19-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Chile
Chile is a land of dramatic contrasts, stretching from the world's driest desert to the icy fjords of the south. While it is often considered one of South America's more expensive destinations, a savvy backpacker can still experience its majesty by utilizing the world-class bus network, eating like a local at 'picadas', and taking advantage of the countless free natural wonders.
This 19-day journey is designed for the 'ultra-lean' traveler. You will skip the expensive private tours and instead use local 'micros', cook your own meals in hostel kitchens using fresh ingredients from municipal markets, and embrace the long-haul bus culture that makes crossing this 4,000km country possible on a shoestring budget.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Santiago, Chile - Capital Arrival
Arrival at AMB Airport
Touch down in Santiago and bypass the expensive taxis. Take the Centropuerto or Turbus shuttle for a fraction of the cost to Los Heroes station.
Plaza de Armas & Central Market
Explore the historic heart of the city. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral for free and walk through the Mercado Central to smell the fresh seafood (but eat at the smaller stalls outside for cheaper prices).
Cerro Santa Lucía
Climb this ornate hill in the city center for a panoramic view of the skyline and the Andes. Entry is free, though you must sign in at the gate.
Dinner at a 'Picada'
Head to a local 'picada' (budget eatery) for a 'completo'—a massive Chilean hot dog loaded with avocado and mayo—the ultimate budget fuel.
Day 2: Santiago, Chile - Hills and Heritage
Hike Cerro San Cristóbal
Skip the expensive funicular and hike the pathway up to the Virgin Mary statue. The view from the top is the best in the city and completely free.
Barrio Bellavista Street Art
Wander through the colorful streets of Bellavista. It is an open-air gallery of world-class murals and bohemian vibes.
Museum of Memory and Human Rights
A deeply moving and essential look at Chile's history under the dictatorship. Permanent exhibitions are free to the public.
La Vega Central Market
Stock up on cheap produce for your hostel dinner. This is the busiest and cheapest market in the city for fruits and vegetables.
Day 3: Valparaíso, Chile - The Jewel of the Pacific
Bus to Valparaíso
Head to Terminal Pajaritos and catch a bus to the coast. The 1.5-hour journey is comfortable and inexpensive.
Check into Hostal
Drop your bags at a hilltop hostel. Valpo is famous for its creative, budget-friendly communal living spaces.
Cerro Alegre & Concepción
Walk the winding staircases and alleys of the most famous hills. Every corner is a photo opportunity for street art lovers.
Sunset at Paseo 21 de Mayo
Take the 'Artilleria' elevator (small fee) for a stunning view of the shipping port as the sun dips below the horizon.
Day 4: Valparaíso, Chile - Coastal Exploration
Free Walking Tour
Join a 'tips-based' walking tour starting at Plaza Sotomayor to learn the gritty history of this UNESCO World Heritage port.
Empanada Lunch
Grab a 'Pino' empanada from a local bakery. It's the most cost-effective way to get a filling, warm meal.
Dunas de Concón
Take a local green 'micro' bus to the sand dunes of Concón. You can hike up the dunes for free and watch the Pacific waves crash below.
Craft Beer in Barrio Puerto
Chile has a booming craft beer scene. Find a local hole-in-the-wall bar in the port district for a cheap pint of local ale.
Day 5: La Serena, Chile - Heading North
Morning Bus to La Serena
A 7-hour scenic bus ride north through the transition zone where the green valleys start meeting the desert.
Arrival & Check-in
Arrive in Chile's second oldest city. Check into a budget guesthouse near the historic center.
Faro Monumental
Walk down to the iconic lighthouse on the beach. It’s a great spot for a free evening stroll along the Avenida del Mar.
Cook-off at the Hostel
Utilize the communal kitchen. Buying pasta and local veggies is the key to keeping your daily spend under $20.
Day 6: La Serena, Chile - Colonial Charms
Recova Market
Explore this traditional market. It's the best place to find 'Papaya' products, a local specialty, at non-tourist prices.
Japanese Garden (Parque Japones)
A small, tranquil escape in the middle of the city. While there is a tiny entry fee, it's worth it for the peace and photography.
Beach Time
Spend the afternoon at Playa El Faro. The water is cold, but the sun is free and the people-watching is top-tier.
Stargazing (Self-Guided)
La Serena has some of the clearest skies in the world. Walk away from the city lights on the beach to see the Milky Way for free.
Day 7: Vicuña, Chile - Into the Elqui Valley
Local Bus to Vicuña
Take a regional bus (not the big carriers) into the Elqui Valley. The landscapes change to dramatic, vine-covered mountains.
Explore Vicuña
Visit the birthplace of Nobel prize-winning poet Gabriela Mistral. The town square is charming and very affordable for lunch.
Pisco Distillery Visit
Walk to a nearby Pisco distillery. Many offer basic tours for a small fee that includes a tasting of Chile’s national spirit.
Return to La Serena
Catch the last regional bus back to the coast to save on more expensive valley accommodation.
Day 8: Atacama Transit - The Long Road North
The Big Journey
Board an overnight-style bus for the 16-hour trek to San Pedro de Atacama. This is a budget traveler's 'hotel on wheels'.
Desert Landscapes
Watch the Pan-American Highway cut through the stark beauty of the Atacama Desert from your window.
Dinner on the Go
Eat your pre-packed sandwiches and fruit. Stopping at highway rest stops can be expensive and unhealthy.
Sleep on the Bus
Save a full night's accommodation cost by sleeping as you travel through the Atacama night.
Day 9: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile - Desert Oasis
Arrival in San Pedro
Walk from the bus station to your hostel. San Pedro is small, and everything is reachable on foot.
Village Orientation
Visit the adobe Church of San Pedro (one of the oldest in Chile) and the local artisan market.
Budget Lunch
Avoid the main street (Caracoles). Eat at the 'Ferias' near the bus station for the best 'Menu del Dia' prices.
Stroll to Pukará de Quitor
A 3km walk from town leads to these pre-Inca ruins. The hike up the hill behind the ruins offers an incredible desert view for free.
Day 10: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile - Biking the Desert
Rent a Bike
Bikes are the budget traveler's best friend here. Rent one for the day to avoid expensive group tour fees.
Garganta del Diablo
Ride through the 'Devil's Throat' in the Salt Mountain range. It’s a spectacular, flat ride through red rock canyons.
Picnic in the Canyons
Bring plenty of water and snacks. There are no shops once you leave the village center.
Sunset at Mirador de Kari
Cycle to this famous viewpoint (also known as Piedra del Coyote) for a legendary sunset over the valley.
Day 11: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile - Moon Valleys
Morning Chill
The desert sun is harsh. Use the morning to catch up on laundry and rest by the hostel pool.
Valle de la Luna
While most take a tour, you can bike here if you are fit. The salt caves and lunar landscapes are otherworldly.
Valle de la Muerte
Witness the giant sand dunes of 'Death Valley'. It is one of the quietest spots to watch the stars begin to appear.
Final Desert Dinner
Try 'Chorrillana'—a massive plate of fries, eggs, and onions—perfect for sharing with hostel mates to split the cost.
Day 12: Transit to Santiago - The Return
Souvenir Shopping
San Pedro has unique volcanic stone carvings and llama wool products. Shop early before your bus departure.
Board the Southbound Bus
Prepare for the long haul back to Santiago. It’s another 20+ hour journey, so bring plenty of entertainment.
Desert Views
The scenery heading south is equally impressive as the landscape transitions from beige to green.
Bus Dinner
Another night on the bus means another night of accommodation costs saved.
Day 13: Santiago, Chile - Urban Recovery
Arrival in Santiago
Head straight to your hostel to drop your bags. Many hostels allow early check-ins or at least luggage storage.
Lunch in Barrio Lastarria
A slightly trendier area, but look for the 'Almuerzo' specials to get a three-course meal for about $7.
Museum of Fine Arts
The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is housed in a stunning building and often has free or very cheap entry.
Grocery Run
Visit a Lider supermarket (owned by Walmart) to stock up for the journey south to the Lake District.
Day 14: Pucón, Chile - Lakes and Volcanoes
Bus to Pucón
Catch a bus from Terminal Sur. The journey takes about 10 hours and takes you into the lush, rainy south.
Arrive in Pucón
This is Chile’s adventure capital. Check into a wooden-built hostel with views of the Villarrica Volcano.
Lake Villarrica Walk
Walk down to the black sand beach of the lake. It's a five-minute walk from the town center and completely free.
Pizza Night
Pucón has great pizza spots. Share a large one with travelers to keep costs down.
Day 15: Pucón, Chile - Volcanic Vistas
Free Hike: Los Cerduos
Skip the $100 volcano climb. Instead, hike the nearby trails for great views of the smoking Villarrica peak.
Town Center Exploration
Pucón is very walkable. Visit the local wooden craft shops and the main plaza.
La Poza
A quiet harbor area on the lake, perfect for sitting with a book and watching the boats against the mountain backdrop.
Hostel BBQ
Many Pucón hostels host 'Asados' (BBQs). It’s a great way to eat a lot of meat for a fixed low price.
Day 16: Pucón, Chile - Nature’s Wonders
Ojos del Caburgua
Take a local bus (much cheaper than a tour) to these bright blue waterfalls and natural pools.
Lake Caburgua
Continue on the bus to the white sand beach of Lake Caburgua. It’s warmer and clearer than Lake Villarrica.
Return to Town
Catch the local bus back. These 'micros' run frequently and cost only a few dollars.
Budget Sushi
Believe it or not, Pucón has excellent, affordable sushi rolls, a popular budget choice in southern Chile.
Day 17: Puerto Varas, Chile - The City of Roses
Bus to Puerto Varas
A 4-hour journey further south. You’ll see the Osorno Volcano coming into view—a near-perfect cone.
Arrival and Check-in
Puerto Varas sits right on Lake Llanquihue. It has a strong German influence in its architecture.
Lakeside Promenade
Walk the 'Costanera'. It’s free, beautiful, and offers the best photo ops of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes.
Sacred Heart Church
Visit this iconic red and white church modeled after those in the Black Forest of Germany.
Day 18: Puerto Varas, Chile - Lake District Charm
Local Bus to Frutillar
Take a 30-minute local bus to Frutillar, a stunning German colonial town on the other side of the lake.
Teatro del Lago
Walk around this world-class theater built over the water. The exterior and the surrounding pier are free to enjoy.
Kuchen Tasting
You can't leave without trying Kuchen (German cake). Buy a slice from a small bakery rather than a fancy café to save money.
Return to Puerto Varas
Back to town for a final Chilean feast. Look for 'Cazuela', a hearty meat and vegetable stew that is very filling and cheap.
Day 19: Return to Santiago - Final Farewell
Travel to Puerto Montt
Take a 20-minute local bus to the neighboring city of Puerto Montt to catch your long-distance bus or flight back north.
Angelmo Market
Visit this famous market for last-minute wool crafts and a cheap seafood 'curanto' lunch before leaving.
Journey back to Santiago
Whether by bus or a budget flight, enjoy your final views of the Andes mountain range.
Last Chilean Empanada
One last 'Empanada de Horno' at the station before heading to the airport for your flight home.
Best Time to Visit Chile
The best time for this comprehensive route is during the Chilean spring (October to December) or autumn (March to May). During these shoulder seasons, the weather in both the Atacama Desert and the Lake District is mild, and the prices for hostels and transport are significantly lower than the peak summer months of January and February. Summer is great for weather but expect double the crowds and higher prices.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Chilean Peso (CLP). While credit cards are widely accepted in supermarkets and major hotels, you will need cash for local 'micros' (buses), street food stalls, and small hostels. Tipping is customary in restaurants (usually 10%), but check if 'propina' is already included in your bill. Always use official ATMs (Redbanc) located inside banks for the best security and rates.
Getting Around Chile
Chile has one of the best long-distance bus systems in South America. Companies like Turbus and Pullman offer various comfort levels; for budget travelers, 'Semi-Cama' provides a great balance of cost and comfort. For getting around cities, Santiago has an excellent Metro system (requires a 'Bip!' card), while other cities rely on 'micros'—colorful local buses that are very cheap but require cash. Domestic flights with budget carriers like Sky or JetSmart can sometimes be cheaper than buses if booked weeks in advance.
