7-Day Chile Itinerary: Cities, Culture, and Outdoors
Chile is one of the most diverse countries in South America, offering vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes, and incredible outdoor experiences. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, this 7-day itinerary will give you a great mix of it all. Don’t worry—it’s flexible, so you can go at your own pace and make adjustments as needed.
Day 1: Santiago – Dive into Chile’s Capital
Welcome to Santiago, Chile’s metropolitan capital. On your first day, take things easy and explore the city’s downtown area. Start at Plaza de Armas, the main square. It’s a lively spot packed with historic buildings, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral.
If you love museums, head to the Museum of Memory and Human Rights to learn more about Chile’s recent history and the Pinochet dictatorship. Another great option is La Chascona, the house of the famous poet Pablo Neruda.
In the afternoon, visit Cerro San Cristóbal, a hill that gives you stunning views of the city and the Andes Mountains in the background. You can take the funicular to the top if you don’t feel like walking.
For dinner, venture into the Bellavista neighborhood, where you’ll find tons of restaurants and bars. It’s a perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Day 2: Valparaíso – Artistic Vibes by the Sea
On your second day, head to Valparaíso, a coastal town just two hours from Santiago. It’s famous for its colorful houses and street art. Take a stroll through the steep, winding streets and admire the murals that cover almost every building.

Another must-see in Valparaíso is the city’s historic funiculars. These quirky elevators take you up and down the hills, offering incredible views of the Pacific. Don’t miss Cerro Concepción and Cerro Alegre, two of the city’s best-known hills.
If you have time, you may also want to visit Neruda’s other home, La Sebastiana, located in Valparaíso. It’s another fantastic place full of quirky objects and stunning vistas.
Wrap up your day with fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants by the port. The shrimp empanadas here are not to be missed!
Day 3: Viña del Mar – Beach Day
Close to Valparaíso is Viña del Mar, a beach resort town with beautiful sandy stretches. Spend your morning relaxing by the ocean or walking along the coastal boardwalk.
Apart from the beaches, Viña del Mar has some lovely parks and gardens. One standout is the Quinta Vergara, a large estate that hosts a yearly music festival. You don’t need to go during the festival to enjoy its peaceful gardens and historic mansion.
If you are interested in Chile’s indigenous history, visit the nearby Fonck Museum, which has a small yet fascinating collection of artifacts from Rapa Nui (Easter Island).
Spend the afternoon swimming or simply lounging by the coast. As the sun sets, find a beachside restaurant and enjoy another seafood-based meal.

Day 4: San Pedro de Atacama – Desert Adventures
It’s time to explore one of Chile’s most known natural wonders: the Atacama Desert. Book an early flight from Santiago to Calama, and then transfer to the nearby town of San Pedro de Atacama.
San Pedro de Atacama serves as the gateway to the desert. Take the day to settle in and explore this small town. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, and walk around its adobe streets.
In the evening, book a star-gazing tour. The Atacama is famous for its clear skies and minimal light pollution, making it one of the world’s best places to see the stars. You won’t want to miss this.
Day 5: Valle de la Luna and the Atacama Flats
Start your adventure with a morning tour to Valle de la Luna. This “Moon Valley” is one of the most otherworldly places on the planet. The dunes, salt flats, and jagged rock formations look like something from another planet.

In the afternoon, visit the salt flats of Atacama, where you can spot flamingos and other wildlife that thrive in this arid region.
If you have some extra energy, make your way to Laguna Cejar. It’s a saline lake where you can float, similar to the Dead Sea. It’s a surreal experience soaking in the water while surrounded by an endless desert.
Day 6: Geysers and Hot Springs
Wake up very early to visit the El Tatio Geysers. These geysers are best seen at dawn, so you’ll need to brace yourself for a chilly morning. Watch as steam rises dramatically from the ground, and the sun slowly lights up the desert.

On your way back to San Pedro de Atacama, stop by the Puritama Hot Springs. After a long morning, these natural thermal pools offer the perfect place to relax among desert canyons.
In the evening, wander around San Pedro again, grab some local food, and spend a relaxing night prepping for your next journey.
Day 7: Back to Santiago and Wine Tasting in the Maipo Valley
Head back to Santiago in the morning. Once you arrive, take a half-day wine tour in the nearby Maipo Valley, one of Chile’s most important wine regions. Here, you’ll find some of Chile’s best-known wineries like Concha y Toro.
Spend the afternoon sampling wines like Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon while learning about winemaking in Chile. Most tours include tastings and visits to historic cellars.
After the wine tasting, head back to Santiago. End your trip with a final dinner downtown, perhaps enjoying Chile’s famous lomo a lo pobre—a delicious steak dish topped with a fried egg.
And just like that, your 7-day Chile adventure comes to an end. You’ve covered a bit of everything: cities, mountains, coast, desert, and wine! This itinerary is a fantastic starting point for discovering all the diversity Chile has to offer.
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