3-Day Chile Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Chile tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaChile travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day Atacama Desert Itinerary, incl. San Pedro and Moon Valley

  Chilean landscapes come alive during three days in Calama and San Pedro de Atacama. Natural wonders include Moon Valley's dunes, Miscanti & Miñiques lagoons, and Tatio Geysers. Two nights at Hotel Casa de Don Tomás feature premium meals and expert guidance.

  

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  • Day 1

    Calama to San Pedro de Atacama & Moon Valley

    Plan to land at Calama Airport by noon for your 1.5-hour transfer to San Pedro de Atacama (7,900 ft). Take it easy in the morning to adjust to the elevation. Be sure to drink lots of water and avoid any heavy activity. Later in the day visit Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) during the best light for photos. Your first stop is the Great Dune viewpoint followed by the salt-carved Tres Marías formation. The day wraps up with sunset views over the red rocks of Mars Valley. The evening light creates a magical first look at the Atacama's unique landscape.

    
  • Day 2

    Altiplanic Lagoons & Red Stones

    Start your day early heading south toward the Sico border crossing. Stop for breakfast in a Tamarugo forest before visiting Piedras Rojas (Red Stones). You'll climb much higher today (up to 13,845 ft) so take it slow and drink plenty of water. After lunch with views of the volcanoes you'll see the beautiful Miscanti & Miñiques lagoons. Pack smart for big temperature swings between sunny and windy conditions. Good hiking boots are a must for the rocky ground. One visitor shared: "The landscapes were unlike anything I'd seen before—bring a good camera and dress warmly for the altitude."

    
  • Day 3

    Tatio Geysers & Departure

    Leave very early at 5:00 AM (check exact time with your guide) to see El Tatio geysers at sunrise when steam activity peaks. Dress warmly since temperatures often drop below freezing before dawn. After breakfast visit Machuca a traditional llama-herding village known for its adobe houses with thatched roofs. The tour ends with transport back to Calama airport. Book flights after 5:00 PM to allow enough travel time. These three days give you a great overview of the Atacama's diverse scenery while letting you adjust gradually to the altitude.

    

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• 3 Day Torres del Paine Itinerary, incl. French Valley and Glacier Grey

  Adventure seekers traverse Torres del Paine over three days from Puerto Natales, hiking Valle Frances and Glacier Grey. Daily treks cover 10-15km with overnight stays at Refugio Paine Grande and Grey. Package includes six meals and Lake Pehoe catamaran crossing.

  

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  • Day 1

    Puerto Natales to French Valley

    Take the morning bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine which takes about 2.5 hours. You'll need $35 USD in cash for the catamaran to Paine Grande. Get there 30 minutes early to buy your tickets. Once you've checked into Paine Grande Refugio, you can start the French Valley trek. It's a 15km round trip with great views of Los Cuernos mountains and Lago Nordenskjöld. "Make sure to pack light layers," one traveler advised, "the weather changed dramatically four times during our French Valley hike." The full trek takes about 7-8 hours including stops for photos. You'll reach the first lookout around 2.5 hours in. Most people turn back here if the weather gets bad which often happens after 2pm.

    
  • Day 2

    Paine Grande to Glacier Grey

    Start your 11km trek to Refugio Grey by 9am. The trail climbs steadily and has some exposed sections so bring trekking poles. You'll see Glacier Grey for the first time about 2 hours into your hike and the views get better as you get closer to the refugio. The afternoon light is perfect for photos from the viewpoints near the refugio. Look for Andean condors in the late afternoon when they're most active. Pack something warm for dinner as the refugio gets cold at night.

    
  • Day 3

    Glacier Grey to Puerto Natales

    Get an early start to see Puente Grey viewpoint before heading back to Paine Grande. The morning glacier views are incredible but bring gloves since the wind off the ice is strong. It's about a 4-hour walk back to Paine Grande where you can catch the afternoon catamaran across Lake Pehoe. You'll get back to Puerto Natales around 6pm. "Book your post-trek hotel in advance," recommended one hiker, "after three days of trekking, you'll want a hot shower waiting."

    

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• 3 Day Chilean Patagonia Itinerary, incl. Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine

  Chilean wonders unfold across three days from Punta Arenas, with two nights in Puerto Natales. Torres del Paine's natural treasures await, from Grey Glacier to Serrano River and Laguna Amarga, offering an ideal mix of comfort and wilderness adventure.

  

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  • Day 1

    Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales

    Start your Patagonia adventure by arriving in Punta Arenas. The trip to Puerto Natales takes about 3 hours by road. Book a morning arrival if possible since afternoon winds can be strong in this region. Puerto Natales serves as your gateway to Torres del Paine and has a relaxed small-town feel. Stay near Plaza de Armas in the historic district where you can find excellent local spots serving regional specialties like Magellanic lamb and king crab.

    
  • Day 2

    Torres del Paine National Park

    Leave early at 8:15 AM and dress in layers as mornings are cold. The 2-hour drive to Torres del Paine goes through Cerro Castillo where you'll get your first look at the famous granite towers. You'll stop at several viewpoints including Grey Glacier, the Serrano River valley and the bright blue waters of Laguna Amarga. Bring a water-resistant windbreaker since the weather can change quickly throughout the day. Buy your park entrance ticket beforehand (about $35 USD) and bring cash since card payments can be unreliable at the entrance.

    
  • Day 3

    Puerto Natales

    Start your last morning early to experience the quiet town and perfect lighting for mountain photos. The waterfront promenade along Señoret Channel offers beautiful views. If you're leaving later, visit the Municipal Historical Museum to learn about local indigenous history and the area's ranching background.

    

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