On this journey from the Chilean coast to Argentinian Wine Country, the changing views go from seasides to meandering roads up and down the Andes; making it a worthy day trip rather than an overnight bus.
Close enough for a day trip from Santiago, the city of Valparaiso has several colorful hilltops with great seaside views. The famous Viña del Mar which hosts the yearly music festival is also a short bus ride away.
Resting between the snow-topped Andes and the Chilean Coast Range, visiting a viewpoint is a must to appreciate the grand landscapes. The capital is also modern and has good public transport for getting around.
The high salt levels in this lake cause it to have a similar floating effect as the dead sea. You can bathe in an adjacent lake to experience the same effect and the tour ends watching the sunset in the area.
Found at over 4300 meters above sea level, El Tatio is one of the largest geyser fields in the world. After exploring the field, you can relax in the thermal baths, but be warned, outside temperatures fall below freezing.
A full-day tour visiting a number of lakes and a peek at the Atacama Salt Flats. The scenic landscapes of the lakes provide great photo opportunities and if you're lucky, you may get the chance to see flamingos.