Chile in 10 Days: An Itinerary to See the Best of the Country

Chile is a destination known for its landscapes. In a single trip, you can explore the Atacama Desert, the best of Valparaíso, vineyards, and Patagonia.

If you’re wondering what to do in Chile in 10 days, this itinerary will let you combine some of the country’s top destinations. This itinerary is a great option for those looking to enjoy Chile’s sights and experience different landscapes in just a few days.

This way, you’ll save time and see some of the country’s top attractions. The country’s geographic diversity lets you combine nature, culture, and cuisine during a trip to Chile.

What to Visit in Chile in 10 Days

If you’re looking for things to visit in Chile, you’ll find a wide variety of destinations, from cities and vineyards to deserts, volcanoes, lakes, and glaciers. However, due to the country’s vast distances, it’s important to select a few places to make the most of your time.

This itinerary combines Santiago, Valparaíso, the Atacama Desert, and Chilean Patagonia. To make this trip, you’ll need to consider domestic flights and plan your transportation between each destination in advance.

Days 1 and 2: Santiago, Chile

If you’re wondering what to do in Santiago, Chile, there are plenty of options. This city is the country’s main international gateway.

This is because Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport receives flights from various cities in the Americas, Europe, and Oceania. From the airport, you can reach downtown by shuttle, taxi, or public transportation.

During these two days, you can explore the historic district, visit the Plaza de Armas, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the La Moneda Palace, and the Paseo Ahumada. The Lastarria and Bellavista neighborhoods are also worth visiting. Both offer bars, restaurants, cafes, galleries, and various cultural venues.

To get even more out of your visit to Santiago, you can hike up Cerro San Cristóbal and marvel at the views. From there, you’ll be able to see Santiago and the Andes mountain range.

You can also rent a bike and explore the city. Santiago has an extensive network of bike lanes in various areas.

Likewise, the Santiago Metro is an excellent option for getting around the capital and saving time and money.

Another option is to take a guided tour. Check out our Tour of Santiago Chile, where a local guide will help you learn about the city’s history and main attractions in just a few hours. You’ll also discover what to see in Santiago during your first visit.

Day 3: Valparaíso and the Vineyards Near Santiago

A great option for the third day is to take a trip to the Central Valley. The area is known for its vineyards and offers a glimpse into Chile’s winemaking tradition.

If you’re interested in wine tourism, this Wine Route Tour near Santiago will let you explore the area and taste wines from different grape varieties.

You can also spend the day visiting Valparaíso. This port city is known for its hills, historic funiculars, architecture, and street art. During your visit, you can stroll through its streets, explore its viewpoints, and enjoy restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood.

Days 4, 5, and 6: Travel to the Atacama Desert

On the fourth day, you can travel to San Pedro de Atacama, one of Chile’s most important natural destinations.

The most convenient way to reach San Pedro de Atacama is to fly from Santiago to Calama. One of the main questions when planning the trip is how to get to San Pedro de Atacama.

This small town serves as a base for exploring the Atacama Desert, considered one of the driest places on Earth. On your first day, you can visit the Valley of the Moon. Its rock formations, dunes, and colors create one of the most distinctive landscapes in northern Chile. You can also explore the Valley of Death and enjoy the sunset over the desert.

The next day, you can take a trip to the Tatio Geysers. It’s best to start very early to observe the geothermal activity during the morning hours. The Altiplano Lagoons and the Atacama Salt Flat are other top attractions. There, you can admire stunning landscapes and spot various bird species. It’s worth noting that three species of flamingos can be spotted in this area: the Chilean flamingo, the Andean flamingo, and James’s flamingo.

Plan your visit with our tour to San Pedro de Atacama. This tour includes experiences such as the Valley of the Moon, the Tatio Geysers, the Atacama Salt Flat, and stargazing.

Days 7, 8, and 9: Explore Patagonia

With three days, you can visit Chilean Patagonia. Torres del Paine National Park is one of the country’s top natural attractions.

Its mountains, glaciers, lakes, and trails attract travelers from all over the world. One of the main questions when planning your trip is how to get to Torres del Paine. The most convenient option is to take a flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales. From there, you can continue by road to the park.

If you’re interested in hiking, you can tackle trails of varying difficulty. There are also day trips for travelers on a tight schedule. These options allow you to explore attractions such as the Grey Glacier and the Milodon Cave, among other places in Patagonia.

If you’d like to explore this park, we recommend our Torres del Paine Tours, with options to suit different tastes and interests.

Day 10: End Your Trip in Chile

Set aside your last day to return to Santiago or continue on to your next destination. If you’ve finished your tour in Patagonia, be sure to allow enough time to catch your international flight.

If you’re still in Santiago, you can make the most of your last few hours by shopping for handicrafts, sampling local cuisine, and exploring some of the city’s neighborhoods. You can also visit the Costanera Center and enjoy its shops, restaurants, and observation decks.

Tips for Planning Your Trip to Chile

Chile is a very large country. This 10-day itinerary allows you to explore several destinations, but it requires domestic flights and careful planning.

To get around Chile, consider combining domestic flights with ground transportation depending on your destination. Due to the long distances, domestic flights are the most efficient way to travel from Santiago to destinations like Calama and Punta Arenas.

It’s also important to consider the temperature differences between regions. The desert can have cold nights, while Patagonia has variable weather conditions.

With good planning, a 10-day trip to Chile lets you combine culture, cuisine, and nature. If you’re still wondering what to do in Chile, this itinerary is a great starting point for organizing your trip based on your interests and the time you have available.