7-Day Travel Itinerary in Chile

Day 1: Santiago (Capital)

• Arrival at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL)
• Check-in at a hotel in the city center, such as W Hotel or Plaza San Francisco
• Visit the Plaza de Armas, the heart of Santiago since its foundation in 1541
• Explore the Museum of Memory and Human Rights to learn about Chilean history
• Enjoy a traditional dinner at Borago, one of Chile’s top restaurants

Things to Know:

• Santiago experiences four seasons in a day, so dress in layers.
• Spanish is widely spoken. English proficiency varies.

Day 2: Santiago - Valparaíso & Viña del Mar

• Take a morning bus tour to Valparaíso and Viña del Mar (approximately 1.5 hours)
• Explore the colorful hillside neighborhoods of Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Visit Pablo Neruda’s La Sebastiana Museum
• Relax on the beach in Viña del Mar and enjoy lunch at a local seafood restaurant
• Return to Santiago in the evening

Day 3: San Pedro de Atacama (Northern Chile)

• Early morning flight to Calama (2 hours from Santiago)
• Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama (1 hour)
• Spend the day visiting Tatio Geysers, Valle de la Luna, and Valle de las Mujeres
• Overnight stay in San Pedro de Atacama

Things to Know:

• Altitude sickness is common. Drink plenty of water and take it easy.
• Tours are usually in 4x4 vehicles due to the rough terrain.

Day 4: San Pedro de Atacama - Salar de Uyuni (Bolivia)

• Full-day tour to Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia (border crossing required)
• Visit the Terrestrial and Cosmos Observatory at night for a stunning view of the stars
• Overnight stay in San Pedro de Atacama or return to Calama

Day 5: Easter Island (Rapa Nui National Park)

• Flight to Easter Island (approximately 6 hours from Santiago)
• Visit the Ahu Tongariki, Anakena Beach, and the Rano Raraku Quarry
• Overnight stay on Easter Island

Things to Know:

• Book flights well in advance as they can sell out quickly.
• Most tours are guided, so you’ll learn a lot about the Moai statues and the Rapa Nui culture.

Day 6: Easter Island - Santiago

• Spend the morning visiting more moai sites, such as Ahu Akahanga and Orongo
• Flight back to Santiago (approximately 6 hours)
• Rest and relax at your hotel in Santiago

Day 7: Wine Country Tour

• Full-day wine country tour to Valle de Aconcagua, Valle de Casablanca, or Valle de Maipo
• Visit vineyards, learn about Chilean wine-making, and enjoy wine tastings
• Farewell dinner at a traditional Chilean restaurant in Santiago

Visa Requirements:

• Citizens of many countries can enter Chile for up to 90 days without a visa. Always check the latest requirements before traveling.

Transportation:

• Buses are a popular and affordable way to travel within Chile, especially between Santiago, Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, and San Pedro de Atacama.
• For long-distance travel, flights are recommended due to time constraints.
• Car rental is also an option, but driving can be challenging in some areas due to the rough terrain.