If you think Chile is just “that long skinny country in South America,” congratulations — you’re about to be very wrong.

Chile stretches over 4,300 km, covering the driest desert on Earth, snow-capped volcanoes, Patagonian glaciers, and even mysterious stone statues in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
This is not just a trip — it’s a geography lesson with better food and wine.

This 14-day Chile travel itinerary is designed for first-time visitors who want iconic landscapes, realistic travel times, and zero chaos.

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📍 Stop 1: Santiago — Where Your Chile Trip Actually Begins

(Days 1–3)

Why Go

Santiago is the heart of Chilean culture, food, shopping, and — most importantly — your international flight hub.

Travel Time

• Santiago International Airport (SCL) → City center

• ⏱️ 30–40 minutes by taxi or Uber

Transportation

• Metro (cheap, clean, efficient)

• Uber & taxis widely used

• Walking-friendly in central districts

Where to Stay

Best areas: Providencia / Lastarria

• Budget: USD 30–50

• Mid-range: USD 80–120

What to Eat

• Empanadas (you’ll eat more than planned)

• Seafood at Mercado Central

• Chilean wine (no explanation needed)

Estimated Daily Cost

USD 50–120 depending on lifestyle choices (and wine consumption)

Travel Tips

• Pickpocketing exists — don’t test your luck

• Summers (Dec–Feb) are hot and sunny — sunscreen is not optional

• Great place to activate your travel eSIM for Chile before heading remote

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🌊 Stop 2: Valparaíso & Viña del Mar — Colorful Chaos by the Sea

(Day 4)

Why Go

Street art, ocean views, and hills so steep your calves will complain.

Travel Time

• Santiago → Valparaíso

• ⏱️ 1.5–2 hours by bus or car

Transportation

• Intercity bus (cheap & frequent)

• Walking + funicular elevators inside the city

Where to Stay

• Boutique guesthouses & small hotels

• USD 50–100 per night

Food Highlights

• Fresh seafood

• Oceanfront restaurants in Viña del Mar

Costs

• Day trip: USD 30–60

• Overnight: USD 80–120

Travel Tips

• Wear proper shoes (this is not a flip-flop city)

• Keep valuables secure on crowded hills

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🌕 Stop 3: Atacama Desert — Welcome to Mars (But Hotter)

(Days 5–7)

Why Go

The driest desert in the world, surreal landscapes, salt flats, geysers, and some of the clearest night skies on Earth.

Travel Time

• Santiago ✈️ Calama: ~2 hours

• Calama → San Pedro de Atacama: ~1.5 hours

Transportation

• Domestic flights

• Local tours or private transfers (necessary)

Where to Stay

• Eco-lodges, desert hostels, boutique hotels

• Budget: USD 30–50

• Mid-range: USD 80–150

Must-Do Activities

• Valle de la Luna

• El Tatio Geysers (yes, very early morning)

• Stargazing tours

Costs

• Daily tours: USD 50–100 each

• Higher daily spend than cities

Travel Tips

• Altitude is real — hydrate, move slowly

• Huge temperature swings: hot days, freezing nights

• Reliable mobile data matters here — consider a Chile travel eSIM

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🏔 Stop 4: Torres del Paine — Patagonia’s Greatest Hit

(Days 8–11)

Why Go

Mountains, glaciers, wind strong enough to humble you — this is Patagonia.

Travel Time

• Santiago ✈️ Punta Arenas: ~3.5 hours

• Bus to Puerto Natales: ~3 hours

• Transfer into the national park: ~2 hours

Transportation

• Flights + long-distance buses

• Park transfers & guided tours

Where to Stay

• Puerto Natales (before/after hikes)

• Refugios or camps inside the park

• Budget to luxury range: USD 40–300+

Entrance Fees

• Torres del Paine National Park: ~USD 35–50 (foreign visitors)

Food

• Limited and expensive inside the park

• Stock up in Puerto Natales

Travel Tips

• Weather changes hourly — layers are mandatory

• Book park tickets & accommodation weeks ahead

• Insurance covering trekking is highly recommended

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🌋 Stop 5: Puerto Varas & Lake District — Calm After the Storm

(Days 12–13)

Why Go

Lakes, volcanoes, German-influenced towns, and the perfect place to slow down.

Travel Time

• Punta Arenas ✈️ Puerto Montt

• Airport → Puerto Varas: ~30 minutes

Transportation

• Rental car or local tours

Where to Stay

• Lakefront hotels & cozy lodges

• USD 60–120 per night

Food Highlights

• Fresh seafood

• Pastries & craft beer

Travel Tips

• Weather changes quickly — rain jacket always

• Great stop before returning to the capital

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✈️ Day 14｜Return to Santiago & Departure

Use your final day for:

• Last-minute shopping

• Wine bottles (check airline limits)

• Reflecting on how one country felt like five

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💰 Overall Budget (Per Person, 14 Days)

• Budget traveler: USD 1,500–2,000

• Mid-range comfort: USD 2,500–3,500

• Patagonia & Atacama-heavy itineraries cost more

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Final Travel Advice (From Experience)

✔ Book domestic flights early
✔ Pack for every climate imaginable
✔ Don’t underestimate distances
✔ A reliable travel eSIM makes remote areas much easier
✔ Chile is safe, friendly, and incredibly diverse — take your time