Chile 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Exploring Chile

This itinerary focuses on the Santiago & Atacama Desert region and assumes you’re interested in exploring both natural beauty and the cultural hub of the city.

Day 1: Arrive in Santiago

  • Fly into Santiago International Airport (SCL), aiming for a morning arrival to maximize your day.
  • Things to do:
    • Explore your neighborhood: Get acquainted with the local vibe by walking around, trying traditional Chilean food at nearby restaurants, and browsing the shops in Providencia or Lastarria.
    • Check into your hotel and relax after the journey.
    • Visit the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino to see stunning artifacts from Chile’s pre-Columbian history.
    • Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local “picada” (a Chilean tapas-style meal) spot in the bohemian Bellavista neighborhood.

Things to know:

  • Transportation: Take a taxi or Uber from the airport to your hotel.
  • Visa requirements: Most tourists do not need a visa to enter Chile for tourism purposes. You can check the specific visa requirements for your nationality on the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: https://www.gobiernodream.cl/

Day 2-3: Santiago City Exploration

  • Morning: Visit the Cerro San Cristobal, a prominent hill overlooking Santiago, for panoramic views. Take the funicular up for a unique experience and enjoy a hike down with stops at cafes and restaurants along the way.
  • Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Barrio Bellavista, known for its street art, bohemian cafes, and lively nightlife.

Day 2: * Plaza de Armas: Witness the grandeur of this historic square in the heart of Santiago, the cultural and architectural marvel of this city center. * Museo de Bellas Artes: Immerse yourself in the world of Chilean art, from pre-Columbian times to modern-day masterpieces.

Day 3: * Explore the Cerro San Cristobal using a public funicular (cable car) or by taking a taxi. * Experience the unique charm of the historic Cerro San Luis neighborhood.

Things to know:

  • Public transportation: Santiago has an excellent metro system and bus network. Consider purchasing a “Bip!” card for easy travel.
  • Funicular: A popular option for visiting Cerro San Cristobal is the funicular, which offers stunning views during the ride up.

Day 4: Travel to Calama (Gateway to Atacama)

  • Fly from Santiago to Calama (CLL) airport, which is located near the Atacama Desert.
  • Things to do:
    • Visit the Museo de Arqueología y Antropología de la Universidad de Tarapacá for a glimpse into the history of the region.
    • Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Atacama desert.

Day 5-7: Immerse Yourself in the Atacama Desert

  • Travel to your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama, the charming town at the heart of the Atacama Desert experience.
  • Things to do:
    • Explore the Valley of the Moon: A surreal landscape with stunning moonlike features, perfect for photography and stargazing.
  • Visit the Atacama Salt Flats: Experience the vastness and unique beauty of this natural wonder.
    • Hike to a nearby volcano or geyser field: The region is dotted with incredible landscapes.
    • Enjoy a guided tour of the Atacama Desert: This is the best option for exploring the Atacama Salt Flats and other desert attractions safely.

Things to note:

  • Visa requirements: Check the specific visa requirements for your nationality.
  • Altitude: San Pedro de Atacama is located in the Atacama Desert, which is at a high altitude. Be sure to acclimate to the altitude before embarking on any strenuous activities.

Consider these activities:

  • Visit the salt flats in the morning. The early morning light offers stunning photographic opportunities.
  • Take a tour to see the sunrise or sunset over the Atacama Salt Flats. These are magical times to experience the vastness of the desert.
  • Explore the Atacama Salt Flats with a professional guide and photographer.

Other things to do:

  • Visit the Museo de la Luna, which showcases the history and geology of the Atacama Desert.
  • Go on a stargazing tour: The Atacama Desert is renowned for its exceptional stargazing opportunities, thanks to the clear skies and lack of light pollution.

Day 5:

  • Activity: Spend the day in the desert exploring the incredible landscapes and geological formations.

Things to do:

  • Visit the Atacama Salt Flats, where you can:
    • Take a tour of the salt flats: You’ll have opportunities for stunning photography, exploring the unique salt formations like “Los Flamencos” and experiencing the surreal beauty of the desert landscape.

Things to know:

  • The Atacama Desert is located in Northern Chile and is known as one of the driest deserts in the world.
  • The Atacama Salt Flats are a popular destination for tourists, but it’s important to remember that this is a delicate ecosystem.

Day 6-7:

  • Activities:
    • Explore the Atacama Desert with a guided tour: This will allow you to safely experience the desert’s unique beauty and visit its many attractions, including:
      • The Atacama Salt Flats (Atacama Desert): Witness the mesmerizing salt formations and the surreal beauty of this natural wonder.

Things to note:

  • Respect for the environment: Remember that the desert is a fragile ecosystem and be mindful of your impact during your visit.

Other things you can do:

  • Visit other iconic desert locations, like the Atacama Salt Flats’ Atacama Desert (which are stunning but not for everyone to explore), the Moon Valley, or Atacama salt lagoons.
  • Enjoy a unique experience with a tour of the Atacama Desert:

Things to know:

  • Visit the Atacama Desert, a popular destination for tourists.

General travel tips:

  • Learn about local customs and traditions: This will help you avoid any cultural faux pas.
  • Pack for the desert climate: Be prepared for the arid conditions with sunscreen, hats, and a water bottle. The Atacama Desert is a dry desert, so staying hydrated is crucial

Things to consider:

  • Learn basic Spanish phrases: While many people in the tourist areas speak English, knowing some Spanish will be helpful for navigating outside of those areas.
  • Pack layers: Even though it’s hot during the day, the desert can get quite cold at night.
  • Respect the local culture: Be mindful and respectful when interacting with locals or visiting cultural sites.

Remember:

  • The Atacama Desert is a high-altitude desert environment:

Take necessary precautions for altitude sickness:

  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen symptoms.
  • Take it easy the first few days and avoid strenuous activity.
  • Consider eating coca leaves or drinking coca tea to help acclimate**.

Pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and lip balm with SPF:

  • The desert sun is strong at this altitude, so be prepared for dryness and potential sunburn.

Respecting nature:

  • Stay on marked trails.
  • Don’t litter.
  • Pack out everything you pack in.
  • Be aware of the weather conditions and dress appropriately.**

Travel:

  • Carry a good water bottle with you and refill it throughout the day.

  • Respect for the local culture:

  • Carry small bills for tipping, as it’s customary to tip for services in Chile.

  • Learn about the customs and traditions of the Atacama Desert before visiting.**

Remember:

  • This is just a sample itinerary. You can customize it based on your interests and how much time you have available.

  • The Atacama Desert is a popular destination: