How many days do you need in Santiago, Easter Island, Atacama Desert & Torres del Paine?
- Most travelers spend 12-15 days in Santiago, Easter Island, Atacama Desert, and Torres del Paine combined
- With 16 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Punta Arenas and Valparaíso
How Many Days to Spend in Chile
Recommended Itineraries for Santiago, Easter Island, Atacama Desert & Torres del Paine
Recommended Itinerary for 12 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Santiago de Chile, Explore | Santiago |
| Day 2 | Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama & Stargazing Tour | San Pedro de Atacama |
| Day 3 | Atacama Desert Tour: Lagoons & Salt Flats | San Pedro de Atacama |
| Day 4 | El Tatio Geysers, Return to Santiago de Chile | Santiago |
| Day 5 | Santiago to Patagonia: Torres del Paine National Park | Torres del Paine |
| Day 6 | Torres del Paine: Trekking to the Base of the Towers | Puerto Natales |
| Day 7 | Free Day in Torres del Paine | Torres del Paine |
| Day 8 | Return to Santiago, Free Afternoon | Santiago |
| Day 9 | Fly to Easter Island, Optional Activities | Easter Island |
| Day 10 | Rapa Nui Full-Day Tour | Easter Island |
| Day 11 | Orongo & Ahu Akivi | Easter Island |
| Day 12 | Return to Santiago, Depart |
This 12-day itinerary combines ancient culture and ancient landscapes with the profound natural beauty of Chilean Patagonia. From the northern deserts of the Atacama region to Torres del Paine National Park, you'll experience the full spectrum of Chile's natural beauty. This also includes a jaunt to Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island. Here you'll walk in the footsteps of ancient cultures and marvel at the great stone idols—the moai—that were built to honor ancient tribal chieftains and which still stand today. Read more
Recommended Itinerary for 2 Weeks
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Santiago de Chile, Explore | Santiago |
| Day 2 | Santiago City Tour | Santiago |
| Day 3 | Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama & Stargazing Tour | San Pedro de Atacama |
| Day 4 | Atacama Desert Tour: Lagoons & Salt Flats | San Pedro de Atacama |
| Day 5 | Tatio Geysers & Machuca Village | San Pedro de Atacama |
| Day 6 | Fly to Santiago, Free Afternoon | Santiago |
| Day 7 | Santiago to Patagonia: Torres del Paine National Park | Torres del Paine |
| Day 8 | Trekking to the Base of the Towers | Torres del Paine |
| Day 9 | Free Day in Torres del Paine | Torres del Paine |
| Day 10 | Fly to Santiago, Free Afternoon | Santiago |
| Day 11 | Fly to Easter Island, Optional Activities | Easter Island |
| Day 12 | Rapa Nui Full-Day Tour | Easter Island |
| Day 13 | Orongo & Ahu Akivi | Easter Island |
| Day 14 | Return to Santiago, Depart |
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
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Extended Itineraries
13-Day Itinerary Including Punta Arenas
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Santiago de Chile, Explore | Santiago |
| Day 2 | Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama & Moon Valley Tour | San Pedro de Atacama |
| Day 3 | Atacama Desert Tour: Lagoons & Salt Flats | San Pedro de Atacama |
| Day 4 | Tatio Geysers & Machuca Village | San Pedro de Atacama |
| Day 5 | Fly to Punta Arenas & Self-Guided Tour | Punta Arenas |
| Day 6 | Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine & Full-Day Excursion | Puerto Natales |
| Day 7 | Torres del Paine: Trekking to the Base of the Towers | Puerto Natales |
| Day 8 | Explore Torres del Paine National Park | Torres del Paine |
| Day 9 | Return to Santiago, Free Afternoon | Santiago |
| Day 10 | Fly to Easter Island, Explore | Easter Island |
| Day 11 | Rapa Nui Full-Day Tour | Easter Island |
| Day 12 | Orongo & Ahu Akivi | Easter Island |
| Day 13 | Return to Santiago, Depart |
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
How to travel between Santiago, Easter Island, Atacama Desert & Torres del Paine
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 Torres del Paine National Park
Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most visited places in Chile—and South America. It's close to both Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas, and you'll often travel via one or both of these cities. This five-day trip will bring you face-to-face with all the best places and is especially great to consider if you're traveling from Santiago. 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
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