The Most Classic and Time-Efficient Itinerary: 12 Days in Peru & Chile
Machu Picchu + Torres del Paine National Park
Short on time but dreaming big? This 12-day itinerary combines two of South America’s most iconic destinations—Machu Picchu in Peru and Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. It’s perfect for travelers who want maximum adventure with minimal travel days. Here’s how to make it happen:
Day 1: Arrival in Lima, Peru
Touch down in Lima, the capital city, and get ready for an exciting journey ahead.
Day 2: Ballestas Islands & Huacachina Oasis Day Trip
Take a day tour from Lima to the “Poor Man’s Galápagos”—the Ballestas Islands—followed by sandboarding and sunset at the surreal Huacachina desert oasis.
Day 3: Lima to Cusco
Fly to Cusco, the former Inca capital nestled in the Andes. Spend the day acclimating to the altitude and exploring the charming cobblestone streets.
Day 4: Sacred Valley Day Tour + Train to Aguas Calientes
Discover the stunning Sacred Valley, stopping at Pisac and Ollantaytambo before taking the scenic train ride to the base town of Machu Picchu.
Day 5: Machu Picchu Visit & Return to Cusco
Rise early to explore the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Afterward, travel back to Cusco for the night.
Day 6: Cusco to Santiago via Lima
Fly from Cusco back to Lima, then connect onward to Santiago, the cosmopolitan heart of Chile.
Day 7: Valparaíso & Viña del Mar Day Trip
Take a colorful day trip to the bohemian port city of Valparaíso and the nearby beach town of Viña del Mar.
Day 8: Santiago to Puerto Natales
Catch a flight to Puerto Natales, the gateway to Patagonia and Torres del Paine.
Day 9: Torres del Paine Full-Day Scenic Tour
Take a guided day tour through Torres del Paine National Park—think jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, and windswept landscapes.
Day 10: Glacier Grey Boat Tour
Hop on a boat cruise to see the dramatic Glacier Grey up close—an unforgettable Patagonian experience.
Day 11: Return to Santiago
Fly back to Santiago and enjoy a final evening in the city.
Day 12: Departure or Continue Your Journey
Head home or continue your adventure elsewhere in South America.
Prefer Moai Over Mountains? Swap Patagonia for Easter Island
If you’re thinking, “Torres del Paine sounds amazing… but do I really want to hike in the wind and cold for hours?” — you’re not alone. For a more mystical and laid-back twist, consider trading rugged Patagonia for the remote wonders of Easter Island (Rapa Nui), where you can spend your days wandering among ancient moai statues and watching sunsets over the Pacific. Here’s how your revised 12-day itinerary could look:
Day 1: Arrival in Lima, Peru
Settle into Peru’s capital city and get a taste of coastal life.
Day 2: Ballestas Islands & Huacachina Oasis Day Tour
Embark on a full-day adventure from Lima, spotting sea lions and penguins in the morning and sandboarding through desert dunes by sunset.
Day 3: Lima to Cusco
Fly to the high-altitude city of Cusco and start acclimating to the Andes.
Day 4: Sacred Valley Tour + Train to Aguas Calientes
Tour the Inca heartland and board the scenic train to the gateway town of Machu Picchu.
Day 5: Explore Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco
Spend the morning exploring Peru’s iconic lost city, then head back to Cusco for the night.
Day 6: Fly to Santiago via Lima
Travel back through Lima to reach Chile’s dynamic capital city.
Day 7: Day Trip to Valparaíso & Viña del Mar
Take a colorful day trip to Chile’s vibrant coastal towns—street art, seafood, and seaside strolls await.
Day 8: Fly to Easter Island (Rapa Nui)
Board a flight to one of the world’s most remote inhabited islands—time to meet the moai.
Day 9: Easter Island – Day 1
Visit Rano Raraku (the quarry where the moai were carved), Ahu Tongariki (the famous 15 moai line-up), and Anakena Beach.
Day 10: Easter Island – Day 2
Catch sunrise at Ahu Tongariki, explore Orongo ceremonial village, and hike or bike around volcanic craters and coastal views.
Day 11: Return to Santiago
Fly back to the mainland and soak in one last evening in Chile.
Day 12: Departure or Next Destination
Head home—or keep the adventure going elsewhere in South America!
What If You Want to Include Bolivia? Here’s How the Ultimate 3-Week Itinerary Looks
If you’re dreaming bigger—think Patagonian peaks, Atacama deserts, Bolivian salt flats, floating islands, and finally Machu Picchu—then this extended 3-country itinerary is your golden ticket. Here’s how to explore Chile, Bolivia, and Peru in one epic 21-day adventure:
Day 1: Arrival in Santiago, Chile
Start your journey in Chile’s vibrant capital city.
Day 2: Day Trip to Valparaíso & Viña del Mar
Visit the colorful streets of Valparaíso and relax by the Pacific in Viña del Mar.
Day 3: Fly to Puerto Natales
Head south to the gateway of Torres del Paine National Park.
Day 4: Torres del Paine Scenic Day Tour
Take a full-day guided tour through one of the most iconic parks in Patagonia.
Day 5: Boat Trip to Glacier Grey
Cruise through icy waters to get up close with the stunning Glacier Grey.
Day 6: Return to Santiago
Fly back to Santiago for a brief stop before heading north.
Day 7: Fly to Calama, Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama
Fly to Chile’s north and drive into the desert town of San Pedro de Atacama. (Bonus tip: If you need a Bolivian visa, you can arrange it in Calama.)
Day 8: Atacama Desert – Day 1
Explore Mars-like landscapes, salt flats, or the famous Moon Valley.
Day 9: Atacama Desert – Day 2
Geysers at sunrise? Or perhaps float in a salt lagoon? Atacama’s got surprises.
Day 10: Start the 3-Day Uyuni Salt Flats Tour (Chile to Bolivia)
Begin your cross-border 4×4 journey through otherworldly landscapes—volcanoes, lagoons, and surreal rock formations.
Day 11: Uyuni Tour – Day 2
Continue the high-altitude adventure through colorful deserts and salt flats.
Day 12: Uyuni Tour – Day 3 & Mirror Effect Sunset
End the tour with the famous “mirror effect” on Salar de Uyuni. Stay in Uyuni or take a night bus to La Paz.
Day 13: Arrive in La Paz – Witch Market & Cable Cars
Wander through La Paz’s mystical Witch Market and ride the world’s highest cable car system.
Day 14: Cross into Peru – Arrive in Puno
Take a scenic ride from La Paz to the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Day 15: Lake Titicaca Day Tour
Visit the floating Uros Islands and explore Taquile Island by boat.
Day 16: Travel the ‘Route of the Sun’ to Cusco
Take a scenic overland route with cultural stops en route to the Inca capital.
Day 17: Sacred Valley Tour + Train to Aguas Calientes
Explore the Sacred Valley’s highlights before heading to the base of Machu Picchu.
Day 18: Machu Picchu Day
Witness sunrise at the legendary Inca citadel, then return to Cusco.
Day 19: Fly from Cusco to Lima
Head to the Peruvian coast for your final stop.
Day 20: Explore Lima or Relax by the Pacific
Sample Peruvian cuisine, visit the historic center, or enjoy a chill day by the ocean.
Day 21: Departure or Continue Onward
Time to say goodbye—or connect to your next South American destination.
Why Add Bolivia Between Chile and Peru?
Because if you’re already heading north from Chile’s Atacama Desert, crossing into Bolivia is the ultimate move. From the surreal mirror landscapes of Salar de Uyuni, through high-altitude deserts and colorful lagoons, all the way to Lake Titicaca—and finally arriving at the iconic Machu Picchu—the overland route flows so naturally. And the best part? Every stop along the way is pure magic.
Need help matching routes or crafting your dream adventure through Chile, Bolivia, Peru (or beyond)?
DM me—I’m Summer, an outdoor-loving backpacker who only recommends the most unforgettable corners of the world.
Follow along, and let’s talk South America, slow travel, and all the best places worth wandering. 🌎✨
