Santiago, Chile-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Downtown Santiago

  • Morning: Arrive at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL)
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or metro (Line 2) to your hotel
  • Hotel: Hotel Orly, a 4-star hotel in the heart of downtown Santiago, starting from $120/night
  • Activities:
    • Visit the Plaza de Armas, the main square of Santiago
    • Explore the surrounding streets and shops, including the famous Chilean handicraft market
    • Lunch at La Parrilla, a traditional Chilean restaurant with delicious empanadas ($10-$15)
  • Things to know: Be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas, and try to blend in with locals by dressing modestly
  • Tips: Try some street food, such as Churros con Chocolate or Humitas, for a snack

Day 2: La Moneda Palace and San Cristobal Hill

  • Morning: Visit the La Moneda Presidential Palace (free admission), a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture
  • Transportation: Take metro Line 5 to San Cristóbal station, then walk up the hill
  • Activities:
    • Explore the San Cristóbal Hill, offering stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains
    • Visit the Jardín Botánico Nacional (National Botanical Garden), a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city ($5)
  • Lunch at Bocanariz, a trendy restaurant with innovative cuisine ($15-$20)
  • Hotel: Same as Day 1, Hotel Orly

Day 3: Bellas Artes and Santa Lucía Hill

  • Morning: Visit the Museo de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Museum), featuring an impressive collection of Chilean art ($5)
  • Activities:
    • Explore the surrounding streets, which offer a glimpse into Santiago’s bohemian past
    • Visit the Santa Lucía Hill, offering panoramic views of the city and a beautiful rose garden ($2)
  • Lunch at La Lecheria, a popular spot for milkshakes and sandwiches ($10-$15)
  • Hotel: Same as Day 1, Hotel Orly

Day 4: Valparaíso and Viña del Mar

  • Morning: Take the metro to Alameda station, then transfer to bus #405 to Valparaíso (approximately $5)
  • Activities:
    • Explore the colorful streets and buildings of Valparaíso
    • Visit the Casa Museo Isabel Russell, a beautiful example of Art Nouveau architecture ($3)
    • Lunch at La Estación, a cozy restaurant with delicious seafood ($15-$20)
  • Transportation: Take bus #405 back to Santiago, then metro Line 1 to Viña del Mar
  • Activities:
    • Visit the Viña del Mar Casino, a beautiful example of Art Deco architecture (free admission)
    • Explore the surrounding streets and shops
  • Hotel: Hotel Playa Grande, a 4-star hotel in Viña del Mar, starting from $150/night

Day 5: Reñaca and Concha y Toro Winery

  • Morning: Visit the Concha y Toro Winery, one of Chile’s most famous wine producers (approximately $15)
  • Transportation: Take bus #405 back to Santiago
  • Activities:
    • Lunch at La Parrilla, a traditional Chilean restaurant with delicious empanadas ($10-$15)
    • Explore the surrounding streets and shops
  • Hotel: Same as Day 1, Hotel Orly

Day 6: Cajón del Maipo

  • Morning: Take bus #49 to Cajón del Maipo (approximately $5)
  • Activities:
    • Visit the Cajón del Maipo National Park, offering stunning views of the Andes mountains and surrounding valleys
    • Lunch at La Chacra, a cozy restaurant with delicious grilled meats ($15-$20)
  • Transportation: Take bus #49 back to Santiago
  • Hotel: Same as Day 1, Hotel Orly

Day 7: Last Day in Santiago

  • Morning: Visit the Mercado Central, a bustling marketplace offering a wide range of local produce and handicrafts (free admission)
  • Activities:
    • Explore the surrounding streets and shops
    • Lunch at La Parrilla, a traditional Chilean restaurant with delicious empanadas ($10-$15)
  • Hotel: Same as Day 1, Hotel Orly

Things to know:

  • Chile is a conservative country; dress modestly when visiting churches or other cultural attractions.
  • Try some street food, such as Churros con Chocolate or Humitas, for a snack.
  • Be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas.

Tips:

  • Try some traditional Chilean dishes, such as Pastel de Choclo or Locos de Leche.
  • Visit the surrounding hills and mountains for stunning views.
  • Take a stroll along the coast, where you can enjoy beautiful beaches and scenic views.