Santiago, Chile-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Explore Downtown Santiago

Morning

  • Start at Plaza de Armas, the historic center of Santiago
  • Visit the Catedral Metropolitana, a beautiful Catholic cathedral
  • Walk to Palacio de La Moneda, the presidential palace, and take a stroll through the surrounding gardens

Afternoon

  • Head to Barrio Lastarria, a trendy neighborhood filled with street art, boutiques, and restaurants
  • Visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, a museum showcasing Chilean art
  • Grab lunch at Café del Patio, a cozy spot serving sandwiches and coffee

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Boragó, a restaurant serving traditional Chilean cuisine with a modern twist
  • Stay at Hotel Orly, a boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Santiago

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for crowds and traffic in downtown Santiago
  • Try to avoid visiting during peak rush hour (7-9 am, 5-7 pm)
  • Don’t forget to try some Chilean wine!

Transportation

  • Use Transantiago, the city’s public transportation system, to get around
  • You can buy a rechargeable card (Bip!) at any metro station or convenience store

Tips

  • Learn some basic Spanish phrases to help you navigate the city
  • Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas and tourist hotspots

Day 2: Explore Santiago’s Hills and Views

Morning

  • Take a funicular ride up Cerro San Cristóbal, one of Santiago’s highest hills, for stunning views of the city
  • Visit the Zoo de Santiago, home to over 150 species of animals
  • Hike down the hill and explore the trendy neighborhood of Bellavista

Afternoon

  • Head to La Chascona, a historic neighborhood with beautiful views of the Andes
  • Visit Pablo Neruda’s House, a museum showcasing the life and works of Chile’s famous poet
  • Grab lunch at Café de la Chascona, a cozy spot serving sandwiches and salads

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at El Mesón Nerudiano, a restaurant serving traditional Chilean cuisine in a historic setting
  • Stay at Hotel CasaSur, a boutique hotel with beautiful views of the Andes

Things to Know

  • Wear comfortable shoes for hiking up Cerro San Cristóbal
  • Be prepared for cooler temperatures and potential rain in the hills

Transportation

  • Use Transantiago or take a taxi to get around
  • Consider purchasing a Tourist Card, which includes access to public transportation and discounts at various attractions

Tips

  • Bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun
  • Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning views of Santiago!

Day 3: Visit Wine Country and Coastal Towns

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Valparaíso, a colorful coastal town known for its street art and seafood ( approx. 1.5 hours by car or bus)
  • Visit Viña del Mar, a beautiful coastal town with gardens, beaches, and a casino
  • Grab lunch at El Puerto, a seafood restaurant in Valparaíso

Afternoon

  • Head to the Maipo Valley, Chile’s wine country ( approx. 1 hour by car or bus)
  • Visit Concha y Toro Winery, one of Chile’s largest and most famous wineries
  • Take a tour and taste some of their renowned wines

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Restaurante El Arrayán, a restaurant serving traditional Chilean cuisine with a focus on local ingredients
  • Stay at Hotel Viña del Mar, a beachfront hotel with stunning ocean views

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for a long day of travel and activities
  • Don’t forget to try some of Chile’s famous seafood!

Transportation

  • Take a guided tour or rent a car to get around wine country and coastal towns
  • Consider purchasing a Tourist Card, which includes access to public transportation and discounts at various attractions

Tips

  • Bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun
  • Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean!

Day 4: Explore Santiago’s Modern Side

Morning

  • Visit Costanera Center, one of South America’s largest shopping malls
  • Take a stroll through Parque Bicentenario, a beautiful park with lakes, gardens, and modern art installations
  • Grab lunch at Mestiza, a trendy restaurant serving fusion cuisine

Afternoon

  • Head to Barrio Italia, a charming neighborhood filled with boutiques, restaurants, and cafes
  • Visit the Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos, a museum showcasing Chile’s history and struggle for human rights
  • Explore the Mercado Central, a bustling marketplace filled with fresh produce, seafood, and souvenirs

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Azul Profundo, a restaurant serving modern Chilean cuisine with a focus on seafood
  • Stay at Hotel CasaInm, a boutique hotel in the heart of Barrio Italia

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at Costanera Center
  • Don’t forget to try some of Chile’s famous coffee!

Transportation

  • Use Transantiago or take a taxi to get around
  • Consider purchasing a Tourist Card, which includes access to public transportation and discounts at various attractions

Tips

  • Bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun
  • Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning modern architecture of Santiago!

I hope you enjoy your trip to Santiago, Chile!