10 Days in Chile & Argentina - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: The Andean Triangle: Northern Chile & Argentina

Discover the eccentric coastal towns, desert plateaus, and an ancient Inca trading route on this Andean triangle adventure, suited to travelers looking to spend time in both bustling cities and remote villages. Between a private city tour of Santiago, visits to the geological wonders of the Atacama Desert, a peaceful afternoon sampling wine in Calchaquí Valley, and free time in Buenos Aires, you'll get a well-rounded introduction to Chile and Argentina's natural wonders and colonial and Indigenous history.

Welcome to Chile! Your adventure begins in Santiago, dusting off any jet lag during a private city tour of Plaza de Armas and the bustling Mercado Central. Rise early the following day for a trip to the Pacific coast, stopping by the port city of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar to admire their historic buildings and modern shops before catching a flight north. Your destination is San Pedro de Atacama, and two days will soar by as you explore Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), ponder the jagged peaks of Cordillera de la Sal, spend an evening stargazing, and marvel at the geothermal wonders of El Tatio.

Next on the itinerary is a transfer to Salta in northern Argentina. After a relaxing evening exploring on foot, you'll embark on a full-day tour the following day to learn about the 10,000-year history of Quebrada de Humahuaca while stopping by the tiny towns and villages of Purmamarca, Uquía, and Maimará. Then, savor one more afternoon in the desert wine tasting in the nearby village of Cafayate before transferring to Buenos Aires. Spend your final two days discovering the charm of Puerto Madero and San Telmo neighborhoods until it’s time to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Discover the Lake District of Chile & Argentina

Immerse yourself in the landscapes of the Lake District on this 10-day Chile and Argentina trip, complete with three days each in Puerto Varas and Bariloche. Expertly crafted for those looking to explore the region's impressive volcanoes and serene lakes while still having plenty of time to relax. Spend memorable days hiking through untouched landscapes while evenings are yours to sample new foods at charming restaurants nestled within quaint towns.

Your 10-day trip begins in Santiago, admiring the grandeur of the Palacio de la Real Audiencia and Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral alongside a knowledgeable guide. But with the Lake District as your main focus, it's back to the airport the following day for a flight to Puerto Montt. Continue to Puerto Varas, your base for three nights, and sink into a relaxing stroll along the shores of Lago Llanquihue. The following two days are about discovering the region's many highlights, including the Petrohué Waterfalls in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park and Frutillar's German-influenced architecture.

Settle in for an 11-hour journey to San Carlos de Bariloche, and with a half-day excursion planned for the next morning, you'll be happy to hear the evening is free to relax on your own. Then, it's off to the famous Circuito Chico (Short Circuit) for a day delighting in epic views from Cerro Campanario and Llao Llao Peninsula, followed by an afternoon of hiking through storybook forests in Los Arrayanes National Park. As your trip winds down, spend your final days roaming Buenos Aires' colorful neighborhoods and watching a live tango show before catching your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Journey Through Chilean & Argentine Patagonia

Journey through Patagonia on this 10-day adventure takes you on a grand tour of Torres del Paine National Park and Los Glaciares National Park. Complete with a full-day hike to Mirador Las Torres, a trek to the thundering waterfalls of Salto Grande, and an afternoon marveling at Perito Moreno, there's no shortage of spectacular landscapes to discover. Then, wrap up your trip roaming Buenos Aires' charming neighborhoods and attending a tango show.

Upon arriving in Santiago, your adventure-packed trip begins with an exciting day exploring on your own. Learn about the city's past at the National History Museum or stretch your legs during a hike up Cerro San Cristóbal; then, it's back to the airport for a flight south. While using Puerto Natales as your base to explore Torres del Paine National Park, you'll quickly discover why this is a hiking enthusiast's paradise. Over two days, you'll admire glaciers in Lago Grey while hiking over a suspension bridge, trek to the waterfalls of Salto Grande, and embark on a 12.5-mile (20 km) hike to Mirador Las Torres.

The next stop on your adventure is El Calafate in Argentina, tucked on the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. A variety of bucket-list-worthy excursions is waiting, so after a leisurely evening at the Glaciarium, you'll enjoy an entire day marveling at the Perito Moreno in Los Glaciares National Park, followed by a trip to Estancia Nibepo Aike to experience life on a working estancia (ranch). With your trip coming to an end, it's off to Buenos Aires to take in the city's colorful neighborhoods and watch a tango show at Café de los Angelitos before catching your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Food, Wine & Culture in Chile & Argentina

Focusing on just three locations, the pace slows for you to indulge your senses on this 10-day trip, curated for those looking to delve into the culture and cuisine of Chile and Argentina. Throughout your adventure, you'll master the art of crafting empanadas alongside a chef in Buenos Aires, savor the smoky delights of an authentic Argentine asado (barbecue) in San Antonio de Areco, and pedal through the lush vineyards near Mendoza on a cycling tour. Then, end your trip in Santiago, exploring the nearby coastal towns and learning the ins and outs of winemaking.

Your trip begins in Buenos Aires, where any thoughts of jet lag will quickly dissolve during a stroll along Puerto Madera. Discover more of the city's highlights the following day, including the Obelisk monument and Corrientes Street. Then, learn how to make empanadas during a culinary experience before spending a day in San Antonio de Areco learning about gaúcho (skilled horseman) life. Next on the agenda is three days in Mendoza, a city tucked in the foothills of the Andes and the perfect place to settle into the relaxed pace of Argentina's countryside culture during a wander around Plaza Independica.

The following afternoon is yours to choose between a fun-filled cycling tour of Luján de Cuyo vineyards or a visit to the Termas de Cacheuta hot springs resort. Then, it's off on a thrilling day trip to Aconcagua Provincial Park, where you'll take in unmatched views of Cordón del Plata and the Río Cuevas before hopping on a plane bound for Santiago. With four days based in Chile's capital, you'll have plenty of time to visit the coastal cities of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar and spend a day sampling wine at the Concha y Toro winery until it's time to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Cities & Wineries in Chile & Argentina: Santiago, Valparaíso, Mendoza & Buenos Aires

Hop between charming cities and picturesque vineyards on this 10-day Chile and Argentina itinerary, perfect for those looking for a relaxing trip filled with breathtaking landscapes and memorable culinary experiences. Between guided tours of Santiago and Buenos Aires, you'll discover the similarities and differences of the capital city's architecture and history. Then, with uninterrupted wine time in the Casablanca Valley and the Luján de Cuyo region, you'll leave feeling a deeper appreciation of Latin America's flavorsome cuisine and love of wine.

After landing in Santiago and transferring to the coastal city of Valparaíso, your 10-day trip starts with leisurely afternoons getting lost among Cerro Alegre and Cerro Florida's cobbled squares and winery hopping in the Casablanca Valley. Then, it's back to Santiago, where two days will fly by as you take in views from Cerro San Cristóbal, navigate the mazelike Mercado La Vega, and join an expert guide checking out the city's highlights, including Bicentennial Park and Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins. Feeling acquainted with Argentina's culture, it's time to switch countries and catch a flight to Argentina.

With three days to taste and drink your way around Mendoza, you'll have no problem sinking into a relaxed pace of life. Take a stroll around the Plaza Independencia, ride between the idyllic vineyards of the Luján de Cuyo region, ponder the towering peaks of Aconcagua on a guided tour, and soak in thermal pools in Cordilleras. Then, it's back in the air for a transfer east to Buenos Aires, where you'll tour the city by bike and learn the art of empanada making alongside a chef before catching your onward flight full of delicious food and even better memories. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Chile Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Chile? Check out these other 10-day Chile itineraries with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.