food origins and innovative future is a great way to tap into its core.

Opt for a private guide in Maipo Valley, take on the Villarrica Volcano's slopes or slowly roll through Valparaiso’s hills and art filled streets with a day tour. Whatever your choice, a curated journey through a nation known for fresh experiences, and new frontiers is the perfect reward for you and your loved ones.