The long weekends in Chile in 2026 promise to be an excellent opportunity to plan getaways, disconnect from routine, and discover unique corners of the country. This year is projected to have several long weekends that combine relaxation, culture, and local tourism, ideal for traveling as a couple, with friends, or with family.
According to the 2026 Holiday Calendar in Chile , there will be several long weekends and extended weekends that can turn into real mini-vacations if planned in advance.
What are XL holidays in Chile?
Long weekends, known as XL holidays, are those in which a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Monday, creating three or more consecutive days off. Some years even allow for four or five days off , ideal for exploring the country.
These long weekends not only benefit personal well-being, but also domestic tourism, especially in regions where short breaks are an important source of local income.
Long weekends in Chile 2026 confirmed and tentative
Below is a list of the confirmed and projected XL holidays for the year 2026 , according to the official Chilean calendar.
| Month | Holiday | Day | Duration of the break | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | New Year | Thursday 1 | 4 days with Friday off | Northern beaches |
| March | Easter week | April 3-5 | 3 days | Cultural or rural getaways |
| May | Labor Day | Friday 1 | 3 days | Urban tourism and relaxation |
| June | Saint Peter and Saint Paul | Monday 29 | 3 days | Southern Chile and hot springs |
| September | National Holidays | 17-20 | 4 days or more | Traditional festivals and national tourism |
| October | Encounter of Two Worlds | Monday 12 | 3 days | Northern Chile and desert routes |
| December | Christmas | Thursday 25 | 4 days with Friday off | Family vacation |
These long weekends in Chile in 2026 are the perfect base for planning short getaways, taking advantage of low season promotions and enjoying the country with fewer crowds.
Best destinations for long weekend getaways in 2026
Summer getaways: north and coast
La Serena and Coquimbo: wide beaches, seafood cuisine and astronomical observation.
Bahía Inglesa and Caldera: ideal destinations for those seeking sun and turquoise sea.
Iquique: perfect for combining beach and shopping, as well as sports activities.
🔗 Also check out our article on regional tourism in Chile 2026 .
Cultural and heritage getaways
During the holidays in March or June, heritage destinations come to life.
Some recommendations:
Valparaíso: architecture, murals and bohemian gastronomy.
Heritage Santiago: museums and historical routes in the center of the capital.
Chillán and Concepción: excellent gastronomy and active cultural life.
Getaways to the south: nature and hot springs
Winter and spring holidays are perfect for nature destinations, hot springs and mountains .
Pucón and Villarrica: ideal for relaxing with hot springs and hiking.
Puerto Varas: lake landscapes and unique gastronomic experiences.
Futaleufú: adventure, rafting and mountain tourism.
🔗 You can also read our article on sustainable tourism in Chile .
Tips for making the most of the long weekends in Chile in 2026
Plan ahead
Prices for transport and accommodation tend to rise as the dates approach. Booking in advance is key to securing better rates and availability.
Take advantage of interregional holidays
Some destinations offer specific activities on those dates: festivals, traditional fairs or local celebrations that add a cultural touch to each trip.
Choose sustainable destinations
Responsible tourism is gaining momentum in Chile. It favors certified accommodations, avoids generating waste, and respects local ecosystems.
Combine relaxation and culture
Take advantage of the holidays to explore heritage towns, museums, or culinary routes. Chile offers options for all tastes and budgets.
Impact of XL holidays on the Chilean economy and tourism
Domestic tourism is one of the biggest beneficiaries of the extended holiday weekends in Chile in 2026. Every year, these short breaks generate thousands of temporary jobs and strengthen regional commerce.
Hotels, restaurants and small tourism businesses are registering an increase of up to 30% in reservations during these weekends.
Furthermore, long weekends promote tourism decentralization , benefiting municipalities that traditionally do not receive visitors during the working year.
Getaway ideas according to traveler type
| Type of traveler | Recommended destinations | Ideal activities |
|---|---|---|
| As a couple | Pucón, Frutillar, Colchagua | Thermal baths, wine and relaxation |
| Familiar | La Serena, Valdivia, Viña del Mar | Beaches, museums, parks |
| Adventure | Futaleufú, Cajón del Maipo, San Pedro de Atacama | Trekking, rafting, photography |
| Gastronomic | Chillán, Curicó, Castro | Wine and traditional food route |
How to combine holidays with work vacations
A common trick is to add administrative or vacation days to the XL holidays, creating real weeks of rest.
For example:
In September , if you take the 15th and 16th off, you can enjoy 9 consecutive days with the National Holidays.
In June , an extra day off on top of the Saint Peter and Saint Paul holiday can turn into a perfect winter getaway.
These combinations turn holidays into strategic opportunities to rest and take care of mental health, an increasingly valued issue among Chilean workers.
Regional holidays to discover new traditions
In addition to national holidays, there are regional and local holidays that offer unique experiences:
La Tirana Festival (Tarapacá)
Anniversary of Arica and Parinacota
Chiloé Day
These events allow visitors to learn about Chilean cultural diversity and promote off-season tourism.