To know what to do in Chile in 7 days is a question that many travelers have when planning a trip to this country with stunning landscapes and rich culture.
Stretching across a narrow strip of deserts, snow-capped mountains, and lush forests, Chile offers adventures for all tastes.
In this guide, you will discover ideal itineraries to enjoy Chile in both summer and winter, ensuring that you can experience the best that the country has to offer in just one week.
Exploring Chile in Summer
Day 1: Getting to know Santiago
The Chilean capital, Santiago, is a vibrant cultural melting pot and the perfect starting point for your seven-day adventure through Chile.
With a mix of modernity and tradition, the city offers a variety of experiences ranging from visits to historical museums to walks through urban parks.
Start your day at Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of Santiago, where you can admire colonial architecture and visit the imposing Metropolitan Cathedral.
Next, head to the Palacio de La Moneda, the seat of the Chilean government, which also offers cultural exhibitions at the Palacio La Moneda Cultural Center located underground.
For a panoramic view of the city against the backdrop of the Andes Mountains, climb Cerro San Cristóbal.
Accessible by funicular, this park offers not only spectacular views but also a chance to breathe in the fresh air and escape the urban hustle and bustle.
Before calling it a day, explore the Bellavista neighborhood, known for its vibrant nightlife and colorful street art murals, where you can enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants serving excellent local cuisine.
Day 2: Trip to Valparaíso and Viña del Mar
On day two, take a day trip to the coast to explore Valparaiso and Viña del Mar, two cities that offer charming contrasts and are easily accessible from Santiago.
Start in Valparaíso, a bohemian port famous for its colorful houses perched on hills and an impressive collection of street art.
Ride the historic funiculars, which offer a picturesque and convenient way to explore the city's steep hills and panoramic viewpoints.
After exploring Valparaíso, head to Viña del Mar, known as the 'Garden City' due to its beautiful parks and flower gardens.
Viña del Mar offers a more resort vibe and is famous for its beaches, like Playa Reñaca, where you can relax on the sand or enjoy water activities.
Be sure to visit the famous Flower Clock and the Museo Fonck, which houses artifacts from Easter Island and other exhibits that highlight Chile's rich cultural history.
Day 3: Winery tours
Chile is world-renowned for its exceptional wines, and a winery tour is an unmissable activity for any visitor.
On the third day, dedicate yourself to exploring the famous Chilean wine regions, such as the Maipo Valley, which is conveniently close to Santiago. This valley is known for producing some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the world.
Start the day with a visit to Concha y Toro Winery, one of the largest and most prestigious wineries in Chile.
Join a guided tour that explores the historic cellars and beautiful gardens, and of course, includes a wine tasting.
After this experience, proceed to a smaller boutique winery, such as Aquitania Winery, where you can learn about more artisanal winemaking methods and taste unique varietals.
For lunch, choose one of the wineries that offer exquisite cuisine with stunning views of the vineyards.
Many wineries have restaurants that use fresh, local ingredients that perfectly complement their wine selection.
After lunch, continue to explore other wineries in the region, such as Santa Rita winery and the Undurraga winery.
Day 4: Isla Negra and Pomaire
On the fourth day, take a trip to the coast to visit Isla Negra, the home of the famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda.
Neruda's home, now a museum, is situated on the seafront and reflects his passions for collecting marine artifacts and literature.
The house tour offers an intimate look into Neruda's life and work, allowing visitors to explore the various rooms filled with his quirky collections and inspiring poetry.
After delving into the literary world of Neruda, head to the small village of Pomaire, known for its ceramic crafts.
Pomaire is an excellent place to buy authentic souvenirs, such as the famous “chanchitos”, small three-legged pigs that are said to bring good luck.
Additionally, take the opportunity to taste typical Chilean dishes in one of the local restaurants, where dishes such as “pastel de choclo” (a type of corn pie) and “empanadas” are unmissable.
Day 5: Adventure in Cajón del Maipo
The fifth day takes you to one of Chile's natural gems, the Cajón del Maipo, located on the outskirts of Santiago. This mountainous region is perfect for nature and adventure lovers.
Start your day early and head to Embalse El Yeso, a turquoise water reservoir that offers stunning views and incredible photo opportunities.
For the more adventurous, Cajón del Maipo offers activities such as trekking, horse riding and mountain biking.
One of the most popular trails is the path to the El Morado natural monument, which is known for its impressive geological formations and panoramic views of the Andes.
If you prefer a more relaxing activity, visit the region's natural hot springs, such as Termas Colina, where you can soak in outdoor thermal pools surrounded by mountains.
Day 6: Visit to the Safari Park
On the sixth day of what to do in Chile in 7 days, add some wild adventure to your itinerary with a visit to the Safari Park, located near Rancagua, a short trip from Santiago.
This unique park offers the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife up close in an environment that mimics their natural habitats.
One of the main attractions is the lion safari, where you can enter a secure vehicle cage and see the lions interacting in their environment.
In addition to the lions, the park has other areas where you can interact with giraffes, zebras and other animals.
For families with children, there are also petting areas and play areas that make this day fun for everyone.
The Safari Park is a great way to learn more about wildlife and animal conservation, providing an educational and exciting experience.
Day 7: Last photos and purchases
At the end of what to do in Chile in 7 days, take some time to relax and enjoy your last few hours in Santiago.
Dedicate the morning to capturing the latest photos of the city's iconic spots or those landscapes that you liked the most.
Santiago offers several picturesque spots, such as Parque Bicentenario or Cerro Santa Lucía, where you can get spectacular views of the city and the mountain range in the background.
After a morning of photography tours, enjoy the afternoon to explore local markets and shopping centers, such as Costanera Center, where you can find a wide range of shops to buy souvenirs and gifts.
Be sure to also visit Pueblito Los Dominicos, a local crafts market where artisans sell everything from ceramics to handmade jewelry, providing one last chance to take a piece of Chile with you.
These seven days in Chile promise a combination of adventure, culture, relaxation and lots of natural beauty, guaranteeing memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Discovering Chile in winter
Day 1: City Tour in Santiago
Winter in Santiago offers a unique atmosphere, with days generally sunny and the mountains surrounding the city covered in snow.
Start your tour at the Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city, where you can admire the historic architecture and visit the imposing Santiago Cathedral.
Then, walk to La Moneda Palace, the official residence of the president, which also offers temporary cultural exhibitions for visitors.
Be sure to visit the Central Market, famous for its fresh seafood and local restaurants where you can try typical Chilean dishes such ascentolla (king crab) and empanadas.
End your day at Cerro Santa Lucía, where a short walk takes you to viewpoints with panoramic views of Santiago against the majestic Andes Mountains.
Day 2: Skiing in Valle Nevado
Get ready for a day of adventure in Valle Nevado, the largest ski resort in South America.
Located about 90 minutes from Santiago, Valle Nevado offers excellent skiing conditions with a variety of slopes for all levels, from beginners to advanced.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the resort offers activities such as cable car rides that provide stunning views of the snow-capped mountains.
After a day on the slopes, relax at one of the resort's many restaurants and bars. Many offer international cuisine, ideal for recharging your energy with a good meal or hot chocolate while enjoying the mountain atmosphere.
Day 3: Discovering the Wineries
The third day is ideal for exploring the wineries of the Maipo Valley, a region renowned for its robust Cabernet Sauvignon.
Visit wineries like Concha y Toro, which offer guided tours that include wine tastings and a visit to the famous Casillero del Diablo cellar.
Learn about the winemaking process in cold climates and how it influences the characteristics of the wines.
For a more intimate experience, visit a boutique winery like Vinícola Haras de Pirque, where the winery's design is as impressive as the wines produced.
The building's horseshoe shape and views of the vineyards create a memorable setting for tasting award-winning wines.
Day 4: Portillo and Laguna del Inca
On the fourth day, travel to Portillo, a ski resort that is as historic as it is picturesque.
Located near the border with Argentina, Portillo is famous for its spectacular views and as one of the training grounds for Olympic skiers.
The Laguna del Inca, with its turquoise waters and the romantic legends associated with it, is the highlight of this area.
Take time to walk around the lagoon or simply relax and enjoy the serene scenery.
Day 5: Farellones Park
O Farellones Park, situated a short distance from Santiago, is the ideal place for families and winter sports enthusiasts to enjoy a day full of snow activities.
Located between several renowned ski resorts such as El Colorado and La Parva, Farellones offers a range of activities that go beyond traditional skiing.
Here, you can try tubing, which consists of sliding down the mountain in special tubes, skibunda, and exciting sleigh rides that promise fun for all ages.
In addition, the park has ski and snowboard schools that offer classes for all levels, from beginners to those who want to perfect their techniques.
The friendly atmosphere and range of activities make Farellones a perfect destination for beginners and families with children, ensuring everyone has a safe and fun introduction to winter sports.
Day 6: Andes Mountains and sunset
Dedicate the sixth day of your trip to exploring the majestic Andes Mountains.
A great way to experience the grandeur of this mountain range is to join a guided tour, which can include hiking to glaciers or elevated observation points, such as the viewpoint in El Morado National Park.
These walks not only provide spectacular views, but also the opportunity to learn about the local flora and fauna, and the unique geology of this region.
At the end of the day, prepare yourself for one of nature's most beautiful spectacles: the sunset in the Cordilleras.
Find a quiet spot, perhaps near one of the many mountain lakes, to watch the sky change color and the sun set behind the snow-capped peaks.
This moment promises to be a magical experience and one of the highlights of your trip, offering a perfect opportunity to reflect and admire Chile's natural beauty.
Day 7: Shopping and Culture in Santiago
On the last day of your stay, return to Santiago to enjoy a day of shopping and cultural immersion.
Santiago offers a variety of shopping options, from artisanal markets to modern shopping centers.
Visit Pueblito Los Dominicos, a crafts market located in a former convent, where you can find handmade products, jewelry, ceramics and artwork, perfect for authentic souvenirs.
In addition to shopping, take the opportunity to explore more of Chilean culture by visiting some of the city's museums that you may not have had time to see previously.
Live a great experience with Viva Chile
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Whether venturing to the ski slopes, tasting world-renowned wines, or simply absorbing Chile's rich culture, Viva Chile is ready to make your trip comfortable and enriching.
Don't miss the opportunity to discover everything Chile has to offer with the convenience and knowledge that only Viva Chile can provide.
