10 Days in Chile: Our Recommendations
While a minimum of two weeks is ideal for a Chile tour, if you have less time, there’s still so much you can pack into a shorter trip. With proper planning – and around 10 days in Chile at your disposal – many exciting options are available to explore the country and the attractions it has to offer. If you are looking for ideas on how to spend your time there, here are 3 recommendations for Chile itineraries of 9 and 10 days that will help you get inspired.
- Gwendolyn Thorne
1. Self- Drive Through Chile: 10-day Chile Itinerary
| Day 1 | Transfer from Santiago to Puerto Montt, drive to Puerto Varas by Lake Llanquihue |
| Day 2 | Explore Petrohue Falls in the morning, optional nearby excursions in the afternoon day |
| Day 3 | Drive to Puerto Montt, take the ferry to Chiloe Island |
| Day 4 | Explore Castro on Chiloe Island, visit UNESCO churches, drive to Puerto Varas |
| Day 5 | Fly to Santiago, drive to Santa Cruz Valley, visit museum or vineyard |
| Day 6 | Free day in Santa Cruz, recommended to visit vineyards and explore the area |
| Day 7 | Drive to Isla Negra and then Casa Marin Winery in afternoon |
| Day 8 | Drive to Valparaíso, free afternoon for optional activities |
| Day 9 | Drive to Casablanca Valley, continue on to Santiago |
| Day 10 | Head to the airport and on to your next destination |
With ten days and a thirst for adventure, this self-drive tour will give you the chance to experience a wide range of Chile’s myriad attractions. Highlights include the capital Santiago and the bohemian town of Valparaíso, natural wonders such as Petrohue Falls and Lake Llanquihue as well as unique sights like the UNESCO-listed churches in Castro on Chiloe Island. However, perhaps the best part of this 10-day Chile itinerary is the freedom you will have to explore as much or as little as you choose, all at your own pace. See tours.
2. Santiago, Atacama Desert, Lake District: Chile in 10 days
| Day 1 | Half-day city tour of Santiago |
| Day 2 | Day trip to Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, return to Santiago |
| Day 3 | Fly to Calama, transfer to San Pedro de Atacama in the Atacama Desert |
| Day 4 | Half-day tour of Tatio Geysers, Machuca, the Valley of the Moon and more |
| Day 5 | Half-day tour of Cejar Lagoon in the Atacama Salt Flats |
| Day 6 | Fly to Puerto Montt, transfer to Puerto Varas |
| Day 7 | Half-day tour to Osorno Volcano, Lake Llanquihue and Petrohue Falls |
| Day 8 | Free day in Puerto Varas with optional activities available |
| Day 9 | Fly to Santiago |
| Day 10 | Head to your next destination |
For those who love the great outdoors and the wonders of nature, this 10-day in Chile itinerary which takes in the desolate Atacama along with Chile’s sublime Lake District could be the ideal option. After spending time in the compelling capital of Santiago as well as UNESCO-listed Valparaíso, make your way north to witness the hostile and alien landscapes of the world’s driest desert. Next, head to Puerto Varas for a couple of days exploring a lush region that could hardly be more different. This tour is the perfect option for anyone wanting to sample two of Chile’s most enticing destinations in one trip. Describe your ideal 10-day Chile tour for customized vacation packages.
9 Days in Chile: Trekking the O Circuit
| Day 1 | Arrive in Puerto Natales |
| Day 2 | Trek from Torres del Paine to Camp Seron |
| Day 3 | Hike to Camp Dickson |
| Day 4 | Trek to Camp Perros |
| Day 5 | Hike down along the impressive Grey Glacier |
| Day 6 | Opt for kayak tour and trek to Camp Paine Grande |
| Day 7 | Continue to Cuernos and Camp Central |
| Day 8 | Hike to Torres Towers and drive to Puerto Natales |
| Day 9 | Transfer to Puerto Natales bus station |
For those seeking a thrilling, off-the-beaten-track adventure, this nine-day tour takes you to some of the most stunning landscapes in Chile. Start your adventure in Torres del Paine National Park with a hike to Campamento Seron. Sleep in a tent under a starry sky and spend the next week trekking through the pristine Lago Paine and Paso John Gardner before reaching the spectacular Torres Towers. Along the way, see stunning views of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field and the Dickson Glacier. See tours.
