Day 1: Arrive in Santiago
Welcome to Chile! After arriving in Santiago, give yourself time to settle in. Depending on your flight, you might arrive in the morning or afternoon. Spend the first day wandering the city’s downtown. You can visit Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city. It’s also home to the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral.
Head up to the top of Cerro Santa Lucía for great views over the city. It’s a perfect way to get oriented. If you’re feeling energetic, check out the Lastarria neighborhood. It’s famous for its street art and local eateries, plus it’s small enough to explore on foot.
Day 2: Explore Santiago
Start your day with a visit to La Chascona, one of Pablo Neruda’s colorful houses. It’s a quirky place dedicated to one of Chile’s greatest poets. Afterward, head over to the Mercado Central for a seafood lunch. Chile’s coastline means you’ll find fresh fish and shellfish everywhere.
In the afternoon, explore the Bellavista neighborhood. It’s bohemian, filled with great cafes and street markets. It’s also the place to be after dark, with plenty of nightlife. For dinner, try one of the local parrilladas for Chilean barbecue.
Day 3: Day Trip to Valparaíso
Today, take a day trip to Valparaíso. This colorful coastal town is about 90 minutes from Santiago by bus. Wander through the steep, winding streets. You’ll find some of the best street art in the country here.
Don’t miss a visit to La Sebastiana, another one of Neruda’s homes. You can also take one of the old funiculars up the hills for some incredible views. Grab lunch along the port area and enjoy the fresh ocean breeze. Head back to Santiago in the evening.
Day 4: Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama

Catch a flight to Calama, then take a bus to San Pedro de Atacama. San Pedro is the gateway to the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth. It’s a small town but full of life. Spend your afternoon exploring the town or hanging out at one of the cafés in the town square.
Make sure to pack warm clothes. The desert can get surprisingly cold at night, even if the days are hot. It’s also a great place for stargazing, so consider booking an evening stargazing tour.
Day 5: Valley of the Moon
Today is all about the otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama Desert. Head to the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) in the afternoon. The landscape looks like something from another planet, with its salt flats, rocky formations, and sand dunes.
Most tours will take you to a lookout point where you can watch the sunset. The changing colors as the sun goes down are unforgettable. End your day with a casual dinner in San Pedro. Many restaurants feature hearty local deserts meals, like llama stew.
Day 6: Geysers del Tatio
Start your morning early with a trip to the Tatio Geysers. This means a 4 AM wake-up, but it’s worth it to see the geysers at dawn. The steam rising against the morning light is a surreal sight.
Afterward, visit the nearby hot springs to warm up. The trip is a bit bumpy, but it’s part of the adventure. Once you’re back in San Pedro, take the rest of the day to relax. Grab a cold drink and enjoy the quiet desert vibes.
Day 7: Lagunas Altiplánicas
Spend your last day in the Atacama exploring the high-altitude lagunas. These bright turquoise lakes are a stark contrast to the desert around them. You’ll likely spot flamingos here, as well as other wildlife like vicuñas and foxes. Don’t rush this day; the long drive is an adventure by itself.

Wrap up your time in San Pedro by grabbing your favorite meal in town and saying goodbye to the desert. After a long day, head back to your resting spot and pack for your flight to your next destination.
Day 8: Fly to Puerto Varas
This morning, catch your flight to Puerto Montt, then take a short bus ride to Puerto Varas. This small lakeside town is in the Chilean Lake District and has a strong German influence. Spend the afternoon just wandering the town or strolling along the lake.
If you’re up for it, walk over to Puerto Chico. There are a few quiet beaches, and you can take in views of the Osorno Volcano in the distance. Puerto Varas is also known for serving great seafood and German-style dishes, so treat yourself to a great dinner.
Day 9: Visiting Chiloé Island
Your day starts with a trip to Chiloé Island, accessible by a short ferry ride. The island is famous for its wooden churches, colorful stilt houses, and unique myths and legends. Visit the town of Castro to see the famous palafitos (stilt houses), and make sure to check out some of the old churches too.

Chiloé has its own food culture, so try some curanto for lunch. It’s a mix of seafood, meat, and vegetables cooked in an underground pit. In the late afternoon, head back to Puerto Varas for a quiet evening by the lake.
Day 10: Osorno Volcano and Petrohué Waterfalls
Get ready for adventure with a day trip to Osorno Volcano. You can drive up to the ski station and hike around the area. The views are breathtaking, with snow-capped peaks and the lakes below.
On your way back to town, stop by the Petrohué Waterfalls. The striking blue-green water rushing through volcanic rock is one of the highlights of the region. End your day with a quiet dinner back in Puerto Varas.

Day 11: Bus to Pucón
Catch a bus to Pucón, a town popular for its adventure sports and gorgeous surroundings. Pucón is at the foot of an active volcano: the Villarrica Volcano. Spend your afternoon exploring the town or just relaxing after your bus trip. It’s a good idea to take this day slow and prepare for the activities ahead.
If you need a bit of relaxation, consider heading to one of the nearby hot springs. A soak in the natural thermal pools is a great way to unwind.
Day 12: Hike Villarrica Volcano
Hiking the Villarrica Volcano is one of the most popular activities in Pucón. It’s a challenging hike, so be prepared for a full day of effort. If you make it to the crater, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views. On clear days, you can see for miles over lakes and valleys.
If hiking a volcano isn’t your thing, don’t worry—there’s plenty else to do. You could go white-water rafting, kayaking, or just kick back by the lake. Whatever you choose, Pucón is a place to immerse yourself in nature.
Day 13: Last day in Pucón
Spend your final full day in Chile enjoying the best of Pucón. You could explore the Huerquehue National Park, with its crystal-clear lakes and lush forests. It’s a great place for hiking, especially if you’re looking for something a bit easier than the hike up the volcano.
In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk through town or watch the sunset by the lake. Treat yourself to one of Pucón’s many cozy restaurants—it’s your last night here, so relax and enjoy it to the fullest.
Day 14: Return to Santiago
Today, begin your journey back to Santiago. Whether you take a flight or bus, it’s a long trip, so make sure you’ve got plenty of snacks and something to read or listen to. Once back in Santiago, you can spend your final evening reflecting on your amazing two-week trip through Chile.
If you’re staying in the city overnight, treat yourself to a good meal and perhaps a drink in the lively Providencia neighborhood. It’s the perfect way to toast a fantastic adventure across this beautiful country.
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