Santiago, Chile-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Downtown Santiago

Morning

  • Arrival: Arrive at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport. Take a taxi or bus (Line 5 or Line 6) to your hotel.
  • Check-in: Check into your hotel, ideally located in the city center for easy access.

Afternoon

  • Plaza de Armas: Visit the Plaza de Armas, a historic square surrounded by beautiful buildings, including the Cathedral of Santiago and the Central Post Office.
  • Cathedral of Santiago: Enter the Cathedral to admire its stunning architecture.
  • Palacio de La Moneda: Stop by the Palacio de la Moneda (Government Palace), which offers guided tours that provide insight into Chile’s history.

Evening

  • Dinner: Head to Mercado Central, one of the largest fish markets in South America. Try fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants or food stalls.
  • Nightlife: Explore the nightlife around Plaza de Armas and Puente (Bridge) streets for bars, cafes, and live music.

Day 2: Bellavista Neighborhood

Morning

  • Bellavista Neighborhood: Start your day in the trendy Bellavista neighborhood.
  • Barrio Lastarria: Wander through this charming area filled with boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
  • Café La Sultana: Enjoy breakfast at Café La Sultana, known for its delicious coffee.

Afternoon

  • Museum of Memory and Human Rights: Visit the Museum of Memory and Human Rights. This museum is a poignant tribute to those who suffered under Pinochet’s dictatorship.
  • Parque Metropolitano: Relax in Parque Metropolitano, one of Santiago’s largest parks.

Evening

  • Dinner: Have dinner at “La Parrilla de Juanchito”, famous for its grilled meats and traditional Chilean dishes.
  • Nightlife: Explore the bars and clubs on the streets surrounding La Piocha.

Day 3: Providencia Neighborhood

Morning

  • Providencia Neighborhood: Spend your day exploring the upscale Providencia neighborhood.
  • Av. Pedro de Valdivia: Shop along this street, which offers a variety of high-end boutiques.
  • Café del Puente: Stop by Café del Puente for a coffee and pastry.

Afternoon

  • Santiago’s Hills: Explore the hills surrounding Santiago to see some of its beautiful streets and houses.
  • El Arrayán Museum: Visit El Arrayán Museum, which shows a collection of Chilean art from the 19th century.

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at “La Estación”, a restaurant located in an old train station that serves traditional Chilean cuisine.
  • Nightlife: Experience the nightlife around Av. Pedro de Valdivia for bars, cafes, and live music.

Day 4: Santa Lucía Hill

Morning

  • Santa Lucía Hill: Spend your day climbing up Santa Lucía Hill (also known as “El Cerro Santa Lucía”), a park that offers breathtaking views of the city.
  • Tobalaba Neighborhood: Explore the nearby Tobalaba neighborhood, which features beautiful colonial houses.

Afternoon

  • Visit a Vineyard: Consider visiting one of Santiago’s vineyards for wine tastings and tours.
  • La Casa de la Amistad: Visit La Casa de la Amistad, a place where people from all walks of life can socialize.

Evening

  • Dinner: Have dinner at “Café Tacora”, which offers traditional Chilean cuisine in an intimate setting.
  • Nightlife: Experience the nightlife around Santa Lucía Hill for bars and live music.

Day 5: Valparaíso (Day Trip)

Morning

  • Take a Bus to Valparaíso: Take a bus from Santiago to Valparaíso, about an hour’s drive. Enjoy stunning views of the coast.
  • Explore the Neighborhoods: Explore the colorful neighborhoods of Valparaíso and Grajales.

Afternoon

  • Museo Naval: Visit the Museo Naval (Naval Museum) in Valparaíso to learn about Chile’s maritime history.
  • Cable Cars: Ride one of the historic cable cars that run along the coast, offering breathtaking views.

Evening

  • Return to Santiago: Return to Santiago for dinner and nightlife.
  • Dinner: Have dinner at “El Pescador”, a seafood restaurant near Plaza de Armas.

Day 6: Shopping and Departure

Morning

  • Shopping: Spend your last day in Santiago shopping at the largest department store, Parque Arauco.
  • Café La Cava: Stop by Café La Cava for breakfast.
  • Last Minute Visits: Visit any last-minute attractions or shop along Av. Pedro de Valdivia.

Evening

  • Check-out and Departure: Check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your departure flight.
  • Last Memory: Take a final photo with a beautiful city view before departing Santiago, Chile.

Tips

  • Always carry sunscreen due to the high UV index in Chile.
  • Consider purchasing an “Intero” card which gives you discounts on public transportation and attractions.
  • Be prepared for the unexpected by learning some basic Spanish phrases and having local currency.
  • Don’t forget your camera as there are many beautiful views to capture.

Transportation

  • Metro: The metro is a convenient way to get around Santiago. Take Line 5 or Line 6 from Plaza de Armas to other parts of town.
  • Bus: Buses are another option for traveling within the city, especially during rush hours.
  • Taxi: Taxis can be hailed on the street, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead and book one in advance.

Places to Eat

  • “La Parrilla de Juanchito” - Try their famous grilled meats and traditional Chilean dishes.
  • “Café La Sultana” - Enjoy breakfast at this café known for its delicious coffee.
  • “Mercado Central” - Fresh seafood at the fish market.

Note: This is just a general itinerary, and you may want to adjust it based on your personal preferences and interests. Additionally, consider consulting with your hotel or local tour operators for recommendations and bookings.