Chile in February and March
 

Hello,
My wife and I and another couple are starting to put together an itinerary to visit Chile for 3-4 weeks. My wife and I visited Argentina and Brazil this past March for a month where we took 3 different flights since distances were so great. I'm sure we will be doing the same in Chile. We will be flying into Santiago, and then down to Punta Arenas. We enjoy hiking and also beaches plus the culture, history, and most important meeting the people where we visit. All of us are seniors but physically fit to walk and hike.
Eventually we would like to to work our way back to the Lake District, Central Valley and wineries. We would also like to stay for 3-4 days in a beach area, and visit San Pedro de Atacama. I'm not adverse to renting a car and doing some driving. If anyone has information on places to stay and visit plus general logistics we would certainly appreciate any help. Thanks. Nick.

February is the peak of high season in Chile. If you are thinking of Patagonia, then check you have somewhere to stay if visiting national parks before buying flights. It depends on where you are going but everywhere will be crowded to some degree. The lake district will be very busy, especially the last two weeks of February. In March things quiet down as schools open and visitors return home.

I would start with a search for possible itineraries. Fodor's, both guidebooks and online, have good ones as do others.

Our TR might be useful to you. We visited Chile and ARG in Feb/'arch. Click on my name to find it.

Thank you both for the information.

I did check itineraries in Fodor's Chile. I've changed my dates and decided that the beginning of March for 21-24 days would be best. What I would like to do involves 5 flights within Chile. Santiago to Calama and return. Santiago to Temuco, Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas, and Punta Arenas to Santiago. I know this would save a lot of time, but not sure if driving or public transportation would also come into play. My wife also has friends in Marasol whom we would like to visit. This is a small beach town near Valparaiso. Any suggestions on accommodations,restaurants, renting cars would be appreciated? Thanks. Nick

Hello,
Can I get suggestions on my latest itinerary.

Mar. 3-4 Santiago
Mar. 5- Rent car and explore Colchaqua Valley, base in Santa Cruz.
Tues. Mar.8-Return rental and stay in Santiago
Wed.Mar. 9- Fly to Temuco, rent car and base out of Villarica.
Sun. Mar 13- Drive to Puerto Varas
Wed. Mar. 15- drive to Chiloe- base in Castro
Sat.Mar. 18- Drive to Temuco
Sun. Mar. 19- Temuco
Mon. Mar. 20- Fly back to Santiago
Tues. Mar.21- Valpararaiso-Vina del Mar. and Marasol
Wed. Mar.22- Thurs. Mar. 23- beaches
Thurs.- Fly to U.S.
Thanks for any help. Nick