Table of Contents
Chile itinerary overview:
Chile is a land of contrasts, where you can explore the driest desert in the world, encounter ancient civilisations, and wander through pristine national parks. This itinerary is designed to help you make the most of your time, with recommendations for top-rated hotels and restaurants to enhance your stay. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, history buff, or nature lover, Chile has something for everyone.
This 11-day trip is inspired by the unforgettable journey we took while filming for the BBC Travel Show in 2022. During our filming, we moved quickly and didn’t stay in Santiago, but I felt it was essential to include Chile’s vibrant capital in this itinerary. Santiago offers a rich mix of history, culture, and cuisine that serves as the perfect starting point for any Chilean adventure.
Here I retrace our steps and delve deeper into the wonders of Chile. From the mesmerising geysers in the Atacama to hiking in Patagonia, this journey promises to be an unforgettable exploration of one of South America’s most enchanting countries.
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Chile: 11 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Santiago
Santiago, the vibrant capital of Chile, is a dynamic metropolis nestled in a valley surrounded by the majestic Andes Mountains. As the cultural, political, and economic heart of the country, Santiago offers a rich tapestry of experiences that blend modern urban life with historical charm.
Hotel: Hotel Plaza San Francisco
Stay at the Hotel Plaza San Francisco, located centrally with easy access to major attractions.
Day 2: Exploring Santiago
Santiago is a treasure trove of cultural attractions, from world-class museums like the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino to the historic Plaza de Armas, where you can explore the city’s colonial past. The eclectic neighborhood of Bellavista offers vibrant street art, lively nightlife, and the home of the famous poet Pablo Neruda, La Chascona.
The city’s food scene is a delightful introduction to Chilean cuisine. Markets like La Vega Central and upscale restaurants such as Boragó provide a range of culinary experiences, from fresh seafood to innovative, locally-sourced dishes.
Visit Plaza de Armas, La Moneda Palace, and Cerro San Cristóbal – a beautiful park with panoramic views of the city and the Andes.
Enjoy lunch at Liguria, a classic Chilean bistro.
Dine at Bocanariz for a great introduction to Chilean cuisine with an extensive wine list.
Day 3: Fly to Calama and Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama
San Pedro de Atacama is a magnet for travellers looking for extraordinary natural beauty and adventure. This tiny town is surrounded by some of the planet’s most dramatic scenery. Visitors are captivated by the lunar-like landscapes of Valle de la Luna, the vibrant hues of Valle de la Muerte, and the vast salt flats at Salar de Atacama. The desert’s otherworldly beauty is a paradise for photographers and nature lovers. Fun fact – the Atacama Desert was featured in the final scenes of the Bond film Quantam of Solace.
Hotel: La Casa De Don Tomas
We stayed at La Casa De Don Tomas, a rustic ‘desert style’ hotel close to the centre of San Pedro, within easy walking distance to shops and restaurants.
Day 4: Atacama Desert
Visit Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) and Valle de la Muerte (Valley of Death) – two of Chile’s most extraordinary natural landscapes.
Located roughly 2 km from San Pedro de Atacama, the Valley of the Moon, as the name suggests, offers visitors an extraordinary lunar landscape. Best combined with a trip to Death Valley next door along the Salt Mountain Range.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or a photography enthusiast, these Martian-like valleys provide an unforgettable experience that showcases the raw and rugged beauty of the Atacama Desert.
Dinner at Adobe in San Pedro de Atacama, known for its traditional dishes.
Day 5: El Tatio Geysers
Leave before dawn to catch the sunrise at the El Tatio Geysers, among the highest-altitude geyser fields in the world. Situated at over 4,300 meters (14,000 feet) above sea level, this geothermal field boasts more than 80 active geysers, fumaroles, and hot springs.
The best time to visit El Tatio Geysers is at sunrise. Leaving early in the morning allows you to arrive just as the sun rises over the Andes Mountains, casting a golden light on the steaming geysers. The combination of the cold morning air and the rising sun enhances the visibility of the steam.
Dont forget to dress warm, it gets cold in the desert especially during the early hours of the morning. See the pic below for the locally made hats and gloves we bought at the market in San Pedro.
After watching the geysers, you can relax in the natural hot springs nearby. The warm, mineral-rich waters provide a soothing contrast to the chilly morning air, making for a perfect end to your visit.
The area around El Tatio is also home to unique wildlife, including vicuñas, llamas, and various bird species. Early morning visits offer the best chances to see these animals in their natural habitat.
Day 6: Fly to Arica
Arica, Chile’s northernmost city, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its consistently pleasant weather. Arica offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Hotel: Apacheta Hotel
We stayed at the charming Apacheta hotel located on the sands of Playa Feliz and next to two of Arica’s popular beaches – La Lisera and El Laucho, it’s a prime surf spot and attracts its fair share of travellers chasing the perfect wave. The hotel is made out of recycled shipping containers and has solid eco-credentials. The centre of Arica is a 15-minute walk north.
Dinner at El Arriero, known for its seafood and local dishes.
Top Tip: Try the Carmenere wine.
Our fixer Liam introduced us to Carmenere, a red wine grape variety that has become one of the defining symbols of Chilean viticulture. Originally from the Bordeaux region of France, Carmenere found its true home in Chile, where it has flourished and gained immense popularity.
Day 7: Exploring Arica
Visit the Archaeological Museum of San Miguel de Azapa to see the Chinchorro mummies, the oldest artificially mummified human remains.
In the afternoon, explore other Arica attractions, such as the Cathedral de San Marcos and the Colón 10 archaeological site.
Or if you’re particularly interested in the history of the mummies, I recommend you take a drive to Caleta Camerones, 2 hours outside of Arica. This tiny seaside town is near the site where some of the world’s oldest mummies, belonging to the Chinchorro culture, were discovered. The Chinchorro people are known for their advanced mummification techniques, predating the Egyptians.
While the main exhibits are in the archaeological museum in Arica, visiting this area gives insight into the environment where these ancient people lived.
The coastal area around Caleta Camarones features dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, offering excellent opportunities for photography and nature walks.
Dinner at Maracuya Restaurant back in Arica, which offers a great view and fresh seafood.
Day 8: Arica to Patagonia (Coyhaique)
Fly from Arica to Coyhaique in Patagonia, with a layover in Santiago.
Start your journey to Patagonia, overnighting in Cerro Castillo just 75 kilometers south of Coyhaique. We stayed in a cute B&B with great views of Cerro Castillo mountains.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, trying Patagonian lamb or seafood.
Day 9: Patagonia National Park and Valle Chacabuco
Drive 5-6 hours to Patagonia National Park. Don’t forget to stop at the Baker River to admire the turquoise waters. Actually if you have time, this is worth a day in itself. We were on a tight filming schedule and on the way to Patagonia National Park. The only hotel situated inside the gates of the park is the Explora Lodge. (Even though this way out of BBC budget we stayed overnight to save time for early morning filming.)
That afternoon, if it’s not too late, you can begin exploring the park with a guided hike. Enjoy the stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Relax at the lodge, enjoying the remote and peaceful surroundings.
Day 10: Full Day in Patagonia National Park
Take a guided wildlife tour to spot guanacos, huemul deer and Andean condors.
In the afternoon, visit the Jeinimeni Lake and hike the nearby trails.
Return to the lodge for a hearty Patagonian meal and relaxation.
Day 11: Departure from Patagonia
Enjoy a final breakfast in the serene setting of Valle Chacabuco.
Allow plenty of time for the 6 hour transfer to Balmaceda Airport for your flight back to Santiago.
Depending on your flight time, explore more of Santiago or head straight to your international departure.
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