2 Weeks in Chile - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Epic Family Trip to Chile: Atacama Desert, Easter Island & Patagonia

Experience Chile's dramatic landscapes and curious history on this epic highlights itinerary perfectly crafted to suit families with children six years and older (depending on hiking skill level). During three-day stays in San Pedro de Atacama, on Easter Island, and in Puerto Natales, parents will love having time to unpack and settle in while kids are continuously entertained with a string of new activities to tackle. Top that with a blend of guided tours and free time to explore as a family, and you'll undoubtedly leave with cherished memories and newfound knowledge.

Welcome to Chile! After kicking off your family trip with a day of sightseeing in Santiago, you'll hop on a flight bound for San Pedro de Atacama. Between a stargazing experience in Altiplano, a day spent swimming in salty lagoons, and an excursion to Rainbow Valley, the Atacama Desert's landscapes will capture the awe of children and parents alike. Next, catch a flight to Easter Island and treat young ones to their first glimpse of the island's iconic moái figures during a hike to Ahu Tahai. Then, spend the following days on guided island tours featuring both ceremonial platforms and volcanic landscapes. 

Your next destination is Punta Arenas—the gateway to Chilean Patagonia. Embark on a guided city tour to make the most of your day here, then transfer to Puerto Natales, stopping to admire Isla Magdalena's penguin colony along the way. After spending your first evening admiring Torres del Paine National Park from afar, you'll dive into its impressive landscapes during two days of kid-friendly activities, including a hike to Lago Nordenskjöld viewpoint and a boat tour in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. Happily exhausted, return to Santiago and catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Chile Outdoor Adventure for Families: Santiago, Valparaíso & Patagonia

This Chile adventure focuses on the mainland and is perfect for families seeking a well-rounded introduction to Chile's bustling cities, enduring wildlife, and mighty landscapes. Let young travelers navigate pedestrian-friendly streets on self-guided tours, spend a day walking alongside penguins on Isla Magdalena, and get off the beaten path with a visit to Estancia Bahía Esperanza. Other family-oriented highlights include a hike in Torres del Paine, a cruise to Serrano Glacier, and free time in Santiago and Valparaíso. (Suitable for children ages six and older.)

Your family adventure begins in Santiago with a leisurely self-guided tour, perfect for stretching antsy plane legs, and a guide-led exploration of Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins and Forestal Park. Then, spend your last day in the city between the parent-favorite vineyard, In Situ, and the enchanting Quintessence Alpaca Farm. Next, transfer by bus to Valparaíso, where two days will fly by as you explore by funicular, visit the Chilean Navy Headquarters, and embark on a boat tour from Muelle Prat. After a short flight on Day 6, you'll find yourselves in Punta Arenas, wandering the quaint Plaza de Armas.

Young wildlife lovers will be delighted to walk alongside penguins on Isla Magdalena and search for chinchillas in Magallanes National Reserve over the following days. Yet, there's plenty more Chile to discover, so you'll bus to Puerto Natales and kick-start your stay with a visit to the Museum of Patagonia. Next, it's full steam ahead with a cruise to the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers, an optional trip to Grey Glacier, and a horseback riding adventure at Estancia Bahía Esperanza on the agenda. Lastly, squeeze in a kid-friendly hike in Torres del Paine National Park before wrapping up your trip in Santiago. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Chile North to South Family Adventure: Santiago, Atacama Desert & Patagonia

Ideal for intrepid families, this Chile adventure gets you out hiking, horseback riding, and boating through the country's wild landscapes, from as far north as the Atacama Desert to as far south as Patagonia. Kids of all ages (best for six years and older) with a taste for exploration will love hopping around the dunes in the Valley of the Moon, uncovering ancient rock formations in Yerbas Buenas, and meeting wobbly penguins on Isla Magdalena. Plus, with plenty of guided excursions included in the itinerary, families can focus on spending quality time together without stressing over logistics.

Upon arriving in Santiago, treat eager adventurers with a visit to the Santiago Zoo and a run-around in Cerro Santa Lucia, a park atop a remnant volcano. With three more days based in the capital city, you'll also have time to join a guided city tour, visit the colorful coastal cities of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso, and spend a day at the welcoming wineries of the Maipo Valley. After a transfer by flight and vehicle to San Pedro de Atacama, watch little nature lovers marvel at otherworldly landscapes during a tour of the Valley of the Moon and a hike in Rainbow Valley to discover ancient petroglyphs.

An early morning visit to Tatio Geysers and a relaxing evening mark the end of your stay in San Pedro de Atacama, and next, a flight bound for Punta Arenas awaits. Let young explorers take the reins during a self-guided city walking tour and surprise them with a delightful day admiring adorable penguins on Isla Magdalena. Continue to Puerto Natales next, and while here, embark on a cruise to Serrano Glacier, horseback ride at Estancia Bahía Esperanza, and admire Grey Glacier from a catamaran. Then, celebrate the end of an epic adventure with a visit to Go Bar de Hielo, Chilean Patagonia's first ice bar. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Relaxed Family Trip to Chile: Santiago, Easter Island, Lake District & Atacama Desert

Forgoing Patagonia, immerse your family in the wonders of Chile on this two-week getaway encompassing Santiago, Easter Island, the Lake District, and the Atacama Desert. Crafted especially for those seeking a relaxed-paced itinerary, you'll find plenty of time to enjoy one another's company while unwinding on sandy beaches, soaking in kid-friendly hot springs, and sailing on Lago Todos Los Santos. You'll also be treated to a perfect sprinkling of introductory nature excursions, including a lesson in astronomy, that will surely delight the entire family.

After touching down in Santiago, let kids release energy in Parque Araucano before enjoying a fun-filled day in Maipo Valley, splashing in the pool and discovering local wildlife. Then, it's off to Easter Island, where you'll devote a few laid-back days to discovering its natural wonders and mysterious statues. Kid favorites include an excursion to the extinct volcano of Rano Kau and a visit to Orongo Village, while parents are sure to love spending quality family time on Anakena Beach. Following a free morning, return to Santiago and discover who has the most daring palate during a family food tour. 

Next, it's time to discover Chile's picturesque Lake District. A short two-hour flight later, you and your little travelers will be in Puerto Varas, playing by the calm waters of Lago Llanquihue and unwinding in Termas de Sol's kid-approved spa pools. Recharged, introduce up-and-coming young adventurers to a day of discovering Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park wonders before continuing to San Pedro de Atacama. While here, spend your final days stargazing under some of the clearest skies in the world, floating in the salt-laden Baltinache Lagoons, and exploring the Valley of the Moon. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Chile's Natural Wonders for Families: Atacama Desert, Lake District & Patagonia

Covering the length of Chile from the otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama Desert down to the magnificent glaciers of Bernardo O'Higgins National Park and Patagonia, this adventure is perfect for families (children ages six and older) looking to keep on the move. Along the way, stretch your young traveler's comfort zones and watch their faces light up as they spot new wildlife and sample traditional foods. Other highlights include swimming in desert lagoons, hiking in Torres del Paine National Park, and exploring Santiago's bustling city life.

Straight off the plane in Santiago, your family trip begins with a fun-filled afternoon strolling Plaza de Armas and sampling new foods in the Bellavista neighborhood. Then, embark on a side trip to the vibrant towns of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso before transferring to San Pedro de Atacama. A three-night stay in the desert gives you and your young explorers ample opportunity to tour the Valley of the Moon, swim in the Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache, and watch the sunset at Laguna Tebenquiche. Afterward, catch a flight to Puerto Varas and enjoy your first evening in the Lake District on a guided city tour. 

Puerto Varas is also the perfect base to explore the lush playground of Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park and Isla Chiloé. Next, board a flight bound for Punta Arenas and let a local guide lead the way during a kid-friendly city tour. Afterward, journey to Isla Magdalena and watch little wildlife lovers discover adorable penguins before continuing to Puerto Natales. While your trip may be winding down, you'll still find time to squeeze in a boat tour in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park and spend a day exploring Torres del Paine National Park until it's time to wrap up your family adventure back in Santiago. Learn more

More Great 2-Week Chile Itineraries

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