Stretching from the world’s driest desert to windswept Patagonian peaks, Chile offers one of the most diverse landscapes on Earth. In just 7 days, you can travel through surreal salt flats, vibrant cities, icy fjords, and towering mountains—all without leaving the country. Whether you’re a nature lover, culture seeker, or adventure traveler, this 7 day Chile itinerary helps you experience the best of the country in one epic week.
Why Choose a 7 Day Chile Itinerary?
With its vast north-to-south stretch and extreme geographical contrasts, Chile can feel overwhelming to plan—but a 7-day itinerary is the sweet spot for covering the essentials. This timeframe gives you a chance to explore two or three iconic regions without rushing: the Atacama Desert in the north, the Lake District in the center, or the dramatic landscapes of Patagonia in the south.
By flying between key regions and planning efficiently, you can experience a rich blend of deserts, volcanoes, glaciers, and local culture—all in one unforgettable week.
Itinerary Overview
This 7-day Chile itinerary focuses on three contrasting regions to give you a complete taste of the country’s diversity—Atacama Desert, Santiago & Valparaíso, and the wild beauty of Patagonia.
Day 1: Arrival in San Pedro de Atacama – Gateway to the Desert
Your journey begins in Chile’s far north, where the world’s driest desert offers landscapes that feel like another planet.
- Morning: Fly into Calama Airport and transfer (~1.5 hours) to San Pedro de Atacama, the desert’s charming base town.
- Midday: Check in to your hotel and acclimate. Grab lunch at a local café and explore the adobe-lined streets of San Pedro.
- Afternoon: Visit Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) for otherworldly rock formations and shifting colors.
- Evening: Stay for sunset in the valley—it’s one of the best light shows in Chile. Optional: stargazing tour under Atacama’s famously clear skies.
Tip: Hydrate well—the high desert altitude (~2,400m) can sneak up on you.
Day 2: Atacama Desert – Geysers, Salt Flats & Flamingos
Today is a full immersion into Atacama’s surreal landscapes, from sunrise steam vents to shimmering lagoons.
- Early Morning: Depart before dawn for a trip to the El Tatio Geysers. At over 4,300 meters, this geothermal field erupts dramatically in the cold morning air.
- Midday: Return to San Pedro for a late breakfast or early lunch, with time to rest or explore artisan markets.
- Afternoon: Head to Laguna Chaxa in the Salar de Atacama (salt flats), where you’ll spot flamingos reflected in mirror-like waters.
- Evening: Optional dip in the Cejar Lagoon, a high-salinity lake where you float effortlessly.
Tip: Wear layers—mornings can be freezing, but afternoons are hot and dry.
Day 3: Fly to Santiago – Urban Culture Meets Andean Views
Time to swap desert moonscapes for city life as you head to Chile’s dynamic capital, Santiago.
- Morning: Transfer from San Pedro to Calama Airport and catch a flight to Santiago (approx. 2 hours).
- Midday: Arrive in Santiago and check in to your hotel in the Lastarria or Bellavista district—great spots for walking, food, and culture.
- Afternoon: Visit Cerro San Cristóbal for panoramic views over the city and Andes backdrop. Stop by the La Chascona House, home of poet Pablo Neruda.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant or grab street food in Barrio Italia.
Tip: For a taste of Chilean wine, pair your evening with a glass of Carmenère—Chile’s signature grape.
Day 4: Valparaíso Day Trip – Color, Coast & Creativity
Take a break from Santiago’s energy with a day trip to the bohemian port city of Valparaíso, known for its hills, murals, and artistic soul.
- Morning: Travel ~1.5–2 hours by bus or private transfer to Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Stop briefly in Viña del Mar if you want a beach stroll.
- Midday: Explore Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción—two hilltop neighborhoods full of vivid street art, funky cafés, and ocean views.
- Afternoon: Visit La Sebastiana, Neruda’s Valparaíso home, or ride one of the city’s historic funiculars. Optional: boat tour of the harbor.
- Evening: Return to Santiago for dinner, or stay overnight in Valparaíso for a slower pace.
Tip: Wear walking shoes—Valparaíso is all hills and stairs!
Day 5: Fly to Patagonia – Gateway to Glaciers
Shift gears again and fly south to Patagonia, where dramatic mountains, turquoise lakes, and untamed nature await.
- Morning: Transfer to Santiago Airport and take an early flight to Punta Arenas (approx. 3.5 hours), then connect by road (~3 hours) to Puerto Natales, the base town for Torres del Paine.
- Midday: Arrive in Puerto Natales, check in, and grab lunch with views of Seno Última Esperanza (Last Hope Sound).
- Afternoon: Stroll along the waterfront or visit the Museum of History to learn about indigenous and settler culture in Patagonia.
- Evening: Rest up for tomorrow’s adventure or enjoy a quiet dinner with Magellanic lamb or fresh Patagonian king crab.
Tip: Pack warm layers—even in summer, the winds here are legendary.
Day 6: Torres del Paine National Park – Iconic Patagonia
Today is all about exploring Torres del Paine, Chile’s most iconic national park and a bucket-list destination for hikers and nature lovers.
- Early Morning: Depart from Puerto Natales for a full-day guided tour or self-drive adventure into the park (entry fees required).
- Midday: Visit highlights like Laguna Amarga, Lago Pehoé, Salto Grande waterfall, and the famed granite towers from afar.
- Afternoon: Optional half-day hikes:
- Mirador Cuernos (easy/moderate)
- Base of the Towers trek (challenging, ~8 hours round trip)
- Evening: Return to Puerto Natales for a well-earned dinner and rest, or stay overnight in an eco-lodge inside the park for an immersive experience.
Tip: Bring windproof layers and backup power—cell signal is very limited in the park.
Day 7: Return to Punta Arenas & Departure
Your final day in Chile offers time to reflect on a week of deserts, cities, and mountains before heading home.
- Morning: Depart Puerto Natales for Punta Arenas Airport (~3-hour drive). Depending on flight timing, you may have time for a quick detour to the Magellan Strait or Nao Victoria Museum (replica of Magellan’s ship).
- Midday: Arrive at the airport and check in for your return flight to Santiago or onward international connections.
- Afternoon: If flying via Santiago and staying the night, spend your final hours enjoying one last Chilean meal or a stroll through Parque Bicentenario.
Tip: Be sure to allow enough time between domestic and international flights—delays in Patagonia are not uncommon.
Estimated Budget for 7 Days in Chile
Chile is moderately priced by South American standards, but costs can vary widely depending on your travel style and destinations. Here’s an average estimate for a mid-range traveler:
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Domestic Flights (2–3 legs) | $300 – $500 |
| Accommodation (6 nights) | $450 – $900 |
| Meals & Drinks | $200 – $300 |
| Activities & Park Fees | $150 – $250 |
| Ground Transport & Transfers | $100 – $200 |
| Total Estimate | $1,200 – $2,150 |
Note: Patagonia tends to be the most expensive region. Booking flights and park entries in advance can help cut costs.
Conclusion
Chile is a land of extremes—from salt-crusted deserts to snow-capped peaks—and in just 7 days, you can experience the country’s most iconic contrasts. This itinerary takes you from the surreal landscapes of the Atacama Desert to the cultural pulse of Santiago and the wild, rugged beauty of Patagonia. Whether you’re chasing stargazing skies, glacier-fed lakes, or street art by the sea, Chile delivers a compact but unforgettable adventure.
One week may not be enough to see it all—but it’s the perfect amount to fall in love with this extraordinary country.