17-Day Epic Chile Family Discovery: Deserts, Lakes, and Cities
Chile is a land of extremes made surprisingly accessible for families. From the cosmopolitan parks of Santiago to the gentle lakeside strolls in the South, this 17-day itinerary is designed for those traveling with children who want to see the 'epic' side of South America without the stress. We have prioritized comfortable intercity travel via domestic flights and reliable buses, ensuring your little ones stay as happy as the adults.
Our route balances adventure and relaxation. You will discover the world's driest desert in the North, the colorful hills of the coast, and the emerald forests of the Lake District. Most activities are chosen for their stroller accessibility or short walking distances, making this a truly inclusive family journey.
Day 1: Santiago, Chile - Arrival & City Parks
Arrival at Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport
Complete your entry formalities and head to your central accommodation via a pre-booked shuttle. The airport is well-equipped with family restrooms and clear signage.
Lunch at Barrio Lastarria
Enjoy a relaxed meal in this pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. The streets are paved and easy for strollers, with many cafes offering high chairs and outdoor seating.
Parque Bicentenario Exploration
Head to Vitacura to visit this modern park. Kids will love feeding the flamingos and koi fish in the lagoons while parents enjoy the pristine mountain views.
Relaxed Dinner in Vitacura
End your first day at a family-oriented restaurant near the park. Many local spots offer 'Menu del Niños' (Kids' Menus) featuring healthy Chilean staples.
Day 2: Santiago, Chile - Culture & Science
Museo Interactivo Mirador (MIM)
This is a must-visit for families. It is a massive interactive science museum where kids are encouraged to touch everything. It is fully accessible and highly engaging.
Picnic at Parque Quinta Normal
Located right next to the museum, this park is perfect for a budget-friendly picnic. There are paddle boats available on the small lake.
National Museum of Natural History
Located within the same park, this museum features impressive whale skeletons and exhibits on Chile's diverse wildlife that fascinate children.
Stroll through Barrio Italia
Explore this charming neighborhood known for its boutique shops and hidden courtyards. It is a great spot to find unique handmade Chilean toys.
Day 3: Santiago, Chile - Hills and High Views
Cerro San Cristobal Funicular
Take the historic funicular up the hill. It is a thrilling ride for kids and saves you the steep hike. The summit offers the best panoramic views of the city.
Santiago Cable Car (Teleférico)
From the top of San Cristobal, take the cable car down towards Providencia. It is stroller-friendly and provides a bird's-eye view of the city's skyscrapers.
Sky Costanera Observation Deck
Visit the tallest building in South America. The high-speed elevators are a hit with children, and the 360-degree glass walls are perfectly safe for little ones to look through.
Dinner at Costanera Center
The mall attached to the tower has a wide variety of food options, including familiar international chains and local fast-casual spots, perfect for picky eaters.
Day 4: Valparaíso, Chile - Coastal Colors
Bus to Valparaíso
Board a comfortable pullman bus from Pajaritos Station. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours through the scenic wine valleys.
Ascensor Reina Victoria
Ride one of Valparaíso's famous elevators. This one leads to a small park with a slide that drops kids right into a playground area.
Lunch with a View on Cerro Alegre
This hill is the most stroller-friendly, with flatter walkways and incredible street art. Many restaurants here offer terrace seating overlooking the harbor.
Harbor Boat Tour
Head to Muelle Prat for a 30-minute boat ride around the bay. It is an affordable way to see the massive container ships and playful sea lions up close.
Day 5: Viña del Mar, Chile - Garden City Relaxation
Reloj de Flores (Flower Clock)
Visit this iconic landmark. The area is well-paved and perfect for a family photo before heading to the nearby beach boardwalk.
Beach Day at Reñaca
A short bus or taxi ride takes you to this popular beach. While the water is cold, the sand is perfect for building castles and watching the waves.
Museo Fonck
See a real Moai statue from Easter Island right in the front yard. Inside, the natural history exhibits are manageable for young children with short attention spans.
Evening Promenade Stroll
Walk along the Avenida Perú boardwalk as the sun sets. There are plenty of ice cream parlors and safe spaces for kids to run around.
Day 6: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile - Into the Desert
Flight to Calama
Travel back to Santiago airport for a domestic flight to Calama. This is the gateway to the Atacama Desert. The flight takes approximately 2 hours.
Shuttle to San Pedro
Take a pre-arranged shuttle from Calama airport. The 1.5-hour drive is through stunning, desolate desert landscapes that look like another planet.
Check-in & Acclimatization
San Pedro is at 2,400 meters. Spend the afternoon resting, drinking lots of water, and walking slowly through the adobe-walled town center.
Dinner at Caracoles Street
The main street is pedestrian-only. Enjoy a meal at a rustic restaurant with a fire pit, which keeps things cozy as the desert temperature drops.
Day 7: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile - Moon Valley
Leisurely Morning in Town
Visit the local craft market. The colorful textiles and llama-wool hats are great souvenirs and practical for the chilly desert nights.
Lunch at a Local 'Picada'
Try some traditional northern Chilean food. Look for dishes with 'Pataska' or local corn-based stews that are nutritious for the whole family.
Valle de la Luna Tour
Visit the Moon Valley. It is just a 15-minute drive from town. Most tours involve short, easy walks to see salt caves and sand dunes that kids will find magical.
Sunset at Piedra del Coyote
Watch the colors of the Andes change from purple to fiery orange. It is a spectacular sight that requires very little walking from the car park.
Day 8: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile - Lagoons & Flamingos
Laguna Chaxa Visit
Located in the Atacama Salt Flat, this area has flat, well-marked paths suitable for strollers. You are almost guaranteed to see three species of flamingos here.
Toconao Village Stop
Stop in this small oasis village. Visit the historic church and the local orchards. It is a peaceful place for kids to stretch their legs.
Floating in Cejar Lagoon
Older kids will love the buoyancy of the salt water. For younger children, the turquoise water and white salt shores make for great sensory play nearby.
Star Gazing Experience
San Pedro has the clearest skies on earth. Some family tours offer telescope viewing early in the evening before it gets too late or cold for the little ones.
Day 9: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile - Rainbow Valley
Yerba Buena Petroglyphs
See ancient rock carvings that are thousands of years old. The walk is flat and the history is presented in a way that is easy for kids to understand.
Valle del Arcoíris (Rainbow Valley)
Marvel at the mountains striped with red, green, and white minerals. It is a fantastic natural classroom for a geography lesson.
Relaxed Lunch in San Pedro
Head back to town for a late lunch. Use the afternoon to let the kids play in the town square while you enjoy a famous 'Rica Rica' flavored ice cream.
Pukará de Quitor
Visit this ancient fortress. The climb to the top is optional; the base level offers plenty of interesting ruins to explore without the strenuous hike.
Day 10: Puerto Varas, Chile - South to the Lakes
Travel to Calama Airport
Take your shuttle back to Calama for your flight to the Lake District (usually via Santiago).
Arrival in Puerto Montt
Collect your bags and take a 30-minute taxi or shuttle to the lakeside town of Puerto Varas.
Lakeside Walk in Puerto Varas
The 'City of Roses' is incredibly beautiful. Walk along the shore of Lake Llanquihue with the perfectly conical Osorno Volcano in the background.
German-style Dinner
The region has a strong German influence. Enjoy some hearty sausages or a slice of 'Kuchen' (cake) for which this area is famous.
Day 11: Puerto Varas, Chile - Volcanoes & Views
Osorno Volcano Chairlift
Drive up to the ski center on the volcano. Take the chairlift for incredible views. It is safe for children and much easier than hiking on the volcanic scree.
Saltos del Petrohué
Visit these turquoise waterfalls. The paths are made of sturdy wooden boardwalks that are entirely stroller-accessible and very safe for toddlers.
Lake Todos los Santos Boat Ride
Take a short boat excursion on the emerald waters. The boats are stable and offer great photo opportunities of the surrounding rainforest.
Relax at the Hotel
Many hotels in Puerto Varas overlook the lake. Enjoy a quiet evening watching the sunset reflect off the water while the kids play in the room.
Day 12: Frutillar, Chile - Music and Pastries
Drive to Frutillar
This charming town is a 30-minute drive along the lake. It looks like a slice of Bavaria transported to the Andes.
Teatro del Lago
Visit one of the most beautiful theaters in the world. Even if there isn't a show, the architecture and the lakeside setting are stunning.
German Colonial Museum
An open-air museum with beautiful gardens and old farm machinery that kids can look at while learning about the early settlers.
Kuchen Tasting
You cannot leave Frutillar without eating cake. The local cafes offer dozens of varieties, with blueberry and raspberry being local favorites.
Day 13: Ensenada, Chile - Adventure for All
Laguna Verde
A very short, easy walk from the parking lot leads to this bright green lagoon surrounded by forest. It’s a great spot for a low-energy nature day.
Farm Visit and Lunch
Visit a local 'fundo' (farm) where kids can see cows, sheep, and horses. Many of these farms serve incredible farm-to-table lunches.
Puerto Varas Beach Time
Head back to the main town. If the weather is warm, the small pebble beaches are great for skipping stones and enjoying the fresh air.
Pizza Night
Puerto Varas has excellent wood-fired pizza places that are very welcoming to families with young children.
Day 14: Chiloé Island, Chile - Myths and Penguins
Day Trip to Chiloé
Drive to Pargua and take the ferry across the Chacao Channel. Watching the ferry load is an excitement in itself for many children.
Puñihuil Penguin Colony
Take a small boat to see Magellanic and Humboldt penguins nesting together. It is one of the few places in the world where both species coexist.
Lunch in Ancud
Try 'Curanto,' a traditional Chiloé feast. For kids, the simple potato bread (Milcao) is usually a winner.
Wooden Churches of Chiloé
Visit one of the UNESCO World Heritage wooden churches. They are architecturally unique and often located near colorful local markets.
Day 15: Santiago, Chile - The Return
Flight from Puerto Montt to Santiago
Say goodbye to the South and fly back to the capital for your final two nights.
Check-in and Light Lunch
Stay in a different neighborhood this time, perhaps Las Condes, to see a more modern side of the city.
Parque Araucano
This is arguably the best park for kids in Santiago. It features multi-level playgrounds, a rose garden, and plenty of space for strollers.
Farewell to Chile Dinner
Choose a restaurant in the 'Borde Río' area, which features upscale dining in a park-like setting with plenty of space for children to move around.
Day 16: Santiago, Chile - Shopping & Souvenirs
Pueblito Los Dominicos
This craft market is built to look like a colonial village. It is a peaceful place to buy high-quality lapis lazuli jewelry and copper crafts.
Final Chilean Feast
Enjoy a 'Pastel de Choclo' (corn pie) or an 'Empanada de Pino' for a final taste of traditional Chilean flavors.
Mall Sport Visit
If the kids have extra energy, this mall features indoor climbing walls, a wave pool, and other activities designed for active youngsters.
Quiet Evening Packing
Order a final 'Pisco Sour' (for the adults) and some local fruit juice for the kids as you prepare for your journey home.
Day 17: Santiago, Chile - Departure
Last Minute Pastries
Visit a local 'panaderia' for some fresh hallulla bread to snack on during the trip to the airport.
Airport Transfer
Take a reliable transfer back to the airport. It is best to arrive 3 hours early for international flights to navigate security with children.
Duty Free and Play Area
Santiago airport has a decent selection of shops and some small designated areas where kids can sit and play before boarding.
Boarding & Homeward Bound
Board your flight home, reflecting on an epic 17-day journey through the heart of South America.
Best Time to Visit Chile
The best time for this multi-region family trip is during the Chilean spring (October to November) or autumn (March to April). During these months, the weather is mild in Santiago, the desert isn't too hot, and the Lake District is vibrant without the heavy winter rains. Summer (December to February) is also great but expect higher prices and more crowds at popular family spots.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Chilean Peso (CLP). While credit cards are widely accepted in cities like Santiago and Puerto Varas, you will need cash for small shops in San Pedro de Atacama and for tipping. Tipping is customary at 10% in restaurants (often added as a 'propina sugerida'). ATMs are easily found in most urban areas.
Getting Around Chile
Intercity travel is best handled by domestic flights for long distances (like Santiago to the North or South) to save time. Within the Lake District, renting a car is the most family-friendly option. For shorter trips like Santiago to Valparaíso, the intercity bus system is excellent, affordable, and very comfortable with 'semi-cama' (half-bed) reclining seats.
