Chile is home to a staggering array of natural landscapes, each beautiful in its own way and offering attractions and excursions that appeal to different kinds of people. Fly-fishermen seeking to spend their days reeling in trout might plan their entire journey to Chile around this sport. Multi-sport resorts with their own guides have been popping up around Chile, providing guests with a home base and a roster of activities as varied as hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. These resorts can be found in outdoors meccas like Patagonia and San Pedro de Atacama, and are usually quite pricey. Your other option is to book a hotel and arrange day activities with local operators, or have a tour company put the whole thing together for you.
Whatever your passion or desire, Chile has it all: a thriving metropolis; endless stretches of pristine beaches; gorgeous wine country framed by an Andean backdrop; legendary fly-fishing; rafting wild whitewater; sea kayaking; biking country lanes; trekking and skiing in the stunning Andean peaks; art, culture, and gastronomy in Valparaíso; and more. Of course, there are also plenty of relaxing destinations for travelers who just want to kick back with a good book on a chaise lounge or spend their afternoons taking long walks along the beach.
Whatever the amount of time you plan to spend in Chile, remember that this is one heck of a long country, and you'll lose half a day traveling from one destination to another, and in the case of Patagonia you'll lose a full day traveling from Santiago. Flying is simply the most logical way to get around the country; with three domestic airlines, there are plenty of daily flights to all major cities. Many travelers spend little or no time in Santiago, while others use it as a base for exploring the Central Region. We recommend you spend at least 1 night in Santiago to feel the pulse of Chilean culture and nightlife, and to visit the historical attractions, which can be easily seen in 1 or 2 days.
Driving is a good idea for visiting the wine country or the coast, so that you may stop at food stands, take photos, and visit attractions along the way that interest you most. The Lake District also provides plenty of photo-worthy sightseeing drives. DIY travelers who are not planning to take long hikes can also rent a vehicle in Punta Arenas and explore southern Patagonia on their own. You'll never need a vehicle in Santiago.
The following itineraries are blueprints for memorable vacations that can be adhered to explicitly, modified according to your desires and likes, or even expanded if you're lucky enough to have an extended vacation.
