Traverse Chile’s dramatic spine in 13 days — from Atacama’s salt pans and high lagoons to the lake-dotted south and penguin colonies off Punta Arenas. This multi-day tour blends short hikes, scenic drives and cultural stops with practical pacing for varied altitudes and climates.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out of the dry, thin air of San Pedro de Atacama at dawn and the world feels enormous — salt flats, high-altitude lagoons and a sky so clean it seems to push at your eyelids. Over thirteen days the route shifts from this hyper-arid north through central valleys and coastal cities, then south into the lake district and finally to the windswept reaches around Punta Arenas and Magdalena Island. Each day is a new landscape with its own pace.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
13 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average shape; expect short walks, vehicle transfers and brief acclimatization hikes at altitude.
Wildlife
History
Chile’s north-south corridor held indigenous trade routes long before Spanish colonization; later, German settlers reshaped the architecture and agriculture of the Lake District in the 19th century.
Conservation
Many stops lie within protected reserves (Los Flamencos, Los Pingüinos); follow park rules, avoid disturbing wildlife, and use local operators who support conservation efforts.
Reserve your spot on the 13-Day Tour Chile from North to South today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize in San Pedro
Spend the first day taking it easy after arrival; many excursions rise above 4,000 m so gradual exposure reduces altitude sickness risk.
Hydrate and carry water
Drink frequently, especially in the Atacama highlands and during vehicle transfers — dehydration worsens altitude effects.
Windproof outer layer
Patagonian days are often windy and wet; a lightweight, breathable shell keeps you comfortable during coastal and southern stops.
Pack light-day essentials
Bring a small daypack with sunscreen, spare layers, snacks and a camera to make the most of short hikes and viewpoints.
Layered clothing (base, insulation, shell)
Protects against large temperature swings from deserts to rainy southern coast.
Sturdy walking shoes or light hiking boots
Good traction and ankle support for uneven trails, dunes and rocky viewpoints.
High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and wide-brim hat
UV intensity is high in the north and at altitude; protect skin and eyes.
Daypack with 2–3L water capacity
Keeps hydration and essentials accessible during excursions and transfers.