Traveling to Chile is visiting a country where the traveler can really find everything. Thanks to its extension of more than 4 thousand kilometers in a north-south direction, we find landscapes of all kinds: from snowy mountains to arid deserts. However, among the places to visit in Chile we not only have fantastic landscapes, but there are also many places where we will discover really fascinating things about the local culture. That is why today we will bring you some tips that will help you if you want to do the grand tour Chile
To organize a trip to Chile you must consider the enormous distances that you are going to cover, that is why you have to be clear about the itinerary that you are going to cover.
In this post we propose an itinerary that includes the most essential things to see and do in Chile in 15 days.
Day 1. Santiago de Chile
Santiago de Chile is a city where you will often feel like you are in a European city. It is quite quiet and safe compared to other Latin American capitals. It is worth visiting its historic center that is located around the Plaza de Armas, climbing the hills of Santa Lucía and San Cristóbal to contemplate beautiful views of the city and the mountain ranges or stroll through the lively neighborhood of Bellavista.
Day 2. Valparaiso – Viña del Mar
Valparaíso is an hour and a half away from Santiago. This port city is famous for its colorful houses or its tasteful graffiti. You will love the atmosphere of culture that is breathed here. The city is located on top of several hills from where you can enjoy beautiful views of the sea. Viña del Mar is reached by local bus from Valparaíso.
Day 3-5. Trekking through the Torres del Paine National Park
Patagonia is full of wonders of nature and the Torres del Paine National Park is undoubtedly in the Top 3 of the places to visit in Chile. It is difficult to describe its beauty in words, you really have to experience it. We advise you to spend at least 3 days in the park to see all its main attractions. At night you can camp in the free camping areas in the park. The base to organize your excursion is the small town of Puerto Natales and the trek can only be done during the summer months.
Day 6. Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas is one of the best surprises among the places we visit in southern Chile. This little tourist city is located in a wonderful natural environment, on the shore of Lake Llanquihue and touring the city you can appreciate a very quiet atmosphere. In addition, Puerto Varas is home to many beautiful wooden houses, all of which are reminders of German colonial architecture.
Day 7-9. Trip through the Chiloé Islands
Chiloé Island is one of the most authentic places to see in Chile. Traveling around this island you will feel as if you have returned to the past. On this island everything moves slowly apart from the clouds that run very fast in the sky. The wooden churches found on the island have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 10-11. Pucón and Villarrica (option to visit Valdivia)
The sleepy towns of Pucón and Villarrica sit on the shores of Lake Villarrica and both towns live their lives hooked to the Villarrica Volcano that dominates views from both Pucón and Villarrica. Among the possible activities we find the option of one of the most beautiful treks to do in Chile, the ascent to the volcano (with a guide) or you can simply relax on the shore of the lake where in summer you can enjoy a pleasant swim. If you feel like it and have time, you can also stop in Valdivia before arriving in Pucón from Puerto Varas.
Day 12-14. Atacama desert
You cannot miss a visit to the driest place in the world, the Atacama Desert, which deserves you to spend a few days. The best thing is to stay in the small town of San Pedro de Atacama, where all the tours depart from to visit the most emblematic places in the area. Without a doubt, one of the most amazing places to see in Chile is the Valley of the Moon with its lunar landscapes. It is also worth visiting the geothermal area of Tatio where we can see some spectacular geysers.
Day 15. Come Back
You can use this day for the return. However, if you have a few more days and extra money to allow yourself a pleasure, you can visit Easter Island, that place is truly magical.
