Wife and I are going for 2 weeks. We like wine, nature, etc. Both of us are fit and active. Am just starting research so would love suggestions on what we should do.

What time of year? The weather will have a big impact on your plans, especially down in Patagonia

We are going in April.

After a fair bit of research, it looks like heading south may be a risk at that time of year. Agree? I've also read people saying that, while beautiful, you can get similar experiences as Torres in a lot places on Earth (e.g. British Columbia). Whereas Atacama has a ton to do, and is unique. Thoughts?

I agree, it would be a risk but the weather isn't everything I guess. The far south would be riskier than further north. We had a great time around Pucon at a similar time of year.

Santiago, IMO is one of the leat interesting cities on the continent. Although that is likely where you will arrive and depart, personally, I would spend as little time there as possible. Valparaiso , which is just two hour from SCL airport is worth a few days. Some photos and details of our time there are in our blog @ https://accidentalnomads.com/2008/10...ls-and-horses/ It is a while ago now but I doubt much has changed. We also spent time in places on the coast like Iquique , La Serena and Arica as we travelled up the pacific coast of South America . All were nice but in two weeks you will need to be selective. San Pedro de Atacama is unique and there is a lot you could do from there in terms of trips out, using it as a base.

Another thought is that it would be easy to visit other countries from there. Even in two weeks you could take a tour from SPdeA to Salar de Uyuni ( 3-4 nights). Some blog entries here @https://accidentalnomads.com/category/bolivia/ or maybe even a trip into the NW of Argentina and a mini road trip around salta province thou that would take a bit longer - just use the destination tab on our blog to switch to Argentina.

Sorry but I never di get around to blogging about our time in the Atacama , but the landscapes are very similar to those in Bolivia , though perhaps a tad less dramatic.

Definitely visit the wine regions like Colchagua Valley, perfect for wine lovers. Might also want to check out Torres del Paine in Patagonia; it’s a hiker’s paradise with breathtaking views. If you’re into more adventure, try the Atacama Desert.

Is it possible to move your trip back into March? We did that. We were warned about going in April due to the rainy weather in Chile then.

Before you get too hung up on which month, decide on where you might want to go. Then use weather spark for climate information.

Obviously going to the desert is different than going to the mountains or Patagonia.

The months of March and April are not the worst time to go to Torres del Paine. Weather is a bit more stable (less wind, more important than rain) and an opportunity to see fall colors. Fewer people too.
Apparently a good time to see the pumas.

The catamaran and lodge at Paine Grande is still running in April.

Planning TdP as an independent traveler can be a little challenging. It can be easier to use either a guided package (such as from Fantastico Sur) or an agent.

There are a few trip reports around, mine was very long ago. Nowadays you will also find a LOT of blogs.

Valparaiso is a must! Lots of buses to get there, spend a couple nights. Stayed at the sheraton on the water and rooms/views were fantastic. Lots of wineries close by to Santiago. Enjoy!