10-Day Chile Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Chile tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaChile travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Day Chile Itinerary, incl. Santiago and Atacama Desert

  Chilean diversity shines over 10 days across 6 cities from Santiago to Puerto Varas. Highlights include UNESCO site Valparaíso, the world's driest desert in San Pedro de Atacama, and Lake District's volcanoes. Nine nights' accommodation and guided tours included.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Santiago and Valparaíso

    Get to Santiago early to make the most of your first day. Visit San Cristobal Hill before 9 AM to beat the crowds and enjoy clear morning views. Take a guided tour of the Pre-Columbian Museum but skip Mondays when it's closed. A recent visitor noted: "The city tour shows the perfect contrast between modern Santiago and its historic heart - don't miss the stunning Presidential Palace architecture." The next day take the 75-mile trip to Valparaíso. Start exploring from Plaza Sotomayor in the morning since afternoon winds make walking the steep streets difficult. The street art looks best in morning light.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Atacama Desert

    Take a flight to Calama followed by a 90-minute transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. Bring plenty of layers since temperatures range from -5°C at dawn to 25°C by noon. For the Tatio Geysers take an early 4:30 AM tour to see them at their most active during sunrise. The altitude here is 4,320m so take it slow and drink coca tea to help adjust. Visit Moon Valley in late afternoon to see amazing shadows across the salt formations. Stay for sunset but bring warm clothes as it gets cold quickly. As one visitor said: "The otherworldly landscape of Moon Valley is best photographed during golden hour - the salt crystals sparkle magically."

    
  • Days 6-8

    Lake District

    Fly to Puerto Montt and head to Puerto Varas. Visit the Osorno Volcano viewpoint early before clouds move in. Plan your Petrohué Falls visit after 2 PM when most tour groups leave. Take the optional Todos Los Santos lake cruise to see emerald waters against snow-capped volcanoes. Day 8 is open for activities. Try morning kayaking on Lake Llanquihique when the water is calmest. Many travelers love the local farm visits: "Visiting a traditional Chilean estancia gave us wonderful insight into Patagonian culture."

    
  • Days 9-10

    Back to Santiago

    Use your final days in Santiago to explore neighborhoods like Lastarria for food and Bellavista for evening entertainment. Visit the central market before 11 AM for the freshest seafood.

    

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• 10 Day Chile Itinerary, incl. Santiago and Patagonia

  A captivating 10-day Chilean tour spans 4 major destinations. Guests stay 3 nights in Santiago near Plaza de Armas, 3 nights by Lake Llanquihue, and 3 nights in Torres del Paine viewing Grey Glacier and Salto Grande waterfall. 4-star hotels and national park entries included.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Santiago and Coast

    Plan to arrive in Santiago early to avoid heavy airport traffic. Start by exploring the modern Providencia and Las Condes districts. A traveler summed it up well: "The contrast between historic downtown and the modern financial district really shows Santiago's two faces." Start day 2 with a 9am city tour to avoid the midday heat at Santa Lucía Hill. Consider spending your afternoon wine tasting in the Maipo Valley. The crisp Sauvignon Blancs make a perfect post-sightseeing refreshment. Take a full-day trip to Valparaíso and Viña del Mar on day 3. Pack sturdy walking shoes for Valparaíso's steep, slippery cobblestone hills. The 90-minute drive offers beautiful views of wine country.

    
  • Days 4-6

    Lakes District

    Book a morning flight to Puerto Montt for the best Andes views. Stay in Puerto Varas, which offers stunning views of Osorno Volcano across Lake Llanquihue. Visit German-influenced Frutillar on day 5. If you time it right, you might catch a performance at the lakeside Teatro del Lago. Plan a trip to Chiloé Island on day 6. The ferry takes about 30 minutes. Sit on the port side to see the wooden churches. Bring a rain jacket since the weather changes quickly.

    
  • Days 7-10

    Patagonia

    After flying to Punta Arenas, take a 3-hour drive to Puerto Natales, your base for Torres del Paine National Park. Start your day 8 park tour early and pack warm layers. Summer mornings can still be near freezing. A visitor noted: "The weather changed from sunny to snowy and back within hours. Having proper gear made all the difference." Day 9 is open for activities. Try the Base Las Torres trek if you're up for a challenge. Start by 7am to have enough daylight. For a more relaxed option, take the Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers boat trip to see Patagonia's ice fields. Schedule an afternoon flight from Punta Arenas on day 10 to allow time for transfer from Puerto Natales. Many visitors add El Calafate in Argentina, just 5 hours by bus away.

    

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

  A rugged 10-day Chilean trek covers 80 miles through Torres del Paine, visiting 8 distinct camps including Las Torres, Dickson, and Grey. The path leads from Base of the Towers at 2,870 ft to John Garner Pass at 3,937 ft, with 7 nights camping and 2 nights at Puerto Natales B&B.

  

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  • Day 1

    Puerto Natales

    Land in this gateway town to Torres del Paine. Visit local shops to rent any gear you need. Trekking poles will be essential for the steep sections. Don't skip the evening gear check.

    
  • Day 2

    Torres Base Trek

    A 2-hour drive takes you to the park entrance. The main event is the steep climb to see the iconic Torres. You'll only need a daypack for this 12-mile round trip. Get an early start to avoid strong afternoon winds. The trail climbs 2,000 feet through lenga forest before reaching the emerald lake below the towers.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Northern Circuit

    Take on the quieter northern section. Hike from Las Torres to Seron Camp (8 miles), then continue to Dickson Camp (11 miles). The terrain is less steep but more exposed to wind, so pack good layers. You'll walk along the Paine River with views of the massif and Indian Head peak.

    
  • Days 5-6

    The Challenge

    These are your toughest days. The climb to John Garner Pass goes up nearly 4,000 feet. Start at sunrise and bring plenty of snacks. Your reward is an incredible view of Grey Glacier. The path down to Grey Camp is steep. Your trekking poles will be invaluable here.

    
  • Day 7

    Grey to Paine Grande

    An easier 7-mile walk along Grey Lake. Look for bright blue ice chunks floating in the water. At Paine Grande Camp you can take a hot shower, which feels amazing at this point.

    
  • Day 8

    French Valley

    One of the most beautiful sections. Leave your big pack at Italian Camp before hiking into the valley. A previous trekker noted: "All aspects were planned perfectly... ensuring everyone had a safe trip." The optional longer route gives you amazing 360-degree views but adds 8 tough miles.

    
  • Day 9

    Circuit Completion

    End your trek with 7 miles between Lake Nordenskjold and Mount Almirante Nieto. The path is clear but watch for mud after rain. Private transport takes you back to Puerto Natales for a celebration dinner.

    
  • Day 10

    Departure

    Book afternoon flights from Puerto Natales to avoid morning stress. The bus to Punta Arenas takes about 3 hours if that's your next stop.

    

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