From Santiago to Patagonia: What to Do in Chile in 12 Days
Update date: 21 April 2025
Santiago, La Moneda, Chilean Valleys, San Pedro de Atacama, Patagonia, and Torres del Paine
Day 1: Welcome to Santiago! Exploring the Heart of the City
You have arrived! Welcome to Chile. You will arrive at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, known by its SCL airport code. Hop into an official taxi or shared transfer, and in just 25 to 40 minutes (depending on traffic), you will be ready to kick off your adventure.
Drop off your bags at the hotel and prepare for a day full of history, culture, and a taste of mote con huesillo—a traditional Chilean drink you must try—in Santiago’s historic downtown.
One of the must-see stops is La Moneda Palace. This elegant white building is Chile’s presidential palace. If you arrive between 10:00 and 11:00 AM, you might catch the changing of the guard. Do not miss the underground cultural center beneath the palace–it often features fascinating exhibitions. You can get here by metro, public bus, taxi, or bike!
Very close to La Moneda is Paseo Bandera. Walk along this colorful pedestrian street until you reach the heart of Santiago: Plaza de Armas. Here, you will see the majestic Santiago Cathedral, the National History Museum, and many statues full of history.
In the afternoon, we recommend walking through Barrio Italia, located in the eastern part of the capital. You will find high-quality shops and restaurants.
Use the Santiago Metro to get to La Moneda station and start your tour.
Use the Santiago Metro to get to La Moneda station and start your tour.
Day 2: Nature, Views, and Bohemia – Today We Go Up!
Have a light breakfast, because today you will climb Santiago’s most famous hill. At Parque Metropolitano, also known as Cerro San Cristóbal, you can take the cable car to the top and enjoy an incredible panoramic view. Up there, do not miss the Jardín Japonés (Japanese Garden) and the Mirador de la Virgen (Virgin Viewpoint). Bring your camera!
Coming down from the hill, it is time for something more modern: the Costanera Center, the largest shopping mall in South America. But the absolute must-see is the Sky Costanera, a viewpoint 300 meters high. You will feel like you can touch the Andes with your hands.
Ready for something more bohemian? Head to La Chascona, one of the houses of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. It has secret passages, strange objects, and many stories about love and revolution.
And since you are already here, stay in Barrio Bellavista, which is famous for its bars, murals, terraces, and nightlife. It is the perfect place to try a pisco sour, grab a tasty bite, or sit back and soak in the vibe.
Remember, you need to buy a ticket to access Sky Costanera and get a full view of the city.
Day 3: The Magnificent Chilean Wine
Coming to Chile and not trying its wine is like never visiting the country. And you can do it in less than an hour from the capital, in the Maipo Valley. This area is famous for its high-quality wines, especially varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon.
This valley offers fun tours that include bike rides, wine tastings, and exquisite cuisine, which make a perfect pairing. Check out the list of its main wineries here.
Other great options near Santiago are the Casablanca or Colchagua Valleys. Any of these three valleys offers high-level accommodations.
Wineries in Chile offer gourmet cuisine and luxury lodging. If you love wine, staying at one is a great idea.
Day 4: Discover the Majestic Atacama Desert
The driest desert in the world is in Chile, and it is called the Atacama Desert. One of its must-see spots is San Pedro, a small town dedicated to tourism thanks to its proximity to natural wonders like salt flats, hot springs, and geysers.
First, if you are coming from Santiago, fly from SCL to El Loa Airport in Calama (CJC). After a two-hour flight, you will arrive in this northern city. From Calama, you must take a transfer or rent a vehicle to get to San Pedro de Atacama.
The ride takes about an hour and a half by road, and it crosses the desert with its breathtaking views. Welcome to the Chilean version of Mars!
Once you arrive in San Pedro, you will find a small town with a very special vibe. Dirt roads, adobe roofs, backpackers worldwide, and a starry sky so unreal it looks fake.
Since you might be a little tired after the flight and road trip, we recommend taking it easy on your first day. Walk around the town and enjoy a nice meal at one of its restaurants. One must-see downtown San Pedro is its main church, one of the oldest in Chile.
Do not forget to wear sunscreen—the sun in San Pedro can be very strong on hot days.
Day 5: Moon Valley, a Place from Another World
San Pedro is over 2,400 meters above sea level, so we will not venture too far during the first days to allow your body to acclimate properly. You will be able to take bike tours to explore nearby spots.
Another great idea is to visit the Moon Valley, less than 20 kilometers from the town. It has an otherworldly landscape, with eroded rock formations, giant dunes, and colors that change with the sun.
It is best to visit in the afternoon to watch the sunset from the top of a dune. Grab your camera, because the reddish and golden tones are epic!
As night falls, prepare for one of the most mind-blowing experiences in northern Chile: an astronomical tour. They will take you deep into the desert, away from any light pollution, to gaze at planets, constellations, and the center of the Milky Way—sights that can only be seen in this part of the world. Spoiler: you are going to be amazed!
We recommend taking these astronomical tours at night for a more complete experience.
Day 6: Salt Flats and Their Wonderful Lagoons
Can you imagine floating without any effort? You can do that in super salty water lagoons, like Laguna Cejar. And a heads-up: do not dip your head underwater! The salt content is very high.
Other lagoons will amaze you, like the Baltinache Lagoon. Though they are a bit farther away, every kilometer is worth it, since the contrast between the turquoise water and the white salt crust is incredible.
Head back to town and enjoy the afternoon shopping for local handicrafts, relaxing on a terrace, or visiting the Padre Le Paige Museum, which tells the story of the region’s Indigenous peoples.
Treat yourself to a different kind of dinner at one of the signature cuisine restaurants at night. You can find dishes made with local ingredients like chañar, algarrobo, rica-rica, and quinoa. All of this is accompanied by a glass of wine or a good pisco sour.
Laguna Cejar has showers so you can rinse the salt off your body. Remember to bring flip-flops, a swimsuit, and a towel.
Day 7: Return to Santiago and Get Ready for the Next Adventure
Here we are on Day 7! And what a fantastic time we have had. Still, traveling can be exhausting, so we will dedicate this day entirely to returning to Santiago, going for a short walk, and picking up some clothes for your next adventure: Chilean Patagonia and Torres del Paine.
In the Alonso de Córdova neighborhood, located in the eastern part of the capital, you will find shops with exclusive brands and designer clothing. Very close by is the Parque Bicentenario, where you can walk and relax.
Remember to buy warm clothes because your next destination will push you to the limit.
Day 8: Heading to the End of the World and the Heart of Chilean Patagonia
Take a flight from Santiago to Puerto Natales (Julio Gallardo Airport) or Punta Arenas if there are no direct flights. If you arrive in Punta Arenas, hop on a bus that will take you to Puerto Natales in about 3 hours—your home base for exploring the eighth wonder of the world: Torres del Paine.
In Puerto Natales, we recommend walking along the waterfront promenade with its sculptures facing the Señoret Channel, and trying local delicacies like cordero al palo (roasted lamb), king crab, or southern hake.
And get ready. Make your final preparations because we head to Torres del Paine the next day. Buy snacks and water, withdraw cash, and confirm your reservations or park tickets.
You will find shops in Puerto Natales, perfect for those last-minute purchases.
Day 9: Begin Your Journey Through Torres del Paine National Park
Wake up early and get ready to enter Torres del Paine National Park, one of Chile’s most iconic tourist destinations—and in the world. The trip to the park takes about two hours by road from Puerto Natales, and you can get there by rental car, organized tour, or private transfer.
This day is meant to be enjoyed in the landscapes at a relaxed pace, without long hikes. A great route starts at Pehoé Lake, where the turquoise water blends with the dramatic silhouette of the Cuernos del Paine. From there, you can continue to Salto Grande, a powerful waterfall that impresses with its strength, yet has easy and well-marked access.
The afternoon is perfect for visiting Grey Lake, where you can walk along the beach and see massive icebergs that have broken off from the glacier. There is also the option of taking a boat tour that sails deep into the lake and gets you close to the glacier.
At the end of the day, you can spend the night inside the park if you have made a reservation at one of the available shelters, hotels, or campsites. If not, returning to Puerto Natales is still a great option to recharge for the next day.
You can stay inside the park with a reservation. Be sure to book in advance, as spots fill up fast during high season.
Day 10: The Big Challenge – Reaching the Base Torres Trek
This is the most physically demanding day, but also the one many travelers look forward to the most. It is the ascent to the Base of the Torres del Paine, a trek of about 18 kilometers (11 miles) that takes 7 to 9 hours, depending on your pace and weather conditions.
The route begins in the Las Torres sector and winds through valleys, forests, and moraines until you reach one of Chile’s most iconic landscapes: three granite towers reflected in a glacial lagoon, surrounded by a silence that feels sacred. It is a challenging hike with steep sections, but it is achievable if you are in good shape or adequately prepared.
It is essential to bring a backpack with a bottle to refill with fresh water along the way, high-energy snacks, a windbreaker, and waterproof clothing. Patagonian weather can change quickly, and you might experience sun, wind, rain, or even snow in a single day. If you would rather not do the trek alone, guided excursions depart from Natales or your hotel and accompany you the whole day.
After finishing the hike, return to your shelter or lodging. Tonight, you go to sleep feeling like you have accomplished something big. Congratulations!
Remember, there are other, longer routes in the park—like the O or the W—but these require many more days.
The trek to Base Torres can be demanding, so ensure you get a good night's sleep and rest the night before.
Day 11: The Mylodon Cave – A Creature from Another Era
The next day, your legs will probably be sore. In Puerto Natales and its surroundings, you can recover from the effort.
We recommend exploring the Mylodon Cave, just a few kilometers from downtown Puerto Natales. Besides learning about this prehistoric animal that lived in the area more than 10,000 years ago, you can walk along interpretive trails that cross the Magellanic steppe, home to guanacos, foxes, and rheas.
In the afternoon, visit some local shops in Puerto Natales. Artisans work with leather, wool, and wood here, often using ancestral techniques.
The Mylodon Cave has interpretive trails, perfect for a more relaxed adventure.
Day 12: Last Sunrise and Journey Home
Your final day in Patagonia can begin with breakfast by the sea at one of the cafés lining the channel. It is the perfect moment for a last walk along the historic pier or to sit and watch how the wind shapes the clouds over the mountains. This landscape will not easily fade from memory.
Your return journey begins by mid-morning. If you flew into Puerto Natales, you can hop into a direct transfer to the airport. If your flight departs from Punta Arenas, leave with plenty of time, as the journey takes about three hours by road.
Then it is time to fly back to Santiago. You will carry a collection of images that feel out of this world: glaciers, sunlit mountains, guanacos crossing the road, and the deep sense of peace that only Patagonia can offer.
Remember to head back to Punta Arenas calmly, as the journey can be long.
Plan your perfect trip
- Wear the right clothes, each destination has a different climate
- Carrying cash will always help