In the narrowest country on Earth, snow-capped mountains and pristine beaches are within 100 miles of one another. You’ll need 10 days in Chile to discover all that and more, including the dazzling Atacama Desert and Santiago, the nation’s capital.
When I backpacked through the Andes a few years back, I covered most of this 10-day Chile itinerary. Take it from me: you won’t miss any must-sees!
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How to get around
Despite being a developing nation, Chile has one of the highest living standards in Latin America. As such, it is equipped with efficient and reliable infrastructure, especially in the parts of the country travelers are more likely to visit.
For short distances like Santiago-Valparaíso and attractions within the capital’s metropolitan area, you can easily hop on a coach bus or rent a car and reach your destination in a couple of hours.
But since around 1,000 miles separate Santiago from San Pedro de Atacama, you’ll be better off catching a plane on the final part of your trip. Luckily, low-cost airlines like JetSmart and Sky will take you to Antofagasta or San Pedro for approximately $60, roundtrip.
As for moving around within major cities, you can often count on the subway. In Santiago, specifically, the system currently features 136 stations spread across seven lines and serves all of the city’s boroughs.
Valparaíso and Viña del Mar are linked by a commuter train line that will take you from the port in Valparaíso to downtown Viña.
Days 1-2: Santiago
Where to stay: Renaissance Santiago in the ritzy Las Condes district or Hotel Magnolia to discover the city center on foot
We’ll start our trip from Chile’s capital, the one and only gateway to the country where almost 40% of the population lives.
This huge metropolis sits at the foothills of the Andes, so naturally superb views are one of Santiago’s calling cards. Hike up Cerro San Cristóbal to take in a commanding vista of the city. Alternatively, you can ride the funicular or the cable car to reach the hilltop.
On your first morning in Santiago, you can stroll down O’Higgins Avenue, locally la Alameda, which is home to some of the most imposing landmarks in town. Don’t miss out on the neoclassic La Moneda Presidential Palace or the 16th-century Church of Saint Francis.
To the south of la Alameda, you can walk through the quaint París-Londres neighborhood. Meanwhile, to the north of the avenue, you should get lost in the artsy Lastarria district. This area, as well as Bellavista on the other side of the Mapocho River, is filled with excellent dining options too.
From there, you’ll be within walking distance of the Plaza de Armas, around which several world-class museums will be waiting for your curious eyes.
On your second day, head out to the Los Dominicos neighborhood, which feels like a small town nestled in the middle of such a hectic city. Here you can load up on handicrafts and tour the little pueblo, in a welcome break from Santiago’s hustle and bustle.
If a glamorous night out is what you’re looking for, Santiago will not let you down. The Las Condes borough on the city’s eastern end is jam-packed with cocktail bars, restaurants, and clubs. Isidora Goyenechea is one of the coolest streets in the area.
Las Condes is also the go-to shopping district for Santiagueños. If you wouldn’t mind shopping till you drop before leaving the capital, Parque Arauco is the perfect shopping mall for you. And in case you’re not overwhelmed with shopping bags, cross the street to watch an incredible sunset on the lawn of Araucano Park.
Day 3: Cajón del Maipo
Our first day trip from Santiago will be to the canyon of the Maipo River, locally the Cajón del Maipo, in the heart of the Chilean Andes.
As you leave the city toward the snow-capped summits of the cordillera, you’ll pass by remote villages, tiny waterfalls, and lots of breathtaking views.
The high point is El Yeso Dam, which looks just as stunning as your favorite alpine lake. First, though, keep driving uphill to take a refreshing dip in the fabulous Termas del Plomo hot springs. Reach the dam by the golden hour to wonder at an awe-inspiring sunset.
You’ll get to choose between traveling back to the capital to sleep in a cozy bed or, if that’s your thing, camping overnight at the canyon to enjoy nature a little longer. You can also go trekking early in the morning; just don’t be late for our next adventure!
Day 4: Maipo Valley
The surroundings of the Maipo River to the south of Santiago are home to Chile’s most prestigious winemaking region.
You can embark on a wine-soaked journey through the beautiful valley through a day-long winery tour where you’ll savor some of the yummiest wines in South America.
That doesn’t mean, however, that your whole day has to revolve around wine — though that sounds tempting, at least to me. Squeezed between the peaks of the Chilean Coastal Range, the valley is scenic and dotted with lovely villages.
As you head toward the country’s central coast, you can stop, for example, at Pomaire, where you’ll encounter an age-old pottery tradition and several authentic eateries serving gigantic empanadas and other local treats.
While most itineraries of the Maipo Valley will pick you up and drop you off in Santiago, you should try to arrange to be taken to Valparaíso instead, as you’ll be midway between the capital and the ocean anyway.
Day 5: Valparaíso
Where to stay: Hotel Casa Higueras for the nicest views or the cozy AYCA La Flora Hotel Boutique, a budget-friendly alternative
Our next stop will be at one of Chile’s most fascinating places, the port city of Valparaíso. Once dubbed the San Francisco of the South, this hilly overhanging the Pacific is famous for its multicolored cityscape.
To learn more about Valpo’s turbulent history, you can book a walking tour of the old town. As you meander through the maze-like cobbled alleys, you’ll soak up amazing views of the bay.
Given Valparaíso is more affordable and slow-paced than Chile’s capital, it’s attracted throngs of artists in the last couple of decades.
Thanks to that, the city is one of the country’s cultural capitals. It plays host to many high-profile events throughout the year and boasts countless art galleries. What’s more, you’ll notice street art is everywhere.
The funiculars that cut through Valpo’s uneven topography are an attraction in their own right. So is its decadent ambiance, which mirrors a prosperous past when it was one of the richest cities in Latin America.
Day 6: Viña del Mar
Where to stay: Esencia Hotel Boutique for design lovers or the Sheraton Miramar for ultimate luxury
If Valparaíso is like San Francisco, Viña is a South American Monaco. The most popular beach town in Chile features a century-old casino and miles of gorgeous beaches with golden sands.
Once two distinct cities, Valpo and Viña del Mar have physically merged but preserved their unique identities. That’s why you can choose to sleep in either before setting out to our next stop.
Viña is the right place to shop, gamble, people-watch, or simply idle away on the beach.
Yet don’t fooled into thinking this is just a vain beach town. Viña del Mar is peppered with historic landmarks like the Vergara. Some now house museums like the Fonck Museum, which is devoted to archaeology.
When you’re done exploring the city center, keep going northward along the city’s shoreline until you reach Concon, where sprawling dunes offer commanding views of the bay.
Day 7: Antofagasta
Where to stay: Hotel Florencia Suites & Apartments to make the most of the waterfront or Hotel Antofagasta for the best amenities
Before heading out to the Atacama highlands, we’ll spend a relaxing by the northern coast of Chile, in a region that once belonged to Bolivia.
Antofagasta is an underrated seaside destination within the country, which is truly a shame. The city boasts flawless weather and pristine beaches with calm and warm waters.
Both to the north and south of town, you’ll find wild beaches worth stopping at. La Portada, a gateway-shaped rock formation, is Antofagasta’s main symbol and stands on the outskirts of the city too.
Another must-see is the impressive Mano del Desierto sculpture, a 36-foot cement hand that juts out of the desert. Visit after dark to gaze at one of the starriest skies you’ll ever lay your eyes on.
If you have the time, take a stroll around Antofagasta’s charming historic center. Sit back to people-watch at Plaza Colón, then treat yourself to fresh seafood at the Central Market.
Pro tip: If traveling during the cold season, you can stay in Santiago for an extra day instead and go skiing at Valle Nevado or any of the other resorts to the east of the capital.
Days 8-10: Atacama Desert
Where to stay: Hotel Desertica, a marvelous oasis, or La Casa del Pueblo for great value for money
It’s almost time to pack and fly back home, but first, you’ll get to spend three days in the driest desert on the planet. Your launchpad will be the village of San Pedro de Atacama, known for its vast skies and adobe houses.
When you get there, don’t miss the chance to stroll the surroundings of the plaza. At the craft market, you can fill up your bags with keepsakes. Grab an ice cream on the go and stop by the Meteorite Museum.
Right outside San Pedro, you can visit Pukará de Quitor, a 12th-century stone fortress that overlooks the desert.
It’s out in the open, however, that’ll you discover the area’s most stunning sights. Highlights include the many lagoons peppered across the Atacama. In some, like Cejar Lagoon, you can go for a swim. Others, like Chaxa, are ideal for spotting flamingos.
The Tatío Geysers are another impressive attraction near San Pedro. On your way there, you’ll see the adorable Machuca village and splash in the Tatío hot springs.
At night, Atacama has prime sky visibility, so going stargazing here is a one-of-a-kind experience. Speaking of outer space, you should also take a tour of the alien-like Moon Valley, where you’ll be treated to a mesmerizing sunset after a mild hike.
San Pedro is actually quite close to Bolivia, so crossing the border to tour natural wonders like Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve or even the Uyuni Salt Flats is a fantastic idea if you can afford the time.
Wrap-up
Cane-shaped Chile may seem small, but you’ll need more than a week in the country to cover the main attractions in the lush central regions and in the rugged north.
10 days in Chile should be enough time to do just that. If you’re lucky to have a few extra days there, though, make sure you include either legendary Easter Island or the majestic Torres del Paine peaks in your itinerary.
