Getting to the end of my questions re upcoming trip.

We have 2 unplanned weeks before flying home out of Seattle after an almost 5 month journey to Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile. Previous to these two weeks we will be in Patagonia for outdoor activity. Our last stop in Patagonia will be Coyhaique. We are pretty much on the move with anywhere from 3-9 night stays. Lima, Ollytantambo, Cusco, Puno, Copacabana, La Paz, Sucre, Tupiza, Salar tour, Salta area, Iguazu, BA, Lakes Region, Glacier Nat. parks, Torres del Penne, Ushiaia. With a probable 2 weeks exploring the Cataterra austral.
My son suggested we might want to kick back for a week of two after the big push. I think he might be right. Any suggestions for 2 weeks somewhere in Chile as we are flying out of Santiago? Thinking of parks, cafes, people watching, etc in some luxury above the hostels we will have been in but not breaking the bank. Perhaps even an apartment. We would probably enjoy a day trip ot two. We are not wine people although would probably enjoy one or two winery visits. This will be the end of February, 1st week in March.

I was wondering about La Serena but have read negatives and positives. We do plan to spend 3 nights in Santiago before flying out and that is already factored in to our free 2 weeks.

I hope you South American Experts can give some suggestions......
Thank you.

Meant to say "flying out of Santiago"..........

Maybe the lakes district of Chile? It should be nice that time of year, and there are lots of parks to visit, with day hikes and other outdoorsy things to do. Or is that included when you write "lakes region?" I didn't know if that meant just Argentina near Bariloche. If so, the lakes district of Chile near Temuco, Pucon is different enough to be worthwhile IMO.

Also, you could plan on an area, like the Lakes District, for your last 2 weeks (actually 11 days given time in Santiago) but also use it as a buffer in case of delays or in case you love a place so much you don't want to leave.

Your son is right, you probably will want to relax in one place at the end of a long trip. This time we rented an apt. In Lima for a month and were so glad we did.

I like Pantanals suggestion of Pucon. We spent a few days there before heading into Argentina. Great scenery, fanatastic restaurants and lots to do. We also stayed in Iquique for a whil but on balance, I preferred Pucon.

Pucón does have a lot of outdoor activities if you are still in the need for some exercise, or lots of nearby hot springs if you just want to relax. The disadvantage in the last two weeks of February is that it is the busiest time of summer in the lakes. Many Chileans like to take their 2 week break just before school and work start and there are the usual visitors from other countries, which means lots of visitors. On the last day of February the crowds disappear. There are plenty of cabins to rent in Pucón, which would give you a bit of independence. The nicest are outside the town, especially between Villarica and Pucón on the lake. It does mean using public transport if you don't have a car (traffic is an issue in February) and puts you a bit further from the start of activities and restaurants.

You can fly from Balmaceda (Coyhaique) to Puerto Montt, maybe even Temuco but I haven't checked. Puerto Varas, very close to PM, is another good spot in the lakes. Be sure to book as soon as possible. An expensive dollar means a lot of Chileans will be holidaying in country.

Thanks for all the thoughtful replies. I thought I should give an update on our decision. We bit the bullet and from Punta Arenas we fly to Santiago, an overnight in Santiago, 2 nights in Valparaiso, 2 nights in Zapellar, 7 nights in Santiago and THEN 7 nights in Easter Island. We thought that might be the perfect end to our almost 5 month trip. (we extended by a week or so to get the Easter Island trip in).

I have one final dilemma: We will be in Bariloche, San Martin de los Andees and Pucon for 6 days each. We come back to Bariloche and originally planned on bus to Puerto Madryn for 6 days including 2 nights in Puerto Piramides with a flight to El Calafate from Trelew at the end. No whales when we are there but still penguins.
I am wondering if it might be worthwhile, easier and cheaper to stay in the Lakes region. I have always wanted to visit Los Alerces National Park.
Any pros or cons for either?