Part of the Chile Travel Guide
← Back to ChileSantiago is where almost every trip to Chile begins, and it deserves more than the single night most travelers give it before flying on. The city sits in a valley with the Andes rising directly behind it. It is dense, modern, and easy to move around, with a metro that reaches most of what you will want to see.
What makes the region worth days rather than hours is everything that surrounds it. Valparaíso is roughly ninety minutes away on the coast, a UNESCO-listed port of painted houses stacked up steep hills and connected by century-old funiculars. The Maipo and Casablanca valleys have serious vineyards within an easy drive. And in winter, several ski resorts sit about an hour from downtown, which makes Santiago one of the very few capitals where a day on the slopes is a plausible afternoon.
If you are building a Chile itinerary, we would suggest treating Santiago as a base for two to four days rather than a stopover. Discovering the local culture and history and getting outside of the city for some day trips are what make it.
Quick Resources to Plan Your Trip to Chile
Santiago articles
The Top Things to Do in Santiago, Chile: A 4 Day Itinerary
A starting point for the things to do in Santiago and logistical information you need to know before visiting. Personalize this for your trip.
Santiago Transportation: All Your Options to Get Around the City
The options for Santiago transportation to best experience and navigate the capital city of Chile and the surrounding area on your next trip.
First-hand
How we've traveled Santiago
Greetings from...
