arrow_back

24 Day itinerary in Chile, South America

Wonders of Chile

Discover in 24 days the wonders of Chile between lagoons, glaciers, geysers, lush forests, lakes and volcanoes. This tour takes you to the most beautiful places in the Atacama Desert, Patagonia, a road trip in the Lake District, Santiago and the picturesque city of Valparaíso.

1 / 25
All Photos
Tatiana

By Tatiana

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Light
help_outline

Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English, Spanish, French

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Santiago

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Hiking

Meet local people

Outdoors & Nature

Start/End

Night

Highlights

1

A sublime 24-day journey from the Atacama Desert to the Chilean Patagonia

2

Road trip in the Lake District to visit at your own pace

3

3 days in the archipelago of Chiloe, where the European traces of colonization collide wi

4

Private and shared tours with English Speaking Guide and 24/7 phone assistance

Itinerary

Mid-Range Accommodation expand_more

Day 1

place Welcome to Chile!

Your English speaking guide will pick you up at the airport and drive you to your hotel in Santiago. Your guide hands you a road map for your road trip in the Lake District (included). Afternoon at leisure in the capital to visit museums, stroll through the parks, climb to the Cerro Santa Lucia or Cerro San Cristobal (by funicular next to the National Zoo in the Bellavista district or on foot for the bravest!). From the top, enjoy the view of the city and the Andes mountains from the Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception and its imposing statue.

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Carménère eco Hotel
Day 2

place Visit of the capital

With your private guide, visit of the Chilean capital, nestled at the foot of the Andes. Although Santiago has become over the years a modern and very active city, some older neighborhoods have maintained their atmosphere and a romantic charm. You visit the Plaza de Armas, San Francisco Church, the Bellavista area, Cerro San Cristobal, and many other nice places. You are back to your hotel in the middle of the afternoon. Lunch at the famous central market.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Carménère eco Hotel
Day 3

place Santiago de Chile - Calama - San Pedro de Atacama

Your driver takes you from your hotel in Santiago to the airport. Domestic flight from Santiago to Calama (2hours, optional flight). Shuttle bus from Calama airport to San Pedro de Atacama. Free afternoon: discover and wander around San Pedro de Atacama. At dusk, meet with a passionate astronomer from the semi-professional observatory of San Pedro de Atacama. Embark in an astronomical journey and witness the beauty of the starry sky of the Atacama Desert. Note: excursion open to other participants, not feasible during full moon and subject to weather conditions. Please bring warm clothing (down to -15ºC in winter). Visit in French, English or Spanish according to availability, to be reconfirmed at the time of booking.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: La Casa de Don Tomás
Day 4

place Moon and Rainbow Valleys

Today leave for a half-day tour to discover one of the most famous sites of the Atacama Desert: la Valle de la Luna, the Moon valley. To avoid the crowds at the end of the day and for an exclusive experience, your guide will pick you up in the morning. Explore with your expert guide the Moon valley and its treasures: the salt caves, the Amphitheatre, the Great Sand Dune, and the Three Marys. Then reach la Valle de la Muerte, the Death valley, for an easy hike and to visit the Coyote Stone. A full and fun morning to learn more about the geologic specificities of the place. Return to your hotel in the late morning. Note: visit in a small group of 7 people with an English-speaking guide. Meeting point at the beginning of the afternoon on calle Caracoles. Your guide takes you first to the traditional Rio Grande village and tells you all about the pre Inca Lican Antai culture. Then you head to the Valle del Arcoiris, the rainbow valley, to explore its canyons and caves. While you go for an easy hike to discover ancient petroglyphs, your guide explains the geology and anthropology specificity of this magical place. End the day with a beautiful sunset over the Salt Cordillera. At the end of the afternoon, you are transfer back to your hotel.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: La Casa de Don Tomás
Day 5

place Salar de Aguas Calientes

Your guide will pick you up at your hotel in the early morning for a day full of discoveries. First, visit the small village of Toconao with its church, its town square, and a traditional house in which you discover the local products and handicrafts. The house llamas are friendly enough for an impromptu photoshoot! Then head to the Miscanti y Miñiques lagunas in the altiplano for the first meal of your day. While you are enjoying this unique buffet breakfast, your guide will tell you more about volcanoes creation, lagunas and the whole Andes Cordillera geology. You then visit the Salar de Aguas Calientes and start an easy hike in Talar Salar. Your guide will drive you to the Argentinan border to discover the little known Laguna Tuyajto. Lunch break in a traditional restaurant in Socaire village. You will learn all about the prehispanic culture of the place and its famous church. Put on your swimsuit and relax in the natural pool of Peine while sipping a typical cocktail before heading to the Chaxa Laguna for an epic sunset. While the sun goes down, your guide tells you everything about the fauna and flora of this Laguna. Return to your hotel in the early evening. Note: visit in a small group of 7 people with an English-speaking guide.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: La Casa de Don Tomás
Day 6

place Tatio Geysers

Your guide picks you up early in the morning at your hotel for an exciting adventure. Reach the Tatio Geysers and its famous fumaroles, and enjoy a delicious breakfast at more than 4000m high. Then head to a more exclusive place, the White Geysers, where you can have a dip into its hot water river. Next stop: Guatin and the Quebrada de Cardones. You start an easy hike through its canyon and quickly understand the place nickname: the Cactus Valley. You finish this full morning with the traditional village of Machuca. Return to your hotel in the early afternoon. Note: visit in small groups of 7 people with an English speaking guide.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: La Casa de Don Tomás
Day 7

place Laguna Lejía

You head to the Argentine border towards the passage of Jama, you reach the altitude of 4600 meters en route. The first stop is the village of Talabre for an archaeological walk in the Ketzala Canyon, which contains the largest concentration of petroglyphs in the region. You then visit the magnificent Laguna Lejía at the foot of the volcanoes Lascar, Pili, and Cororna, colorful home of flamingos, before discovering an extinct volcano crater. You then head to the site of Salar d'Aguas Calientes II, a huge salar in the middle of a spectacular landscape. The day ends with a late lunch on the banks of the Salar lagoon. Return to your hotel around 6 pm.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: La Casa de Don Tomás
Day 8

place From San Pedro de Atacama to Valparaíso

Shuttle bus from your hotel in San Pedro to Calama airport. Domestic flight from Calama to Santiago (around 2h, flight indicated in option). Your driver welcomes you at Santiago airport and drives you to Valparaíso. The afternoon is free to discover and wander around the most artistic and bohemian city of Chile. Enjoy its panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean!

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Fauna Hotel & Restaurante
Day 9

place Visit the bohemian city of Valparaíso

Today, immerse yourself in the colorful world of Street Art in Valparaiso, the most typical form of art in this city. Through a guided walk in the streets of the Alegre and Concepción hills, discover the stories of the frescoes painted by local artists of Chilean and South American culture. Your guide, a Street-Art specialist, takes you to the most iconic neighborhood of Valparaiso: Barrio Puerto. After lunch, head to an artist's studio to learn some street art techniques. Then it's up to you! Like a pro, leave your first graffiti in the streets of Valparaiso. Return to your hotel at the end of the day. Your driver picks you up at your hotel and drives you to the bus station of Valparaíso. Night bus from Valparaíso to Pucón with adjustable seats: You go down Chile by bus along the Andes Mountain Range from Valparaíso to the Araucanía Region, gateway to the Lake and Volcano District and Mapuche lands. On the way, you will cross many wine regions before seeing the first volcanoes and then Lake Villarica when you arrive in Pucón, your destination. Journey time: about 10 hours.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Terminal Bus VALPO
Day 10

place Arrival in Pucón

Your driver picks you up at the bus terminal in Pucón and drives you to your hotel. Collect your rental car: Vehicle category G Toyota Rav4 or similar, manual, illimited km, CDW insurance included. Free afternoon in Pucón. Stroll through the city or around Lake Villarrica.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Aldea Naukana Posada Boutique
Day 11

place Roadtrip: Huerquehue National Park

Suggested itinerary: Take the direction of Lake Caburgua before branching off to Huerquehue National Park for a beautiful trek among the araucarias, endemic trees of the region, and lagoons. Begin your trek to the lagoons at 768 meters high. You come accross a first waterfall called "Eagle's Nest", you can walk down 400m to see it from below. You then go up to 1,300 meters high to discover Lake Chico, Laguna los Patos, Laguna Huerquehue, and finally Laguna el Toro, before heading back to the entrance of the park. Return to Pucón. Estimated route: 35 km - 45 min

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Aldea Naukana Posada Boutique
Day 12

place Road trip: from Pucón to the Ranco Lake

Suggested itinerary: You leave the shores of Lake Villarrica early in the morning to go further south. The "Interlagos" road is the best way to enjoy the beauty of the many lakes and to get off the Pan-American Highway. You can take many breaks and enjoy the fresh water of the lakes or the warm waters of the thermal baths, typical of this volcanic region. A two-hour drive takes you along the Calafquén and Panguipulli lakes. Along the way, enjoy magnificient views of the Villarrica volcano, from different angles. You finally drive around Lake Ranco where you will stay the night. Suggestion: on the way, stop at the Geometric Thermal Baths. Estimated route: 250 km - 4h

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Futangue Hotel & Spa
Day 13

place Road trip: from the Ranco Lake to Puyehue

Suggested itinerary: Go around Lake Ranco. If you leave early in the morning, go on a hike up to Cerro Mayo to have an exceptional view of the lake. Level: Moderate Walking time: about 4 hours (10 km round trip) Height difference: + 950/- 90 meters You then take the road to Puyehue Lake and discover the surroundings. Estimated route: 250 km - 3h30

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Lodge el Taique
Day 14

place Road trip: from Puyehue to Puerto Varas

Suggested itinerary: Another day on the road! Drive South towards Puerto Varas. You can start your day by visiting Frutillar, a lovely town founded in 1856 to welcome German colons. On the shores of Lake Llanquihue, Frutillar is well known for its wooden arquitecture, its gardens, and a theater offering one of the best programs in South America. Go around Lake Llanquihue on the East side, you will see the imposing Osorno volcano. Arrival in Puerto Varas at the end of the day. Estimated route: 260 km - 3h30

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Estancia 440
Day 15

place Road trip: Saltos de Petrohue - Vincente Perez Rosales Park

Suggested itinerary: In the morning, head to the Saltos of Petrohue, magnificent waterfalls with an astonishing turquoise color. Drive to Volcán Osorno Ski Resort from where you enjoy a magnificent panorama of the surroundings: the numerous volcanoes and Llanquihue Lake, South America's third biggest lake. Then, hike up to 1,200 meters high in Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, the oldest national park of Chile. It is home to very rich flora and fauna. Drive back to Puerto Varas. Estimated route: 56 km - 50 min

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Estancia 440
Day 16

place Road trip to Castro

After breakfast, you drive to Chiloé Island. Suggested itinerary: Follow the Panamerica Road 5 to Pargua where a ferry awaits. You cross the narrow channel and there you are on the legendary Chiloe Island. You reach the town of Ancud. There, why not make a detour to the Puñihuil natural reserve of penguins? After a very nice road through the hilly landscapes of the north of the island, you meet the Humboldt and Magellan penguins that come to nest here. You head South in direction of Castro, capital town of the Archipelago. Do visit its astonishing cathedral entirely made of wood and protected by the UNESCO as so many other churches on the island. It is also in Castro that you will have the best look at the palafitos, those charming houses on stilts built above the water, so typical around here. Estimated route: 200 km - 3hrs drive, 30 min ferry ride

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Palafito 1326 | Boutique Hotel Chiloé
Day 17

place Road trip to Chiloé National Park and Cucao

Suggested itinerary: This morning, wander around Castro's Vega Central: this central market near the sea gathers products form the island and handicraft in a festival of colours, noises and flavors. It is here that you will fond the most typical Chilote spirit! Then leave Castro and drive West in direction of Cucao. From this tiny village on the West coast of the island, many walks are possible around Lake Cucao or along the ocean shore. You can for instance visit the famous Muelle de las Almas, "the Dock of Souls" on top of steep cliffs in front of an agitated sea, or explore the paths of the Chiloe National Park and its surprising fauna and flora studied by Darwin himself during his stay here in 1834. Estimated route: 50 km - 1h

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Palafito Cucao
Day 18

place Road trip from Cucao to Puerto Varas

Suggested itinerary: Thius morning, enjoy the silence and tranquility of nature around you. several activities are possible from your hotel, like kayak on lake Cucao, horseriding around the lake or a walk in the deep-green forests around. In the afternoon, drive back in direction of Ancud. On your way, take a short detour to the village of Dalcahue from where you can reach the tiny and beautiful Quinchao island. From one fishing village to the other, the island reveals a more authentic and traditional aspect of the Chilote culture, based on the resouces of the land and the sea. Drive to Achao and visit its lovely wooden church. In this peaceful and isolated place, you will surely understand this expression from Chiloe: "Quien se apura pierde el tiempo", "Whoever is in a hurry wastes time". In the afternoon, take the ferry back to the continent and drive to your hotel in Puerto Varas. Estimated route: 240 km - 4hrs drive, 30 min ferry ride

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Estancia 440
Day 19

place To Patagonia!

Suggested itinerary: Drive to the El Tepual airport in Puerto Montt 2 hours before your flight and drop off your car rental. Domestic flight from Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas (around 2h, flight indicated in option). Your driver welcomes you at Punta Arenas airport and drives you to Puerto Natales (a 3-hour drive). Afternoon at leisure to discover Puerto Natales, a city on the edge of the Senoret Channel, and entrance to the Torres del Paine National Park. Puerto Natales is a quiet little town in the Fjords of Patagonia. Take the time to relax, stroll around the canal side, enjoy the restaurants, or shop around for wool handicraft. Visit the small museum Museo Historico, to learn more about the region, from the very first inhabitants to the more recent settlers.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Hotel Vendaval
Day 20

place Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers

Your driver picks you up at your hotel in Puerto Natales to drive you to the port of Puerto Natales. Departure for the excursion and boarding around 7:30 at Puerto Bories deck. You sail in direction of Mount Balmaceda (2,035 m) in the O'Higgins Park, almost unexplored except by people that arrive by boat. The journey begins at the dock of Puerto Natales. You can see from the boat the forests of Coihues, Canelos and Lenga. As you sail along the coast, the boat gets close to sea lions and leaves you north of the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers. You will access this wonderful site on foot and enjoy the view. Return in the afternoon to Puerto Natales. Note 1: 6-hour group trip, daily from October to March and only on Sundays from April to September. Note 2: Tour subject to weather conditions.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Hotel Vendaval
Day 21

place Torres del Paine National Park's fauna and flora

This full day together with an English-speaking guide, allows you to explore the highlights of Torres del Paine including the rich Patagonian flora and faune, the Paine Massif and its glaciar, and the famous "towers": Cuernos del Paine.  You will discover along the Nordenskjöld and Pehoé lakes and take a short 45 minutes walk to the Salto Grande waterfalls. Box lunch included

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Pampa Lodge
Day 22

place Hiking in Torres del Paine National Park

You go for another day with your private guide in Torres del Paine national park. Beside the main spots and miradors, there is an infinity of hidden paths and viewpoints practically unknown to most visitors - this is where your guide takes you today. Different hikes are possible according to your level, your wishes and the weather conditions of the day. Your guide will give you precious advices during this day for a wonderful experience of the Chilean Patagonia. You are passionate about geology? discover the strange formation of the Paine mountain range close up, result of successive volcanic activities. Crazy about wild animals? follow your guide on the tracks of flamingos, condors, guanacos or even pumas. Return to Puerto Natales at the end of the day (approx. 1h30). Box lunch included

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Hotel Vendaval
Day 23

place Back to Santiago de Chile

Your driver takes you from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas airport (a 3-hour drive). Domestic flight from Punta Arenas to Santiago (around 3h30, flight indicated in option). Your driver picks you up at the airport and drives you to your hotel in Santiago. Afternoon at leisure in the Capital Visit the museums of Las Bellas Artes, Design or pre-Columbian art. Tempted by a Pisco Sour? The lively terraces of the Lastarria district are within walking distance. Hungry? The Bellavista district is full of excellent gastronomic restaurants with the flavors of Chile, Peru, Mexico...

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Carménère eco Hotel
Day 24

place Last day in Chile

Your driver takes you from your hotel in Santiago to the airport. It's time to say goodbye to Chile, the mind rich with incredible memories and wonderful landscapes... End of our services.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Carménère eco Hotel
  • La Casa de Don Tomás
  • Fauna Hotel & Restaurante
  • Terminal Bus VALPO
  • Aldea Naukana Posada Boutique
  • Futangue Hotel & Spa
  • Lodge el Taique
  • Estancia 440
  • Palafito 1326 | Boutique Hotel Chiloé
  • Palafito Cucao
  • Hotel Vendaval
  • Pampa Lodge

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (23)
  • Lunch (7)

Transport expand_less

  • Airport transfers
  • Rental car
  • All transfers during guided day tours

Activities expand_less

  • As per itinerary

Extras expand_less

  • 24h local assistance
  • All entrances mentioned

Not Included expand_less

  • International & Domestic flights
  • Personal Expenses
  • Other Meals/Drinks
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips

About Tatiana

TEAM LEAD

verified Baboo Certified

star_outline 5 (11 reviews)

I'm Tatiana, half French, half Canadian and I grew up in sunny South of France. I fell in love with Chile, the rich culture, the diversity of its landscapes and the warmth of its people. I would love to share my passion for travel with you!

Travel that Makes a Difference

By choosing to travel with us, you support local communities, wildlife, and the environment. We are dedicated to positively impacting the world through every journey we offer.

Let’s regenerate the planet together

We overcompensate your entire journey’s carbon footprint including flights - for free.

Learn more
FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$6,484.00 USD