10-Day Chile Itinerary: From Starry Desert Skies to Vineyard Tastings

If you’re a foodie, oenophile, or just someone who appreciates dramatic landscapes and unforgettable meals, a trip to Chile deserves a top spot on your bucket list. While Argentina often takes center stage when it comes to South American wine, Chile is quickly earning its place in the spotlight—especially for its bold Bordeaux-style blends, Carmenère (a grape once thought extinct), Cabernet Sauvignon, and crisp Sauvignon Blanc.

The country’s culinary scene is also rising fast, with world-class restaurants and regional specialties that reflect Chile’s unique blend of indigenous Mapuche roots and waves of European, Asian, and Middle Eastern immigrants.

Flanked by the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, Chile is a land of extremes. Pablo Neruda famously called it “a long petal of sea, wine, and snow”—and that poetic description holds true. Though it takes just a few hours to cross east to west, the country stretches over 2,600 miles from the parched landscapes of the Atacama Desert in the north to the icy fjords of Patagonia in the south.

You could easily spend weeks exploring it all—from the Lake District to Torres del Paine, or even hopping over to remote Rapa Nui (Easter Island). But if you only have 10 days, you’ll want to be selective. For us, the perfect balance was combining an adventure in the Atacama Desert with a deep dive into Chile’s renowned wine country.

If you need help planning your own trip, I’d love to help craft a custom itinerary for you and take the heavy lifting off your hands.

10-Day Chile Itinerary

I visited Chile with my husband in early April, which was just the beginning of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. We found the weather very pleasant, with cool evenings and warm, sunny days. Our itinerary broke down as follows:

• 1 day in Santiago
• 3 days in the Atacama Desert
• 3 days in the Colchagua Wine Valley near Santa Cruz (known for its red wines)
• 3 days in the Casablanca wine region (known for its Sauvignon Blanc and other white wines)

If I was to do it all over again, I’d probably extend my stay in Colchagua because we loved where we stayed and the region so much. However, I’m glad we got to experience both areas.

Day 1: Santiago – CHile’s Vibrant Capital

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Santiago, Chile’s bustling capital and international gateway, is often the first stop for visitors—and it’s worth more than just a jet-lag recovery day. With the Andes towering in the distance and a lively mix of neighborhoods to explore, the city offers an exciting intro to Chilean culture, cuisine, and urban life.

We stayed in the upscale Las Condes neighborhood and loved its walkable streets, leafy avenues, and abundance of cafes and restaurants. If we’d had more time, we definitely would have stayed an extra night or two.

Safety Tips for Santiago

Before arriving, we were warned—both online and by locals—about increased petty crime in Santiago and Valparaíso. Out of caution, we opted for a private city tour with a guide and driver who helped us explore while staying aware of our surroundings.

My tips:

• Don’t wear flashy jewelry
• Carry a small, anti-theft bag (I recommend the crossbody bags or sling bags from Travelon)
• Avoid wandering unfamiliar neighborhoods after dark

That said, we felt comfortable throughout the day.

Arrival & Getting Around

We flew Avianca (not my favorite experience) via Bogotá and landed in Santiago late at night. I had pre-arranged an airport transfer with Welcome Pickups, which made our arrival smooth and stress-free. Our driver gave us great local tips, and I’d highly recommend the service.

Where to Stay: Hyatt Centric Las Condes

We booked the Hyatt Centric Las Condes using points and were very impressed. Thanks to my Hyatt Explorist status, we enjoyed a complimentary wine tasting that evening. The hotel has stylish public spaces, spacious rooms, and a rooftop pool we wished we had time to enjoy.

What to Do with One Day in Santiago

Since our time was limited, we booked a private Santiago highlights tour, which turned out to be a great decision. The city is spread out, and having a guide helped us cover more ground efficiently while still enjoying short walking tours in different neighborhoods.

Our tour included stops at:

• Parque Bicentenario – A lovely green space in the Vitacura neighborhood
• San Cristóbal Hill – We took the cable car up for sweeping city views
• Barrio Bellavista – A colorful, artsy area where we passed Pablo Neruda’s house, La Chascona
• Barrio Lastarria – A bohemian district known for its galleries and street art
• Downtown Santiago – A short walk past La Moneda Palace and the stunning Metropolitan Cathedral

Dinner at Boragó: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Culinary Experience

We capped off the day with a meal at Boragó, one of the top 50 restaurants in the world—and it lived up to the hype. The 13-course tasting menu is a multisensory experience rooted in native Chilean ingredients and inventive presentation.

With its open kitchen, seamless service, and theatrical flair, it felt like dining in a live cooking show. Every dish told a story, and while the menu changes frequently, I’d absolutely recommend it for any food lover visiting Santiago.

Day 2: Travel to San Pedro de Atacama

After a quick taste of urban life in Santiago, we traded the city skyline for salt flats and volcanoes in one of the world’s most extreme landscapes: the Atacama Desert.

This region in northern Chile is not only the driest non-polar desert on Earth, but also one of the most visually surreal. Think: steaming geysers, jagged valleys shaped by wind and time, towering volcanoes, and vast plains that look more like Mars than anything earthly. Add in some of the clearest night skies on the planet, and it’s a dream for adventurers, photographers, and stargazers alike.

Getting There

The main gateway to the Atacama is the small, dusty town of San Pedro de Atacama. To reach it, we flew from Santiago to Calama Airport, then it was a 90 minute drivs. You can rent a car—but I wouldn’t recommend it. Between the rough roads, occasional flat tires, and lack of cell service, it’s far better to rely on hotel transfers and guided excursions.

Tip: Many of the region’s luxury lodges include airport transfers and guided excursions in their stay packages—worth it for both convenience and safety.

Where We Stayed: Nayara Alto Atacama

We chose to stay at Nayara Alto Atacama, an upscale desert lodge nestled just outside of town. The all-inclusive package included:

• All meals, wine, and beer
• Two half-day excursions or one full-day tour per day
• Airport pickup and drop-off

Before booking, I also considered:

• Explora Atacama – known for top-tier guides and modern design
• Awasi Atacama – ultra-luxury with private excursions (great, but more than we needed)

A hotel rep met us at the Calama airport, and shortly after check-in, we sat down with the activities team to plan our excursions for the next three days. Since San Pedro sits at 8,000 feet (2,400 meters), I highly recommend staying at least three nights to acclimate before tackling higher-altitude adventures.

We loved the spacious rooms, adobe-style architecture, and the inviting pools—perfect for cooling off after dusty desert treks. The food, however, was hit or miss.

• Breakfast was excellent, with a buffet and made-to-order eggs.
• Lunch was more enjoyable at the bar than in the formal dining room.
• Dinner fell short of expectations with small portions, limited variety, and lackluster flavors.

If fine dining is a must for you, you might want to explore other options. But for most travelers, the property’s location, service, and immersive excursions more than make up for it.

First Excursion: Valle de la Luna at Sunset

We arrived in time for a late afternoon tour of Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon)—a classic Atacama introduction. With towering sand dunes, salt-crusted ridges, and rock formations sculpted by erosion over millennia, the landscape truly feels alien. (In fact, The Mandalorian and other sci-fi series have filmed scenes here.)

Our guide took us to several panoramic viewpoints where we explored the area on short hikes while learning about its unique geology. In the distance, the snow-capped Andes and looming volcanoes created a dramatic backdrop.

We ended the day with sunset drinks in the desert: wine, fruit, cheese, and charcuterie beautifully laid out on a table in a grassy clearing. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the rocks shifted through a stunning palette of gold, pink, and violet—a magical start to our Atacama experience.

Day 3: Salt Flats, Flamingos & Star Gazing

We kicked off our second full day with a morning excursion to the Salar de Atacama, part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve, about 90 minutes from San Pedro de Atacama. Unlike Bolivia’s famous mirror-like salt flats, Chile’s are drier and more rugged—vast stretches of cracked, jagged salt that look like they belong on another planet.

The stark white flats are punctuated by a series of shallow, turquoise lagoons that shimmer under the desert sun. These mineral-rich waters attract flocks of Andean and Chilean flamingos, whose pale pink plumage stands in vibrant contrast to the volcanic landscape. In the distance, you can spot the soaring peaks of the Andes on one side, and the glinting tops of lithium mines—a reminder of the region’s economic importance—on the other.

On the drive back, we made a quick stop in the small town of Toconao to see its historic 1750 bell tower and browse a few artisan shops for souvenirs.

We’d originally planned a half-day hike through Rainbow Valley that afternoon, followed by a full-day geyser tour the next day—but all the driving was beginning to wear us out. As someone prone to motion sickness, the constant back-and-forth in the van was taking a toll, and we realized we didn’t want to spend our vacation feeling rushed or drained.

Fortunately, our Virtuoso booking came with a $100 spa credit, so instead of pushing ourselves to do more, we booked a relaxing couples massage. It was the perfect mid-trip reset, and the tranquil spa setting was a welcome contrast to the rugged desert outside. (I am a Virtuoso travel advisor – learn how I can get you perks like this!)

An Evening Under the Stars

That night, we joined a guided stargazing session at the hotel’s small observatory. Just a short walk from the main buildings, the observatory features a semi-circle of reclining chairs that make gazing up into the cosmos supremely comfortable.

As darkness settled in, the sky came alive. Our guide pointed out the Southern Cross, Orion’s Belt reversed, and even nearby galaxies visible to the naked eye. As the mom of an astrophysics major, this was a special treat for me—and a reminder of how truly remote and remarkable the Atacama Desert is for observing the universe.

Day 4: Dramatic Landscapes in Rainbow Valley

Originally, we had planned to join the popular pre-dawn excursion to the El Tatio Geyser field, one of the world’s highest geothermal fields with over 80 steaming vents and bubbling hot springs. But the idea of a 4 a.m. wake-up call and a long drive and chilly hike didn’t quite fit the relaxed pace we were settling into—so we opted instead for a half-day trip to Rainbow Valley (Valle del Arcoíris), a colorful gem tucked into the Domeyko Mountains.

Just over an hour from San Pedro de Atacama, this lesser-known valley feels like a hidden palette of nature’s boldest brushstrokes. Layers of minerals have painted the canyon walls in vibrant streaks of red, green, white, and ochre, creating a landscape that’s as surreal as it is serene. While not as high-altitude or Instagram-famous as Rainbow Mountain in Peru (many of those photos are heavily edited, anyway), Rainbow Valley felt more authentic, more intimate—and no less spectacular.

As we walked among the sculpted cliffs and twisted rock formations, we were struck by how different this terrain was from the salt flats or Valle de la Luna. It’s as if every corner of the Atacama offers its own unique version of beauty.

Back at the resort by lunchtime, dusty and sun-warmed, we welcomed a slow afternoon by one of Nayara’s tranquil pools. With most guests off on afternoon excursions, we had the place almost entirely to ourselves.

Watch the Podcast

Want to hear more? Watch a recent podcast about my trip to the Atacama Desert.

Day 5: Travel to the Winelands

While we could have easily spent another day exploring the alien beauty of the Atacama, our love of wine—and many past wine-focused trips, from Piedmont to a Bordeaux river cruise—meant it was time to slow things down and savor a different kind of Chilean landscape. We flew back to Santiago, picked up a rental car from Enterprise at the airport, and headed two hours south to the Colchagua Valley, one of Chile’s premier wine regions.

The drive was easy, mostly along the highway, but for those who prefer not to drive, it’s possible to arrange full-day wine tours from Santiago. That said, I’m so glad we chose to stay in the heart of wine country—it allowed us to truly sink into the pace and pleasures of the region.

Our stay at Vibo Wine Lodge, located on the Viu Manent winery estate near Santa Cruz, ranks among our favorite hotel experiences—not for over-the-top luxury, but for its authenticity, tranquility, and thoughtful design. The accommodations are individual vineyard “lofts”—chic, tiny-house-style units set among the vines. Each features a cozy bedroom and lounge area, a wine fridge, a stylish full bath separated by a rolling barn door, and best of all, a private outdoor bathtub on the back porch, perfect for sunset soaks with a glass of Carménère in hand.

Guests are greeted with a welcome glass of wine in the inviting reception lounge, and the property includes a peaceful pool with sunbeds and in-water loungers, a charming bakery and café, and two on-site restaurants (open on a rotating schedule). You can borrow bikes, arrange horseback riding, or simply sit back and enjoy the vineyard views. We did just that—spending one full, blissful day without leaving the property.

On our first evening, we ventured into nearby Santa Cruz for dinner at Casa Colchagua, a lovely restaurant offering authentic Chilean cuisine in a setting that felt both rustic and refined. The empanadas were exceptional, and I was glad I tried the razor clams to start. The portions are extremely generous—consider yourself warned! We over-ordered and couldn’t begin to finish our entrees, but the experience was a delicious reminder of how welcoming and hearty Chilean hospitality can be.

Day 6: Leisurely Day at Viu Manent

We dedicated the day to fully enjoying the grounds of Vibo Wine Lodge and exploring the offerings of Viu Manent Winery, right outside our door. The morning began with a peaceful horseback ride through the vineyards, a scenic and relaxing way to take in the landscape before the midday heat set in.

Afterward, we headed to Rayuela Wine & Grill for lunch, where local ingredients are cooked over open flame and in a traditional clay oven under the guidance of Chef Maira Ramos. Everything—from the warm bread to the decadent desserts—is made in-house. Seated under fig trees with panoramic vineyard views, we enjoyed one of the most satisfying meals of our trip. The setting, paired with Viu Manent’s wines, created a sense of total contentment.

In the afternoon, we strolled to the main tasting room for a private icon wine tasting and tour. The experience began with a pour inside one of the wine cellars before we climbed aboard a carriage for a ride through the vineyards to the winery and barrel room. Returning to the tasting room, we enjoyed a flight of wines with generous pours and excellent commentary from our host. We lingered until closing—no one was rushing us, but the atmosphere made it easy to lose track of time.

Still full from lunch and all the wine, we opted for a charcuterie board from the café and enjoyed a relaxed picnic dinner on the porch of our loft—a perfect, quiet finish to a day of indulgence.

Day 7: Exploring Colchagua Wines

As much as we adored our immersive day at Viu Manent, we wanted to experience more of the Colchagua Valley’s wine scene, so we booked a full-day private tour with Colchagua Wine Tours. They coordinated tastings at three wineries, and we arranged lunch at Fuegos de Apalta, located on the grounds of Montes Winery. The cost for the driver was just $125 for the day—an excellent value for a seamless and comfortable experience.

We began at MontGras, a welcoming estate where we toured the vines and barrel room before enjoying a private tasting. The staff was warm and knowledgeable, and we especially enjoyed their Pinot Noir.

Next was Maquis, a smaller operation without a flashy tasting room, but with standout wines. I was particularly impressed by their Viola, a blend of Carménère and Cabernet Franc. We loved it so much we arranged to ship a case home.

Our final winery stop was at Montes Winery, a much larger and more commercial estate. While I was most excited about our lunch at Fuegos de Apalta, created by acclaimed Argentine chef Francis Mallmann, I was less taken with the wine tasting itself. The restaurant, however, is worth the visit. The rustic-modern setting and open-fire cooking were highlights, and I highly recommend stopping in for a meal even if you skip the wine.

The Montes tour began with a fun ride in a safari-style truck up the mountainside for a tasting with a view, followed by a visit to the barrel room, where Gregorian chants play 24/7. The tour concluded with a group tasting that included their famous Purple Angel wine. Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to the hype for us—but after a full day of tastings, we were happy to simply enjoy the ride.

That evening, we walked to another on-site restaurant at Viu Manent: the intimate Food + Wine Studio by Pilar Rodriguez. This small dining experience features a tasting menu with wine pairings, blending culinary artistry with local ingredients. It was another standout moment in a trip that beautifully combined exploration, relaxation, and indulgence.

Day 8: Clos de Apalta to Casablanca

With reluctance, we said goodbye to the sun-drenched hills of the Colchagua Valley and set off on a two-and-a-half-hour drive northwest toward the cooler, coastal Casablanca region. But first, we had one last unforgettable meal at the Clos Apalta Residence.

Clos Apalta had already won us over with some of our favorite Chilean wines, but their food service took the experience to another level. This exceptional Relais & Chateaux property features gorgeous villas nestled into the hillside overlooking the vineyard—a perfect blend of luxury and tranquility. Our lunch was a true celebration, beginning with custom-printed menus personalized with our names and ending with a beautifully presented dessert paired with fantastic wines throughout. Some dishes were so artful and aromatic, I didn’t even think to pull out my camera. (And yes, this was one of the rare times I actually enjoyed octopus!)

After lunch, we continued to our next home for the coming days: La Casona hotel at Matetic Vineyards in San Antonio. This region’s proximity to the coast and Santiago means it benefits from a cooler microclimate, influenced by the Humboldt Current flowing up from Antarctica and the surrounding mountain ranges.

La Casona was a world away from Vibo Wine Lodge. Housed in a former family hacienda, it offers just 10 rooms arranged around a serene courtyard. On the property, there’s a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a tasting room, and plenty of activities. Like Nayara Alto Atacama, our stay was all-inclusive—meals, house wines, wine tastings, and activities like horseback riding, mountain biking, trekking, and guided excursions were all included.

The restaurant served solid, well-prepared meals, though the limited, unchanging menu made us appreciate the convenience more than the cuisine. By this point in our trip, we’d had so much fine dining that we skipped the included five-course tasting dinner—because, let’s be honest, every international traveler eventually hits that moment when they just crave a burger or something simple. This was definitely that moment for us.

Day 9: Matetic Vineyards

We have a habit of booking incredible places and then not giving ourselves enough time to truly enjoy them—so on this day, we committed to soaking in La Casona and its surroundings.

Choosing what to do in the morning proved tricky: Glenn loves biking, I prefer hiking, and since we’d already gone horseback riding earlier in the trip, we compromised by biking to a hiking trail. It was the perfect blend—allowing us to satisfy both of our cravings for adventure and fresh air. All activities at La Casona are typically group tours, but since we were the only ones interested in this option, we enjoyed a private guide.

In the afternoon, we took a biodynamic tour of the vineyards. Wandering past lavender-lined pollinator gardens, curious farm animals, and the barrel room, we gained a deep appreciation for Matetic’s dedication to sustainable farming and the unique character it lends their wines. We returned to the hotel for a group tasting that was both educational and delicious—and included with our stay.

Day 10: Isla Negra & Santo Domingo

On our final day in Chile, I was determined to see the Pacific Ocean—especially from the Southern Hemisphere!

Though the hotel offered guided excursions, we had the car and decided to explore on our own. Our first stop was the charming seaside town of Isla Negra, best known as the home of Pablo Neruda, Chile’s most beloved poet. Known for his passionate verse and eccentric personality, Neruda’s house is now a museum filled with his fascinating collections. The audio guide (thankfully in English) brought his life and work vividly to life, and we enjoyed the visit far more than we expected.

Afterward, we strolled down to the rocky beach where waves crash relentlessly against the coast, reminding us of parts of Big Sur—except with far less traffic.

Next, we drove further down the coast to Santo Domingo, a tranquil town known for its wide sandy beaches, upscale summer homes, and relaxed vibe. It reminded me of La Jolla but with cliffside mansions that cost a fraction of the price. The town is bordered by both the Maipo River and the Pacific Ocean, offering opportunities for birdwatching and hiking through the nearby Río Maipo wetlands. Though we planned to stay for sunset, we headed back early to enjoy our last dinner at the hotel.

Watch the Podcast

Watch the recent podcast about my trip to Chile’s Winelands.

Final Reflections

Ten days wasn’t nearly enough to see all of Chile—but it gave us a beautiful taste of its contrasts: from the stark desert landscapes of the Atacama, to the lush, biodynamic vineyards, to the rugged shores of the Pacific.

I truly loved our time in Chile and can’t wait to return—next time to explore Patagonia, perhaps Easter Island, and definitely to savor more of the country’s unforgettable food and wine.

Do you need help planning your trip? If you are feeling overwhelmed and don’t have the time or resources to wade through tons of information and question your decisions, I help clients plan a custom itinerary, tailored to your interests and travel style. Learn more about my Travel Advisor and trip planning services.

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