7-Day Chile Itinerary: What to See, Eat, Shop & Experience
Chile is a long, narrow wonderland stretching from the Atacama Desert in the north to the glacial fjords of Patagonia in the south. Whether you’re drawn by natural landscapes, historic cities, or vibrant food scenes, Chile delivers a rich and diverse travel experience.
In this 7-day Chile itinerary, we’ll guide you through the country’s top highlights—from Santiago to the Andes, the coast, and beyond. We’ve also included where to stay, what to eat, and what to shop for so you can make the most of every day.
Day 1: Arrive in Santiago – Discover the Capital
Morning:
- Arrive in Santiago, Chile’s vibrant capital.
- Check in to your hotel in Bellavista or Lastarria, two trendy, walkable neighborhoods.
Where to Stay:
- Luxury: The Singular Santiago
- Mid-Range: Hotel Boutique Castillo Rojo
- Budget: Hostal Providencia
Afternoon:
- Take a walking tour of Plaza de Armas, La Moneda Palace, and Metropolitan Cathedral.
- Ride the funicular up San Cristóbal Hill for panoramic views of the city and Andes.
Evening:
- Dine at Bocanáriz, a wine bar specializing in Chilean pairings.
- Try empanadas, pastel de choclo (corn pie), or lomo a lo pobre (steak with fries and eggs).
Day 2: Valparaíso & Viña del Mar – The Colorful Coast
Morning:
- Take a 1.5-hour bus or private transfer to Valparaíso, Chile’s bohemian port city.
- Wander the street art-covered hills like Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción.
Afternoon:
- Visit La Sebastiana, the quirky home of poet Pablo Neruda.
- Continue to Viña del Mar for some beach time and a seaside lunch.
Evening:
- Return to Santiago or stay overnight in Valparaíso if you prefer a more relaxed pace.
Must-try food: Fresh ceviche, seafood empanadas, and pisco sours.
What to Shop:
- Colorful ceramics
- Handmade jewelry
- Local artwork and street prints
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Day 3: Maipo Valley Wine Tour – Taste of Chilean Terroir
Morning to Afternoon:
- Head to Maipo Valley, one of Chile’s oldest wine regions, located just 45 minutes from Santiago.
- Book a guided tour of renowned wineries like Concha y Toro, Santa Rita, or Undurraga.
Lunch:
- Enjoy a vineyard picnic or traditional Chilean meal with wine pairings.
Evening:
- Return to Santiago and relax at your hotel or take an evening stroll through Barrio Lastarria.
What to Buy:
- Bottles of Carmenère, Chile’s signature red wine
- Wine-infused chocolates and olive oils
Day 4: Fly to the Atacama Desert – The Driest Place on Earth
Morning:
- Fly from Santiago to Calama, then drive to San Pedro de Atacama (1.5 hrs).
- Check in and acclimate to the altitude.
Where to Stay in San Pedro:
- Luxury: Tierra Atacama
- Mid-Range: Hotel Pascual Andino
- Budget: Hostal Rural
Afternoon:
- Visit Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)—a surreal landscape of salt caves and sand dunes.
- Catch sunset at the dunes for epic colors.
Evening:
- Stargazing tour in the Atacama Desert, one of the clearest skies on Earth.
Day 5: Atacama Adventures – Salt Flats, Geysers & Flamingos
Early Morning:
- Visit El Tatio Geysers at sunrise. Don’t forget warm clothes—it’s freezing at dawn.
Midday:
- Stop by Machuca village for llama skewers and local snacks.
- Soak in Puritama Hot Springs for a relaxing midday break.
Afternoon:
- Explore Laguna Chaxa and the Atacama Salt Flats, home to pink flamingos.
Dinner:
- Try llama steak or quinoa risotto at Adobe Restaurant in San Pedro.
Day 6: Return to Santiago – Markets & Museums
Morning:
- Fly back to Santiago. Drop your bags and spend the day exploring the city’s local side.
Things to Do:
- Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos – powerful and moving
- Mercado Central – for lunch and seafood shopping
- La Vega Market – to taste and buy local produce and spices
What to Shop in Santiago:
- Alpaca wool scarves
- Chilean lapis lazuli jewelry
- Spices like merkén and local sea salt
Day 7: Day Trip to the Andes or Relax in the City
Option 1: Andes Adventure
- Head to Cajón del Maipo, just 2 hours from Santiago.
- Hike, horseback ride, or relax in the Termas de Colina hot springs.
Option 2: Santiago Wind-Down
- Brunch in Barrio Italia
- Visit the Pre-Columbian Art Museum
- Enjoy a farewell dinner at Boragó, one of Latin America’s best restaurants
Final Tips for Visiting Chile
What to Pack
- Layered clothing (desert nights, mountain mornings, sunny days)
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
- Hiking boots for Atacama and Andes
- Reusable water bottle
- Travel plug (Chile uses Type C and L)
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (Sept–Nov) and fall (March–May) for mild weather and fewer crowds
- Summer (Dec–Feb) is great for Patagonia but busy
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Get Your Bags Packed for Chile!
Chile offers a perfectly balanced 7-day itinerary packed with natural beauty, cultural richness, and unforgettable food and wine. From stargazing in the desert to sipping wine in the valleys and discovering Santiago’s charm, this is a trip that blends adventure, relaxation, and discovery in just the right doses.
Ready to go? Chile is waiting.
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