Travel to Santiago, Chile | Keytours Vacations

Discover Santiago's Wonders

Santiago, the vibrant capital of Chile, sits beautifully against a backdrop of snow-capped Andes Mountains, offering an urban experience rich in culture, heritage, and adventure. This bustling metropolis is home to fine museums, a thriving art scene, and an exciting culinary landscape that showcases local Chilean flavors. Beyond the city’s borders, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and wine tours, making Santiago a perfect blend of urban exploration and natural beauty.

Whether you’re strolling through historic neighborhoods, sampling local gastronomy, or taking in Santiago’s ever-evolving arts and culture, this energetic city promises a memorable travel experience for every visitor.

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Description

Santiago, the capital and largest city of Chile, is located in a valley between the snow-capped Andes and the Chilean Coastal Cordillera. However, Santiago is not at all the typical Latin American city, tainted with clichés of chaotic metropolises and honking taxis. Rather, the capital of Chile is a mixture of old and new, modern mirror glass towers next to neoclassical cathedrals. Apart from the incredible hospitality of the Chileans, you will be looking for extremes here in vain. Even on your first visit to Santiago, the city will seem familiar to you, which will make you want to return again and again.

Useful information

Population:

Metro area: 6.9 million (2023)

Currency:

Chilean Peso $: 1 Peso = 100 Centavos. No centavo denominated coins remain in circulation.

Emergency Info:

130 Forest fires (Incendios forestales)
131 Ambulance (SAMU)
132 Firefighters (Bomberos)
133 Police Emergency (Emergencias Policiales)
136 Mountain Rescue (Cuerpo de Socorro Andino)
137 Sea Rescue (Rescate Marítimo de la Armada)

Opening Hours:

General opening hours daily 10am to 9pm

Do & See

Barrio Bellavista

The bohemian quarter of Santiago, Barrio Bellavista, between the Mapocho River and San Cristóbal Hill, is bursting with secret oddities, colourful graffiti and hidden stalls and boutiques. During the day, you can enjoy the sun, take a stroll and buy all sorts of handcrafted and unique works of art. The weekly art market typically features jewellery made from Lapis Lazuli, a stone that, thanks to its deep blue colour, seems to fit the vibrant surroundings perfectly. At night, Bellavista transforms into a dazzling nightlife hub with a great selection of unique bars and restaurants.

Cajon del Maipo

Cajon del Maipo is a beautiful gorge about 25km outside of the city that offers outdoor adventures to residents and visitors of Santiago. Here you will also find El Morado Natural Monument, a mountain reserve with hiking trails, glaciers, a rich birdlife and thermal springs, Baños Morales, nearby.

Casablanca Valley Wine Tasting

The Casablanca wine valley is one of the area's newest wine regions, located about an hour outside of Santiago. Because of the ocean breezes from the Pacific, Casablanca became the first cool-climate wine producing region of Chile. Since the 1990s, the wines of this region have been distinguished by wine connoisseurs on merit of their aroma and flavor. Various wine tasting tours will acquaint you with the wines of the Casablanca region and, in addition to wine tasting, will give you insight into the production process. Depending on the organizer, tours cover anywhere between several hours and the entire day and include a wine tasting, lunch or dinner and transportation.

Cementerio General de Santiago

While it might seem a bit macabre to include a cemetery into your travel schedule, the history of this one is magnificent and the cemetery itself well worth the visit. It is the largest in Latin America and dates back to 1821. If you want to learn more about this resting place, named one the World's Most Scenic Cemetries by the CNN, you should join one of the two hour night tours that will take you through the entire cemetery. You have to be at least 18 years old to join.

Cerro San Cristóbal

The view from Cerro San Cristóbal is stunning and gives you the most scenic panorama of Santiago imaginable. There are several ways to reach the top of Cerro San Cristóbal to take in this unparalleled view. You can take the funicular that leaves from Bellavista or, if you are a hiking enthusiast, you can hike up Cerro San Cristóbal in about 45 minutes. Either way, try to catch the sunset or sunrise while you are up there and watch the city change from day to night.

El Biógrafo

El Biógrafo is an art cinema in the heart of Santiago that will give you access to the city's art scene in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. The selection of films in this old school cinema is definitely anything but mainstream and will surprise you with some unique picks.

La Chascona House

La Chascona House was one of the residences of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. Tours will guide you through the collection of colored glass, shells, furniture and artwork. The unique style of the building reflects Neruda's personal aesthetic and love of the sea.

Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino

Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino is located in the city center of Santiago and features exhibits of pre-Columbian artwork and artifacts from Central and South America. This is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the cultures of South America, with a collection covering about 10,000 years.

Dining

Boragó

The food at Boragó is prepared using ingredients directly gathered by over 200 small producers throughout Chile, together with their farm-grown vegetables. One of their menus is a tasting experience of the country's traditional dishes over 16 courses, served in stone plates, that can be paired with a selection from their Chilean wine pool.

La Mar

La Mar combines Peruvian and Japanese cuisine in creative seafood and fish dishes that you will not find anywhere else in the world. The menu includes local and regional specialties such as ceviche nikkei, locos, picorocos and machas and also serves Japanese sushi dishes such as maki and nigiri.

La Terraza

One of the most popular and iconic lunches you can have in Chile is a real Chilean Sandwich — a chacarero, to be precise. Among the best places to try one of those is La Terraza, a traditional Chilean eatery. Head over there for an authentic Chilean sandwich experience, huge portions and great value for money (locals love it too, which is always a good sign).

Peumayén Ancestral Food

Peumayén Ancestral Food specializes in exploring the roots of Chilean cuisine and prepares its dishes using traditional methods and ingredients. They focus on recreating the tastes of ancestral cultures of pre-Hispanic Chile, serving simplified, minimalist food. If you want to sample all the different flavors of the country, you should order the tasting menu accompanied by some wine from the region.

Restaurant Bristol

Restaurant Bristol is located in the San Francisco Plaza Hotel and has been the restaurant of choice for gourmets, connoisseurs and anyone looking for modern, delicious dishes inspired by Chilean cuisine. The menu is varied and creative with offers on a daily rotation. The restaurant is catered by the best suppliers in the country and uses only fresh, high-quality ingredients to prepare their dishes.

Sapiens

Sapiens is located in the Barrio Italia and serves healthy breakfast, lunches and dinner. The menu includes dishes like buddha bowls, burgers and burritos but also sweet pastries, smoothies, tea and coffee. The restaurant is exclusively vegan, using only plant-based, fresh ingredients to create their dishes. Sapiens has been a health food favorite ever since it opened in 2017.

Vegan Bunker

The Vegan Bunker serves delicious vegan fast food and real Chilean specialties as well as cakes, cupcakes, pies and sweet treats. In addition to the extensive offer of burgers, sandwiches, chorrillanas and sweets there is a daily changing special. The Vegan Bunker is undoubtedly a restaurant where you get absolutely everything you crave, and if there's still room for desert after a delicious bean burger, you should definitely try the brownies with ice cream.

Cafés

Almacen Vegano Ostara

Almacen Vegano Ostara is a vegan grocery store that also offers ready to eat cakes, sweets, empanadas and sandwiches, if you feel like getting a snack in between sightseeing. Their location is perfect – in the center of the city – and the variety of vegan products seems endless, so in case you prefer cooking at home you should also check it out.

Café Iyael

Café Iyael is a popular café among Santiago's locals and known for their delicious cheesy empanadas. They are the perfect snack if you are feeling a little peckish but it won't be hard to stuff yourself with them in lieu of lunch or dinner either. Iyael's mama owner refuses to reveal her empanada secret and you will therefore not have any other choice but to return to get more (which you will definitely want to do anyways).

Dulcería Violeta

At Dulcería Violeta the staff of attentive old ladies wearing old-fashioned white dresses and hats will spoil you with the tastiest cakes and pastries. The cafe is located in a historic building that is tucked away between modern ones. Try their tortas de mil hojas, a multi-layered cake made with manjar.

Faustina Café

Faustina Café serves delicious pastries, freshly pressed juices and colorful salads in a relaxed atmosphere. The quality of the coffee is excellent with a number of options to choose from. Come here for a real coffee and some baked treats, or enjoy a chilled lemonade in the outdoor seating area.

Quererte Cafetería

Although Quererte Cafeteria is located a bit outside Santiago's city centre, you should definitely check it out! Their fresh cakes and sweet treats are best accompanied by a hot cup of coffee or a delicious smoothie. This is also a great place for lunch, as Quererte have a selection of smaller dishes like avocado toast and wraps available.

Survenir

Café Survenir is the perfect place for a relaxed lunch at a great price. There is a daily rotating menu of homemade and fresh food made from local produce. You will also find a selection of cakes and pastries if there is still room for sweets after lunch.

Wonderland Café

Wonderland Café is a cozy and authentic retreat hidden in the Barrio Lastarria. An oasis of calm in the city's bustle, where you can relax with a good book and a cup of tea. Try their delicious brunch or indulge in a full English breakfast and fall like Alice through a rabbit hole of delicious food and warming drinks.

Work/Café Santander

No need to despair should you just not be able to leave work at home completely. Work/Café Santander gives you the opportunity to stay on the grind in a free co-working space with several locations across the city, while still enjoying great coffee, Chilean specialties and meeting new people.

Bars & Nightlife

Blondie

Blondie's dance floors feature music that ranges from 80s and 90s hits to Chilean indie and Britpop. This is a favorite among students as well as Santiago's gay community. The club is usually packed, so you are guaranteed to have a fun night out with your friends.

BocaNariz

BocaNariz is Santiago's newest and hottest vino bar located in the Lastarria neighborhood. The wine menu is incredibly extensive and arranged according to region and style, premium wine is available by the bottle or by the glass. To make this experience perfect, BocaNariz' interior will make you feel like you entered a cozy library.

Chipe Libre

Pisco, the much-loved brandy Chileans are so proud of, has caused many debates about who made it first, Chile or Peru. Chipe Libre is the perfect place to try both Chilean pisco as well as pisco from Peru and learn more about them. Decide for yourself which one you prefer.

Club Eve

Club Eve is a giant nightclub with four floors, two of them being underground. There is a balcony overlooking one of the floors as well as an outside terrace to socialise and sip on a cocktail. There is music from electro pop to pachanga, so no matter your preference you will have a great night here.

La Piojera

La Piojera is a favorite among locals and an authentic meeting place where popular urban links can be recognized. It was established as a bar in 1896 and has become one of the city’s oldest and most beloved picás (dive bars). Trying a terremoto here is a must on every trip to Santiago.

Ruca Bar

If you are a gin lover, check out Ruca Bar in the Barrio Italia neighbourhood as it is one of the few places where you will be able to find this liquor. It is a popular spot to hang out and meet friends for some drinks. Ruca Bar is also notable for their delicious selection of tapas.

The Jazz Corner

The Jazz Corner is located in the Barrio Italia and hosts the best jazz players from Chile and the rest of the world – this is the place to go for live jazz music. Not only music and ambiance are perfect here, the drinks and food are amazing as well.

Tramonto Bar & Terrace

Tramonto Bar & Terrace is the top destination for sunset drinks, set in a prime location on Alonso de Córdova, Santiago’s mini Madison Avenue. Enjoy the stunning views of the Andes while you sip on your pisco sour. When the sun is setting, waiters bring out candles and transform this rooftop terrace into a romantic nightlife hotspot.

Shopping

Almacen Vegano Ostara

Almacen Vegano Ostara is a vegan grocery store that also offers ready to eat cakes, sweets, empanadas and sandwiches, if you feel like getting a snack in between sightseeing. Their location is perfect, in the center of the city and the variety of vegan products seems endless, so in case you prefer cooking at home you should also check it out.

Costanera Center

At Mall Costanera Center you will find over 300 stores selling exclusive brands, as well as over 60 restaurants and 12 movie theaters to make you relax after a long day of shopping. Costanera Centre also features a viewing deck at 300 meters, the Sky Costanera, where you will have a spectacular 360° view of Santiago. Check out their website for more information about upcoming events.

Galería Drugstore

This three story independent shopping center houses many boutiques of several up-and-coming designers, artsy bookstores and cozy cafes. Find some clothes that surely no one at home will have or enjoy a cup of coffee after browsing through the unique creations the shops have to offer.

La Tienda Nacional

Although La Tienda Nacional is a book lover's dream, it is much more than just a bookstore, selling documentaries, records, toys, shirts and more. This is the place to find a unique souvenir to bring back to someone special at home. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable and will help you find exactly what you are looking for.

Patio Bellavista

Patio Bellavista is an urban meeting place that certainly has its own identity. This is where culture, gastronomy and tourism merge into a unique and colorful blend. Find handmade Lapis Lazuli jewelry in small boutiques, or keep an eye out for some curiosities like jewelry made from old cutlery. If you are on the hunt for something unique and different, Patio Bellavista is the place to search for it.

Pergola de las Flores

This flower market would be worth a visit just for its scents, no wonder it has been around since 1939. There is a huge selection of floral arrangements and bouquets for any occasion, or you can just look around and enjoy the magnificent view.

Vega Central de Santiago

The Vega Central was founded in 1907 and is the place in Santiago where you can find the freshest fruit and vegetables, meats and fish, bread, cakes and everything else from foreign products to pet food. La Vega is not only a food market but also a gastronomic hot spot, with Chilean specialties and foods from around the world available.

Tourist Information

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Santiago is during late September to November, or from March to May, the spring and fall shoulder seasons of the country. However, it will be less busy during the summer months with hotel rates dropping together with pollution levels. In general, the climate is Mediterranean, making the area accessible and enjoyable throughout the entire year. The months of January and February are packed with a range of events centred around food, music, dance and culture. Make sure to check out the annual festival schedule before you book your trip.

Passport/Visa

Travellers from all EU countries, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and many other Latin American countries do not require a visa to enter Chile for less than 90 days. They will be issued with a Tarjeta de Turismo (tourist card) upon arrival in Chile. It is important that you keep it for when you leave the country. Additionally, Australian and Mexican citizens will be charged a Reciprocity Fee. To enter Chile, you must hold a passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 months after your travel dates. Consult with your local embassy or consulate for country-specific information regarding visa regulations.

Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL)

Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, also known as Santiago International Airport and Nuevo Pudahuel Airport, is located in Pudahuel, 15 km northwest of downtown Santiago. It is Chile's largest and busiest international airport. Centro Puerto offers a shuttle service that will take you from the airport to the city and back. You can find a Delfos counter at the airport where you can book shared and private transport. It can be a bit difficult to get to the airport with public transportation so you might want to look into booking a taxi in advance.

Public Transport

Since Santiago is one of the most modern cities in Chile, a popular travel destination and starting point for international travel, it is quite easy to get around using the public transportation system, especially if you speak Spanish. But even if you don't, you won't encounter too many problems. A unified payment system, the Bip!, is used to buy tickets for buses, metro and micros. You can buy and top up a Bip! card in subway stations. Ticket prices for Metro vary according to your travel schedule, the bus costs the same at any time of day. There are different rates for adults, students and the elderly. On weekdays, Santiago Metro runs from 5.40am to 11pm, 6.30am to 11pm on Saturdays and 8am to 10.37pm on Sundays and public holidays.

Taxi

To ensure your safety, it is advised that you only travel in authorized taxis and ignore the taxi drivers and representatives that wait in the baggage claim area of Santiago airport. Authorized, metered taxis are all black with yellow roofs. There is a taxi rank outside the main terminal, so pre-booking should generally not be necessary. If you do wish to prebook a taxi with a fixed rate to take you to the city from the airport, you can call Vía Controlada: +56 9 4273 2887 or Taxi Oficial: +56 2601 9880, both operate 24 hours. For longer rides, you can sometimes negotiate flat fares if your negotiation skills in Spanish are confident enough. If you want to avoid hailing a taxi in the street (which is generally safe), most hotels and restaurants will happily call you a taxi too. There is also the option to order an Uber.

Electricity

In Chile, the standard voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The power plugs and sockets are of type C and L.

Pharmacy

There are several pharmacies in and around the city centre, some of which operate 24 hours. Most bigger pharmacies have English-speaking staff available.

Post Office

You will find several post offices spread throughout the city. The Central Post Office is located in a historic post office building on the northern edge of the Plaza de Armas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit Santiago, Chile?

The best time to visit Santiago is during the spring (September to November) and fall (March to May) when the weather is mild and pleasant. These seasons offer comfortable temperatures for exploring the city and enjoying outdoor activities. Additionally, these periods are less crowded than the peak summer months.

How many days should I plan to spend in Santiago?

A stay of 3 to 4 days is ideal for exploring Santiago. This allows you to visit key attractions such as Plaza de Armas, Cerro San Cristóbal, and the historic Bellavista neighborhood, as well as take a day trip to nearby destinations like the Andes Mountains or the Maipo Valley wine region.

What are the must-see attractions in Santiago?

Santiago offers a variety of attractions, including: - Plaza de Armas: The city's historic center with beautiful architecture. - Cerro San Cristóbal: A hill with panoramic views of the city. - La Moneda Palace: The presidential palace with guided tours available. - Bellavista: A vibrant neighborhood known for its street art and nightlife. - Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino: A museum showcasing pre-Columbian art.

What is the best way to get around Santiago?

Santiago has an efficient public transportation system, including a metro network that covers most of the city. Buses and taxis are also widely available. For a more personal experience, consider renting a bike to explore the city's extensive cycle paths. Walking is also a great option in central areas.

Are there any local foods I should try in Santiago?

While in Santiago, be sure to try local dishes such as: - Empanadas: Pastries filled with meat, cheese, or seafood. - Pastel de Choclo: A corn pie with meat filling. - Completo: A Chilean-style hot dog topped with avocado, tomatoes, and mayonnaise. - Pisco Sour: A popular cocktail made with pisco, lime juice, and sugar.

What cultural events or festivals can I experience in Santiago?

Santiago hosts several cultural events throughout the year. Notable festivals include: - Santiago a Mil: A performing arts festival in January featuring theater, dance, and music. - Fiestas Patrias: Celebrated in September, this festival marks Chile's Independence Day with parades, traditional food, and dance. - Lollapalooza Chile: An annual music festival held in March, attracting international and local artists.

What safety considerations should I keep in mind while visiting Santiago?

Santiago is generally a safe city for tourists, but it's wise to take standard precautions. Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas, especially in public transportation. Stick to well-lit areas at night and avoid displaying valuables. It's also advisable to use official taxis or ride-sharing services for transportation.

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Santiago Wine Route Private Journey

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Chilean Wonders from Patagonia to Santiago

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Deep Patagonia Adventure

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Santiago Mendoza Patagonia and Buenos Aires Explorer

Astronomy Adventure in Chile

Chilean Patagonia and Wine Country Explorer

Chiles Lake District and Easter Island Explorer

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