Chile and Argentina reward curious families with outsized scenery and a culture that loves kids. In three weeks, you’ll glide over Santiago by cable car, ride bikes by a volcano-framed lake in Puerto Varas, stand beneath the granite towers of Torres del Paine, and cruise past the blue ramparts of Patagonia’s most dazzling glaciers.

Chile’s capital blends Spanish colonial history with modern green spaces and mountain views, while its coast bursts with color in Valparaíso and wide sandy beaches in Viña del Mar. Further south, German-settled towns dish up kuchen and lakeside strolls, and Patagonia’s pumas, condors, and guanacos roam beneath skies so clear the stars feel close enough to touch.

Practical notes: internal flights are fast and good value, tap water is potable in major cities, and restaurants welcome children. Expect hearty cuisine—empanadas, pastel de choclo, Patagonian lamb, king crab—and superb fruit juices for kids alongside world-class Chilean and Argentine wines for adults. Pack layers year-round; the Andes write their own weather.

Santiago

Days 1–4: Santiago’s parks, history, food, and family fun

Start in Chile’s energetic capital, ringed by the Andes and stitched with bike-friendly parks. Explore the historic core around Plaza de Armas, then wander the artsy lanes of Lastarria and Bellavista. Ride the funicular up Cerro San Cristóbal for sweeping city views—and let kids romp at the hilltop playgrounds and zoo.

• Don’t-miss sights: Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino (stellar for context), La Chascona (Pablo Neruda’s quirky home), and leafy Parque Bicentenario where black-necked swans drift on lagoons.
• Biking: Follow the riverside cycleway along the Mapocho through Parque Forestal and into Vitacura; rent kid-seats or tandems near Parque Bicentenario.
• Cooking class (family-friendly): Join a small-group Chilean cooking workshop in Barrio Italia (empanadas, pebre salsa, pastel de choclo). Many programs accommodate kids—ask your hotel concierge for a late-afternoon slot.

Great eats: For breakfast/coffee, try Colmado Coffee & Bakery (fluffy medialunas, excellent flat whites) or Wonderland Café Lastarria (pancakes and fruit for kids). Lunch at Fuente Alemana (iconic lomito sandwiches; ask for half portions) or at Mestizo in Parque Bicentenario (Chilean classics with room for strollers). Dinner at Liguria (old-school bistro energy), Bocanáriz (superb wine flights with cheese boards), and Chipe Libre (pisco “republic” with mocktails for teens and empanaditas for sharing).

Family-ready activities with Viator (choose 1–4):

• Santiago: Half-Day Sightseeing City Tour with Chauffeur and Guide

  

  Ideal on Day 1 to get oriented—hotel pickup, flexible pace, and kid-friendly stops.

• Cable Car, Funicular and Sightseeing Bus in Santiago one day

  

  Mix-and-match transportation that doubles as an activity—little legs will thank you.

• Santiago: Cajón del Maipo, Hot Springs, Waterfall & Chilean BBQ

  

  Sunset colors in the Andes, mellow short walks, and a warming asado—great for older kids.

• Valparaíso Viña & Casablanca Day Trip from Santiago (Max 7)

  

  Vivid murals, fun funiculars, and beach time in Viña del Mar with a tasting stop for adults.

Where to stay (polished picks + family options):

• The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago (indoor pool; subway at your door).
• Hotel Plaza El Bosque Ebro (spacious suites, kitchenette—great for families).
• Hostal Providencia (budget-friendly private rooms near parks).
• Browse more stays: VRBO Santiago | Hotels.com Santiago

Getting here and getting around: Book international flights on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. In town, use the Metro, taxis, or the hop-on hop-off bus day pass above.

Day 5: Coast sampler—Valparaíso color and Viña del Mar’s beach

A full day works: explore Valparaíso’s Cerro Alegre murals, ride a vintage funicular, then unwind on Viña’s Playa Acapulco. Snack on churros by the Flower Clock and catch a golden-hour stroll on the pier before returning to Santiago.

Lunch/dinner ideas: In Valpo, try La Concepción (seafood with bay views) or Pasta e Vino (house-made). In Viña, Tierra de Fuego (grills by the water) or Sativo (fresh bowls and veggie-friendly).

Seasonal tip: Visiting in Chile’s winter? Consider a mountain escape at Valle Nevado Ski Resort—less than two hours from the city, lessons for kids, and plenty of snow play.

Next stop: Puerto Varas (Lake District). Morning flight Santiago (SCL) → Puerto Montt (PMC): ~1h45; fares from ~$60–150 on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Transfer to Puerto Varas: 30–45 minutes by taxi/shuttle.

Puerto Varas (Lake District)

Days 5–8: Lakeside living, biking, boating, and waterfalls

Framed by snow-capped Osorno Volcano, Puerto Varas is a postcard you can pedal. German-influenced bakeries fuel active days on and around Lake Llanquihue, while craft breweries keep parents happy.

• Bike the lakeshore: Follow the flat promenade to Llanquihue town, with photo stops at wooden piers and black-sand coves—safe for kids and stroller-friendly segments.
• Boat and falls: Cruise Todos los Santos Lake (emerald waters!) and visit Petrohué Waterfalls in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park.
• Rainy-day plan: Pop into Frutillar’s Teatro del Lago for exhibits, then refuel with a slice of kuchen at a traditional café.

Viator pick (easy logistics from Puerto Montt/Varas):

• Frutillar, Puerto Varas, and Petrohué Waterfalls Excursion from Puerto Montt

  

  A relaxed, family-friendly loop that hits the Lake District’s greatest hits in one day.

Eat & drink: Breakfast at Café Mawen (excellent kuchen) or Café Danés (pastries and hot chocolate). Casual lunches at Mesa Tropera (pizza, lake views) or La Gringa (salads and soups). Dinner at La Olla (seafood cazuela, kids’ portions) or El Retorno (trout and local beer). Don’t miss a sunset stroll on the Costanera with cones from Pudú Helados.

Where to stay: Lakeside family suites and cabins abound—look for kitchens and parking.

• VRBO Puerto Varas | Hotels.com Puerto Varas

Next stop: Puerto Natales (gateway to Torres del Paine). Fly Puerto Montt (PMC) → Punta Arenas (PUQ): ~2h15; from ~$70–160 via Trip.com or Kiwi.com, then bus/transfer PUQ → Puerto Natales in ~3 hours ($12–20).

Puerto Natales (Torres del Paine)

Days 9–13: Patagonia town life and Torres del Paine day adventures

Puerto Natales, set on the Última Esperanza fjord, is the laid-back base for Torres del Paine. Stroll the waterfront boardwalk, watch flamingos in summer, and get cozy in design-forward cafés before big mountain days.

• Torres del Paine: Families can enjoy full-day scenic loops with short walks to lookouts, waterfalls, and condor viewpoints—no need to tackle long treks unless you want to.
• Wildlife & ranching: Look for guanacos, foxes, and rheas; consider a half-day horseback ride on a nearby estancia.
• Biking: Easy rides along the waterfront path; teens with stamina can tackle gravel sections toward Dorotea Mirador with a guide.

Viator picks:

• Full Day Tour to Torres del Paine National Park

  

  Classic viewpoints, Salto Grande waterfall, and short trails—excellent for mixed ages.

Optional penguins (add an extra night in Punta Arenas): If your family loves wildlife, overnight in Punta Arenas for a morning sailing to Isla Magdalena’s vast Magellanic penguin colony:

• Shore Excursion: Magellan Penguins Natural Reserve in Magdalena Island from Punta Arenas

  

  Thousands of penguins in a protected reserve—bring windproof layers and a big smile.

Eat & drink: Breakfast at Café Kaikén (good cakes) or Dulce Patagonia. Lunch at Mesita Grande (wood-fired pizzas, kid pleaser) or Cerveza Baguales (burgers, house brews). Dinner at Aldea (inventive Patagonian dishes) or Lenga (seafood pastas). Warm up with calafate-berry desserts—local lore says tasting them ensures your return to Patagonia.

Where to stay:

• VRBO Puerto Natales | Hotels.com Puerto Natales

Next stop: El Calafate (Argentina). Morning bus Puerto Natales → El Calafate: ~5–6 hours including the border; ~$30–45. Comfortable coaches run most days—book in town or via your hotel.

El Calafate (Argentina)

Days 14–18: Glaciers, boat navigation, and easy nature walks

Welcome to Argentina’s glacier country on sapphire Lago Argentino. El Calafate is the launch pad for Perito Moreno Glacier, a living wall of ice that calves with thunderous splashes—spellbinding for kids and adults alike.

• Glacier balconies: Boardwalks at Los Glaciares National Park offer stroller-friendly vantage points of Perito Moreno’s maze of seracs and crevasses.
• Boating day: Navigate fjords and iceberg-dotted channels past multiple glaciers—an unforgettable family experience.
• Nature time: Spot flamingos and upland geese at Laguna Nimez Reserve; short loops suit all ages.

Viator pick:

• Glaciares Gourmet Navigation: Spegazzini, Upsala & Perito Moreno

  

  A full-day cruise threading among Patagonia’s iconic glaciers—comfortable cabins and deck time included.

Eat & drink: Breakfast at Olivia Coffee Shop (pastries, smoothies) or Panadería Don Luis (facturas for the win). Lunch at Pura Vida (shepherd’s pie, soups) or La Zaina (Argentine fare). Dinner at Mi Rancho (steaks, salads) or Don Pichón (grill with a view). Treats: helado at Acuarela or waffles at La Wafflería.

Where to stay:

• VRBO El Calafate | Hotels.com El Calafate

Next stop: Return to Santiago for flight home. Flights El Calafate (FTE) → Santiago (SCL) usually connect via Buenos Aires; total travel ~6–10 hours depending on layover; from ~$180–400 on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Santiago (Encore)

Days 19–21: Last tastes, parks, and a vineyard finale

Wrap your journey with a relaxed return to favorite neighborhoods. Pick up souvenirs in Barrio Italia’s design shops, then bike through Parque Bicentenario stopping for playgrounds and picnic space.

Treat the adults: Consider a gentle tasting day to Chile’s historic Maipo Valley (some venues welcome children with gardens and open space):

• Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 vineyards from Santiago.

  

  A close-to-city day out balancing heritage wineries and scenic countryside.

Farewell meals: Brunch at Wonderland Café, lunch in the shade at Mestizo, and a last-night toast at Bocanáriz while kids sample sopaipillas with pebre.

Depart: Head to SCL on your final morning. If time allows, ride the cable car one more time—the city’s skyline backed by the Andes is a memory worth repeating.

Trip pacing at a glance:

• Days 1–4: Santiago essentials + parks, cable car, cooking class option.
• Day 5: Valparaíso & Viña del Mar day trip (murals, funiculars, beach).
• Days 5–8: Puerto Varas (biking, boating, waterfalls).
• Days 9–13: Puerto Natales (Torres del Paine day tours; optional penguins with one extra night in Punta Arenas).
• Days 14–18: El Calafate (glacier balconies and gourmet navigation boat day).
• Days 19–21: Santiago encore (Maipo wine or park day; last shopping and treats).

Intercity travel cost/time guide (typical, subject to season):

• Santiago → Puerto Montt (fly): ~1h45; ~$60–150.
• Puerto Montt → Puerto Natales (fly to Punta Arenas + bus): ~2h15 flight + 3h bus; ~$70–160 + $12–20.
• Puerto Natales → El Calafate (bus): ~5–6h; ~$30–45.
• El Calafate → Santiago (fly via Buenos Aires): ~6–10h; ~$180–400.

Backup lodging links (for coastal overnights if you extend):

• Valparaíso: Casa Higueras, Ibis Valparaíso, or browse Hotel Diego de Almagro Valparaiso.
• Viña del Mar: Sheraton Miramar Hotel & Convention Center, Hotel San Martin, or Hostal Little Castle.

With city culture, lakeside biking, beach time, and glacier boating, this Chile-and-Argentina route balances adventure and comfort for all ages. You’ll leave with sand in your shoes, mountain air in your lungs, and a new love for Patagonia’s wide horizons.