Santiago, Easter Island & Atacama Desert: Best Itinerary Ideas

How many days do you need in Santiago, Easter Island & Atacama Desert?

• Most travelers spend 10-13 days in Santiago, Easter Island, and the Atacama Desert combined
• Visiting Santiago, Easter Island, and the Atacama Desert in 7 to 9 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
• With 14 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
• The most common extensions are Torres del Paine

How Many Days to Spend in Chile

Recommended Itineraries for Santiago, Easter Island & Atacama Desert

Recommended Itinerary for 10 Days

This 10-day itinerary takes you from Chile's capital to two of its most dramatic and secluded destinations. After touring the modern metropolis of Santiago and visiting the colorful seaside towns of Valparaíso & Viña del Mar, change gears and set out toward one of the most remote islands on earth. Spend three days discovering the iconic monoliths and windswept beaches of Easter Island, then return to the mainland to end your trip among the breathtaking landscapes of the Atacama Desert. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 11 Days

Monumental archaeological mysteries, natural phenomena, and urban life are all part of this 11-day Chilean itinerary. From sprawling Santiago to the awe-inspiring Atacama Desert and Easter Island, each moment of your trip will offer opportunities for unforgettable experiences. Travel by air, car, hot-air balloon, bike, and horseback for a dynamic adventure through South America and across the South Pacific. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 12 Days

This 12-day trip to Chile takes you through several areas—the capital city, desert landscapes, coastal towns, and ancient islands. First, go sightseeing in Santiago, followed by a journey through the Atacama Desert region. Then, visit the coastal neighboring towns of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso, and tour the stunning Maipo Valley. The finale leads you on an adventure through historical Easter Island, from moai stone figureheads to beautiful beaches. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 13 Days

This 13-day trip combines two bucket-list items in Chile, rarely visited by tourists. Kick off with a day in Santiago before you're jetting off again—this time to the South Pacific. Halfway between Tahiti and Chile, Easter Island is graced with white sand beaches and 600+ mysterious statues carved from volcanic rock. The second half of the trip takes place in a high-altitude desert on the mainland with sand dunes, geysers, hot springs, and starry skies—perfect for sipping Chilean wine. Read more

Extended Itineraries

13-Day Itinerary Including Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine & Punta Arenas

Is it possible to experience the highlights of a famously diverse and beautiful country like Chile in just under two weeks? In this instance, yes. Over 13 days, you can visit all the wonderful sites that have graced the covers of travel magazines for years. You get it all: the northern Atacama Desert, Patagonia—even the far-flung mystical island of Rapa Nui, better known as Easter Island to us foreigners. So pack a bag, get your hiking gear ready, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. Read more

2-Week Itinerary Including Puerto Natales & Torres del Paine

The secret's out: Chile is one of the most naturally beautiful countries in Latin America, which places it high in the running for one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world. This two-week adventure covers three of its most incredible regions. The first major stop on the itinerary is the northern Atacama Desert, which is famous for its lunar landscapes, steaming geysers, and expansive salt flats. Then it's off to Torres del Paine, the most-visited national park in Chilean Patagonia. Finally, you'll visit Rapa Nui, or Easter Island as its commonly known, to discover the secrets of its great stone idols. Read more

How to travel between Santiago, Easter Island & Atacama Desert

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 Easter Island
Getting to Easter Island in the Pacific Ocean is best done by taking a flight to Mataveri International Airport (IPC), and it's fairly easily done if you're traveling from Santiago or some of Chile's surrounding countries, such as Argentina and Peru. Read more

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