Chile in 8 days: 2 Recommended 8-Day Itineraries to Chile

Eight days in Chile is plenty to discover the highlights of the country or get lost in the wilds of Patagonia while completing one of the world’s great trekking adventures. Here are our recommended 8-day itineraries for Chile.

Begin your 8-day Patagonia adventure in Punta Arenas, one of the southernmost inhabited destinations on the planet, taking time to say hello to the adorable Magellanic penguins on Magdalena Island. Transfer to the heart of Torres del Paine National Park and enjoy a restful night at a luxurious eco-camp before beginning your multi-day trek through the wilds of Patagonia. The trek will be tough, but you’ll be surrounded by pristine wilderness, witness jaw-dropping views, and relax at comfortable glamping or lodge facilities at the end of each day. A highlight of the journey is Grey Glacier, if the weather permits, take a ferry across Grey Lake and spot large chunks of ice falling from the glacier - this is known as ‘calving’. You’ll also have plenty of chances to snap the perfect photo of the iconic mountain spires for which the park is named. Describe your ideal 8-day holiday for a customized trip to Chile.

This epic eight-day Chilean itinerary begins in the buzzy capital, Santiago. Orient yourself with a walking tour and visit the nearby Maipo Valley to sample some of Chile’s finest wines. Take a day trip to the vibrant port town of Valparaíso. Visit Pablo Neruda’s former home and take in the colorful homes clinging to the cliffs offering dazzling views over the Pacific. Catch a flight to the far north and discover the otherworldly, lunar-like landscapes of the Atacama Desert. Explore the vast salt flats and relax in the hot springs before hopping on a flight to mythical Easter Island, or ‘Rapa Nui.’ Visit the two most impressive Moai sites on the island: Tongariki is an imposing line of 15 Moai statues, and Rano Raraku is the site where most of the Moai were made, and many of the most recognizable ones are still present. It’s worth the hike up to the Orongo Ceremonial village just for the views, but you can also glimpse the traditional life of the Rapa Nui. If you have time, also check out the impressive crater lake, Rano Kau.

From trekking in Patagonia to basking in the emptiness of the Atacama, anything is possible during 8 days in Chile. For help planning your dream itinerary, contact our expert travel advisors, who can help you plan the best tailor-made trip to Chile.

Other related articles:
How many days to spend in Chile
Best time to visit Chile
5 days in Chile
One week in Chile
10 days in Chile