3-Week Chile Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Chile itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaChile travel expert at TourRadar

• 18 Days in Chile, incl. Santiago and Atacama Desert

  An 18-day Chilean tour visits 8 cities: Santiago's urban charm, Valparaiso's coastal culture, Atacama's desert wonders, and Puerto Varas's lake district. Includes 17 nights in 3-star hotels, daily breakfast, and bilingual guides, costing approx. $300 per day.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Santiago & Coast

    Plan your airport transfer for mid-day to avoid Santiago's morning traffic. Visit San Cristóbal Hill by cable car and walk through the Bellavista neighborhood. Take a day trip to Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. A recent visitor noted: "The steep hills of Valparaíso are worth the climb - Pablo Neruda's house offers incredible bay views, but bring good walking shoes as the cobblestones can be slippery."

    
  • Days 3-5

    Atacama Desert

    Take a flight to Calama followed by a 1.5-hour transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. Give yourself time to adjust to the 7,900ft elevation. Book the astronomy tour between 8-10 PM when it's completely dark. A visitor tip: "The star visibility is incredible, but temperatures drop dramatically at night. Bring warm layers even in summer." Make time for Valle de la Luna at sunset and a swim in the salt lagoons.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Puerto Varas & Lake District

    Fly to Puerto Varas through Santiago. Pack rain gear no matter when you visit the Lake District. Visit Todos los Santos Lake and Villa Peulla for activities like ziplining and kayaking. Visit hot springs in the morning to beat the crowds.

    
  • Days 9-11

    Valdivia & Lake Region

    Take a 4-5 hour drive to Valdivia. Start your day at the river market to see the sea lions. Take your time driving through Lake Ranco region to stop for photos at waterfalls and viewpoints. A helpful tip from a visitor: "The thermal pools at Sol Hot Springs are less crowded before 11 AM."

    
  • Days 12-15

    Pucón & Volcanos

    Stay in Pucón to explore volcanoes and outdoor activities. The drive from Valdivia takes 3-4 hours. Consider the scenic route through Panguipulli. Start your Conguillio National Park visit at 6 AM to make the most of the Araucaria forest hikes. Book restaurants ahead during busy seasons.

    
  • Days 16-18

    Santiago Finale

    Back in Santiago, focus on food experiences. Visit Mercado Central before 11 AM to avoid persistent restaurant staff. For your final dinner, try the Giratorio restaurant. Request a window table when booking to get the best views of the city.

    

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• 18 Day Chile Itinerary, incl. Santiago and Patagonia

  An 18-day Chilean adventure spans 11 cities, showcasing Valparaíso's UNESCO heritage, Atacama's Baltinache Lagoons, Puerto Varas's German culture, and Patagonia's Grey Glacier. Daily breakfast and English-speaking guides accompany visits to key attractions.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Santiago & Valparaíso

    Begin in Santiago exploring Plaza de Armas and La Moneda Palace on a morning city tour. Take a trip to Valparaíso to see its vibrant hillside neighborhoods and Pablo Neruda's house. "The Casablanca Valley wine stop on the way back was perfect - try the local Carménère varietals," one traveler recommended.

    
  • Days 3-6

    Atacama Desert

    Take a flight to Calama followed by a 90-minute transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. The altitude here is 4,200m so watch for signs of altitude sickness. Start your visit with some stargazing in the world's clearest night skies. Visit the Tatio Geysers (you'll need to start at 4am), Moon Valley and the secluded Baltinache lagoons. A good tip is to schedule afternoon tours on your first day while you adjust to the altitude.

    
  • Days 7-10

    Lake District

    Fly to Puerto Varas through Santiago. This German-influenced town sits along Lake Llanquihue. Plan a full-day excursion to Osorno Volcano and Petrohué Falls but bring good hiking shoes since the paths can get slippery. Make time for the Cochamó hot springs and visit Chiloé Island. One visitor shared: "The traditional palafitos (stilt houses) in Castro were a highlight - try the local curanto seafood stew."

    
  • Days 11-12

    Punta Arenas & Magdalena Island

    Head south to Punta Arenas and take a catamaran to see the Magellanic penguin colony on Magdalena Island. The best time to visit is October through March when the penguins are nesting. Pack warm clothes since the Strait of Magellan gets very windy.

    
  • Days 13-15

    Torres del Paine

    Take a 3-hour transfer to Puerto Natales. Plan for a full day of Grey Glacier navigation and Torres del Paine tours. The weather changes quickly so bring waterproof gear and layers. Book your Grey Glacier boat trip early since spots fill up fast.

    
  • Days 16-18

    Santiago

    Return to Santiago to explore more of the city. Visit the trendy Lastarria area and take a food tour through Mercado Central. Book afternoon flights out to avoid heavy morning traffic.

    

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• 20 Day Chile & Argentina Itinerary, incl. Atacama Desert and Patagonia

  A 20-day tour through Chile visits 7 major destinations, from Atacama's Valle de la Luna to Torres del Paine's Las Torres peaks. Guests stay at Hotel Providencia in Santiago and Hotel Lago Gray in Patagonia, with domestic flights and rental cars included.

  

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  • Days 1-5

    Atacama Desert & Santiago

    Begin in Santiago with a visit to the historic Mercado Central before flying north to San Pedro de Atacama. Key desert highlights include: - Valle de la Luna in the Cordillera de la Sal - El Tatio geysers (go before sunrise for the best geothermal activity) - Salar de Atacama salt flats and flamingo watching at Laguna Chaxa - High-altitude lakes Miscanti and Meñique at 4,150m (take time to adjust to the altitude) Pack warm clothes for early morning geyser visits. Temperatures can drop below freezing even in the desert.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Chilean Lake District

    Stay in Puerto Varas and explore by car: - Vicente Perez Rosales National Park - Osorno Volcano (drive up to 1,250m) - Lake Llanquihue circuit through German towns (130km route) - Petrohue Falls and Todos Los Santos Lake

    
  • Days 9-11

    Chiloe Island

    Discover this unique island's culture and scenery: - UNESCO World Heritage wooden churches - Castro's colorful palafitos (houses on stilts) - Chiloe National Park from Cucao - Puñihuil penguin colony near Ancud - Local fishing villages

    
  • Days 12-16

    Torres del Paine & Glaciers

    Spend several days in Chilean Patagonia's most spectacular park: - Boat trip to Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers - Full-day hike to Las Torres viewpoint (8 hours round trip) - Salto Grande waterfall - Grey Glacier boat tour - Look for guanacos and Andean condors

    
  • Days 17-18

    El Calafate, Argentina

    Cross into Argentina to see: - Full day at Perito Moreno Glacier - Optional boat trip near the glacier - Drive back through Patagonian steppe to Punta Arenas

    
  • Days 19-20

    Punta Arenas & Departure

    Final stop in Chile's southernmost city before heading home.

    

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