One Week in Chile: Our Recommendations
Although we recommend a two-week Chile itinerary to cover the country’s main highlights, travelers intending to spend just an extended weekend or one week in Chile don’t have to be disappointed. With careful planning and prioritization, even visitors on a time crunch can make the best of their short trip to Chile. Below, we have listed a handful of Chile itineraries for around one week, lasting from four to seven days, each featuring a different pursuit to fit your personal taste.
- Gwendolyn Thorne
1. Hike the W Trek: 5 days in Chile
| Day 1 | From Puerto Natales, take a bus to Torres del Paine |
| Day 2 | Enjoy some of the best views of the park from Las Torres base |
| Day 3 | Hike at Nordenskjold Lake and see incredible hanging glaciers |
| Day 4 | Appreciate the majestic views of French Glacier |
| Day 5 | Trek to Grey Glacier lookout points |
For those looking to skip the hustle of Santiago, and dive straight into the heart of Chile, this five-day trek in Torres de Paine National Park is an ideal choice. Head straight to Puerto Natales to start off your Chile trip. Trek the famous ‘W’ trail as you marvel at the sparkling lakes, mighty glaciers and sublime scenery of the park. The highlight of the trek is the hike to the base of the Paine Towers, the three geological formations that give the park its name. Also, try to spot some of the region’s abundant wildlife, including guanacos, foxes and even pumas during your 5 days in Chile. See more 5-day tours in Chile.
2. Chile Highlights: 7 Days in Chile
| Day 1 | Arrive in Santiago |
| Day 2 | Embark on a Santiago City tour |
| Day 3 | Travel to Valparaiso and Vina del Mar |
| Day 4 | Fly from Santiago to Puerto Montt |
| Day 5 | Explore Peulla |
| Day 6 | Go on a sightseeing tour of Chiloe |
| Day 7 | Fly from Puerto Montt to Santiago |
A fabulous mix of culture and nature awaits on this 7-day tour that'll take you from the pulsating center of Santiago to the coastal cities of Vina del Mar and Valparaiso. Sample local cuisine and learn about history and culture before hitting the road to your next destination. This leg of the journey reveals spectacular natural wonders including volcanoes, waterfalls and lakes. Hop on a catamaran and sail to Peulla where you'll visit the stunning Bride Veil Waterfall before heading to the enchanting island of Chiloe to hear about ancient lore and accounts of witches who are said to patrol the coastline. It is bound to be an amazing 7 days in Chile. See more 7-day tours in Chile.
As seen in the itineraries provided above, just one week in Chile or even less is enough to make a memorable trip. You can also speak to our travel experts and plan a custom Chile trip based on the above suggestions or create a unique itinerary from scratch. For other recommended itineraries and possible trip durations, check out our guide on how long to spend in Chile.
