Today, you will discover all there is to know about the wonderful country of Chile! Let’s start with a fun fact – Chile is one of the longest and narrowest countries in the world! It is shaped like a chilli pepper, but the name already gave that away.

What more can you expect from this incredible country? It is amazing, filled with incredible sights, and a true cultural revelation for many! One of the most impressive things about Chile is its varied terrain and landscapes. Along its huge coast, you can find an abundance of wild beaches adorned with crystal-clear waters and surreal surroundings, each unique in its own right. Furthermore, in the south, you can find Antarctic glaciers, soaring mountains, and diverse wildlife including penguins and sea lions. Finally, the northernmost point in the country near the Tropic of the Capricorn is characterised by the scorching sands of the Atacama Desert. With that in mind, you can only imagine the diversity that awaits you during your travels!

If you have been looking for the perfect destination for your next big trip, we gladly recommend it. Spend 2 weeks in Chile and see why.

How to travel around Chile

Let’s begin our travel guide by helping you navigate through this incredible country. When you spend 2 weeks in Chile, you will almost start acting like a local. Naturally, mastering transportation is part of the act. For that reason, we’re sharing the easiest ways to travel around the country. But before you hop on to your next stop, you need to remember that travelling through Chile takes time.

For most international travellers you’ll be arriving in Santiago, The Capital city is in the middle of the country and is therefore country’s main domestic transport hub.

Due to vast distances between places, flying is recommended to save time and as Santiago is the main hub you will need to fly through Santiago to get to each destination.

• For certain city exploration, cabs are your best bet. They can take you anywhere you want and are quite affordable. Few cab drivers speak English, so you can always use a taxi app if you don’t know any Spanish. Oh, and also, ensure that you only use licensed taxis.
• To get around the capital, take the train. This urban travel method has an increasingly growing network, and it can take you to almost all the places you want to see (but not the airport). Also, the Santiago Metro is by far the cheapest way to travel.
• Are you looking to explore the capital’s natural wonders? Rent a bike. Santiago is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Latin America, and you can stumble across different bike options. You can cycle around the lake district and even further. But, be careful, since water is in short supply in the routes north of Santiago, you are sure to get plenty of food and water if you are going on a long-distance bike ride.

Chile Itinerary

Spending 2 weeks in Chile will be an experience like no other! However, if you begin your trip without a plan set in place, it’s most likely you’ll miss out on some of the must-see spots. That’s where we come in!

Given your busy schedule, we believe you don’t have the time to come up with your itinerary so we made one for you! As always, you can alter this Chile itinerary in any way you see fit, but remember the places and sights mentioned here shouldn’t be missed for the world. With that in mind, prepare to be amazed by what this spectacular country can offer you!

1. Santiago   (Recommend 3 days)

Santiago is the capital of Chile and the perfect starting point for your travels. Like many other major cities, Santiago offers a unique blend of historical charm intertwined with urban modernity, though its landscapes are what makes it truly stand out. Surrounded by the Andes, the city offers spectacular sights of the mountains that look extra special during the winter.

On the other hand, the more modern side of Santiago tells a completely different story. The bustling streets, soaring skyscrapers, and lively neighbourhoods draw inspiration from the city’s past, highlighted by distinct Spanish features. While just walking through Santiago will give you more than enough insight into its history, we also recommend checking out some museums in the area. For one, you can visit the Museo Chileano de ArtePrecolombino, featuring works that showcase the life of the Chileans before the Spanish conquest.

Furthermore, you can continue exploring Santiago’s culture by visiting its many markets. You can find anything from fresh produce to unique souvenirs, but what you’ll most enjoy is how vibrant the people are! Chileans are known to be very friendly and they can even provide local tips on what to visit while in the city. Finally, be sure to try some of the many delicacies while in the area!

As the sun goes down, Santiago’s vibe takes a turn. The city comes alive at night as all the restaurants, bars, and clubs start being crowded with people. You can easily find something up to your taste whether it’s traditional salsa dancing or a few casual drinks in the local pub. If you’re looking to explore Santiago’s nightlife at its core, we recommend heading to Barrio Bellavista.

Things To Do In Santiago

Since the city offers plenty of things to do, we suggest staying for at least three nights. Here are some of the things you shouldn’t miss out on:

Maipo Valley: Chile’s wine region is exquisite, and since it is just outside the city of Santiago, it is easily reachable. The historic region is the birthplace of the Chilean wine industry, and its blends have an irresistibly delicious note. If you are a wine lover, get ready for a big treat. Don’t forget to pick up a few bottles for your closest back at home!

Chilean Seafood: Of all the things you must try while in Chile, this one is an absolute must. Try oysters, clams, crabs, shrimp, abalone, scallops, and more – and this is not even the beginning. There is so much more to try, and the food is cooked in many different ways that each time you sit down for a meal, it turns into a finger-licking feast.

Drink Pisco Sour: There is a rivalry between Peru and Chile about the pisco’s origin that has been going on for ages. Both claim they are the creators of this spirit. It is distilled from white grape varieties, and they vary in their making. Some are rustic, others are modern, but all of them add a different touch to the pisco sour, which is a blend of sugar syrup, fresh lime juice, whipped egg whites, and pisco. It is the perfect drink for a hot summer night.

Day Trip To Valparaiso: If you have an extra day of your 2 weeks in Chile, you might want to drop by in Valparaiso. Recognized as a UNESCO Heritage Site, this city screams in colour due to its amazing street art. Go for a relaxing stroll on the beach after exploring the city streets, and stop at a restaurant to savour some fantastic Chilean delicacies.

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2. Atacama Desert (Recommend 5 days)

Chile is home to the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places in the world. Characterised by moon-like landscapes, this place is ideal for restless adventurous souls who want to discover all the intricacies the sand holds. The unique wildlife is also a draw to this area, from flamingos of the high altitude salt lakes to the roaming Guanaco.

The desert poses the perfect spot for stargazing. If you’re graced with clear skies, stopping at one of the many stargazing points is a must. Additionally, Atacama also has a 100’s of volcanoes with hiking trails, offering the most breath-taking landscape and picturesque views you can imagine.

Because of its size, you should plan to spend at least five days here, and make sure you pack light, breathable clothes that can be layered as the temperature is cold at night and hot in the day!

The closest town to the Atacama Desert is San Pedro de Atacama which is where you should stay during your visit. You can find many accommodations catering to all kinds of budgets from affordable hostels and guesthouses to luxurious, all-inclusive hotels. The locals are very friendly in this town and can direct you to some of the best restaurants in the area.

Recommended things to do.

• Stargazing get your guide
• Moon valleyget your guide
• Tatio geysersget your guide
• Altiplaniclagoonsget your guide

Recommended hotels

• le casa de don tomas
• hotel desertica
• hotel cumbressanpedro de Atacama    

3. Torres Del Paine (recommend 4 days)

This is an iconic national park, and it is one of the best places you can during your 2 weeks in Chile. Aside from the snow-capped mountains and ice glaciers, you get a chance to track pumas and even get a rare sight of the endangered Andean deer. The Mastiff is all dominating in this national park and there are many hiking trails which take you the amazing views of the mountain.

You should spend at least three nights in Torres Del Paine, but accommodation might be tricky. With that in mind, you have two options to choose from.

You can either stay at Puerto Natales, which is the closest town and airport to the national park. If you do opt for this, know that you’ll have to take day trips into the park.

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Alternatively, you can choose to stay within Torres Del Paine national park, which is what I recommend,but be prepared to pay a hefty sum. Due to its remote location, the hotels in the park can be rather expensive and there is a limited choice. Whichever option you go for, an exceptional experience is more than guaranteed, as long as you pack appropriately – weatherproof clothes and athleisure wear, pack for the cold remember your in the Antarctic region of Chile.

If you are staying in the national park, we would recommend the Rio Serrano Hotel, this hotel boast an amazing location Infront of the mastiff, the views are simple incredible, the hotel takes advantage of its location with floor to ceiling windows so the mountain is on view wherever you are in the hotel. This hotel offers guided hikes and activates such as tours to glacier grey and horseback riding.

Rio Serrano Hote

4. Easter Island (recommend 3 days)

Did you know that this is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world? Thousands of wild horses roam free there. The sloping hills make up for a picturesque sight, and you get a chance to hike up historic hills. During the last days of your 2 weeks in Chile, you should reserve two to three nights here and have the most relaxing finish to your vacation. Bring your best beachwear!

Naturally, not checking out the Moai while you’re here would be a crime. They are enormous statues carved from solidified volcanic ash. It is believed they were created to honour ancient chiefs and ancestors. Their backs face the deep ocean – also known as the spirit world.

What should I pack for a trip to Chile?

Spending 2 weeks in Chile means you need to pack smart. Depending on where you want to travel, your bag will need to consist of different things. And while you are travel planning, remember to bring your sunscreen first!

If you are travelling to Atacama, you need to bring socks, protective clothing, an insulating layer of clothes, gloves, sunhat, sunglasses, and hiking shoes.

Alternatively, for the Torres del paine national park, you need to bring a windproof jacket, hiking boots, binoculars,, warm sweaters, water-resistant socks, thermal underwear, sunglasses, lip balm, and earmuffs.

Finally, if you’re heading to Easter Island, pack sandals and flip-flops, followed by swimwear, sunglasses, hats, gloves, hiking shoes, protective socks, raincoats, fleece, and rain pants.

Your travel planning is incomplete without a thorough packing list. So think about where you’re headed and take whatever you need – no need to overpack, right?

Is Chile a safe place to visit?

Chile is known for its natural beauty and the many experiences you get to have there. It is truly an incredible destination for all those adventurers out there. For people who have visited it once, their only wish has been to go there once again. There is so much to discover that you may even want to stay more than 2 weeks to look into every hidden corner of this chilli-pepper-looking country.

And when it comes to being safe or not, well, any country can be a bit unsafe. Luckily, Chile is one of the safest and most stable countries in Latin America. Some protests that have happened here may have made you think otherwise, but know that you have nothing to worry about! To be on the safe side, you can do a few things:

• Increased level of crime and theft happens due to luggage, especially in Santiago, so stick to central locations, and take taxis if you are going outside the neighbourhood.
• Theft is most common at bus stations, so if you decide to travel everywhere via bus, keep your valuables close to you, preferably at your feet or chest. Pickpockets are also common, so keep an eye out for your phone.
• Very rarely, protests take place in Santiago, so if that happens while you’re there, try to avoid them altogether.
• If you are scared of natural disasters, remember that Chile has one of the most efficient and modern tsunami and earthquake response systems, so no matter how unlikely the chances are that that will happen during your visit, you are in a country that will take care of you.

Spending 2 weeks in Chile is probably one of the best things you will ever decide on.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, follow this ultimate guide, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Chile. Have a nice trip!

And if you are up for something more and want to check out some other locations, read through our other blogs!