Torres del Paine National Park
Torres del Paine National Park, with its iconic granite Towers, is one of Patagonia's most popular destinations: a paradise for hikers and outdoor adventure activities.
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Reasons to go to Santiago
- Discover Chile’s sophisticated and lively capital city for the perfect complement to Patagonia's epic wilderness
- Take the cultural heartbeat of the nation on a cultural or gastronomic tour of Santiago
- Go beyond the city with hikes in the Andes Mountains, wine tasting in a vineyard or the street art of Valparaiso
- Extend your Patagonia adventure between with a selection of packages showcasing the best of Santiago
- Connect to Patagonia with easy flight connections to Torres del Paine, Aysen, the Chilean Lake District and more
What to see & do in Santiago
Santiago city tours
Santiago is one of those cities where tradition and modernity collide with brilliant effect.
A city tour here will take you to the heart of Spanish colonial Santiago in the Plaza de Armas with its grand 18th century cathedral then wander the charming low-slung Lastarria neighbourhood with its jacaranda trees – only to then pull focus completely to look up at the glass and steel skyscrapers of the 21st Century capital.
An essential part of any city tour is a trip by funicular or cable car to the summit of San Cristóbal Hill, where you can see the entire city laid out below you, backed by the snowy ramparts of the Andes Mountains which stretch out to a seemingly endless horizon.
Street scene in Santiago
Gastronomy
Santiago has some of the best eating in Chile, and the national cuisine is particularly rich in seafood, as befits a country whose coastline stretches some 2700 miles (4300 km) along the Pacific Ocean.
One of the best places to get to the heart of Chile's food culture is at Mercado Central, Santiago's 19th Century central market and one of its architectural treasures. It’s a place made for walking tours and cookery classes – bring your camera as well as an appetite.
While pisco sours remain a popular drink to wash down a zingy dish of ceviche, Santiago also has a thriving craft beer scene, so make sure to include time for a drink or two at a cervercería (brewpub) during your visit.
Ceviche and pisco sour in Santiago
Swoop says
I love living in Santiago. There are always new bars and restaurants to try out, and if you get tired of the big city buzz, you can be out hiking on a mountain trail in an instant, or heading along the coast to a nearby winery or beach.
Clo Mazille Patagonia Specialist
Chile's wine country
Chile’s thriving wine industry has played a key role in building the country’s international brand, and many of its best wineries can be found in the Rosario Valley, within easy reach of Santiago.
The terroir here is dominated by the cool damp winds of the Pacific Ocean and the warm granite foothills of the Andes. This produces ideal growing conditions for Syrah, Pinot Noir and Malbec red grapes, along with Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer white grapes.
Winery tours come with a meal in gorgeous rolling countryside; and if you want to linger it’s also possible to stay overnight, keeping your glass nicely topped up into the bargain.
Taking a walking tour of the vineyards at Matetic
Valparaíso
Generations of Chilean poets and artists have been attracted by the charms of Valparaíso, a World Heritage-listed city on the Pacific coast, 75 miles (125 km) from Santiago.
The city is a warren of streets that tumble down the hill to the sea every one seemingly lined with characterful old mansions that recall the city's heyday as one of South America's busiest and richest ports. These are complemented by an extraordinary collection of street art that has turned Valparaíso into a vibrant outdoor gallery.
Visits to Valparaíso often include a trip to the resort town of Viña del Mar (Santiago's favoured beach escape) or the vineyards of the nearby Casablanca Valley.
Historic Valparaíso
Day hikes in the Andes
You can’t escape the view of the Andes in Santiago, but why would you want to? Instead, head into the mountains for a day of hiking high above the city at the Yerba Loca Nature Sanctuary a short 35 miles (55 km) drive away.
This alpine park at an altitude of around 7850 feet (2400 m) is braided with a series of trails that are suitable for anyone with a good level of fitness. You can walk through beautiful valley, ascending gently to views of La Paloma Glacier.
With a packed lunch and plenty of clean mountain air, Yerba Loca is the ideal place for a natural reset close to the city.
Hiking at Yerba Loca near Santiago
Swoop says
Santiago is more than just a gateway to Chilean Patagonia. Take a short flight north and you can exploring the otherworldly landscapes of the high altitude Atacama Desert, or you can hop across the sea to Easter Island, Chile's farthest-flung outpost, to look for the enigmatic giant Moai statues.
Where to stay in Santiago
As befits Chile's cosmopolitan capital city, Santiago has plenty of excellent accommodation to suit tastes and budgets. Choose from premium hotels to fashionable boutique guesthouses to stylish luxury. If you want to be outside the city, there’s also the option of staying at a nearby winery.
Within Santiago, the most popular districts to base yourself in are around the Centro, Barrio Lastarria for its restaurants and nightlife, or leafy Providencia.
Le Reve Hotel, Santiago
How to get to Santiago
Santiago International Airport (airport code SCL) is Chile's international gateway. The airport is 10 miles (16 km) west of the city centre.
There are multiple daily flights to Punta Arenas (PUQ, 3½ hours) and Puerto Natales (PNT, 3½ hours), for Torres del Paine National Park. Punta Arenas is also the gateway to Chilean Tierra del Fuego. For Aysen, there are connections to Coyhaique (BBA, 2½ hours). For the Chilean Lake District there are flights to Puerto Montt (PMC, 2 hours) and Castro on Chiloé Island (MHC, 2 hours)
Other domestic destinations include Calama (CJC, 2 hours) for the Atacama Desert and Easter Island (IPC, 4½ hours).
For Argentina, there are direct flights from Santiago to Buenos Aires (EZE, 2 hours) and Bariloche (1 hour).
Santiago International airport
Our trips in and around Santiago
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4.6 out of 5
Santiago Express
The perfect solution for a brief stop in Chile’s stunning capital city. Whether en route to Patagonia or returning home—our stop-off program will ensure you get a taster for the city and a night’s rest at a hotel perfectly suited…
- 2 Days
- $645
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4.5 out of 5
Classic Santiago, Wines and Valparaíso
Get to know Santiago’s fascinating history, culture and scenery before a spot of wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley and a visit to Valparaíso—the colourful port city. This trip gives you three experiences in one and is an ideal add-on…
- 4 Days
- $1,511
Escape to the Chilean wine country at this boutique bodega-style property. Only a short drive from Santiago city or airport you'll have the opportunity to indulge in gourmet cuisine, delicious wine varieties, and strolls in the vineyard. You'll likely get…
- 3 Days
- $2,270
What our customers think of Santiago
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Discover more of Chilean Patagonia
Aysen
Remote, beautiful and with one of the most famous road-trip roads in the world, Aysen is a destination for those seeking the very best of Patagonia without the crowds.
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Chilean Lake District
The Chilean Lake District is packed with glacial lakes, snow-capped volcanoes, islands rich in history and folklore, national parks and adventure sports activities.
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Tierra del Fuego
Tierra del Fuego is Patagonia’s southernmost outpost – a place of epic mountain hikes, thick forests, wild glaciers, and seeing penguin colonies as condors wheel high above.
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