If you’re looking to escape winter, head south of the equator, and experience a slice of South America without committing to a multi-week trip, this Chile and Peru itinerary might be for you.
My boyfriend and I spent three days in Chile and four days in Peru during the last week of 2025. We planned this trip with two very specific goals in mind: (1) warm, sunshine-filled days, and (2) as many alpaca encounters as possible. Chile delivered the former, Peru very much delivered the latter.
This was a deliberately abridged trip. We skipped some of the most famous attractions in both countries (Patagonia and Easter Island in Chile, and Machu Picchu in Peru) in favor of fitting a lot into a short amount of time. While unconventional, I left feeling like we still got a strong sense of both countries’ culture, landscapes, and pace of life.
Our original plan included an extra day in Santiago, but a snowstorm delayed our departure from New York. Surprisingly, even with the lost day, Santiago still felt well-covered, which reassured me that this Chile and Peru itinerary strikes a good balance between movement and downtime.
Trip at a glance:
We started with a long (10 hour) flight from New York to Santiago, Chile. Our first full day included exploring Santiago and an afternoon/evening trip to Cajón del Maipo, followed by another day discovering Santiago’s neighborhoods including Bellavista, Lastarria, and Barrio Italia. After two and a half days in Chile, we flew to Cusco, Peru (about three hours) before heading into the mountains for a glamping stay in Maras. We stayed a full day in Maras, then early the following morning traveled from Cusco to Lima (a short one-hour flight). We spent our final two days exploring Lima before catching an evening flight back to New York.
Even with this condensed schedule, we were able to experience a mix of city life, mountain scenery, and beach culture while keeping the pace manageable and leaving room for memorable, immersive experiences.
A few things to note before you go:
Language:
One of the first things to know when traveling to Chile, Peru, or much of South America is that basic conversational Spanish goes a long way. English is far less commonly spoken than I expected, especially compared to Europe. Waitstaff, hotel receptionists, airport transfer drivers, and shop owners often spoke little to no English. Having a few reliable Spanish phrases up my sleeve made our daily interactions much smoother.
Spanish phrases I found myself using constantly:
- Por favor / por fa – please
(“por fa” is a casual shorthand we heard the locals use all the time) - Buenos días / buenas tardes / buenas noches – good morning / good afternoon / good evening
(it’s common to shorten the greeting to the first word only – so, “buenas” instead of “buenas tardes”) - ¿Podemos pagar? – can we pay?
(if using a credit card, add “con tarjeta”) - La cuenta – the check
- Que tenga un buen día – have a nice day!
You don’t need to be fluent, but having a few go-to phrases in your back pocket will make the trip feel smoother and more respectful of the locals. And even if you know these basic conversational phrases, be ready to pull up Google Translate often to help translate the specifics of what the locals are saying to you.
Trip Pace & Skipping the “Big Sights”
This Chile and Peru itinerary was intentionally fast-paced and selective. We skipped some of the most famous attractions (Patagonia, Machu Picchu, etc.) not because they aren’t worth it, but because we only had a week and didn’t want to spend most of the trip in transit or elbow-to-elbow in crowded locations. Instead, we focused on city exploration, a mountain day trip, and a remote glamping stay. It worked well for us and still offered a strong sense of both countries’ culture, landscapes, and pace of life.
Stray Animals
One other note, particularly for animal lovers: stray dogs are common in the mountainous regions of Peru. On the drive from the Cusco airport up to Maras, I saw more strays than anywhere else I’ve visited. It’s a visible reminder of the economic realities of many rural communities.
That said, metropolitan Santiago and Lima were very different than the more rural areas. Dogs there were mostly pets rather than strays, and the cities felt more similar to what you’d expect in large urban centers elsewhere.
Stop 1: Santiago, Chile
We based ourselves in Santiago for the first leg of the trip and stayed in the Providencia neighborhood at Boutique Hotel Le Rêve, a charming, centrally located boutique hotel that made a great home base. Providencia felt safe, walkable, and well connected, which was especially helpful given how hot it was during our stay.
My first impression of Santiago was the heat. We visited in the dead of summer, and temperatures climbed above 90 degrees every day. The heat was dry rather than humid, but it definitely slowed us down, and afternoon sightseeing quickly turned into a strong desire for siestas and air conditioning.
Fun fact: Santiago sits roughly the same distance from the equator as Los Angeles, just in opposite directions (north vs. south). The seasons feel familiar, but flipped.
Day Trip: Cajón del Maipo
We lost our first planned day in Santiago due to flight delays, which meant heading straight into a Cajón del Maipo day trip shortly after landing instead of easing in. While this wasn’t the cheapest excursion option, it was absolutely worth it.
We drove into the Andes to explore the majestic Cajón del Maipo valley. The scenery was dramatic: towering mountains with snow-capped peaks, wide-open skies, and crisp mountain air made it feel worlds away from the city.
One of the highlights on this day trip was relaxing in the natural hot springs of Termas Valle de Colina. There are seven pools heated by the nearby volcano, ranging from 86 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. It was the perfect way to unwind and soak in the surrounding mountain beauty.
Before heading back, we stopped at several viewpoints to watch the sunset over the volcano and peaks of the Andes. The panoramic views were breathtaking and made the day feel magical.
We wrapped up the afternoon with a traditional Chilean barbecue at the lodge lounge, along with some stargazing. The tour we were on provided a wide spread of empanadas, grilled meats, vegetables, and local wines – it was a satisfying feast after a day of exploration.
A quick tip: it was 20 to 30 degrees colder in the Maipo mountains than in Santiago, so make sure to pack warm layers and dress for the outdoors.
Exploring the City
On our second day based in Santiago, we focused on exploring the neighborhoods of Santiago: Bellavista, Lastarria, and Barrio Italia. Wandering these areas was my favorite way to experience the city.
Lastarria is known for its restaurants and crafts. We strolled along the shopping street, Paseo José Victorino, and explored galleries and artisan shops.
Santa Lucía Hill and the Neptune Fountain are also in this area and worth a visit. We had an excellent meal at Liguria, which I’d highly recommend for a classic Chilean dining experience.
Bellavista is colorful and lively, filled with street art, quirky shops, and vibrant nightlife. It’s a great place to stroll and soak in the creative energy.
Barrio Italia feels more residential, with charming boutiques, antique shops, and local eateries. It’s a great place to browse for unique gifts and soak in everyday Santiago life.
Final Thoughts on Santiago:
Santiago struck me as a city that balances urban comfort with easy access to nature. Nestled in a valley with the Andes rising dramatically around it, it offers beautiful scenery without sacrificing modern infrastructure. The metro is efficient, streets feel safe, and the city works well both for wandering and for day trips like Cajón del Maipo.
Stop 2: Maras (outside Cusco), Peru
This was the part of the trip I was most excited about. Instead of using Cusco primarily as a jumping-off point for Machu Picchu, we headed straight into the mountains to stay at a remote glamping retreat in Maras, about an hour and a half outside the city.
One thing to note for travelers: the Cusco airport is tiny, and customs was frustrating. We spent over two hours in line with barely any updates or access to a restroom. If you can, it’s better to fly internationally into Lima and then connect to Cusco through a domestic flight. In hindsight, we would have handled this differently.
Most travelers come to Cusco with Machu Picchu as the main event. We made the somewhat unconventional choice to skip it. With only one week split across two countries, it felt like too much time spent in transit and navigating crowds, especially given how popular Machu Picchu is during peak season. Rather than rushing through a bucket-list attraction, we opted for an experience that allowed us to slow down and really take in the Peruvian mountain landscape. I’m very glad we did.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at Mountain View Experience, a glamping retreat nestled in the Andes. The property is isolated, with no nearby restaurants or towns, which is part of its charm. Everything happens on-site, and the staff does a good job of bringing experiences directly to you.
That said, communication with the staff was challenging at times. Most coordination happened through Instagram DMs, and it seemed like multiple people were managing the account, which meant there was not always continuity from one message to the next. English proficiency varied, and I was occasionally unsure whether specific requests or questions were fully understood. Nothing went seriously wrong, but it did require patience and flexibility, especially when confirming logistics or activities.
Activities at Mountain View Experience
The highlight of our stay here was the variety of ways to enjoy the Andes. In the morning, we enjoyed breakfast followed by a 90 minute ATV ride. ATVs are a ton of fun and perfect for taking in the dramatic mountain landscapes across the region.
I thought I was well-protected from the elements, only to find later that the backs of my hands got sunburnt from the high-altitude sun – make sure you remember sunscreen!
Later, we relaxed in our private hot tub, where some very greedy alpacas wandered up for snacks.
A few alpaca fun facts, if you find them as cute as I do:
- Alpacas are native to the Peruvian highlands, with roughly four million living across South America today.
- Alpacas are a distinct species from llamas, although the two are related and both are native to South America. The main difference is size, with llamas being almost twice the size of alpacas.
- Alpacas were domesticated by the first pre-Inca civilizations thousands of years ago and were mainly bred to take advantage of their coats, which was exclusively reserved for royalty and noble families.
- Alpaca fiber is strong, warm, and naturally hypoallergenic, and it comes in up to 32 natural shades ranging from white to black, including many browns and grays. Alpacas are typically sheared once per year in the spring, before summer heat arrives, to prevent dangerous overheating, as they don’t shed their dense fleece like sheep.
- About 90 percent of alpacas are Huacaya alpacas, the fluffy type seen in all of my photos. The remaining 10 percent are Suri alpacas, known for their long, silky fibers that hang like dreadlocks.
For lunch, we enjoyed a charcuterie picnic with attentive service and delicious wine. Some playful alpacas helped themselves to fruit off the table, which made the meal even more entertaining.
In the evening, we enjoyed a delicious dinner in the on-site restaurant (huge plus that the only restaurant you have access to while staying here is actually good). After dinner, we sat out behind our cabin with a private campfire under the stars. Without city lights or noise, it was the perfect way to relax and absorb the scenery.
We spent a lot of time simply taking in our surroundings, both from the lodge and our A-frame cabin. Every angle across the property felt cinematic and breathtaking.
Alpacas, Influencers, and Atmosphere
The property is home to over 100 alpacas and around 20 horses, all of which appeared well cared for. Seeing an alpaca casually poke its head into the breakfast room never got old and absolutely delivered on one of my main goals for the trip.
A fair warning: this experience caters to travelers who prioritize aesthetics, scenery, and curated experiences. As a result, there were quite a few influencers staying at the lodge. I say this with a bit of self-awareness, since I was also taking photos nonstop with the intention of writing about it later. Just know that the overall vibe leans heavily into the Instagram-focused end of the spectrum.
Final Thoughts on Maras and Mountain View Experience:
If your Peru trip is short and you are deciding between Machu Picchu and some other road less traveled, a mountain retreat is a compelling alternative (with alpacas as an added bonus). It offered a sense of peace, scale, and immersion that would have been hard to find in a more crowded setting, and it ended up being one of the most memorable parts of the entire trip.
Stop 3: Lima, Peru
Lima was a surprising highlight of the trip. All I really knew about the city going in was that it has a world-class foodie scene, and that there are quite a few neighborhoods that are unsafe for tourists.
Being right on the Pacific Ocean, Lima surprised me with a distinct beachy, surfer culture that I hadn’t anticipated. Oceanfront parks, surfers, and a persistent sea breeze added an easygoing, relaxed vibe that contrasted nicely with the city’s urban feel.
Lima is recognized internationally for its exceptional food scene, with restaurants like Central, Maido, and Kjolle consistently ranked among the world’s best in other prestigious lists. However, we weren’t looking to spend $1,300 per person for a tasting menu at one of these famous spots. (We’re already from New York City – can we catch a break on expensive dinners, please?)
Instead, we sought out excellent mid-range options and were rewarded with some of the best meals of the trip. One standout was Quipas, where the food was outstanding and the service was phenomenal. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for authentic Peruvian flavors without breaking the bank.
A little more casual, but still with mentioning – we also stumbled into a tequeños restaurant (i.e. wonton wrappers filled with cheese, chocolate, or other fillings) in Barranco while looking for an afternoon snack. These were delicious; I’d recommend giving them a try.
As I mentioned previously, there are areas in Lima that are unsafe for tourists (mostly theft and other petty crime – especially after dark). We avoided these areas and strictly explored around Miraflores and Barranco, which are both very tourist-friendly and right on the ocean.
Miraflores
Miraflores is Lima’s bustling shopping and tourist hub. I had been excited to find alpaca souvenirs, and the markets here did not disappoint. The India and Inka markets are full of vendor stalls with alpaca blankets, gloves, hats, and other typical Peruvian handicrafts. These markets should absolutely be the first stop if you want to purchase Peruvian souvenirs in Lima (they reminded me of the Moroccan souks). From the Inka market specifically, I bought three alpaca blankets. Elsewhere in Lima, I also bought alpaca gloves (loved this brand).
Miraflores also has a great selection of restaurants, ranging from casual to nice. Our hotel, the JW Marriott, was located at the southern tip of the neighborhood, which was convenient for walking to shops, restaurants, and the oceanfront.
Barranco
If you’re looking for something a little more curated and artsy, head to Barranco, Lima’s bohemian neighborhood. Stores here are fewer but thoughtfully selected. Highlights include Dédalo and Artesanías Las Pallas for unique handicrafts.
When we visited Artesanías Las Pallas, we had to ring the doorbell a few times before anyone answered. Eventually, we were greeted by Mari, a fascinating woman born in 1939 who speaks four languages and whose home is connected to the shop. She invited us into her sitting room and shared the history of many of the Peruvian artifacts she had collected over the years. This was a quirky and enjoyable cultural moment, giving us a glimpse into local life and traditions that you won’t find in the typical market stalls.
Barranco is also home to some charming landmarks. The Iglesia de Ermita, an old yellow church, and El Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs) are both worth visiting. Wandering the neighborhood, enjoying street art, and soaking in the relaxed energy made for a lovely afternoon.
Take note – pedestrian conditions in Lima are challenging. Cars have the right of way and the drivers are not inclined to yield to pedestrians (even when you have a walk signal!), so stay alert when crossing the street.
Final Thoughts on Lima:
Lima exceeded my expectations. From casual markets in Miraflores to curated galleries and historic corners in Barranco, the city blends modern life with rich culture and excellent food. The oceanfront setting adds a relaxed, beachy vibe that balances the city’s energy.
For a short South American trip, Lima is a perfect urban stop after mountains and countryside, offering culture, cuisine, and coastal scenery all in one.
Wrap Up:
Overall, our week in Chile and Peru felt like a perfect balance between city exploration, nature, and immersive experiences. Skipping some of the big tourist spots allowed us to enjoy a quieter, more personal view of each country. From Santiago’s dry summer heat to the towering Andes near Maras and Lima’s Pacific coast, every stop had its own charm.
If you’re planning a similar trip, a few things stand out:
- Plan around flights and local transportation. South American cities can be far apart, and flight delays are possible, so keep flexibility in your schedule.
- Learn a few Spanish phrases. Even basic expressions make daily interactions smoother and more enjoyable.
- Pack for variable climates. Summer in Santiago is hot, the mountains around Cusco are cool, and Lima has ocean breezes.
- Embrace local experiences. Whether wandering neighborhoods, taking an off-road day trip to Cajón del Maipo, or glamping with alpacas, the best memories come from moments off the usual tourist track.
Planning a trip to Chile and Peru? Let me know your thoughts! I’d love to hear what stops you’re most excited about or any tips you’ve discovered along the way.
For Reference: Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 0: Travel from NYC to Santiago, Chile (~10 hours)
Day 1: Santiago exploration and Cajón del Maipo day trip with hot springs and Chilean barbecue
Day 2: Santiago neighborhoods: Bellavista, Lastarria (restaurants and crafts, lunch at Liguria), Barrio Italia
Day 3: Travel from Santiago to Cusco, Peru (~3 hours)
Day 4: Glamping at Mountain View Experience in Maras: ATV rides, hot tub with alpacas, picnic, mountain scenery
Day 5: Travel from Cusco to Lima, Peru (~1 hour)
Day 6: Lima exploration: Miraflores markets, Barranco boutiques, food highlights. Evening flight from Lima to NYC (~8 hours)
