Exploring both Peru and Chile offers a mix of ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and adventure. Whether you’re short on time and want to see the highlights or have a month to explore more deeply, these itineraries will help you make the most of your trip.
How Many Days In Peru And Chile?
I’d personally recommend two to three weeks is a good amount of time to see the highlights of Peru and Chile – Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Santiago, Atacama and Torres Del Paine.
However, if you have the time, then four to five weeks is ideal to slow down the itinerary, include a couple more stops and really feel like you’ve seen both countries.
| Itinerary | Duration | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Highlights | 2-3 Weeks | Best for those who want to see the most iconic sights in a short time. Covers Lima, Arequipa, Cusco/Machu Picchu, Santiago, Atacama, and Torres del Paine. |
| Deep Dive | 4-5 Weeks | Perfect for travelers who want a more immersive experience, adding Paracas, Puno, Pucon, and Puerto Varas to the highlights itinerary. |
2-Week Peru & Chile Highlights Itinerary
| Stop | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Lima | Historic center, food scene, Miraflores & Barranco |
| Arequipa | Colca Canyon, Santa Catalina Monastery |
| Cusco & Machu Picchu | Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, Sacsayhuamán |
| Santiago | Plaza de Armas, Cerro San Cristóbal, wine tours |
| Atacama Desert | Valle de la Luna, geysers, stargazing |
| Torres del Paine | Hiking, glaciers, wildlife spotting |
Lima
- Recommended amount of days: 2-3 Days
- Transport to get there: International flight into Jorge Chávez International Airport
Peru’s capital is a foodie paradise with a vibrant coastal charm. Explore the historic center, stroll through Miraflores and Barranco, and try ceviche at a local market.
Arequipa
- Recommended amount of days: 2-3 Days
- Transport to get there: Domestic flight or overnight bus from Lima
Nicknamed the “White City,” Arequipa is surrounded by volcanoes and boasts colonial charm. Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery and hike the stunning Colca Canyon to see condors in flight.
Cusco & Machu Picchu
- Recommended amount of days: 4-5 Days
- Transport to get there: Flight from Lima to Cusco, then train or trek to Machu Picchu
The gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, Cusco is a historic Andean city with vibrant culture. Explore Sacsayhuamán, take a day trip to Rainbow Mountain, and trek or take the train to Machu Picchu.
Santiago
- Recommended amount of days: 2-3 Days
- Transport to get there: International or domestic flight
Chile’s capital blends modern energy with historic sites. Walk through Plaza de Armas, ride the funicular up Cerro San Cristóbal for city views, and take a day trip to the Maipo Valley wine region.
Atacama Desert
- Recommended amount of days: 3-4 Days
- Transport to get there: Flight from Santiago to Calama, then bus to San Pedro de Atacama
A surreal landscape of salt flats, geysers, and otherworldly rock formations. Visit Valle de la Luna for sunset, El Tatio Geysers at dawn, and experience some of the world’s clearest stargazing.
Torres del Paine
- Recommended amount of days: 4-5 Days
- Transport to get there: Flight to Punta Arenas, then bus to Puerto Natales and onwards to the park
One of Patagonia’s most famous hiking destinations. Trek the W or O circuits, admire glaciers, and spot guanacos and condors in this stunning national park.
“Joe turned our fragmented ideas into a seamless itinerary. His expert advice saved us time, money, and stress – making our time in Argentina unforgettable”
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Sam & Amy – 1 Month In Argentina
Planning a trip to Argentina?
Are you struggling with any of this?
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I help travellers like you plan custom Argentina trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
4-Week Chile & Argentina Deep Dive Itinerary
| Stop | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Lima | Historic center, food scene, Miraflores & Barranco |
| Paracas | Ballestas Islands, Paracas National Reserve |
| Arequipa | Colca Canyon, Santa Catalina Monastery |
| Puno | Lake Titicaca, Uros floating islands |
| Cusco & Machu Picchu | Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, Sacsayhuamán |
| Santiago | Plaza de Armas, Cerro San Cristóbal, wine tours |
| Atacama Desert | Valle de la Luna, geysers, stargazing |
| Pucon | Villarrica volcano, hot springs, adventure sports |
| Torres del Paine | Hiking, glaciers, wildlife spotting |
Lima
- Recommended amount of days: 1-2 Days
As in the highlights itinerary, enjoy Peru’s capital city with its blend of history, ocean views, and incredible food.
Paracas
- Recommended amount of days: 1-2 Days
- Transport to get there: Bus from Lima (4 hours)
A coastal escape south of Lima, Paracas is known for the Ballestas Islands, often called the “poor man’s Galapagos,” and the dramatic desert landscapes of Paracas National Reserve.
Arequipa
Same as the highlights itinerary: explore the colonial city and hike the Colca Canyon to spot Andean condors.
Puno & Lake Titicaca
- Recommended amount of days: 2 Days
- Transport to get there: Bus or train from Cusco
Puno is the gateway to Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake. Visit the floating Uros Islands and Taquile Island to experience traditional Andean culture.
Cusco & Machu Picchu
Spend extra time in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Take a day trip to Moray and the Maras salt mines and consider the Salkantay or Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu.
Santiago
Similar to the highlights itinerary, but with time for day trips to Valparaíso and the Maipo Valley wine region.
Atacama Desert
Explore the stunning desert landscapes in more depth with extra time for hiking and visiting Salar de Atacama.
“Joe saved us so many hours of research and planning. His expertise turned our stress into a clear, custom itinerary we could actually enjoy.”
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Maeve & Martin – 6 Weeks In South America
Planning a trip to South America?
Are you struggling with any of this?
✔ Don’t know where to start planning
✔ Unsure how to pick the best route
✔ Spending hours researching… and still feeling stuck
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo!
I help travellers like you plan custom South America trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
Pucon
- Recommended amount of days: 2-3 Days
- Transport to get there: Overnight bus or domestic flight to Temuco, then bus to Pucon
An adventure hub in Chile’s Lake District. Hike Villarrica volcano, go white-water rafting, or relax in the region’s hot springs.
Puerto Varas
- Recommended amount of days: 2-3 Days
- Transport to get there: Flight to Puerto Montt, then bus to Puerto Varas
Another scenic stop in the Lake District, Puerto Varas offers stunning views of Osorno Volcano, the turquoise waters of Petrohué Falls, and German-influenced architecture.
Torres del Paine
Finish your journey with an unforgettable adventure in Patagonia, hiking the famous W Trek or shorter day hikes.
Final Thoughts
Both itineraries offer incredible experiences, whether you’re looking for a fast-paced highlights trip or a more in-depth exploration. The 2-week itinerary covers the absolute must-sees, while the 4-week version gives you time to truly immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes of Peru and Chile.
How Many Days in Peru Is Enough?
7 Days in Peru
With a week, focus on the essentials:
- Lima (1-2 days) for its food scene and historic centre.
- Cusco and the Sacred Valley (3-4 days) to explore Incan ruins.
- Machu Picchu (1-2 days) with either the train or a short trek.
14 Days in Peru
Two weeks allows for a more immersive experience:
- Lima (2 days) for food and culture.
- Paracas and Huacachina (2 days) for coastal and desert adventures.
- Arequipa and Colca Canyon (3 days) to see stunning landscapes.
- Puno and Lake Titicaca (2 days) for Andean culture.
- Cusco and Machu Picchu (5 days) to explore ruins and nature.
How Many Days in Chile Is Enough?
7 Days in Chile
For a one-week trip, focus on:
- Santiago (2 days) to explore the capital and nearby wine regions.
- Atacama Desert (3-4 days) for surreal landscapes and stargazing.
14 Days in Chile
Two weeks offers more variety:
- Santiago (2 days) for culture and day trips.
- Valparaíso (1 day) to see the colourful coastal city.
- Atacama Desert (3-4 days) for desert adventures.
- Pucon (3 days) for volcano hikes and hot springs.
- Patagonia (4-5 days) to experience Torres del Paine.
If you want to know how many days you need in Chile, head to the post below:
“We ended up with a better itinerary than anything a travel agent suggested – and without the hefty price tag!
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Jerry & Maria – 5 Weeks In South America
Planning a trip to Argentina?
Are you struggling with any of this?
✔ Unsure how to pick the best route
✔ Spent hours researching… and still feeling lost
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo!
I help travellers like you plan custom Argentina trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
