{"id":1562,"date":"2024-10-04T11:25:08","date_gmt":"2024-10-04T15:25:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awdstravel.com\/?page_id=1562"},"modified":"2025-03-04T10:26:26","modified_gmt":"2025-03-04T14:26:26","slug":"3-in-1-patagonia-easter-island-atacama","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/awdstravel.com\/index.php\/3-in-1-patagonia-easter-island-atacama\/","title":{"rendered":"3 in 1 Patagonia + Easter Island + Atacama"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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With 20 days to explore Patagonia, Easter Island, and the Atacama Desert, you\u2019ll have a lot to cover, so here a well-paced itinerary that balances adventure and relaxation while maximizing your time in these incredible destinations.<\/p>

Day 1-4: Patagonia (Southern Chile\/Argentina)<\/strong><\/h3>

Day 1:<\/strong> Arrive in Punta Arenas (Chile)<\/p>

  • Fly into Punta Arenas<\/strong>, 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.<\/li>
  • Visit Plaza de Armas<\/strong>, Cementerio Municipal<\/strong>, and Museo Regional de Magallanes<\/strong>.<\/li>
  • Overnight in Punta Arenas.<\/li><\/ul>

    Day 2-3:<\/strong> Torres del Paine National Park<\/p>

    • Take an early flight or bus to Puerto Natales<\/strong> (around 3 hours from Punta Arenas).<\/li>
    • From Puerto Natales, take a 1.5-hour drive to Torres del Paine National Park<\/strong>, one of the most famous natural reserves in the world.<\/li>
    • Day 2<\/strong>: Explore the park with a day tour, visit Lake Peho\u00e9<\/strong>, Grey Glacier<\/strong>, and get close to the Torres del Paine<\/strong> (the iconic granite peaks).<\/li>
    • Day 3<\/strong>: Optional longer hike if you’re up for it, like the Base of the Towers<\/strong> or French Valley<\/strong> (full day, 8-10 hours).<\/li>
    • Overnight in Puerto Natales or within the park (if you want to splurge and experience luxury in Patagonia, look into staying at a lodge).<\/li><\/ul>

      Day 4:<\/strong> Travel to El Calafate (Argentina)<\/p>

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

        Day 5-7: El Calafate & Perito Moreno Glacier<\/strong><\/h3>

        Day 5:<\/strong> Perito Moreno Glacier<\/p>

        • Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier<\/strong> (1-2 hour drive from El Calafate). It\u2019s one of the few glaciers in the world that is still advancing, and it offers breathtaking views.<\/li>
        • You can take a boat tour close to the glacier or do a short trek on the ice.<\/li>
        • Overnight in El Calafate.<\/li><\/ul>

          Day 6:<\/strong> Optional Activity \u2013 El Chalt\u00e9n (Trekking)<\/p>

          • If you’re a hiker, consider a day trip to El Chalt\u00e9n<\/strong>, Argentina\u2019s trekking capital (3 hours from El Calafate).<\/li>
          • Explore the Laguna de los Tres<\/strong> trail or the easier Laguna Capri<\/strong> trail for views of Mount Fitz Roy<\/strong>.<\/li>
          • Return to El Calafate for the night.<\/li><\/ul>

            Day 7:<\/strong> Travel to Santiago<\/p>

            • Take a flight from El Calafate to Santiago<\/strong> (usually requires a connection, so expect around 5-6 hours of travel time).<\/li>
            • Once in Santiago, explore the city: walk around Plaza de Armas<\/strong>, visit Cerro San Crist\u00f3bal<\/strong>, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this capital city.<\/li><\/ul>

              Day 8-10: Easter Island (Rapa Nui)<\/strong><\/h3>

              Day 8:<\/strong> Fly to Easter Island<\/p>

              • Take a flight to Easter Island<\/strong> (usually 5-6 hours from Santiago). It\u2019s a remote island, so flights are limited, and it’s best to book them early.<\/li>
              • Arrive in Hanga Roa<\/strong>, the island\u2019s only town, and explore the local shops and eateries.<\/li>
              • Relax on the island\u2019s beaches like Anakena<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul>

                Day 9:<\/strong> Explore Easter Island<\/p>

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

                  Day 10:<\/strong> Explore More of Easter Island<\/p>

                  • If you’re interested, take a boat tour for snorkeling or dive around the island\u2019s waters.<\/li>
                  • You can also hike to Terevaka<\/strong>, the highest point on the island for panoramic views.<\/li>
                  • Fly back to Santiago in the evening or next day.<\/li><\/ul>

                    Day 11-13: Atacama Desert<\/strong><\/h3>

                    Day 11:<\/strong> Travel to Atacama Desert (San Pedro de Atacama)<\/p>

                    • Fly from Santiago to Calama<\/strong> (2-hour flight) and then take a 1.5-hour bus or transfer to San Pedro de Atacama<\/strong>.<\/li>
                    • Once in San Pedro, explore the town\u2019s charming adobe architecture and get acclimated to the altitude.<\/li>
                    • Evening excursion to Valley of the Moon (Valle de la Luna)<\/strong> to see the desert landscape at sunset.<\/li>
                    • Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama.<\/li><\/ul>

                      Day 12:<\/strong> Salt Flats & Geysers<\/p>

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

                        Day 13:<\/strong> Lagunas Altipl\u00e1nicas & Salar de Uyuni (Optional for Bolivia)<\/p>

                        • Optionally, you can do a day trip to the Lagunas Altipl\u00e1nicas<\/strong> (miscellaneous salt lakes at high altitude) and Laguna Miscanti<\/strong>.<\/li>
                        • Alternatively, you can fly to Uyuni (Bolivia)<\/strong> from Calama if you want to extend your adventure to the Salar de Uyuni<\/strong> (salt flats).<\/li>
                        • Return to San Pedro for the night or continue your travels to Bolivia.<\/li><\/ul>

                          Day 14-15: Santiago (Back to City Life)<\/strong><\/h3>

                          Day 14:<\/strong> Return to Santiago<\/p>

                          • After an adventurous few days in the desert, return to Santiago<\/strong> (flight from Calama, 2 hours).<\/li>
                          • Spend the afternoon exploring Santiago\u2019s Bellavista<\/strong> district, which is known for art galleries, trendy cafes, and a vibrant nightlife.<\/li><\/ul>

                            Day 15:<\/strong> Day Trip to Valparaiso or Wine Region<\/p>

                            • Take a day trip to Valpara\u00edso<\/strong>, a colorful coastal city with steep hills, murals, and old funiculars.<\/li>
                            • Alternatively, you can visit the Central Valley wine region<\/strong> for a wine tour and tasting.<\/li><\/ul>

                              Day 16-20: More of Chile or Relaxation<\/strong><\/h3>

                              If you have extra time, consider extending your exploration of Chile’s natural beauty:<\/p>

                              • Take a few more days to explore areas like the Lake District<\/strong> (Pucon, Villarica) or La Serena<\/strong>.<\/li>
                              • For adventure seekers, a trek in the Aysen<\/strong> region could be added.<\/li>
                              • Otherwise, spend your last few days unwinding in Santiago<\/strong>, visiting any remaining attractions, or relaxing before heading home.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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                                Additional Tips<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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                                Travel Logistics<\/strong>: Flights between the destinations (Patagonia, Easter Island, Atacama) can be limited, so the earlier we plan and book everything, the better.\u00a0<\/p>

                                Altitude<\/strong>: Atacama is at a high altitude, so stay hydrated and take it easy on your first day.<\/p>

                                Packing<\/strong>: Patagonia is cold and windy (even in summer), while the Atacama is dry and hot. Pack layers, sunscreen and sunglasses for all destinations.<\/p>

                                Time Zone<\/strong>: Chile and Argentina share a time zone, but Easter Island is 2 hours behind.<\/p>

                                Enjoy your adventurous trip! Let us know if you’d like to adjust any parts of the itinerary or need more details.<\/p>

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