What can you expect on this 17-day Chile trip?
In 17 days with 14 nights, the trip combines four zones of Chile: the Atacama Desert around San Pedro with Valle de la Luna and the Géiseres del Tatio, Santiago and the port city of Valparaíso, the Lake District around Puerto Varas, and Patagonia with Torres del Paine and Punta Arenas. The best time to travel is October to April.
This is a multi-stage trip with five domestic flights, an excursion above 4,300 m and two days in Torres del Paine. For a balanced overview of the country, Chile Travel allows for at least a month; 17 days therefore suffice for a selection, not for everything. The route picks four landscapes that differ sharply: dry high desert, Mediterranean coast, rain-rich lakes with volcanoes, and windy steppe beneath granite peaks.
Who it suits: travelers who like getting up early, hiking for several hours at a stretch, and enjoy the shift from desert heat to Patagonian wind. The hike to Base Torres takes about 8 h according to Chile Travel, and the tour to the Tatio geysers starts between 4 and 5 am. Those who appreciate wine, architecture and city life will get their money's worth in Santiago and Valparaíso.
Who it suits less: anyone who dislikes flying or wants to be on the move only briefly each day may feel rushed with six locations. Those who want to walk the multi-day W circuit in Torres del Paine need the longer variant with hut reservations. Families with small children should plan around the days at altitude and the long hikes.
| Stage | Nights | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Santiago de Chile | 2 | Arrival, old town, Cerro San Cristóbal |
| San Pedro de Atacama | 4 | Valle de la Luna, Laguna Chaxa, Géiseres del Tatio |
| Valparaíso | 2 | Valle de Casablanca, hills and funiculars, La Sebastiana |
| Puerto Varas | 2 | Lago Llanquihue, Saltos del Petrohué, Frutillar |
| Puerto Natales | 3 | Base Torres, lakes in the Paine Massif, Cueva del Milodón |
| Punta Arenas | 1 | Strait of Magellan, Isla Magdalena in season |
Sources: Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · UNESCO World Heritage Centre · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Corporación Nacional Forestal (CONAF) · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Corporación Nacional Forestal (CONAF)
Why does the route run from the desert to the Strait of Magellan?
Santiago is the hub for all domestic flights: from there you go to Calama for the Atacama and to Puerto Montt for the Lake District. From Puerto Montt, LATAM and Sky Airline fly direct to Puerto Natales, and the return flight goes from Punta Arenas via Santiago. This way no stretch in the south is covered twice.
| Route | Mode of transport | Duration or distance |
|---|---|---|
| Santiago – Calama | Flight | about 2 h 10 min |
| Calama – San Pedro de Atacama | Transfer via Ruta 23 | 100 km, 1 h 30 min |
| San Pedro de Atacama – El Tatio | Tour via the B-245 (gravel) | 80 km, about 1 h 30 min |
| Santiago – Valparaíso | Transfer via Ruta 68 | 120 km, about 1 h 30 min |
| Santiago – Puerto Montt | Flight | 1 h 45 min |
| El Tepual Airport – Puerto Varas | Transfer | 22 km, 30 min |
| Puerto Montt – Puerto Natales | Flight, seasonal | about 2 h 10 min |
| Puerto Natales – Torres del Paine | Transfer or bus via the Y-290 | 80 km, about 2 h to Laguna Amarga |
| Puerto Natales – Punta Arenas | Bus or transfer via Ruta 9 | 250 km, about 3 h |
| Punta Arenas – Santiago | Flight | about 3 h 30 min |
The Atacama comes first, because after arrival there's still energy left for early starts. San Pedro sits at around 2,400 m and thus below 3,000 m, so no lower intermediate stop is needed; but the highest excursion, to the Géiseres del Tatio at over 4,300 m, deliberately comes only on the third full day. Valparaíso comes after the return flight from Calama, sitting between two flight days and bringing a calmer rhythm to the coast.
Patagonia forms the finale, since the trip ends in Punta Arenas and leads directly back to Santiago from there. According to Chile Travel, Puerto Natales is served only seasonally: on Sky Airline's own booking page, the Puerto Montt–Puerto Natales route shows no flights for September, October, and January through May, with connections mainly bookable from November to December (as of September 2026). If the direct connection from Puerto Montt is unavailable, you fly to Punta Arenas instead, also in about 2 h 10 min, and take a roughly 3-hour bus ride to Puerto Natales the same day; the nights stay the same.
Sources: FlightConnections · FlightConnections · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · HealthyTravel.ch (Swiss Expert Committee for Travel Medicine) · FlightConnections · SKY Airline
Day by day
- 01
Day 1
Departure to Santiago de Chile
Departure → Santiago de Chile
Day 1 is for the journey from your own departure airport to Arturo Merino Benítez Airport (SCL) in Santiago. FlightConnections counts 19 airlines there and nonstop flights to 65 destinations in 18 countries (as of September 2026). From Europe you can fly direct from Madrid (about 12 h 40 min), Paris (about 14 h), Barcelona or London, from North America from Miami, New York, Los Angeles or Mexico City, across the Pacific from Sydney, Melbourne or Auckland; within Latin America, Lima, Bogotá and Panama City are the major connecting points. Those traveling from far away are often en route overnight, so the first hotel night only begins on Day 2. Carry-on luggage should include a warm jacket for the desert nights and a rain jacket for the south. Any food brought along should be eaten before landing: fresh fruit, sausage and dairy products may not be brought in, and anything of animal or plant origin belongs on the agricultural service SAG's declaration form.
- 02
Day 2 · Overnight: Santiago de Chile
Arrival in Santiago de Chile
SCL Airport → City center, 17 km
Arturo Merino Benítez Airport is 17 km from the center. The booked transfer goes directly to the hotel; those traveling independently take one of the direct buses to the Pajaritos or Los Héroes metro stations. Santiago is on UTC−4 from early April to early September, and UTC−3 the rest of the year. After the long travel day, a quiet afternoon is enough: the funicular or cable car goes up Cerro San Cristóbal, from which you look over the city at the foot of the Andes. For dinner, Bellavista or Barrio Italia are good options, both counted by Chile Travel among the city's major dining districts. For the metro and buses there is the Bip! card, and on the metro you can also pay directly with Visa or Mastercard. Keep valuables close to your body: the Federal Foreign Office warns of pickpockets downtown and at the airport.
- 03
Day 3 · Overnight: Santiago de Chile
Santiago: old town, market and city hills
Plaza de Armas · Mercado Central · Cerro Santa Lucía · Lastarria
Santiago was founded in 1541, and the historic center around the Plaza de Armas is the starting point for the city day. At the Portal Fernández Concha on the square there's the Completo, Chile's hot dog with avocado, tomato and mayonnaise. At midday, the Mercado Central is worth a visit, one of the city's best-known dining spots. In the afternoon, climb Cerro Santa Lucía, the second viewpoint hill besides San Cristóbal, and then stroll through the Lastarria and Bellas Artes neighborhoods. The day ends at the Sky Costanera viewpoint, which Chile Travel calls the tallest in South America. For the flight the next morning, pack sun protection, a hat and gloves in your carry-on, since in the Atacama hot days are followed by freezing nights.
- 04
Day 4 · Overnight: San Pedro de Atacama
Flight to Calama, drive to San Pedro de Atacama
Santiago → Calama (flight, about 2 h 10 min) → San Pedro de Atacama (100 km, 1 h 30 min)
The domestic flight to Calama takes about 2 h 10 min. From El Loa Airport, the transfer takes travelers 100 km along Ruta 23 through the desert to San Pedro; Chile Travel allows 1 h 30 min. The town sits at around 2,400 m, just below the roughly 2,500 m threshold at which healthytravel.ch expects altitude sickness. Chile Travel recommends drinking plenty and resting after arrival, so the first afternoon stays free for a walk through town and planning the next few days. Tickets to the Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos, which includes the Valle de la Luna, are bought online. Once the sun goes down it turns cold: light clothing is enough during the day, but warm layers are needed in the evening.
- 05
Day 5 · Overnight: San Pedro de Atacama
Valle de la Luna at sunset
San Pedro de Atacama → Valle de la Luna (13 km)
The morning is for acclimatizing to the altitude. In the afternoon, it's off to the Valle de la Luna, whose entrance is 13 km from San Pedro along Ruta 23: about 15 min by car, about 40 min by bike, or on a guided tour. Salt crusts, sand ridges and rock walls change color in the evening light; the valley is most striking at sunset. Chile Travel advises plenty of water and sun protection, and checking beforehand the time of the last admission. Those cycling should start only after the hottest part of midday and bring a headlamp for the return in twilight. Stay in town for dinner, since the next morning starts early again.
- 06
Day 6 · Overnight: San Pedro de Atacama
Laguna Chaxa, flamingos and stars
San Pedro de Atacama → Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos (Ruta 23)
Today Ruta 23 leads into the southern sectors of the Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos, which protects over 73,000 hectares of high Andean landscape. At Laguna Chaxa, flamingos can be observed; all three species native to Chile live in the reserve, along with vicuñas and foxes. Chile Travel also names the Lagunas Altiplánicas as another destination in the area; whether they fit into the tour depends on the operator. At higher elevation, remember: walk slowly, drink plenty, and don't forget a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. In the evening there's stargazing on the program, since Chile Travel counts the sky above San Pedro among the clearest in the world. Visits to the ALMA radio telescope are currently suspended (as of September 2026).
- 07
Day 7 · Overnight: San Pedro de Atacama
El Tatio geysers at dawn
San Pedro de Atacama → El Tatio (80 km, about 1 h 30 min)
Tours to the Géiseres del Tatio start between 4 and 5 am, since the steam columns are most impressive between 6 and 7 am, according to Chile Travel. The 80 km take about 1 h 30 min along the gravel road B-245 up to over 4,300 m, the highest point of the whole trip; that's why the excursion deliberately falls at the end of the Atacama days. The geothermal field is considered the third-largest in the world. At sunrise it can be as cold as −20 °C: layered clothing, gloves, a hat, water and something to eat belong in the backpack. Along the way you see wild vicuñas, birds and endemic plants. The afternoon stays free for rest; as an option, Chile Travel names the Termas de Puritama hot springs.
- 08
Day 8 · Overnight: Valparaíso
Via Santiago to the coast at Valparaíso
San Pedro → Calama (100 km) → Santiago (flight, about 2 h 10 min) → Valparaíso (120 km, about 1 h 30 min)
After breakfast, the transfer covers the 100 km back to Calama Airport, from where it's about 2 h 10 min to Santiago. From the airport, the toll road Ruta 68 leads to the coast. Along the way lies the Valle de Casablanca, 80 km from Santiago and 40 km before Valparaíso; the cool valley is known for Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Anyone wanting to fit in a wine tasting should book ahead, since most wineries require it. In the evening you arrive in Valparaíso. For the first walk, choose lit, busy streets, and for the way back to the hotel at night Chile Travel recommends a safe means of transport instead of walking.
- 09
Day 9 · Overnight: Valparaíso
Valparaíso: hills, funiculars and Neruda
Cerro Alegre · Cerro Concepción · La Sebastiana
The historic port district of Valparaíso has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2003. According to UNESCO, Valparaíso remained the most important trading port on the Pacific coast shipping route of South America until the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914. The historic funiculars Reina Victoria and El Peral take you from the lower town up the hills with views over the bay. On Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción, cobblestone lanes pass colorful houses and galleries. In the afternoon, visit La Sebastiana, the house museum of the poet Pablo Neruda. Switzerland's FDFA reports frequent thefts in the lower town and on the touristy streets on the hills; carry your camera and phone out of sight. Those with time left visit neighboring Viña del Mar.
- 10
Day 10 · Overnight: Puerto Varas
Flight to the Lake District, to Puerto Varas
Valparaíso → Santiago Airport (Ruta 68) → Puerto Montt (flight, 1 h 45 min) → Puerto Varas (22 km, 30 min)
In the morning, it's back along Ruta 68 to Santiago Airport; Chile Travel allows about 1 h 30 min for the 120 km to the capital. The flight to Puerto Montt takes 1 h 45 min. From El Tepual Airport it's 22 km, or about 30 min, to Puerto Varas on Lago Llanquihue. The small town and nearby Frutillar show clearly German-influenced architecture. In clear weather, the snow-capped Osorno volcano rises above the lake. The climate differs sharply from the north: rain is possible in the Lake District in any month, even in high summer. A rain jacket therefore belongs in the day bag from now on, and waterproof shoes are needed for the lake excursions.
- 11
Day 11 · Overnight: Puerto Varas
Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park and Frutillar
Puerto Varas → Ensenada (40 km, Ruta 225) → Lago Todos los Santos (15 km) → Frutillar
Parque Nacional Vicente Pérez Rosales was founded in 1926 and is Chile's oldest national park. Ruta 225 covers 40 km to Ensenada and continues to the Saltos del Petrohué, where the water shoots between volcanic rocks through the humid forest. 15 km further lies Lago Todos los Santos, where boats operate; above it stand the Osorno and Puntiagudo volcanoes, with Monte Tronador on the horizon. Chile Travel recommends waterproof layered clothing and hiking boots even in summer. In the late afternoon, a side trip to Frutillar on the same lake is worthwhile, with the Teatro del Lago, which Chile Travel calls the southernmost theater in the world.
- 12
Day 12 · Overnight: Puerto Natales
Flight to Patagonia: Puerto Natales
Puerto Varas → Puerto Montt (22 km) → Puerto Natales (flight, about 2 h 10 min)
LATAM and Sky Airline connect Puerto Montt directly with Puerto Natales (as of September 2026), with a flight time of about 2 h 10 min. According to Chile Travel, Puerto Natales is only served seasonally. If the connection is unavailable, you fly to Punta Arenas instead, also about 2 h 10 min, and then drive 250 km, or about 3 h, on Ruta 9 to Puerto Natales. The airstrip is 15 min from the center. In the afternoon, stroll along the Costanera Pedro Montt with a view over the Seno Última Esperanza fjord. In the evening, lamb and king crab (centolla) are on the menus. Important for the park days: there are no ATMs inside the national park, so withdraw cash here. The park tickets should already be bought online in advance, since Pases Parques requires purchase at least 24 h before the visit.
- 13
Day 13 · Overnight: Puerto Natales
Torres del Paine: hike to Base Torres
Puerto Natales → Torres del Paine (80 km via the Y-290)
The longest day of the trip. The park is 80 km from Puerto Natales via the Y-290; the scheduled buses depart at 7:30 am and take about 2 h to the Laguna Amarga entrance. Since the hike to the Base Torres takes about 8 h round trip according to Chile Travel, a booked transfer or a guided tour is the safer choice. From the Las Torres sector it's about 9.4 km each way to the viewpoint below the granite towers; the last stretch over the moraine is steep. You walk only in daylight and never alone. A windproof jacket is mandatory, since gusts in the park reach up to 110 km/h. The day hike requires no hut reservation, but the park ticket is needed.
- 14
Day 14 · Overnight: Puerto Natales
Torres del Paine: lakes, viewpoints and Cueva del Milodón
Puerto Natales → Lago Sarmiento · Pudeto · Lago Pehoé · Lago Grey → Puerto Natales
The second park day follows the road. Guided full-day trips, which the park calls "Full day", need no accommodation reservation, just like the Base Torres hike. They connect the Laguna Amarga, Lago Sarmiento and Río Serrano entrances with stops at Pudeto and at the lakes Pehoé and Grey, above which the Paine Massif rises to 3,050 m. The park covers 227,298 hectares, and the distances are large even by vehicle. Those driving themselves should fill up in Puerto Natales: there is no gas station in or around the park. Drones are banned, all trash must be carried out, and any fire outside marked cooking spots is prohibited. Anyone with time left before returning visits the Cueva del Milodón, which Chile Travel counts among the sights of Puerto Natales.
- 15
Day 15 · Overnight: Punta Arenas
To Punta Arenas on the Strait of Magellan
Puerto Natales → Punta Arenas (250 km, about 3 h, Ruta 9)
Long-distance buses and transfers cover the 250 km on Ruta 9 in about 3 h. In Punta Arenas, the afternoon is for visiting the Cementerio Municipal, which Chile Travel highlights as an impressive city cemetery, and the Museo Nao Victoria, with a full-size replica of Magellan's ship. From October to mid-April, boats run to Isla Magdalena within the Monumento Natural Los Pingüinos, 35 km northeast of the city, where Magellanic penguins nest. According to CONAF, landings are possible between 9 am and 6 pm, with a maximum stay of 1 h on the island and only with a CONAF-certified guide. Those leaving Puerto Natales early can use an afternoon slot. Chile Travel recommends windproof, warm clothing, even in summer.
- 16
Day 16
Return flight via Santiago
Punta Arenas → Santiago → Return flight
Punta Arenas Airport is about 20 km from the center. Those flying only in the afternoon can still make a morning trip to Isla Magdalena in season; with an early departure, there's enough time for a last look over the Strait of Magellan. Since Punta Arenas, according to FlightConnections, flies nonstop almost only to destinations within Chile, the return flight goes via Santiago; the flight there takes about 3 h 30 min. In Santiago, the leg to your own departure airport begins, nonstop or via a hub. Plan a generous buffer between the landing from Punta Arenas and the onward flight, so a delay does not cost the connection. The Tarjeta Única Migratoria received on entry is handed back on departure.
- 17
Day 17
Arrival after the return flight
Return flight → Arrival
Those living in South America have usually already arrived the evening before; after a long-haul flight from Santiago, depending on destination and connection, you land only during the course of this day. Punta Arenas is on UTC−3 year-round. How much the clock jumps after returning depends on where you live, so it's best not to plan the first workday right after returning. Behind you lie 14 nights in six places and five domestic flights between the Atacama and the Strait of Magellan.
Where do you stay on this route?
The 14 nights are spread across six locations, each in hotels in town from which excursions and transfers depart. In Torres del Paine you sleep in Puerto Natales, since the day tours don't require a hut reservation. San Pedro de Atacama and Puerto Natales are in high demand during the southern summer and book up early.
Santiago de Chile (2 nights): central, for example near the Lastarria and Bellas Artes neighborhoods, so that the Plaza de Armas, Mercado Central and Cerro Santa Lucía are reachable on foot or with a few metro stops. A hotel with early check-in makes the arrival day easier after the long journey.
San Pedro de Atacama (4 nights): in town itself, since the tours to the Tatio and the lagoons pick guests up there. Chile Travel advises booking early in summer due to high demand. Good heating is important, since nights in winter drop to about −10 °C.
Valparaíso (2 nights): on Cerro Alegre or Cerro Concepción. From there, funiculars, viewpoints and galleries are reachable on foot; for the evening take a taxi instead of walking through the lower town.
Puerto Varas (2 nights): in the town center on Lago Llanquihue, with short distances to the lakeshore and 22 km to El Tepual Airport.
Puerto Natales (3 nights): in the center, near the departure points for buses and tours into the park. Those who prefer to stay inside the park will find some hotels with road access there; the huts and camps on the W are run by the concessionaires Las Torres Patagonia and Vértice Patagonia, and according to Las Torres, demand peaks in January and February.
Punta Arenas (1 night): downtown, near the harbor for the boats to Isla Magdalena and about 20 km from the airport.
Sources: Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Wikipedia · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Corporación Nacional Forestal (CONAF) · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Parque Nacional Torres del Paine (named by CONAF as the official channel) · Las Torres Patagonia · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA, Switzerland
When is the best time to travel this route?
From October to April. Then Torres del Paine has summer opening hours of 7 am to 9 pm, and the boats to Isla Magdalena run from October to mid-April. Demand is highest from December to February; from March to November, prices are lower according to Chile Travel, but it gets colder and additional rules apply in winter.
Patagonia determines the best travel time. Las Torres describes summer as the busiest season, with long days but also the strongest wind: ranging from 20 km/h up to gusts of 110 km/h. Spring and autumn are quieter. In winter 2026, CONAF required an accredited guide on the W and to Base Torres starting April 27, with Pases Parques naming September 15 as the end date; the park is then open from 8 am to 6:30 pm, and the penguin island is closed.
Atacama: the days are dry and warm, the nights drop well below 0 °C, in winter in San Pedro down to about −10 °C. There are no station values for San Pedro, so the town is missing from the chart. Center: Chile Travel names summer, December to March, as ideal for Valparaíso; in Santiago, smog often affects the air from June to August. Lake District: rain is possible year-round, notably more so in the southern winter.
Santiago, Puerto Varas, Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas: warm summers in the center, heavy winter rain in the Lake District, cool summers in the far south
| Santiago de Chile | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 31 | 31 | 29 | 25 | 21 | 17 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 24 | 28 | 30 |
| Low °C | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 |
| Rainfall mm | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 44 | 63 | 47 | 40 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 7 |
| Puerto Varas | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 21 | 21 | 19 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 19 |
| Low °C | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Rainfall mm | 65 | 57 | 86 | 113 | 163 | 181 | 166 | 161 | 91 | 99 | 84 | 72 |
| Puerto Natales (Torres del Paine) | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 17 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
| Low °C | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 2 | -0 | -0 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Rainfall mm | 119 | 98 | 110 | 110 | 97 | 101 | 85 | 86 | 77 | 82 | 95 | 108 |
| Punta Arenas | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 16 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
| Low °C | 7 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 | -1 | -1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Rainfall mm | 57 | 45 | 58 | 60 | 52 | 49 | 45 | 44 | 35 | 38 | 43 | 51 |
Average daily highs and lows, and monthly rainfall. Temperaturen: Mittel der täglichen Höchst- und Tiefstwerte 2010–2024 der Station QUINTA NORMAL (2 km, 520 m). Niederschlag: NASA POWER, Monatsmittel 2001–2020. Temperaturen: Mittel der täglichen Höchst- und Tiefstwerte 2010–2024 der Station EL TEPUAL INTL (16 km, 90 m). Niederschlag: NASA POWER, Monatsmittel 2001–2020. Temperaturen: Mittel der täglichen Höchst- und Tiefstwerte 2010–2024 der Station TENIENTE JULIO GALLARDO (7 km, 66 m), auf 10 m umgerechnet. Niederschlag: NASA POWER, Monatsmittel 2001–2020. Temperaturen: Mittel der täglichen Höchst- und Tiefstwerte 2010–2024 der Station CARLOS IBANEZ DEL CAMPO INTL (18 km, 42 m). Niederschlag: NASA POWER, Monatsmittel 2001–2020.
Sources: Pases Parques (official ticket sales) · Corporación Nacional Forestal (CONAF) · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Las Torres Patagonia · Corporación Nacional Forestal (CONAF) · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Wikipedia · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Federal Foreign Office, Germany
How can the trip be planned shorter, longer, or with children?
The trip gets shorter without Valparaíso or without the Lake District, at 15 instead of 17 days. It's worth extending especially in Patagonia: Chile Travel allows five to nine days for Torres del Paine, enough for the W circuit with hut reservations. In the southern winter, it's better to replace Patagonia with extra days in the center and the north.
Shorter: 15 days
Those with two fewer days drop Valparaíso and fly from Calama via Santiago directly to Puerto Montt. Or you skip Puerto Varas, fly from Santiago in about 3 h 30 min to Punta Arenas, and take the bus to Puerto Natales. It's better not to shorten the Atacama: Chile Travel recommends four to five days there, and the first is for acclimatizing to the altitude.
Longer: three weeks and more
The W circuit in Torres del Paine takes four to six days according to Chile Travel, and the O circuit six to eight days over more than 100 km. For both, a confirmed reservation for every night in a hut or camp is mandatory, otherwise the park administration won't let anyone into the mountain area; bookings go through Las Torres Patagonia and Vértice Patagonia. In the Lake District, an extension to Chiloé fits well, reached by car ferry from Pargua in about 30 min; sixteen wooden churches of the island group are on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Easter Island can only be reached from Santiago, in 5 h 30 min; Chile Travel recommends four to five days there.
Different season
From May to September the trip only works with limitations: the penguin island is closed, a guide was mandatory on the W and to Base Torres in 2026, and the O remains closed until October 31, 2026. CONAF recommends crampons and poles in winter. Those traveling in these months should extend the Atacama and the center, expect freezing nights in San Pedro and smog in Santiago, and keep Patagonia short or skip it.
With children
Children under 12 pay no entrance fee in Torres del Paine. At about 8 h, the Base Torres hike is too long for younger children; the day trip to the lakes fits better. Whether the excursion to the Géiseres del Tatio, at over 4,300 m and down to −20 °C, is suitable for a child should be clarified with a doctor. If a child travels with only one parent, a notarized travel authorization from the other parent is required.
Sources: Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Parque Nacional Torres del Paine (named by CONAF as the official channel) · Corporación Nacional Forestal (CONAF) · Corporación Nacional Forestal (CONAF) · Pases Parques (official ticket sales) · Corporación Nacional Forestal (CONAF) · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · UNESCO World Heritage Centre · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Federal Foreign Office, Germany · Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA, Switzerland · FlightConnections
What does TalkTravel book, and what do you pay locally?
The generator arranges the flights from your departure airport to Santiago and back from Punta Arenas, five domestic flights, 14 hotel nights with breakfast, all transfers between airports, towns and parks, as well as the excursions to Tatio, Laguna Chaxa, Valle de la Luna and in Torres del Paine. Locally you pay for lunch and dinner, park entrance fees and personal expenses.
- Flights: from your departure airport to Santiago and back from Punta Arenas via Santiago; domestically Santiago – Calama, Calama – Santiago, Santiago – Puerto Montt and Puerto Montt – Puerto Natales.
- Hotels: 14 nights in six locations, standard 4-star with breakfast, changeable at booking.
- Transfers: Santiago Airport, Calama – San Pedro (100 km), Santiago – Valparaíso and back to the airport, El Tepual – Puerto Varas (22 km), Puerto Natales airstrip, Puerto Natales – Punta Arenas (250 km).
- Excursions: Géiseres del Tatio, Laguna Chaxa in the Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos, Valle de la Luna, Vicente Pérez Rosales, two days in Torres del Paine, and in season Isla Magdalena with a Sernatur-registered operator.
Locally or self-booked online: entry to Torres del Paine costs foreign adults 32,400 pesos for one day and 48,500 pesos for multiple days (as of September 2026); it's bought at least 24 h in advance on Pases Parques. The Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos also requires online tickets. Those driving themselves pay the toll on Ruta 68. The "from" price is determined by a test run of the generator and depends on travel date, departure airport and availability.
Sources: FlightConnections · FlightConnections · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Parque Nacional Torres del Paine (named by CONAF as the official channel) · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Chile Travel (Sernatur) · Corporación Nacional Forestal (CONAF) · FlightConnections