Santiago-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Santiago Centro

  • Morning: Arrive at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) and take a taxi or Uber to your accommodation in the city center.
  • Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Orly or similar, located in the heart of Santiago.
  • Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional Chilean breakfast at Café Turri, known for its delicious pastries and coffee.
  • Activity: Visit the Plaza de Armas, the main square of Santiago, surrounded by important landmarks like the Cathedral Metropolitana and the Municipalidad de Santiago. Explore the nearby streets to discover the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
  • Lunch: Head to Barrio Lastarria, a trendy neighborhood filled with restaurants and cafes. Try some Chilean cuisine at Peumayén Ancestral Food, which offers traditional dishes with a modern twist.
  • Afternoon: Visit the National Museum of Fine Arts (MNBA) to learn about Chile’s art history and see works by famous artists like Matta and Morales.
  • Evening: Enjoy a welcome drink at Bar 1986, located in the trendy neighborhood of Lastarria, and then head to dinner at Azul Profundo, which serves seafood dishes with a focus on sustainable fishing practices.

Day 2: Santiago’s Hills and Views

  • Morning: Take a funicular ride up San Cristóbal Hill, which offers breathtaking views of the city. Visit the Santiago Zoo and the beautiful gardens surrounding the hill.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch at the top of the hill or head back down to Barrio Bellavista, known for its vibrant street art and trendy restaurants. Try some international cuisine at La Casa de Toño.
  • Afternoon: Explore the scenic streets of Barrio Bellavista and visit the Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos (Museum of Memory and Human Rights) to learn about Chile’s complex history.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at El Mesón Nerudiano, a cozy restaurant located in a historic house, serving traditional Chilean dishes.

Day 3: Wine Country

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the Maipo Valley, one of Chile’s most famous wine regions. Visit Concha y Toro Winery, one of the largest and most renowned wineries in Chile.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a wine-paired lunch at the winery or head to the nearby town of Pirque, known for its picturesque countryside and delicious restaurants. Try some traditional cuisine at El Pueblito de Pirque.
  • Afternoon: Return to Santiago and explore the trendy neighborhood of Vitacura, known for its upscale boutiques and art galleries.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Mestiza, a restaurant serving modern Chilean cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.

Day 4: Coastal Adventure

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the coastal town of Valparaíso (approximately 1.5 hours from Santiago). Explore the colorful streets and take in the stunning ocean views.
  • Lunch: Enjoy some seafood at one of the many restaurants along the coast, such as La Casa de las Ensaladas.
  • Afternoon: Take a stroll along the waterfront and visit the Pablo Neruda Museum, dedicated to the life and works of Chile’s famous poet.
  • Evening: Return to Santiago and enjoy dinner at Los Dominicos, a restaurant located in an old monastery and serving traditional cuisine.

Day 5: Markets and Departure

  • Morning: Visit the Mercado Central, a bustling marketplace filled with fresh produce, seafood, and local handicrafts. Try some Chilean coffee and pastries at one of the many cafes.
  • Lunch: Head back to Barrio Lastarria and try some international cuisine at Café del Patio.
  • Afternoon: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market like the Feria de Arte y Artesanía.
  • Evening: Depart for the airport and head back home.

Things to Know

  • Santiago is a relatively safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
  • The city has a modern and efficient public transportation system, including buses and metro lines. You can also use taxis or ride-hailing apps like Uber.
  • Chilean pesos are the local currency, although many places accept credit cards.
  • Spanish is the official language, but many locals speak some English, especially in tourist areas.

Tips

  • Be prepared for variable weather, as Santiago can experience all four seasons in one day.
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak hour (7-9 am and 5-7 pm) to minimize traffic congestion.
  • Don’t drink tap water; instead, opt for bottled or filtered water.
  • Learn some basic Spanish phrases to show respect and appreciation for the local culture.

Transportation

  • From the airport, take a taxi (approximately 20-30 minutes, CLP 15,000 - 25,000) or Uber (approximately 20-30 minutes, CLP 10,000 - 20,000).
  • Use public transportation, such as buses and metro lines, to get around the city.
  • You can also take taxis or use ride-hailing apps like Uber.

Other Things of Interest

  • Visit the scenic Parque Forestal, a large urban park with beautiful gardens and lakes.
  • Take a stroll along the Rio Mapocho, which runs through the heart of the city.
  • Explore the trendy neighborhood of Las Condes, known for its upscale boutiques and restaurants.