With 20 days to explore Patagonia, Easter Island, and the Atacama Desert, you’ll have a lot to cover, so here a well-paced itinerary that balances adventure and relaxation while maximizing your time in these incredible destinations.

Day 1-4: Patagonia (Southern Chile/Argentina)

Day 1: Arrive in Punta Arenas (Chile)

• Fly into Punta Arenas, the southernmost city in Chile, which will be your gateway to Patagonia. Take a flight that arrives early so you have time to explore the city.
• Visit Plaza de Armas, Cementerio Municipal, and Museo Regional de Magallanes.
• Overnight in Punta Arenas.

Day 2-3: Torres del Paine National Park

• Take an early flight or bus to Puerto Natales (around 3 hours from Punta Arenas).
• From Puerto Natales, take a 1.5-hour drive to Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most famous natural reserves in the world.
• Day 2: Explore the park with a day tour, visit Lake Pehoé, Grey Glacier, and get close to the Torres del Paine (the iconic granite peaks).
• Day 3: Optional longer hike if you’re up for it, like the Base of the Towers or French Valley (full day, 8-10 hours).
• Overnight in Puerto Natales or within the park (if you want to splurge and experience luxury in Patagonia, look into staying at a lodge).

Day 4: Travel to El Calafate (Argentina)

• Early morning, take a bus or drive to El Calafate (around 5-6 hours).
• Arrive and relax in the town. You can visit the Laguna Nimez Reserve for bird watching.
• Overnight in El Calafate.

Day 5-7: El Calafate & Perito Moreno Glacier

Day 5: Perito Moreno Glacier

• Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier (1-2 hour drive from El Calafate). It’s one of the few glaciers in the world that is still advancing, and it offers breathtaking views.
• You can take a boat tour close to the glacier or do a short trek on the ice.
• Overnight in El Calafate.

Day 6: Optional Activity – El Chaltén (Trekking)

• If you’re a hiker, consider a day trip to El Chaltén, Argentina’s trekking capital (3 hours from El Calafate).
• Explore the Laguna de los Tres trail or the easier Laguna Capri trail for views of Mount Fitz Roy.
• Return to El Calafate for the night.

Day 7: Travel to Santiago

• Take a flight from El Calafate to Santiago (usually requires a connection, so expect around 5-6 hours of travel time).
• Once in Santiago, explore the city: walk around Plaza de Armas, visit Cerro San Cristóbal, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this capital city.

Day 8-10: Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

Day 8: Fly to Easter Island

• Take a flight to Easter Island (usually 5-6 hours from Santiago). It’s a remote island, so flights are limited, and it’s best to book them early.
• Arrive in Hanga Roa, the island’s only town, and explore the local shops and eateries.
• Relax on the island’s beaches like Anakena.

Day 9: Explore Easter Island

• Visit the iconic Moai statues at Ahu Tongariki and Ahu Akivi.
• Explore the Rano Raraku quarry, where the Moai statues were carved.
• Climb Rano Kau to visit the volcanic crater and see the Orongo Ceremonial Village.
• Overnight in Hanga Roa.

Day 10: Explore More of Easter Island

• If you’re interested, take a boat tour for snorkeling or dive around the island’s waters.
• You can also hike to Terevaka, the highest point on the island for panoramic views.
• Fly back to Santiago in the evening or next day.

Day 11-13: Atacama Desert

Day 11: Travel to Atacama Desert (San Pedro de Atacama)

• Fly from Santiago to Calama (2-hour flight) and then take a 1.5-hour bus or transfer to San Pedro de Atacama.
• Once in San Pedro, explore the town’s charming adobe architecture and get acclimated to the altitude.
• Evening excursion to Valley of the Moon (Valle de la Luna) to see the desert landscape at sunset.
• Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama.

Day 12: Salt Flats & Geysers

• Early morning tour to El Tatio Geysers, one of the highest geothermal fields in the world.
• On the way back, stop at the Puritama Hot Springs for a relaxing soak.
• In the afternoon, visit Salar de Atacama, where you can see the Chaxa Lagoon, which is home to flamingos and other wildlife.
• Overnight in San Pedro.

Day 13: Lagunas Altiplánicas & Salar de Uyuni (Optional for Bolivia)

• Optionally, you can do a day trip to the Lagunas Altiplánicas (miscellaneous salt lakes at high altitude) and Laguna Miscanti.
• Alternatively, you can fly to Uyuni (Bolivia) from Calama if you want to extend your adventure to the Salar de Uyuni (salt flats).
• Return to San Pedro for the night or continue your travels to Bolivia.

Day 14-15: Santiago (Back to City Life)

Day 14: Return to Santiago

• After an adventurous few days in the desert, return to Santiago (flight from Calama, 2 hours).
• Spend the afternoon exploring Santiago’s Bellavista district, which is known for art galleries, trendy cafes, and a vibrant nightlife.

Day 15: Day Trip to Valparaiso or Wine Region

• Take a day trip to Valparaíso, a colorful coastal city with steep hills, murals, and old funiculars.
• Alternatively, you can visit the Central Valley wine region for a wine tour and tasting.

Day 16-20: More of Chile or Relaxation

If you have extra time, consider extending your exploration of Chile’s natural beauty:

• Take a few more days to explore areas like the Lake District (Pucon, Villarica) or La Serena.
• For adventure seekers, a trek in the Aysen region could be added.
• Otherwise, spend your last few days unwinding in Santiago, visiting any remaining attractions, or relaxing before heading home.