Santiago, Puerto Natales & Punta Arenas: Best Itinerary Ideas

How many days do you need in Santiago, Puerto Natales & Punta Arenas?

• Most travelers spend 7-10 days in Santiago, Puerto Natales, and Punta Arenas combined
• Visiting Santiago, Puerto Natales, and Punta Arenas in 5 or 6 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 San Pedro de Atacama, Torres del Paine, and Puerto Varas

How Many Days to Spend in Chile

Recommended Itineraries for Santiago, Puerto Natales & Punta Arenas

Recommended Itinerary for 1 Week

Bring your kids' geography lessons to life as you visit waterfalls, glaciers, lakes, and caves on this Patagonian adventure! Begin by wandering around Chile's capital city while daring your children to try the local delicacies. Then, fly to Punta Arenas, the gateway to Chilean Patagonia. Board a boat to an island filled with penguins, and see strange natural wonders, such as the Milodón caves and the Devil's Seat. Finish your trip with a trek past Andean condors—the largest flying bird in the world. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 9 Days

Travel to South America for nine days of outdoor adventures in the best place for it: Patagonia. Specifically, you'll explore Chilean Patagonia, starting with a bit of fun in the capital of Santiago before jetting off to Punta Arenas to visit a penguin colony and go horseback riding. The apex of this journey includes memorable hikes at Torres del Paine, followed by glacier tours in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. Read more

Extended Itineraries

8-Day Itinerary Including Torres del Paine

Immerse yourself in the unique landscapes and culture of Chile. Start your journey in Santiago and head to the Casablanca Valley to indulge in Chilean wine before traveling to the coastal city of Valparaíso to discover its beautiful murals and artsy vibe. Then, get an up-close look at a 150,000-strong penguin colony before heading to the famed Torres del Paine National Park to experience some of the best hiking trails and landscapes the region has to offer. Read more

15-Day Itinerary Including San Pedro de Atacama

Feed your adventurous soul with this 15-day tour of Chile. Begin in Santiago with bike tours of the city and visits to Chile's wine country for tastings of its best varietals. Then, it's off to the Andes Mountains and the Atacama Desert, where you'll travel through the mystical Moon Valley and swim in saltwater lagoons. Fly south to Patagonia to see the penguins of Magdalena Island in Puntas Arenas, then close the trip by hiking the mountains and glaciers of Torres del Paine National Park. Read more

How to travel between Santiago, Puerto Natales & Punta Arenas

How to get from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales
The distance between Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales is 154 miles (247 km), and the best way to travel between the two cities is by car, either self-driving or with a private transfer. Driving via Route 9 takes about three hours without stops, though you'll likely want to take your time at the various scenic points along the way, making it a full-day trip. You can also take the bus, either from the airport or from Punta Arenas city, though this is a less convenient option. 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 Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is one of those places that isn't easily overseen and attracts many travelers. Except for being just a boat tour away from Magdalena Island (also called Penguin Island), Punta Arenas is also the main stop before heading to Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine. If you're traveling through Chile, then you'll most likely want to include Punta Arenas in your travel plans. Read more