Chile Top to Tail
Deserts, lakes and wild Patagonia
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Santiago
Surrounded by hills, energetic Santiago is the beating heart of Chile and home to 40% of its people... -
Atacama Desert
Covering over 1,000km of land from the Pacific coast to the Bolivian border, the Atacama desert is home to a range of otherworldly landscapes which leave even the most world-weary travellers breathless — though the high altitude could also be to blame for that... -
The Lakes District
Known for its conical volcanoes and its shimmering lakes, this region of central Chile and Argentina offers accessible and easy-going hiking with spectacular views, quiet villages and a laid back pace of life... -
Chiloé Island
The largest island in the Chiloé Archipelago (and the second largest in Chile), Chiloé Island is a must-visit for many tourists travelling to Chile’s beautiful Lake District region... -
Puerto Natales
This small fishing town has been transformed in recent decades into a hikers’ paradise — popular shopping includes Gore-Tex and trail mix — thanks in large part to nearby Torres del Paine National Park... -
Torres del Paine National Park
Tucked away in the southernmost corner of Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of place... -
Santiago
Surrounded by hills, energetic Santiago is the beating heart of Chile and home to 40% of its people...
Experience the very best of Chile in just two weeks. From Santiago, take a trip to the Atacama Desert and spend a few days exploring the area. From here head south to the scenic Lakes District, then on to Chiloé Island and the classic city of Ancud before arriving in Puerto Natales, the gateway to spectacular Patagonia. Spend a few days enjoying easy-going hikes and guided activities in Torres del Paine before heading back to Santiago.
SeasonSuggested itinerary
Get to know Chile’s lively capital city
Day 1–2 in Santiago
Surrounded by hills, energetic Santiago is the beating heart of Chile and home to 40% of its people. The best way to explore Santiago is simply by strolling around its unique neighbourhoods, starting with the museum, malls and architecture of the Centro.
Don't miss
Climb San Cristobal Hill in Santiago
Take the cable car or walk up to San Cristobal Hill for a stunning panorama of the city. It’s a great way to see the city before going on to explore its vibrant street art, galleries, beautiful parks and colonial architecture up close, perhaps via a bike tour. Look out for Plaza de Armas and La Moneda Presidential Palace.
Explore Atacama’s otherworldly landscapes
Day 3–5 in Atacama Desert
Covering over 1,000km of land from the Pacific coast to the Bolivian border, the Atacama desert is home to a range of otherworldly landscapes which leave even the most world-weary travellers breathless — though the high altitude could also be to blame for that. The region is a photographer’s dream, with seemingly endless salt flats giving way to volcanos, active geysers and vibrant turquoise lagoons filled with flamingos. Don’t miss a sunset (or sunrise) in the appropriately named Valle de la Luna, which is only 11 miles from the small town of San Pedro de Atacama.
Don't miss
Hop on a tour to Bolivia’s famed salt flats
From San Pedro de Atacama jump on a 3-4 day tour to neighbouring Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni. Make sure to choose your tour wisely and grab a handful of coca leaves to chew on (said to help counteract altitude sickness) — most tours will include a visit to the ethereal Salvador Dalí Desert which is more than 4,500 metres above sea level.
Marvel at snowcapped volcanoes in the Lakes District
Day 6–8 in The Lakes District
Known for its conical volcanoes and its shimmering lakes, this region of central Chile and Argentina offers accessible and easy-going hiking with spectacular views, quiet villages and a laid back pace of life. The region was the former home to the Mapuche people, who managed to fight off both the Incas and Spanish colonialists for 350 years before finally falling to the Chilean Army in the 1880s. Over the following century, Swiss, Austrian and German settlers transformed the area, influencing the architecture and cuisine of towns like Argentina’s Bariloche and Chile’s Puerto Varas, where tourists can visit quaint Swiss-style chocolate shops before enjoying a day of hiking or kayaking on a nearby lake.
Step back in time on Chiloé Island
Day 9–10 in Chiloé Island
The largest island in the Chiloé Archipelago (and the second largest in Chile), Chiloé Island is a must-visit for many tourists travelling to Chile’s beautiful Lake District region. With wild, mountainous national parks and dense forests, the island is a favourite amongst outdoor enthusiasts, but it has much more to offer than just untouched nature. Home to the seafaring Chilote people, the island has its own unique folklore and cuisine, with unique UNESCO-listed wooden churches and charming palafitos – colourfully painted houses perched on stilts over the water.
Visit hiking paradise Puerto Natales
Day 11 in Puerto Natales
This small fishing town has been transformed in recent decades into a hikers’ paradise — popular shopping includes Gore-Tex and trail mix — thanks in large part to nearby Torres del Paine National Park. Head to one of the many cosy corrugated-tin hostels, drop off your suitcase and get hiking in Chile’s most iconic national park, or join a boat tour of the Patagonian fjords.
Hike “the W” in Torres del Paine
Day 12–15 in Torres del Paine National Park
Tucked away in the southernmost corner of Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of place.
The national park merits its reputation as a world-renowned hiking destination. It brims with classic routes with postcard vistas and lesser-known trails for solitude seekers. The hiking here ranges from easy to challenging, from short day hikes to long circuits of up to ten days.
There are many ways to experience Torres del Paine. Shoestring-budget backpackers rough it at campsites or in simple dorm-style refugios, packing in all their own food and gear. Mid-range travellers seek the convenience of a guided and fully supported adventure, as well as the company of a small group. Luxury travellers indulge in upscale resorts that offer private, tailored excursions into nature. There’s really something for everyone in the park.
Don't miss
Birdwatching in Patagonia
What Patagonia lacks in megafauna it more than makes up for in rare bird life. There are Magellanic penguins on the Valdes Peninsula, Andean Condors soaring above Torres del Paine, flamingos in Tierra del Fuego, and much more everywhere else. Bring your binoculars!
Return to Santiago and depart
Day 16 in Santiago
Head back to Santiago for your onward departure.
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