Itinerary for 10 day trip to Chile

Chile is a stunning country with diverse landscapes, from the Atacama Desert in the north to the lush forests of Patagonia in the south. With a rental car, you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace. Here’s a 10-day itinerary that focuses on nature and the great outdoors. Buckle up, and let’s hit the road!

Day 1: Arrival in Santiago

Morning: Arrive in Santiago. Pick up your rental car at the airport.
Afternoon: Explore the city a bit. Visit the for a nice hike and panoramic views of the city.
Evening: Enjoy dinner in the Bellavista neighborhood, where you can find plenty of restaurants serving delicious Chilean cuisine.

Day 2: Santiago to

Morning: Drive to (about 1.5 hours). This colorful port city is known for its steep hills and vibrant street art.
Afternoon: Explore the hills of , taking the funiculars and wandering through the narrow streets. Don’t miss , Pablo Neruda’s quirky house.
Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant overlooking the ocean.

Day 3: to

Morning: Hit the road early for (about 6 hours). The drive is scenic, so take your time and stop for photos!
Afternoon: Arrive in and visit the beautiful beaches or the nearby , famous for its pisco production.
Evening: Relax at a beachside café and enjoy the sunset.

Day 4:

All Day: Spend the day exploring the . You can visit pisco distilleries, hike in the surrounding hills, or even go stargazing at one of the observatories in the area. The night sky here is incredible!

Day 5: to

Morning: Depart early for (about 10 hours). It’s a long drive, but the landscapes are breathtaking.
Afternoon: Arrive in San Pedro and settle into your accommodation. Take a stroll around the town and enjoy the unique adobe architecture.
Evening: Have dinner at a local restaurant and prepare for the adventures ahead!

Day 6: and Salt Flats

Morning: Visit (Moon Valley) for stunning rock formations and landscapes.
Afternoon: Head to the , the largest salt flat in Chile. Keep an eye out for flamingos!
Evening: Watch the sunset over the salt flats, then return to San Pedro for dinner.

Day 7: and Hot Springs

Early Morning: Depart early for (about 1.5 hours). Arrive before sunrise to see the geysers in action.
Late Morning: After exploring, relax in the nearby hot springs.
Afternoon: Return to San Pedro and take the rest of the day to relax or explore more of the town.
Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner and perhaps some stargazing; the Atacama Desert is one of the best places in the world for it!

Day 8: San Pedro to

Morning: Start your journey to (this will be a long drive, around 20 hours, so consider breaking it up with an overnight stop in Temuco or Osorno).
Afternoon: If you stop in Temuco, visit the nearby national parks or enjoy some local cuisine.
Evening: Arrive in , known for its stunning views of Lake Llanquihue and the .

Day 9: Explore and Surroundings

Morning: Visit . Hike to the and enjoy the lush landscapes.
Afternoon: Take a boat tour on or visit the for some hiking.
Evening: Return to for dinner and enjoy the charming lakeside atmosphere.

Day 10: Return to Santiago

Morning: Start your drive back to Santiago (about 12 hours). You can take a scenic route through the Andes if time allows.
Afternoon: Arrive in Santiago. If you have time, visit the for some last-minute shopping and a delicious seafood lunch.
Evening: Drop off your rental car and prepare for your departure.

Tips:

Make sure to check road conditions, especially in the south, as they can vary.
Always have water and snacks in the car, especially for long drives.
Book accommodations in advance, especially in popular areas like and .

This itinerary is packed with nature and adventure, giving you a taste of Chile’s incredible landscapes. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of photos! Safe travels! 🌍🚗✨