If you’re starting to dream about a trip to Chile and don’t know where to begin, this guide is for you.
Chile is a long and diverse country, with a geography that changes dramatically from north to south.
From the driest desert in the world to Patagonian glaciers—passing through vineyards, islands, and ancestral cultures—there’s something for every kind of traveler.
At Ecordua, we’ve divided Chile into key travel regions so you can explore the best of each one: what to see, when to go, and how long it takes to get there from Santiago.
Santiago as a Base
In most cases, Santiago serves as a central hub for traveling between regions.
There are no direct flights between places like Atacama and Patagonia, so returning to Santiago is usually necessary.
Fortunately, connectivity is excellent, with nearby airport hotels and smooth logistics that make internal travel easy and efficient.
1. Norte Grande & the Altiplano
Otherworldly landscapes, salt flats, volcanoes, and ancestral cultures.
This region includes destinations like the highlands of Arica and Parinacota, Putre, Lauca National Park, and the Surire Salt Flat.
It’s also home to the Chinchorro mummies, considered the oldest in the world—older even than Egypt’s.
- Best time to visit: Year-round. Between January and February, the “Altiplanic winter” brings summer storms and lightning from the Amazon. Outside those months, the weather is dry, clear, and stable.
- Travel time from Santiago: 2h30 flight to Arica + 4h drive to Putre.
2. Atacama Desert
The driest desert in the world. Moon-like valleys, the Tatio geysers, high-altitude lagoons, historic villages, and star-filled skies that invite you to gaze for hours.
San Pedro de Atacama is the region’s tourism hub, with access to archaeological sites, ancient petroglyphs, and world-class astronomical observatories.
- Best time to visit: Year-round. Temperatures drop significantly at night, especially in winter (June–August), but the dry climate provides good conditions almost all the time.
- Travel time from Santiago: 2h flight to Calama + 1h30 drive to San Pedro de Atacama.
2. Central Chile (Santiago, Vineyards, Valparaíso)
The urban and cultural heart of the country. Santiago is the main gateway, surrounded by hills and mountains perfect for hiking, trekking, and condor watching.
Just 1h30 west, you can be at the beach or surfing in one of the many coastal towns like Viña del Mar, Zapallar, and others.
To the east, in just 1 hour from Santiago, you can be skiing in the Andes, in the largest ski area in South America, with resorts like Valle Nevado, La Parva, and El Colorado—together known as Los Tres Valles de los Andes.
Valparaíso, famous for its colorful hills and street art, is just 1h30 away by car.
- Best time to visit: Year-round. Spring (September–November) and fall (March–May) are ideal to avoid crowds and enjoy pleasant weather.
- Ideal base: Santiago is the most practical starting point to explore the country.
4. Easter Island (Rapa Nui)
A remote and mystical island. Its moai statues, volcanoes, beaches, and traditions make it one of the most unique destinations in South America.
Exploring Ahu Tongariki, swimming at Anakena Beach, or hiking around the Rano Kau crater are just a few of the must-have experiences.
- Best time to visit: Year-round. Subtropical climate with occasional rain and pleasant temperatures.
- From Santiago: 5h30 direct flight.
5. Southern Chile: Biobío, Araucanía & the Lakes District
Green, volcanic, and culturally rich. In Araucanía, Pucón and Villarrica National Park offer hiking, hot springs, and active volcanoes. This is the heart of Mapuche culture, present in local communities, markets, and meaningful cultural experiences.
Farther south, Puerto Varas, Frutillar, and Lake Llanquihue stand out for their German heritage, traditional architecture, pastries, and outdoor activities like kayaking, rafting, and hiking.
This region is also home to some of the best hot springs in the country.
- Best time to visit: Year-round. It rains in every month, though rainfall is lighter from December to March (summer). Often the rain is brief and alternates with sunshine.
- From Santiago:
- On average, 1h30 flight to Concepción (Biobío), Temuco (Araucanía), or Puerto Montt (Lakes District).
- Travel between cities: 2 to 4 hours by car or bus.
6. Chiloé Island
Mysterious, rural, and full of tradition. Wooden churches declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites, national parks, local markets, stilt houses (palafitos), and living mythology. Tepuhueico Park, penguin colonies, and fresh seafood make Chiloé a world of its own.
- Best time to visit: September to April. This is the best time to enjoy the island with less rain, although its spirit remains alive year-round.
- From Santiago:
- 1h55 direct flight to Castro, or
- 1h40 flight to Puerto Montt + approx. 3h by ferry and road to Castro.
7. Northern Patagonia & Southern Highway
One of the most scenic routes in the world. Turquoise rivers, fjords, national parks like Queulat, Cerro Castillo, and Pumalín, and remote towns such as Futaleufú, Puyuhuapi, and Coyhaique. Perfect for those seeking raw nature and few crowds.
If you love road trips, this is one of the best routes on the continent: the Southern Highway connects 13 national parks over more than 1,200 km of breathtaking landscapes. You can drive it from Puerto Montt, linking each park freely and at your own pace.
- Best time to visit: October to April (spring to fall). In winter, the weather is harsh and many areas have limited access.
- From Santiago: 2h30 flight to Balmaceda + overland transfers.
8. Southern Patagonia (Torres del Paine)
A world-class trekking destination. Granite towers, glaciers, guanacos, pumas, and traditional Patagonian ranches. Beyond the national park, this region offers the chance to explore working estancias and experience the gaucho culture, as well as the southern edge of Tierra del Fuego, a remote and fascinating area rarely visited by travelers.
Puerto Natales is an excellent base for exploring Torres del Paine, especially if you’re short on time or want to combine it with other parts of southern Chile.
- Best time to visit: October to April (spring to fall).
October and November bring wildflower blooms, while March and April offer beautiful autumn colors and fewer visitors than the peak summer season (December–February).
It’s also possible to visit in winter (June–August), although some trails are closed due to weather conditions. Others remain open but require the accompaniment of a certified guide. - From Santiago:
- 3h flight to Punta Arenas + 5h by land to Torres del Paine, or
- 3h15 direct flight to Puerto Natales (generally available during summer) + 1h30 by land to the park.
Final Tip
Chile is long and diverse, which means it’s not easy to “see it all” in just one trip.
We recommend choosing 2 or 3 regions per journey and spending at least 3 to 5 days in each to enjoy them without rushing.
At Ecordua, we design custom itineraries so you can experience the very best of Chile—tailored to your interests, pace, and the time of year.
We hope this guide inspires you to begin your Chilean adventure!
