Chile from north to south in 21 days

La Moneda - Plaza De Armas - Bellavista

Day 1: Hola, Chile!

Welcome to the wonderful country of Chile! Land at the airport in Santiago, where you will be welcomed by a member of our team and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, dive right into your adventure through Chile! Go on a tour through the capital and visit well-known sights such as the historic downtown district, the Main Square, Cathedral, Post Office Headquarters, and Santiago City Hall. Stop by for a visit to the Government House “La Moneda”, before heading to East Santiago, where you can wander through the city’s modern buildings. This part of the city is full of offices, apartments, shopping centers, and restaurants. Afterwards, return to your hotel for your first overnight stay in Chile.

Valparaiso - Viña Del Mar - Paseo Atkinson

Day 2: Visit Colorful Valparaiso

Enjoy a refreshing breakfast at your hotel. Today, head off to your full-day tour of Chile’s coastal jewels: the cities of Viña del Mar and Valparaiso. On the way, drive through the scenic Curacavi and Casablanca valleys. Arrive in Viña del Mar, also known as the “Garden City”, and visit the Quinta Vergara Amphitheater, as well as the San Martin and Peru Avenues that run along the ocean. Visit Viña’s beautiful flower clock, which shows the local time. Continue your journey on to the charming city of Valparaiso, where you can walk along the small streets lined with extremely colorful houses, as they wind around the hilly landscape. Take a look at the sights of this historic port city, including Victory Square, the Yugoslav and Atkinson corridors, and Sotomayor Square. If you wish, you can take an optional 30-minute sailing tour before returning to Santiago to spend the night.

Maipo Valley - Valle del Maipo - Maipo Valley

Day 3: How about some Chilean Wine?

Wake up to an energizing breakfast to begin your day. Then set out for your half-day tour of a winery in the Maipo Valley, one of Chile’s famous wine regions. Sip on a refreshing glass of wine while you gaze upon the countryside that is lined with grapevines, and learn about the traditions of wine-making that Chile has practiced for almost 150 years. Afterwards, leisurely return to your hotel, where you can spend the evening at your leisure. Are you in for an exciting night in Chile’s capital? If you wish, go out on the town and see what Santiago has to offer!

San Pedro De Atacama - Moon Valley, San Pedro de Atacama - Calama

Day 4: Welcome to the Wondrous Atacama!

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel - you have a long way to go today! Transfer to the airport in Santiago for your flight to Calama, in Chile’s northern Atacama region. From there, travel along the Domeyko Mountain Range and head to the village of San Pedro de Atacama, gateway to the wondrous Atacama desert! After getting settled in, it’s off to begin exploring the desert! Are you ready for this adventure? Travel through the Salt Mountain Range to take an excursion to the stunning Moon Valley, where you can visit huge sand dunes, as well as the amphitheater and the natural salt monument “Las Tres Marias”. End your excursion with a majestic sunset with a special view over the valley. In the evening, return to San Pedro to relax in your hotel.

San Pedro De Atacama Salar - Laguna Chaxa - Socaire

Day 5: Flamingos, Flamingos, Everywhere!

Wake up to breakfast at your hotel. In the morning, you will go on an excursion to the enchanting high plain lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques. Then, journey to the Atacama Salt Flat. Here, you will experience some of the incredible wonders that Chile has to offer. First, stop by Chaxa Lagoon before continuing on to Flamingos National Reserve, where you can observe three kinds of flamingos - of only six in the world! So, make sure that you take your camera with you! Gaze upon the graceful pink-orange birds as they go about their business in their natural habitat. Afterwards, head to the town of Toconao, where you can visit the famous San Lucas Church and the Campanario Tower before returning to San Pedro for the evening.

Tatio Geysers - Machuca, Atacama - San Pedro De Atacama

Day 6: Sunrise over El Tatio Geysers

Today you have to wake up early - but don’t worry, it’s worth it! Travel to the famous El Tatio Geysers. Forming the world’s highest geyser field, it erupts at dawn and creates majestic clouds of steam and unique mineral formations. Go for a short hike around the area to take in the different geysers and other geothermal activities, before enjoying your well-deserved breakfast. Feel like you want a relaxing spa treatment? If you wish, you can climb into the thermal pools for a good morning soak and relax your mind and body. Afterwards, move on to visit the village of Machuca, which was famous for its grazing llamas in the past. Today, Machuca is known for its adobe, cactus wood, straw buildings, and Andean handicraft products. This might just be the perfect place to shop for souvenirs as you stroll through the charming streets. Return to San Pedro to spend the afternoon at your leisure.

Atacama Desert - Atacama Desert

Day 7: Explore the Valley of the Rainbow

In the morning, you will travel to the Domeyko Mountains. First, stop to visit the important historical site Hierbas Buenas. Famous for its ancient rock art, Hierbas Buenas has some of the most historically significant petroglyphs in Chile. Afterwards, head to Matancilla. This valley is so rich in flora and fauna that it has been named the Valley of the Rainbow. Gaze upon mountains that are teeming with minerals. The many colors of the valley make this area extremely unique. Soak in the beautiful landscape with a short walk before heading off to the village of Rio Grande. Enjoy the well-preserved colonial architecture of the town, which gives the impression of being frozen in time. In the afternoon, head back to the airport in Calama for your flight back to Santiago. Head to your hotel for the evening, which is located within a short walking distance to the airport.

Temuco - Pucon - Volcan Villarrica

Day 8: Time to Head South

Enjoy a hearty breakfast in your hotel, then it's time to travel to the airport. Today you're headed for the beautiful south of Chile. Your flight takes you into Temuco and then a little farther by car to the small town of Pucon. On the way, enjoy the view of the valleys and lakes around, and don't miss a first glimpse at impressive Volcan Villarica. It's one of the most active volcanoes in Chile and chances are you'll see smoke rise from its top or even a red glow at night. Spend the afternoon exploring the charming village of Pucon on your own schedule. How about a walk to the lake shore, or have a coffee in one of the cafes?

Pucon - Pucon - Pucon

Day 9: Blue Lagoons and Hot Springs

Today you get to explore the beautiful area around Pucon. Caburgua is one of the prettiest nature parks around. Los Ojos de Caburgua - "the eyes of Caburgua" - is a beautiful series of waterfalls and a favorite spot among the locals. The blue lagoon will mesmerize you with its stunning blue water and the river rapids of Mariman are a thrilling sight. You've sure seen many beaches, but have you ever relaxed on a black sand beach? The sand on Caburgua lake beach is of volcanic origin, therefore the sand is black instead of white. 

In the evening, you are taken to one of the best spots in the area: the hot springs. Relax while soaking in the soothing waters among large natural boulders. Holiday is great, right?!

Pucon - Pucon

Day 10: See Ancient Araucaria Trees

You've sure seen the funny-looking, spiky trees that are the namesake of this region: the Araucaria. They grow in many gardens around the world, but only here you will find forests filled with century old Araucaria trees. Today you hike in Huerquehue National Park, one of the last areas with undisturbed Araucaria groves. Bring your swimsuit and jump into one of the many lakes along the way. After the trek, spend the night in your hotel in Pucon.

Pucon - Pucon - Pucon

Day 11: A Day to Relax in Pucon

After all the adventuring over the last 10 days, you deserve a break. Pucon is the ideal location to just relax and stroll along the picturesque streets. You can relax on the beach or try your luck in the casino, or how about an afternoon beer in one of the pubs? You might not think of Chile when it comes to good beer, but try a Kunstmann and be convinced otherwise. The brewery was founded by German immigrants and if famous across Chile for its craft beer. Have a last night in Pucon before you venture further south tomorrow.

Puerto Varas - Puerto Varas - Puerto Varas

Day 12: Travel to Puerto Varas

Have a delicious breakfast at your hotel, and then board a bus to the city of Puerto Varas. You'll be surprised at the supreme quality of the bus system! Upon arrival in Puerto Varas, you are transferred to your hotel where you will spend the night.

Lake Llanquihue - Petrohue - Osorno Volcano

Day 13: See the Impressive Volcano of Osorno

Take an excursion to Ensenada, on the shores of Lake Llanquihue. Here you'll visit the breathtaking Petrohue River Falls that are located in the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park. After this splashy adventure, you are taken on a hike to Osorno volcano, another stunning example of the strong volcanic activity along the Andes mountain range. It's alright to be tired after this hike, your driver is waiting at the trailhead to transfer you back to your hotel in Puerto Varas for a relaxed evening and a good night of sleep. Tomorrow will be an active day!

Chiloe - Chacao Channel

Day 14: Visit Rugged Chiloe

Today it's time to hit the water! Take the ferry and cross the Chacao Channel to the island of Chiloe. Explore the charming town of Castro with its rich maritime history and colorful UNESCO-recognized stilt houses. Make sure to try the salmon that is farmed here, it's among the best in the world! You will love the rugged coastline and the friendly people here. In the evening, you return to your hotel in Puerto Varas.

Puerto Montt - Punta Arenas

Day 15: Fly to Punta Arenas

Today you continue your journey south. After breakfast, you are transferred to the airport, where you will board a plane to Punta Arenas, the capital of the southernmost region in Chile. You are picked up and transferred to your hotel upon arrival in Punta Arenas. Get a good night of sleep, because tomorrow big things are waiting for you!

Puerto Natales - Puerto Natales

Day 16: See Magellan Penguins

In the morning, you are taken on a boat through the legendary Magellan Strait to Magdalena island. On the island you will get the chance to study the world's largest colony of Magellan penguins. Make sure to take pictures and observe these precious animals in their natural habitat. Upon your return to Punta Arenas, you board a bus to Puerto Natales, where you will spend the night.

Torres del Paine - Nordenskjold Lake - Pehoe Lake

Day 17: Marvel at Glaciers in Torres del Paine

Start the day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel. You then begin your journey to Torres del Paine, one of the most stunning natural attractions Chile has to offer. On the way, you stop to visit the Cave of the Milodon, a series of impressive rock caves. In 1895, explorers discovered the remains of a giant sloth, the milodon, that has lived in this area thousands of years ago. Continue your trip to Torres del Paine National Park. Here you will visit Nordenskjold Lake, Pehoe Lake, and Salto Grande. After lunch, you will trek through a forest of beautiful old lenga trees, towards the viewpoint of Grey Glacier. Marvel at the impressive ice floes, marking the southern terminus of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field. Spend the night at your hotel in Torres del Paine.

Torres del Paine - Torres del Paine

Day 18: Free Day in Torres del Paine

Spend another day in the harsh but beautiful wilderness of Torres del Paine. Today you are on your own schedule. Take it slow and relax at the hotel, or how about a hike into the park's vast landscape? Take your time, as this wonderful natural preserve is worth exploring in the slow lane. Your guide also offers a guided trek if you like, showing you around the most impressive places in the area. You spend the night in Torres del Paine, before heading out tomorrow.

Serrano River - Tyndall Glacier - Puerto Natales

Day 19: Gaze upon Chile’s Mighty Glaciers

Take in a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Then, head off to the dock on the Serrano River, where you will climb into a zodiac boat. As you float down the river, make sure to take in the spectacular natural views of the Southern Ice Field and the Paine Mountain Range. But wait, the best is yet to come! Watch for the impressive Tyndall Glacier between October and March. Then, get off the boat at Toro Port, where you will begin your hike that will take you through the dense and enchanting forests to the base of Serrano Glacier. Explore the glacier with your experienced guide, and get an up-close look at nature’s majesty. Enjoy a Patagonia-style lunch before hopping back on board. Continue sailing through the Last Hope Fjord to the town of Puerto Natales, where you can spend the evening relaxing in your hotel. 

Santiago - Santiago

Day 20: Head back to Santiago

Take in a delightful breakfast at your hotel. After breakfast, take a bus ride to the Punta Arenas airport. Hop on your flight back to Santiago, where you will be picked up from the airport and taken back to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day shopping for some last-minute souvenirs, or visit the sights that you missed the last time around. If you wish, you can take the opportunity to enjoy a farewell dinner at a typical Chilean restaurant, where you will be entertained with traditional folk music and dancing. Afterwards, return to your hotel for your last night in Chile.

Santiago - Santiago

Day 21: Time to Say Goodbye

Wake up to breakfast at your hotel before heading to the airport in Santiago at the appropriate time. Make sure you wave goodbye to Chile as you board your flight to your next destination. I am sure that you take a lot of amazing memories with you! Chili can't wait to welcome you again! Come again soon!