Chile in 7 days: From the snow in the Andes to a desert full of contrasts

Travel around Chile in 7 days with this amazing itinerary full of activities and unique
destinations in our country.

In just one week, we will take you on a tour of its most spectacular landscapes, from the
Atacama Desert to the magical snow-capped Andes Mountain Range, without forgetting to
enjoy every moment.

So, if you have a week to get lost in a paradise full of nature, culture and adrenaline, here is
the perfect itinerary for you!

Let’s travel around Chile in 7 days.

Day 1: Welcome to Santiago, the “heart” of central Chile

Picture of a store in Italia Neighborhood. Credits: Sernatur.

We start with the capital city, Santiago! After your arrival, take some time to rest and go out
and walk through its main neighborhoods.

If you are staying in districts in the eastern part of Santiago like Providencia, Las Condes,
Vitacura, or Ñuñoa, you can walk or take the subway to attractions such as the Costanera
Center lookout or the San Cristóbal Hill with its funicular. You will have a panoramic view of
the capital and a view of the Andes Mountain Range in both!

During the afternoon, we recommend you take a walk through Bellavista Neighborhood,
famous for its bars, art, and a nightlife that will surprise you. There you will find La Chascona,
one of the house museums of the Chilean poet and Nobel Prize in Literature, Pablo Neruda.

Another alternative is to get to know the Barrio Italia (Italy Neighborhood), which is located a
few meters away from the Parque Bustamante or Santa Isabel subway stations. You will find
stores, bars, and plenty of entertainment.

Day 2: Get to know the snow a few kilometers away from the capital

One of the advantages of visiting Santiago is that a few kilometers away from our main city,you will have several alternatives to visit the snow. Keep in mind that the season usually takes place between the months of June and September!

At ski resorts like Valle Nevado, Portillo, El Colorado or La Parva, you can enjoy a day full of
activities in the snow, whether you like skiing, snowboarding, or just enjoying the view with a
nice cup of hot chocolate.

You can find more information about where to get your tickets, prices, and other details
here.

Day 3: San Pedro de Atacama and the driest desert in the world

If there is a place in Chile you must visit, it is is San Pedro de Atacama. Located 1,550 kilometers away from the capital, this destination is famous for being situated in the Atacama Desert, which is considered the driest in the world. This contrasts with its flora and fauna diversity, landscapes, salt flats, and even natural hot springs.

Despite its geographical distance, flights from Santiago to Calama, the nearest city to San Pedro, last little more than two hours. You will then have to take a transfer or a private vehicle from the airport, which run frequently. Always prefer official or authorized transport for your safety.

One of the must-sees is the tour to the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), where apart from enjoying from a desert landscape, you will see the best sunset of all San Pedro de Atacama.

The Moon Valley tour can be done in one day and includes visits to the Kari Lookout or the Coyote Stone, where you can appreciate the immensity of the Atacama desert and see the best sunsets, according to tourist guides and locals.

It is important that you wear comfortable clothes, appropriate footwear, bring water and all the necessary elements to prevent sun radiation, like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Remember to only hire tourist services registered with Sernatur!

Check out  other must-do activities here, how to get to San Pedro and everything you should know before your visit.

Day 4: The amazing Tatio Geysers

If you are visiting San Pedro de Atacama, you can’t miss the Tatio Geysers, one of the largest geothermal fields in the world. It is especially fascinating in the early morning hours, when the fumaroles rise towards the cold sky and create a visual effect difficult to describe because of how striking it is.

The excursions to the Tatio Geysers are comforting, but you must take the following considerations into account since you will be at a height over 4,000 meters above sea level.

Remember to eat well the previous night, drink plenty of water, and wrap up warm in layers with thermal clothing, mainly because the temperature is usually below 0°C.

In the afternoon, you can relax in the Puritama thermal waters, for a refreshing bath surrounded by nature and desert scenery.

Day 5: Enjoy southern Chile and its dreamlike landscapes!

During your fifth day of adventure, you will have to go back to Calama to take a new flight bound for southern Chile. Unlike the north, in this area you will find dense forests, glaciers, rivers, and lakes.

An excellent alternative is to land at the Carrier Sur International Airport in Concepción. You can take a transfer or rent a vehicle from there, which you will have to travel in two and a half hours to get to Nevados de Chillán, a ski and snowboard resort which has hotels.

We recommend you spend your first day enjoying its facilities and the incredible natural thermal waters it offers. Find out here how to get there and other necessary information for your visit.

Day 6: Snowboarding or hiking?

One of the virtues of the Las Trancas Valley, where Nevados de Chillán is located, is that it has an extended snow season where the hills are covered with a great white blanket.

Given these natural conditions in the area and the large infrastructure, you can take snowboarding classes to learn everything you need about this sport. It is truly an art to handle the board!

Another alternative to do in the middle of 7 days traveling around Chile is to explore more of the valley through hiking trails that offer amazing panoramic views.

You will travel through lenga and coihue forests, and you will be able to enjoy mountain landscapes and crystal-clear rivers. Finally, a visit to the Las Trancas Valley lookout will give you an amazing view of the surroundings. This itinerary combines adventure, relaxation, and nature, offering a unique experience in one of the most beautiful destinations in Chile.

Remember to book your activities with  tourist services registered with Sernatur.

Day 7: The end of the journey and the ideal souvenir

After so many adventures, it is time to go back to Santiago and start on your journey back. Make the most of the last day to look for an incredible souvenir that can help you to remember the experience of visiting Chile.

For you or a loved one, Chilean wine is excellent, and it will certainly be a highly appreciated present. You will find award-winning varieties worldwide in shopping malls, vineyards, and wine bars.

A fine Carmenere wine, an almost extinct strain that was reborn in Chile, stands out for its deep, dark color, smoothness and versatility in pairing with red meats, pasta with rich sauces, or specialized dishes.