Santiago, Atacama Desert & Puerto Varas: Best Itinerary Ideas

How many days do you need in Santiago, Atacama Desert & Puerto Varas?

• Most travelers spend 9-10 days in Santiago, Atacama Desert, and Puerto Varas combined
• Visiting Santiago, Atacama Desert, and Puerto Varas in 7 or 8 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
• With 11 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
• The most common extensions are Torres del Paine and Valparaíso

How Many Days to Spend in Chile

Recommended Itineraries for Santiago, Atacama Desert & Puerto Varas

Recommended Itinerary for 9 Days

Chile may be a small country geographically, but it's filled with some of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in South America and, indeed, the world. Over a quick nine days, you'll discover the furthest reaches of this ecological paradise, from the otherworldly landscapes of the northern Atacama Desert to the native lenga forests and active volcanoes of the rugged Lake District, which is also known as the "doorstep to Patagonia." And to kick it all off, you'll discover Santiago and Valparaíso, two of Chile's most beautiful cities. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 10 Days

Explore three distinct areas of Chile with this 10-day itinerary. After getting a taste (literally) of the big city and its nearby wine region, fly north to the Atacama desert—an oasis in the driest part of the world known for geysers, moonscapes, and starry skies. You'll then base yourself in a German-style lake town while taking day trips to volcanoes, waterfalls, and an exotic rainforest along the coast. Read more

Extended Itineraries

11-Day Itinerary Including Puerto Natales & Torres del Paine

Travelers flock to Chile from all over the world to visit three principal regions, and this 11-day itinerary has all of them covered. First, it's a trip to the north of the country and the Atacama Desert, where you'll do some stargazing and tour the otherworldly landscapes. Then it's a flight to the southern Lake District and its enormous lakes, wild rivers, and snowcapped volcanoes. Finally, you'll end up in the far south, in Patagonia, where you'll spend a day exploring the most famous national park in the country: Torres del Paine. Read more

13-Day Itinerary Including Torres del Paine & Castro

This 13-day itinerary covers the major highlights found in and around the Andes, including the northern Atacama Desert, the central Lake District, and Torres del Paine National Park. There's even a break to do some wine tasting in Chile's famous vineyards. This is a partial road trip, so you can set your own schedule and explore however and wherever you like. Read more

How to travel between Santiago, Atacama Desert & Puerto Varas

How to get from Santiago to Puerto Varas
Flying is the most convenient way to travel the 630 miles (1,016 km) between Santiago de Chile and Puerto Varas. Expect a 1.5-hour plane ride and a 30-minute drive from the Puerto Montt Airport. Shuttle buses are also available at the airport and take approximately the same amount of time as driving. Read more

How to get to Santiago de Chile
Santiago is one of the most visited cities in Chile and in South America. Depending on where you're coming from, the city may be best reached by car, plane, and sometimes by bus. Read more

How to get to Atacama
The Atacama Desert, or San Pedro de Atacama, is known for its majestic desert located in the north of Chile, close to Antofagasta. Read more