Santiago

Airport transfer(30-50 minutes)

Centropuerto bus $1,900 CLP or Uber $15,000-25,000 CLP

Barrio Lastarria evening walk(2 hours)

Tree-lined pedestrian streets, bookshops, sidewalk cafes. The GAM cultural center (free exhibitions) and Cerro Santa Lucia (free park, city views, open until 7PM) are steps away

Dinner at Bocanariz(2 hours)

On Jose Victorino Lastarria street — Chile's best wine bar. 400+ Chilean wines by the glass ($3,000-8,000 CLP). Pair with charcuterie boards ($8,000-14,000 CLP). The ideal introduction to Chilean wine

Funicular to Cerro San Cristobal summit(1.5 hours)

$3,500 CLP round trip. Panoramic views of Santiago with the Andes behind on clear days. The 22-meter Virgin Mary statue at the top. Best before noon when smog is lightest

La Chascona — Pablo Neruda's house(1.5 hours)

$8,000 CLP. Below Cerro San Cristobal in Bellavista. Named after his lover's tousled hair. Audio guide in English. Neruda's quirky collections — ship figureheads, colored glass, bar made from a boat — are endlessly charming

Lunch at Galindo(1 hour)

On Dardignac in Bellavista — traditional Chilean. Pastel de choclo ($6,000 CLP, corn pie with meat), cazuela ($5,000 CLP, hearty stew). Huge portions, student prices

Bellavista street art walk(1.5 hours)

Pio Nono and surrounding streets — murals, galleries, and the entrance to Cerro San Cristobal. This becomes Santiago's nightlife strip after 10PM

Mercado Central seafood breakfast/lunch(1.5 hours)

Iron-and-glass market (1872). Order caldillo de congrio ($8,000-12,000 CLP, Neruda's favorite) or paila marina ($10,000-15,000 CLP) at the perimeter stalls — avoid the center aisle tourist traps

Plaza de Armas & cathedral(1 hour)

Santiago's main square with the Metropolitan Cathedral (free), Central Post Office, and National History Museum ($2,000 CLP). Watch chess players in the plaza

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes(1.5 hours)

Free. Housed in a Beaux-Arts palace. Chilean and Latin American art from colonial to contemporary. The building itself is as impressive as the collection

Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos(2 hours)

Free. Pinochet-era human rights museum. Powerful, sobering, and essential for understanding modern Chile. Metro Quinta Normal

Bus to Valparaiso from Pajaritos terminal(1.5 hours)

$5,000-8,000 CLP. Departures every 15 minutes

Cerro Alegre & Cerro Concepcion walk(3 hours)

The two most photogenic hills. Massive murals on every surface, colorful tin houses, independent cafes, and sea views. Walk between them on the cobblestoned Paseo Yugoslavo

Ascensores (funicular rides)(30 minutes)

$300 CLP each. Ride the historic hillside funiculars — some dating to the 1880s. Ascensor Reina Victoria and Ascensor El Peral are the most scenic

Lunch at Cafe Turri(1.5 hours)

On Cerro Concepcion with harbor views. Seafood cazuela ($10,000 CLP), grilled reineta fish ($12,000 CLP). Terrace seating is essential

La Sebastiana — Neruda's Valparaiso house(1 hour)

$8,000 CLP. On Cerro Bellavista. Five stories of nautical collections and harbor views. The panoramic terrace is the best view in Valparaiso

Wine tour to Maipo Valley(5 hours)

Wine tour operator ($40,000-80,000 CLP including transport and 3-4 wineries). Or rent a car (45 min south). Concha y Toro (tours from $18,000 CLP), Santa Rita ($15,000-25,000 CLP), and boutique producers. Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere are the stars

Dinner at Borago(2.5 hours)

In Vitacura — Rodolfo Guzman's showcase of Chilean ingredients you've never heard of. Tasting menu $85,000-100,000 CLP. #26 in the world. Book at borago.cl

Drive to Cajon del Maipo(1.5 hours)

Rent a car or book a tour ($50,000-80,000 CLP). Southeast of Santiago into the Andes

Embalse El Yeso(1.5 hours)

A stunning turquoise reservoir at 2,500m surrounded by snowy Andean peaks. Free. The color of the water against the mountains is surreal. Bring a jacket — it's cold at altitude

Banos Colina hot springs(2 hours)

$12,000 CLP entry. Natural thermal pools at 3,000m with mountain views. October-April only (road closes in winter). Multiple pools at different temperatures. Bring food — no vendors

Lunch at a roadside restaurant in San Jose de Maipo(1 hour)

Empanadas de pino ($2,500-3,500 CLP each, ground beef with olive and egg) and pastel de choclo ($5,000 CLP). The town is the gateway to the canyon

Breakfast empanadas at Emporio La Rosa(45 minutes)

On Merced street in Lastarria. Excellent ice cream ($2,500-4,000 CLP), empanadas ($3,000 CLP), and coffee. A Santiago institution

Last walk through Lastarria or Santa Lucia(1 hour)

Pick up a bottle of Chilean wine ($3,000-5,000 CLP from any supermarket — excellent quality at supermarket prices)

Transfer to SCL airport(30-50 minutes)

Centropuerto bus $1,900 CLP or Uber $15,000-25,000 CLP. Allow 2.5 hours for international flights

Bocanariz wine bar(2 hours)

400+ wines by glass $3,000-8,000 CLP

Funicular to summit(1.5 hours)

$3,500 CLP

La Chascona(1.5 hours)

$8,000 CLP

Mercado Central(1.5 hours)

Caldillo de congrio $8,000-12,000

Bellas Artes(1.5 hours)

Free

Museo de la Memoria(2 hours)

Free. Essential

Ascensores(30 min)

$300 CLP each

Maipo wine tour(5 hours)

$40,000-80,000 CLP. Concha y Toro, Santa Rita

Borago dinner(2.5 hours)

Tasting $85,000-100,000 CLP

Banos Colina hot springs(2 hours)

$12,000 CLP

Barrio Italia morning(2.5 hours)

Antique shops, design stores, and cafes in converted warehouses on Avenida Italia between Condell and Caupolicán. The Persa Bio-Bio flea market (weekends) is massive. Coffee at Cafe de la Candelaria ($2,500 CLP)

Providencia walk(2 hours)

Santiago's most livable neighborhood. Walk from Providencia Metro along Avenida Suecia (bar strip), through Parque Balmaceda, to the Costanera Center observation deck ($15,000 CLP, 300m — the tallest building in South America)

Lunch at Liguria(1.5 hours)

On Avenida Providencia — beloved local bistro with mismatched furniture. Chilean classics: lomo a lo pobre ($8,000 CLP, steak with fried egg and fries), chorrillana ($12,000 CLP, fries loaded with meat, onions, and eggs, feeds 2-3). Cash preferred

Drive to Casablanca Valley(1.5 hours)

On the road to Valparaiso. Rent a car or book a tour. Cooler climate = different wines than Maipo

Matetic Vineyards(1.5 hours)

Biodynamic winery in a stunning valley. Tastings $15,000-25,000 CLP. Their Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc are exceptional. The restaurant Equilibrio ($18,000-30,000 CLP) has vineyard views

Kingston Family Vineyards(1 hour)

Boutique family winery. Tastings $12,000 CLP. The Tobiano Pinot Noir is a standout. More intimate than the big producers

Lunch at House of Morandé(1.5 hours)

Winery restaurant with contemporary Chilean cuisine ($12,000-22,000 CLP). The wine-food pairings are thoughtful

Late brunch at La Mar Santiago(1.5 hours)

Gaston Acurio's ceviche outpost in Vitacura. Ceviche clasico ($14,000 CLP), pisco sour ($6,000 CLP). The quality matches the Lima original

Free afternoon(4 hours)

Options: Parque Bicentenario in Vitacura (free, modern park with fountains and flamingos), revisit a museum, or simply explore a neighborhood on foot

Winter option: Valle Nevado or Farellones(6 hours)

45 min drive to 3,000m. Day pass $45,000-65,000 CLP. Equipment rental $25,000-35,000 CLP. The Andes skiing is above the treeline with massive views. Or just go for the scenery and lunch at the lodge

Summer option: Pomaire pottery village(4 hours)

60 km west of Santiago. A traditional village specializing in greda (clay pottery). Watch artisans shape pots, plates, and the famous chanchitos (piggy banks). Buy direct $2,000-15,000 CLP. Lunch at any restaurant for their empanada de Pomaire — the biggest in Chile, 30cm long ($5,000 CLP)

Cooking class(3 hours)

Chilean Cuisine Cooking Class ($45,000-65,000 CLP). Learn empanadas de pino, pebre (salsa), and pisco sour. Market visit included. Several operators in Bellavista and Lastarria

Barrio Yungay walk(2 hours)

A residential neighborhood west of the center with faded 19th-century mansions, vintage shops, and the Museo de la Solidaridad Salvador Allende (free, political art). Emerging as Santiago's next creative zone. Walk from Quinta Normal Metro

Once (afternoon tea)(1 hour)

Experience 'once' — the Chilean tradition of afternoon tea with bread, avocado, cheese, and ham around 5-6PM. Cafe de la Barra in Providencia serves a traditional version ($5,000-8,000 CLP). Pronounced 'on-seh'

Bus to Isla Negra(2 hours)

$4,000-6,000 CLP from San Borja terminal. Or combine with Casablanca wine on the way

Casa de Isla Negra(1.5 hours)

$8,000 CLP. Neruda's favorite retreat — built like a ship, filled with his collections. Ships in bottles, carved figureheads, and shells. His tomb is here with his wife Matilde's. The ocean view from the property is the reason he chose this spot

Lunch at a seaside restaurant(1 hour)

Fresh reineta fish ($8,000-12,000 CLP) or merluza at one of the family restaurants near the beach

Farewell dinner at Ambrosia(2 hours)

In Providencia — contemporary Chilean. Tasting menu $65,000 CLP. Refined but not pretentious. One of Santiago's most consistent restaurants

Emporio La Rosa breakfast(45 min)

Ice cream, empanadas, coffee in Lastarria

Buy Chilean wine at a supermarket(30 min)

$3,000-5,000 CLP for excellent bottles

Pottery workshops(2 hours)

Watch artisans, buy greda pottery $2,000-15,000 CLP

Giant empanada lunch(1 hour)

30cm empanada de Pomaire $5,000 CLP

Cooking class(3 hours)

$45,000-65,000 CLP

Casa de Isla Negra(1.5 hours)

$8,000 CLP

La Vega Central market(2 hours)

Santiago's biggest market — cheaper and more authentic than Mercado Central. Walk the fruit, vegetable, and seafood sections. Lunch at the market food stalls ($3,000-5,000 CLP for a full meal)

Supermarket wine shopping(1 hour)

Chilean wine at supermarket prices is absurd: excellent bottles $3,000-8,000 CLP ($3-8 USD). Buy a case to ship home or pack

Drive to Santa Cruz(2.5 hours)

Ruta 5 South then inland. Or Ruta del Vino shuttle ($30,000 CLP)

Viu Manent Winery(1.5 hours)

Tastings $10,000-20,000 CLP. Horse-drawn carriage through the vineyards is their signature. Excellent Malbec and Carmenere

Lunch at Restaurante 1865 (MontGras)(1.5 hours)

Winery restaurant with vineyard views. Seasonal menu $12,000-22,000 CLP with wine pairings

Santa Cruz town walk(1 hour)

Small wine town with the Museo de Colchagua ($8,000 CLP, one of Chile's best private museums — pre-Columbian to the Atacama rescue miners)

Lapostolle Clos Apalta(2 hours)

Tastings from $15,000 CLP. The gravity-flow winery designed by the Lapostolle family (Grand Marnier heirs) is architecturally stunning. Their Clos Apalta blend is world-class

Olivo de Colchagua olive oil tasting(1 hour)

Chilean olive oil is emerging — taste fresh-pressed extra virgin oils ($8,000-15,000 CLP/bottle). Pair with local bread and cheese

Lunch at Casa Lapostolle restaurant(1.5 hours)

Set in the vineyard estate. Chilean-French cuisine $18,000-30,000 CLP. Exceptional pairings

Termas de Colina day trip(4 hours)

Natural hot springs 40 km north of Santiago ($5,000 CLP). Less touristy than Banos Colina. Multiple pools at different temperatures on a hillside. Bring towels and snacks

Evening at Barrio Bellavista(2 hours)

Return for drinks on Pio Nono or the more refined Constitución street. Pisco sour at Chipe Libre ($4,000-6,000 CLP) — a dual-nationality bar celebrating both Peru and Chile's claim to pisco

Option A: Day in Santiago neighborhoods(6 hours)

Explore Nunoa (local, residential, craft beer at HBH), or take the Metro to Los Dominicos (artisan village at the end of Line 1, free entry, 200+ craft stalls under eucalyptus trees)

Option B: If extending travel(6 hours)

Book a domestic LATAM or Sky flight to Calama/San Pedro de Atacama ($40,000-80,000 CLP) for the world's driest desert, or to Temuco/Pucon for volcanic lakes and Mapuche culture

Guided street art tour(3 hours)

Santiago Street Art Tours ($25,000 CLP). Expert guides explain the political, social, and artistic context of Chile's mural tradition. Covers San Miguel (the most concentrated mural neighborhood), Yungay, and Quinta Normal

Lunch at Peumayén(1.5 hours)

On Constitución in Bellavista — ancestral Chilean cuisine using Mapuche and pre-Columbian ingredients. Piñon (monkey puzzle nut), merken (smoked chili), and native herbs. Tasting menu $45,000 CLP. Unique to Santiago

Cerro Santa Lucia sunset(1 hour)

Return to the hilltop park for golden-hour city views. The Neptune Fountain terrace is the most romantic spot in Santiago. Free, closes at 7PM

Libreria Ulises Lastarria(1 hour)

Browse this beautiful independent bookstore. Chilean literature in translation — Neruda, Gabriela Mistral, Isabel Allende, Roberto Bolano. Coffee at the in-store cafe

Parque Quinta Normal & museums(2 hours)

Free park with three free museums: Museo de Historia Natural (taxidermy, fossils), Museo Artequin (art reproductions for education), and the beautiful conservatory. Quiet and undervisited

Evening tertulia at a local bar(2 hours)

Tertulia = literary/philosophical discussion over drinks. Bar Liguria or Bar the Clinic (named after the satirical newspaper, on Monjitas) are good spots for conversation and pisco. The Chilean tradition of social drinking with debate is alive here

Farewell dinner at Ambrosia(2 hours)

Contemporary Chilean tasting $65,000 CLP