🇨🇱 A Vibrant 3-Day Discovery of Chile

After arriving at Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez Airport (SCL) and checking into your hotel, your exploration begins at the Plaza de Armas, the city’s historic main square. This is the heart of Santiago, surrounded by key landmarks. Visit the impressive Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral and the beautiful Central Post Office building. From the plaza, take a walk down the bustling Paseo Ahumada, a pedestrian street that captures the commercial energy of the city. Make your way to the Palacio de La Moneda, the grand presidential palace. You can admire it from the outside and, if timed correctly, witness the traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony.

In the late afternoon, experience Santiago from a completely different vantage point. Take the metro or a taxi to the Costanera Center, the tallest skyscraper in South America. Your main activity is to ascend to the Sky Costanera observation deck on the 61st and 62nd floors. The high-speed elevator will whisk you up in under two minutes. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning, uninterrupted 360-degree view of the entire city, the surrounding suburbs, and the magnificent, ever-present Andes mountain range. It’s the perfect place to watch the sun set and see the city lights begin to twinkle below.

Young Travelers: After the Sky Costanera, explore the trendy Providencia neighborhood, known for its lively bars, craft beer pubs, and vibrant nightlife. For a more cultural experience, the Bellas Artes neighborhood is home to many independent theaters, art galleries, and bohemian cafes. A visit to the GAM (Gabriela Mistral Center) offers a look into Santiago’s contemporary arts scene.

Seniors: Consider a hop-on-hop-off bus tour to comfortably see the main sights of the city center without extensive walking. The Sky Costanera is fully accessible and a very comfortable experience. For a more relaxed afternoon, a visit to the tranquil sculpture park in Providencia (Parque de las Esculturas) offers a pleasant walk along the Mapocho River.

Family: A fun activity for families is a visit to the Fantasialandia amusement park (check seasonal opening times). For a more central option, the Parque Metropolitano offers a zoo, a children’s park, and a cable car (teleférico) that provides great views and an exciting ride for kids, which is a great alternative to the Sky Costanera.

With Disability: Santiago’s city center is relatively flat and has many pedestrianized streets, making it manageable. The metro system has accessible stations. The Palacio de La Moneda has an accessible cultural center beneath it. The Sky Costanera is fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators and ramps, making it an excellent activity for all abilities.

Luxury Travel: Enhance your day with a private guided walking tour of the historic center, focusing on art and architecture. For your evening, enjoy a sophisticated Pisco Sour cocktail at a high-end bar, followed by a tasting menu at Boragó, a world-renowned restaurant that offers a culinary journey through Chile’s unique endemic ingredients (reservations are essential and required months in advance).

Adventure: The best urban adventure is to hike or bike to the top of Cerro San Cristóbal, the large hill that dominates the city’s skyline. The climb is steep but rewards you with incredible views of the city and the Andes. It’s the centerpiece of the vast Parque Metropolitano and a favorite spot for locals to exercise and enjoy nature within the city.

Nature: Instead of the city center, spend your afternoon at the foothills of the Andes. A visit to the Parque Natural Aguas de Ramón offers beautiful hiking trails that follow a river into a canyon, providing a true nature escape just a short taxi ride from the city. You can choose from several trails of varying difficulty, offering a refreshing dose of nature after your flight.

For a short trip to Santiago, staying in the well-located and safe neighborhoods of Providencia, Las Condes, or Lastarria is highly recommended. These areas offer a fantastic selection of hotels, restaurants, and cafes, and they are well-connected to the rest of the city via the efficient metro system. Providencia and Las Condes are more modern and upscale, while Lastarria is a charming and bohemian heritage district. Staying in one of these neighborhoods ensures a comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable base for your Chilean adventure.

Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago – Located in the prestigious Las Condes district, this hotel offers classic luxury, a top-floor spa and pool with stunning city views, and impeccable service.
Mid-Range: Le Rêve Boutique Hotel – A beautiful and charming boutique hotel in a restored mansion in Providencia, offering personalized service, elegant rooms, and a peaceful courtyard.
Budget: Hostal Forestal – A clean, friendly, and highly-rated hostel located near the Bellas Artes and Lastarria neighborhoods, offering both dorms and private rooms in a vibrant and central location.

The most efficient and affordable way to get around Santiago is by using its modern and clean metro system. To use it, you will need to buy a “Bip!” card at any station and load it with money. You can use the same card for both the metro and the public buses. The metro is a great way to avoid the city’s often heavy traffic, especially when traveling to the Costanera Center or between different neighborhoods.

Santiago’s air quality can be poor, especially during the winter months (June-August), when thermal inversion traps smog in the valley. The best views from Sky Costanera or Cerro San Cristóbal are usually found in the morning after a day of rain, which clears the air. If you are visiting during the summer (December-February), be aware that the sun is very strong. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, and drink plenty of water.

Santiago is a stylish, metropolitan city where people tend to dress smart-casually. For a day of exploring the city, comfortable yet neat attire is a good choice. A pair of comfortable walking shoes or stylish sneakers is essential, as you will be doing a lot of walking. In summer, lightweight trousers, a skirt, or a dress with a t-shirt are appropriate. In the cooler months, layers are key—jeans, a sweater, and a jacket will be needed.

Even in summer, the temperature can drop in the evening, so it’s always a good idea to have a light jacket or cardigan with you, especially if you plan to be out late. For your visit to the Sky Costanera, there is no specific dress code, but your smart-casual city attire will be perfectly suitable. Chileans are generally more formal than in other parts of South America, so avoiding overly casual beachwear in the city is a good idea.

For a classic Chilean lunch experience in the city center, find a “picada,” a small, unassuming local restaurant known for its good-value, traditional food. A great option is “La Piojera,” a famously raucous and historic bar near the Mercado Central, where you can try a “terremoto” (a potent cocktail) and simple, hearty Chilean food. For something a little calmer, the area around the Plaza de Armas has many cafes offering set lunch menus (“menú del día”).

In the evening, explore the fantastic culinary scene in the Lastarria or Bellavista neighborhoods. Lastarria is known for its charming, European-style restaurants with beautiful terraces. A great choice here is Bocanáriz, a wine bar and restaurant with an extensive list of Chilean wines and delicious food pairings. Bellavista is a more bohemian area, famous for its lively atmosphere and the Patio Bellavista complex, which houses numerous restaurants and bars.

From Santiago’s Airport (SCL), you have several options to get to your hotel. The most convenient are the official airport taxis or a pre-booked private transfer. Ride-sharing services like Uber also operate from the airport. For a more budget-friendly option, the Centropuerto and Turbus shuttle buses run frequently from the airport to various points in the city center, including metro stations, from where you can continue to your hotel.

Today’s itinerary is best navigated using a combination of walking and the metro. The historic city center is very walkable. To get from the center to the Costanera Center in Providencia, the metro is the fastest and easiest option. Take Line 1 to the Tobalaba station, which is connected directly to the shopping center. This allows you to experience both the historic core and the modern business district efficiently.

This is a full-day trip from Santiago. After breakfast, travel to Valparaíso by bus. The journey takes about 1.5-2 hours. Upon arrival at the bus terminal, take a local bus or taxi to the Plaza Sotomayor, the city’s main civic square, which is a great starting point. From here, your main activity is to explore the hillside neighborhoods of Cerro Concepción and Cerro Alegre. Find the Ascensor El Peral or Ascensor Concepción to ride one of the historic funiculars up the steep hill.

Once you are on the hills, the best activity is simply to wander and get lost. Follow the colourful laneways like Paseo Gervasoni and Paseo Atkinson, which offer stunning viewpoints. The entire area is a canvas for incredible street art and murals. Spend your day exploring the art, browsing the small artisan shops, and soaking in the bohemian atmosphere. You can also visit one of Pablo Neruda’s three homes, La Sebastiana, which is located on another hill and offers a fascinating glimpse into the poet’s quirky world and fantastic views of the city.

Young Travelers: Join a free walking tour (tip-based) to get an excellent introduction to the city’s history and the stories behind the street art. In the afternoon, explore the city’s grittier, more artistic side by visiting the “Museo a Cielo Abierto” (Open-Air Museum). For lunch, find a casual spot serving the local specialty, “chorrillana,” a massive plate of french fries topped with beef, onions, and eggs.

Seniors: The hills of Valparaíso are very steep and can be challenging. A guided tour with a private vehicle can be a much more comfortable way to experience the city. The driver can take you to the top of the main hills, allowing you to enjoy the views and the atmosphere with minimal strenuous walking. A boat tour of the harbour is another great, low-impact way to see the city from a different perspective.

Family: The colourful streets and quirky art of Valparaíso are like a real-life fantasy world for children. They will love riding the old, creaky ascensores. A boat tour of the harbour to see the massive container ships and the sea lions that often rest on buoys is another exciting activity for the whole family.

With Disability: Valparaíso is extremely challenging for wheelchair users due to its steep hills, narrow, broken sidewalks, and countless staircases. The flat, lower part of the city around Plaza Sotomayor is accessible, and a boat tour of the harbour is a feasible and enjoyable option. However, exploring the famous hills is unfortunately not practical.

Luxury Travel: Hire a private guide and vehicle for a curated tour of Valparaíso and the adjacent, more manicured city of Viña del Mar. Your guide can introduce you to local artists in their studios. Enjoy a gourmet lunch with wine pairings at a high-end restaurant with panoramic ocean views, such as Restaurant La Concepción.

Adventure: The adventure in Valparaíso is the urban exploration. Challenge yourself to find the most interesting and hidden staircases and murals. For a coastal adventure, you could take a local bus to the nearby beach of Concón, known for its large sand dunes where you can try sandboarding.

Nature: While the city itself is the main attraction, you can connect with nature on a coastal boat tour from the Muelle Prat (main pier). These tours take you out into the bay, offering a chance to see pelicans, sea lions, and other marine birdlife, all with the incredible backdrop of the colourful city on the hills.

Returning to your hotel in Santiago after a long day trip is the most practical option for this short itinerary. Your base in a neighborhood like Providencia or Lastarria provides a comfortable and familiar place to return to. The convenience of not having to check in and out of another hotel allows you to maximize your exploration time in Valparaíso. After the sensory feast of the port city, the calm and comfort of your Santiago hotel will be a welcome retreat.

Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago – A luxurious and comfortable base to return to after a full day of exploration.
Mid-Range: Le Rêve Boutique Hotel – A peaceful and elegant retreat to relax in after the vibrant chaos of Valparaíso.
Budget: Hostal Forestal – A convenient and budget-friendly base with easy access to the bus station for your day trip.

Valparaíso’s charm lies in its labyrinthine streets, but this can also make it easy to get lost. While wandering is part of the fun, it’s a good idea to have an offline map downloaded on your phone. Be aware that while the main tourist areas on Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción are generally safe during the day, some of the other hills and the lower port area can be sketchy. It’s best to stick to the well-trodden tourist paths, especially if you are on your own.

While exploring the hills, wear comfortable and sturdy shoes with good grip. The cobblestones can be uneven, and the stairs and slopes are very steep. Keep your belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings, as you would in any busy port city. The best way to experience the city is to embrace the chaos, but a little bit of common sense and preparedness will go a long way.

For a day trip to Valparaíso, comfortable and casual clothing is perfect. The weather on the coast can be unpredictable and often cooler and windier than in Santiago. Dressing in layers is the best strategy. Wear comfortable trousers or jeans, a t-shirt, and bring a sweater or fleece and a windproof/waterproof jacket, especially as the sea breeze can be chilly. The sun can also be strong, so sunglasses and sunscreen are essential.

The single most important item of clothing for Valparaíso is a pair of very comfortable walking shoes with excellent grip. You will be walking up and down steep hills, on uneven cobblestones, and on countless stairs all day. Sturdy sneakers or walking shoes are a must to keep your feet comfortable and to prevent slips or falls on the steep inclines.

Valparaíso has a fantastic and eclectic food scene. For lunch, find a restaurant with a terrace on Cerro Concepción or Cerro Alegre to enjoy a meal with a view. A great option is Restaurant La Concepción, which offers delicious Chilean seafood and stunning panoramic views of the bay. For a more casual and classic Valpo experience, seek out a local spot serving fresh seafood empanadas.

Before you head back to Santiago, you might want to have an early dinner or a snack. The area around Cerro Alegre has many charming cafes and restaurants. Cafe del Pintor is a cozy spot for a coffee and a pastry. If you are a fan of craft beer, the city has a burgeoning scene; a place like Cervecería Altamira offers local brews in a cool, industrial setting.

The best and most common way to get from Santiago to Valparaíso is by bus. Two major companies, Turbus and Pullman Bus, run comfortable, modern coaches between the two cities. Buses depart every 10-15 minutes throughout the day from the Alameda bus terminal in Santiago (accessible via the Universidad de Santiago metro station). The journey is about 1.5-2 hours and is very affordable. You can buy your ticket at the station on the day of travel.

Once you arrive at the bus terminal in Valparaíso, you can take a local bus (called a “micro”) or a “colectivo” (shared taxi on a fixed route) to get to the historic center around Plaza Sotomayor. From there, the best way to explore the famous hills is by using the historic “ascensores” (funiculars) and your own two feet. This combination allows you to experience the city’s unique transport system and its pedestrian-focused, artistic laneways.

Start your morning with a visit to Santiago’s famous central markets. Begin at the La Vega Central market, a massive and vibrant produce market where you will see an incredible array of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and spices from all over Chile. It’s a fantastic place to soak in the local atmosphere and perhaps try a fresh fruit juice. From La Vega, walk across the river to the Mercado Central. This historic market, housed in a beautiful wrought-iron building, is famous for its incredible selection of fresh seafood. The main activity here is to have a classic Chilean seafood lunch at one of the bustling restaurants inside the market.

After lunch and checking out of your hotel, spend your final afternoon exploring the charming neighborhood of Barrio Lastarria. This small, European-style neighborhood is known for its lovely architecture, cobblestone streets, independent bookshops, and artisan shops. It’s a perfect place for a relaxed final stroll and some last-minute souvenir shopping. Enjoy a final coffee or a glass of Chilean wine at one of the many lovely sidewalk cafes. From here, you will proceed to the airport for your departure, filled with the flavors and memories of Chile.

Young Travelers: The markets are a fantastic and authentic experience. For your final afternoon, explore the adjacent Bellavista neighborhood, known for its vibrant street art, funky bars, and the house-museum of poet Pablo Neruda, La Chascona. It’s a more bohemian and lively area than Lastarria.

Seniors: The central markets can be very crowded. A good way to experience them is to arrive early in the morning before the main rush. For a more relaxed final afternoon, a visit to the Pre-Columbian Art Museum (Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino) is a fantastic choice. It houses a world-class collection in a calm and beautiful setting.

Family: La Vega market is a feast for the senses for children, with its colorful displays of produce. For the afternoon, a final ride on the teleférico (cable car) up Cerro San Cristóbal can be a great farewell activity, offering those amazing views one last time before heading to the airport.

With Disability: The Mercado Central is on one level and is largely accessible, making it a great place to experience the market atmosphere and have lunch. Barrio Lastarria is also one of Santiago’s more accessible neighborhoods, with flat, well-paved sidewalks and many cafes with accessible outdoor seating.

Luxury Travel: Join a private culinary tour that includes a guided visit to the markets with a chef, who can explain the local ingredients. This is often followed by a hands-on Chilean cooking class and a gourmet lunch with wine pairings. It’s a fantastic way to deeply engage with the country’s cuisine before you leave.

Adventure: For a final adventure, you could take a day trip to the Cajón del Maipo, a stunning Andean canyon just southeast of Santiago. Here you can go for a short hike to see glaciers, hot springs, and dramatic mountain scenery. This would require a very early start and a late departure flight, but it’s a spectacular final dose of Andean nature.

Nature: Spend your final morning at the beautiful Santiago Metropolitan Park. You can take the funicular up to the top of Cerro San Cristóbal and then take a peaceful walk through the park’s botanical gardens. It offers a final chance to enjoy the outdoors and the city’s green lung before heading to the airport.

This section is for checkout. The location of your hotel in a central and well-connected neighborhood like Providencia, Las Condes, or Lastarria is a major advantage on your departure day. It allows for an efficient morning of sightseeing and an easy return to pick up your luggage. A good hotel will offer reliable luggage storage and can assist with booking a timely and trustworthy airport transfer, ensuring a smooth and stress-free end to your Chilean journey.

Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago – Offers late check-out services (subject to availability) and can arrange high-end private airport transfers.
Mid-Range: Le Rêve Boutique Hotel – Its location in Providencia is convenient for a final exploration and has easy access to airport transfer routes.
Budget: Hostal Forestal – The staff can provide excellent advice on the most affordable and efficient ways to get to the airport.

When dining at the Mercado Central, be aware that the restaurants in the center of the market are very tourist-focused and can be overpriced. For a more authentic and better value meal, try the smaller restaurants located around the perimeter of the market. This is where the locals tend to eat. Be polite but firm with the touts who will try to usher you into their restaurant.

For your journey back to Santiago’s Airport (SCL), it’s important to allow plenty of time. Traffic in Santiago can be very heavy, especially during weekday afternoon rush hours. A journey that might take 30 minutes in light traffic could take over an hour at a peak time. It is wise to budget at least an hour for the taxi or shuttle ride to the airport to avoid any last-minute stress.

For a day exploring the markets and a city neighborhood, comfortable and casual attire is perfect. The markets can be crowded and the floors wet, so closed-toe shoes are a better choice than sandals. As you will be doing a lot of walking, your most comfortable pair of shoes is a must. Chileans in Santiago dress quite stylishly, so a smart-casual look will help you blend in.

You will need comfortable clothing for your flight home. Many people choose to wear their travel clothes during the day’s activities. Having a light jacket or sweater is always a good idea, as the temperature can be cool in the morning and evening, and the airport and airplane will be air-conditioned. It’s best to be prepared for a range of temperatures on your final day.

Lunch today is the main event. The best place to eat is inside the Mercado Central. Find a restaurant and order a classic Chilean seafood dish. A great choice is “pastel de jaiba” (a rich crab gratin) or “caldillo de congrio” (a hearty conger eel stew), which was famously praised in a poem by Pablo Neruda. Pair it with a crisp glass of Chilean Sauvignon Blanc for a perfect farewell meal.

After your seafood feast, you likely won’t need a large second meal. Before heading to the airport, enjoy a final Chilean coffee and a pastry at a cafe in Barrio Lastarria. A great spot is Colmado Coffee. Alternatively, this is your last chance to enjoy a Pisco Sour, Chile’s national cocktail, at a charming bar like Chipe Libre – República Independiente del Pisco in Lastarria.

The central markets are located in the historic center of Santiago and are best reached by metro. The Cal y Canto station (Line 2) is located right next to both the Mercado Central and La Vega. From the markets, the Barrio Lastarria is a pleasant 15-20 minute walk, or a very short metro ride from Cal y Canto to Bellas Artes station (Line 5).

To get to the airport for your departure, you will take a pre-booked taxi, a ride-sharing service like Uber, or one of the airport shuttle buses from the city center. Your hotel can help you arrange a reliable taxi. This ensures a safe and timely journey to the airport, bringing your Chilean adventure to a smooth conclusion.

Chile’s dramatic and diverse landscapes provide a powerful backdrop for yoga and wellness retreats that focus on connecting with nature. You can find retreats nestled in the serene beauty of the Elqui Valley, a region famous for its clear skies and mystical energy, making it a perfect spot for yoga combined with stargazing and meditation. Other retreats are located in the lush Lake District near Pucón, where you can practice yoga with views of a volcano and complement your practice with hikes through ancient forests and soaks in natural hot springs.

The focus of many Chilean wellness experiences is on embracing the powerful elements of the earth. From the arid tranquility of the Atacama Desert to the wild, windswept nature of Patagonia, retreats often incorporate shamanic traditions, sound healing, and nature-based therapies. These experiences offer a chance to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with yourself in a setting of profound peace and awe-inspiring natural beauty, leaving you feeling grounded, refreshed, and spiritually energized.

Packing for Chile requires preparing for a wide range of climates due to its unique geography. For a trip focused on Santiago and the central coast, layers are essential. Santiago has a Mediterranean climate; summers (Dec-Feb) are hot and dry, while winters (Jun-Aug) are cool and damp. Pack lightweight clothing for summer days, but always include a jacket or sweater for the cool evenings. For winter, you will need a warm jacket, sweaters, and long pants.

Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable for exploring the cities. The sun is very strong in Chile, so a high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are crucial year-round. Chileans tend to dress smart-casually in the city, so including a slightly nicer outfit for evenings out is a good idea. A reusable water bottle is useful for staying hydrated. Don’t forget a universal power adapter (Chile uses Type C and L) and a portable power bank.

Shopping in Chile offers a wonderful selection of unique and high-quality artisanal crafts. One of the most famous and sought-after items is jewelry and other crafts made with lapis lazuli, a beautiful deep blue stone for which Chile is a major world source. You can find high-quality silver and lapis lazuli jewelry in specialized shops in Santiago, particularly in the Bellavista neighborhood.

Other excellent souvenirs include textiles, especially warm and soft alpaca wool products like sweaters, scarves, and blankets, which reflect the Andean culture. Look for Chilean wine, which is world-class and very affordable. In the south, you can find unique Mapuche indigenous crafts and woodwork. For the best selection of handicrafts in Santiago, visit the artisan stalls in the Santa Lucía Hill area or the larger Pueblito Los Dominicos artisan village.

1. What is the currency in Chile?
   The currency is the Chilean Peso (CLP). Credit cards are widely accepted in cities, but it’s useful to have cash for smaller purchases, local markets, and in more rural areas. ATMs are common.
2. Do I need a visa to visit Chile?
   Citizens from many countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, and EU member states, do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. However, citizens of some countries (like Australia) may need to pay a “reciprocity fee” upon arrival by air. Always check the latest requirements for your nationality.
3. Is Chile safe for tourists?
   Chile is one of the safest and most stable countries in South America. The main concern in large cities like Santiago and Valparaíso is petty theft and pickpocketing. Be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas, and don’t flash expensive items.
4. What is the tipping etiquette?
   In restaurants, a 10% service charge (“propina”) is usually suggested and can be added to your bill when paying by card. It is customary to accept it for good service. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers, but rounding up the fare is common.
5. Do people speak English?
   Spanish is the official language. English is not widely spoken outside of the main tourism industry (hotels, high-end restaurants, tour guides). Learning some basic Spanish phrases will be extremely helpful and greatly appreciated.
6. Can I drink the tap water?
   In major cities like Santiago, the tap water is generally safe to drink. However, it is highly chlorinated and has a high mineral content, which can upset sensitive stomachs. Many travelers prefer to stick to bottled water, which is widely available.
7. What is a “terremoto”?
   A “terremoto” (earthquake) is a famous and potent Chilean cocktail made from a cheap white wine called pipeño, pineapple ice cream, and grenadine or fernet. It’s a classic drink to try for an authentic local experience, but be careful—it’s very strong!
8. What kind of power sockets are used?
   Chile uses Type C and L power sockets. The standard voltage is 220V. You will need a universal travel adapter.
9. Is Chile expensive?
   Chile is generally considered one of the more expensive countries in South America, with prices for food and accommodation closer to those in Southern Europe or North America. However, it is still possible to travel on a budget by eating at local “picadas” and using public transport.
10. What is the best time to visit Central Chile?
    The best times to visit Santiago and Valparaíso are during the shoulder seasons of Spring (September-November) and Autumn (March-May). The weather is pleasant, and you avoid the intense heat of summer and the cool, often smoggy, days of winter.