How Many Days to Spend in Chile?
You’ll be happy you spent ten days in Chile, as it’s enough time to see some of the country’s renownedly long coasts, partake in wine tasting, and even travel to the remote regions of Patagonia. Alternatively, you can dive deep into a particular area; for example, spend the whole vacation in the Atacama Desert or embark on a multi-day hike in Torres del Paine. Allow a week to see it all. However, if time is of the essence, a few days will suffice to explore the vibrant capital city and its environs. For more information on how many days to spend in Chile, visit our complete guide
Don’t let Chile’s small size fool you; at 2,653 miles (4,270 km) long and just 110 miles (177 km) wide, the country has enough to see you through whatever itinerary you could have. There are numerous highlights, including Chilean Patagonia in the south and the northern Atacama Desert. In between these areas are some of the world’s most productive wine districts and majestic Andes mountains, ideal for a ski vacation.
So, the main query is: How Many Days to Spend in Chile at this lesser-known treasure on the continent of South America? Here are some suggestions for creating the ideal vacation itinerary, ranging from three days to three weeks.
Chile in 3 - 4 Days.
If you’re wondering how many days to spend in Chile, there’s no need to worry if you’re only planning a brief visit. With limited time, it’s best to focus on exploring the highlights of Santiago and perhaps take a day trip to the coast.
To begin your exploration, start in Santiago, the bustling capital brimming with rich culture and history. Upon arrival at Santiago International Airport, located about 16 miles (26 km) northwest of the city center, consider heading straight to Mercado Vega Central. This vibrant municipal market offers an array of fresh produce and seafood stalls, perfect for satisfying any post-travel hunger.
Next, venture east to Cerro San Cristóbal, a prominent hill that provides panoramic views of Santiago and the surrounding Andes mountains. You can reach the summit by hiking or opt for a funicular elevator or cable car ride, particularly on hot summer days. After enjoying the scenery, head back to the city center to explore Plaza de Armas, Santiago’s central square adorned with arcades and the colonial-era Catedral Metropolitana. Nearby, you can also visit the Presidential Palace, known as La Moneda.
In the evening, make your way to the trendy yet eclectic neighborhood of Bellavista, known for its top-notch restaurants and vibrant street art scene. For those with energy to spare, cap off the night at one of the city’s renowned salsotecas—nightclubs specializing in lively salsa music where you can dance until the early hours.
Valparaiso.
After spending a day or two exploring Santiago, consider how many days to spend in Chile by taking a detour to the coastal town of Valparaíso, just 1.5 hours west of the capital. This charming port city offers a stark contrast to the bustling atmosphere of Santiago, embodying the artistic and bohemian spirit of Chile. Its hilly streets are adorned with vibrant houses and labyrinthine staircases reminiscent of scenes from a Dr. Seuss book. Street art adorns every corner, while cozy cafes and bars line the streets. Along the waterfront, remnants of the city’s maritime history, such as old cable cars and rustic funicular elevators, add to its nostalgic charm.
One of the best ways to experience a sunset on the Chilean coast is from the terrace of a bar or restaurant nestled in the hills of Valparaíso. Sipping a sundowner while gazing out over the Pacific Ocean creates a memorable and picturesque moment.
Chile in 5-7 Days
In about a week or slightly less, you can explore both the bustling capital and the serene coast, indulge in a wine-tasting experience, and venture into the majestic Andes mountains.
Begin by spending a couple of days immersing yourself in Santiago, tailoring your activities to match your interests and following the recommended suggestions above. Then, journey towards Valparaíso. Along the way, make a stop at the Casablanca Valley for an afternoon of wine tasting. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to visit one of Chile’s renowned wineries, tour its vineyards and production facilities, and sample various varietals, including the famous carménère known for its bold flavor profile characterized by smoky and spicy notes. If you have a penchant for wine, consider exploring a six-day itinerary designed to maximize your enjoyment of Chile’s wine culture.
After the wine tour, continue your journey to Valparaíso, where you’ll spend the night and partake in the recommended activities. However, instead of solely focusing on Valparaíso, take advantage of the nearby beach town of Viña del Mar. Viña del Mar offers a stark contrast to its neighbor, attracting affluent Chileans who come to shop at upscale malls, dine in elegant seaside restaurants, and enjoy beachside leisure. While much of Viña del Mar has undergone modernization following the region’s history of earthquakes, remnants of its early 20th-century architecture still exist, including the picturesque Wulff Castle, constructed in 1906 for a prosperous German family, which overlooks the ocean.
Heading to Atacama Desert.
The following day, you’ll make your way to Santiago airport and catch a flight to Calama, situated in the northernmost region of Chile. From there, it’s a brief one-hour transfer to the quaint colonial town of San Pedro de Atacama, nestled in the high-altitude desert known as the Altiplano. San Pedro boasts a unique charm with its dusty streets and historic central chapel, dating back to the 1600s. However, the town primarily serves as a launching point for desert expeditions, answering the question of how many days to spend in Chile for a comprehensive visit.
You can partake in day trips to nearby salt flats and saline lakes, teeming with exotic birdlife such as flamingos. The Atacama Desert offers additional attractions including towering volcanoes, the surreal landscapes of Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon), and the mesmerizing Tatio Geysers. These geothermal wonders feature fumaroles emitting volcanic gases, creating a stunning spectacle particularly striking at sunrise.
Chile In 10 Days.
With a 10-day timeframe to explore Chile, here’s how to make the most of your trip. “How Many Days to Spend in Chile” helps you plan effectively. Begin with three days in Santiago, then visit the coastal cities of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, with a wine tasting stop in Casablanca Valley. Next, travel south to Temuco, the gateway to Patagonia’s Lake District. Spend time in Pucón, exploring Villarrica Volcano and Huerquehue National Park. Finally, head to Puerto Montt and the picturesque town of Puerto Varas for adventures like hiking Osorno Volcano and visiting Petrohué Waterfalls.
Heading to Puerto Natales.
Ultimately, when considering how many days to spend in Chile, you have the option to take a flight from Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales, nestled in the heart of Chilean Patagonia. Positioned along the Seno Última Esperanza, this port city serves as the starting point for ventures into Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned globally among hikers. Following an overnight stay in Puerto Natales, you’ll proceed with the transfer to the park the ensuing morning and commence a rigorous full-day hike around 9 am.
This challenging 11-mile (18 km) trek begins at the foot of Torres del Paine and traverses over the Ascencio River to reach a lookout point offering expansive vistas of the breathtaking valley below. As you ascend, you’ll pass through sections of pristine native forest until the final stretch, which involves scrambling across a moraine and navigating a steep ascent to the glacial lagoon situated at the ultimate viewpoint of the Paine Massif—the iconic three granite spires that soar skyward like colossal fingers. Although demanding, the hike promises awe-inspiring panoramas that render any fatigue inconsequential.
Following another overnight stay in Puerto Natales, you can catch a return flight to Santiago and subsequently journey back home.
Chile in 2 Weeks.
With a fortnight at your disposal, you have the opportunity to explore both the northern and southern regions of Chile. Firstly, undertake longer hikes in Torres del Paine National Park. Following your time in the capital, catch a flight northward to uncover the wonders of the Atacama Desert. Situated at high altitude, this area offers unparalleled stargazing opportunities, allowing you to marvel at the celestial spectacle during a dedicated tour. For a comprehensive itinerary incorporating such a stargazing experience, consider perusing this 14-day tour.
Subsequently, your journey will lead you southward to the Lake District. Additionally, while you’ll have ample time to delve into the volcanoes, national parks, and rivers surrounding lakes Villarrica and Llanquihue, you’ll also have the chance to explore Chiloé Island. Positioned just off the coast of Puerto Montt, Chiloé is characterized by lush green hills and dense Valdivian forests teeming with beech and alerce trees. Moreover, the island is home to two vibrant port cities: Ancud in the north and Castro in the south, both renowned for their UNESCO World Heritage-listed churches. Dating back to the 18th century, these historic wooden cathedrals are a highlight of any Chiloé excursion, complemented by the region’s delectable seafood cuisine, including the famous curanto.
Following your exploration of the Lake District and Chiloé, your journey continues southward to Punta Arenas, situated even farther south than Puerto Natales, on the Strait of Magellan. This charming coastal city boasts a rich historical heritage and once served as the playground for the elite of Patagonian society in the 1800s. Moreover, a highlight of your visit will be a short boat excursion from Punta Arenas to Isla Magdalena. This quaint island is home to a vast colony of Magellanic penguins, numbering up to an impressive 170,000. During a guided tour of the island, you’ll have the opportunity to stroll along the shorelines alongside these adorable waddling birds.
Additionally, from Punta Arenas, your journey continues as you transfer to Puerto Natales, your gateway to Torres del Paine for an immersive trekking experience. Consequently, you’ll embark on the renowned W Trek, a four-day hiking adventure that traverses the park’s most iconic landscapes in a distinctive “W” shape. Along the way, you’ll encounter the breathtaking beauty of Torres del Paine, including its crystal-clear lakes like Nordenskjöld and Pehoé, majestic mountain glaciers, verdant river valleys, and a trek to the famed Base Torres viewpoint. Furthermore, keep your eyes peeled for sightings of the region’s diverse wildlife, including Andean condors and guanacos, a species of South American camelid.
