Sip, Salsa, and Summit: 3 Days in Santiago, Chile

Discover the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Santiago, Chile.

17 June 2023

Santiago, Chile is a vibrant and culturally rich destination that will leave any avid traveler in awe. Visitors will be amazed by the city's stunning architecture, mouth-watering cuisine, and lively nightlife scene. Whether it's exploring the historic city center, taking a scenic cable car ride, or hiking in the Andes, Santiago offers endless opportunities for adventure and excitement.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arrival and Exploring the City

  • Stay at Hotel Cumbres Lastarria, a chic boutique hotel with an unbeatable location in the trendy Lastarria neighborhood.
  • Start the day with breakfast at Wonderland Cafe, a cozy spot known for its artisanal pastries and delicious coffee.
  • Explore the historic center of Santiago on foot, visit the Plaza de Armas, the majestic Cathedral, and the bustling Mercado Central.
  • Take a funicular to the top of Cerro San Cristobal, the highest point in Santiago, for panoramic views of the city and the Andes mountains.
  • Have lunch at Como Agua para Chocolate restaurant, which serves inventive Chilean cuisine with a twist, such as braised lamb shank with red wine reduction.
  • Relax in the hotel's rooftop pool and enjoy a cocktail with a view.
Day 2

Wine Tasting and Cultural Immersion

  • Take a day trip to the Casablanca Valley, one of Chile's top wine regions, and visit the famous Casa del Bosque winery for a tour and tasting of its award-winning Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.
  • Stop at the picturesque town of Valparaiso on the way back to Santiago and admire its colorful houses and street art.
  • Learn about Chilean culture at the Museum of Memory and Human Rights, which documents the country's history of dictatorship and human rights violations.
  • Have lunch at Liguria, a lively restaurant that serves traditional Chilean dishes such as pastel de choclo (corn pie) and cazuela de vacuno (beef stew).
  • Take a salsa or tango lesson at a local dance school and show off your moves at a Latin club in the evening.
Day 3

Nature and Adventure

  • Start the day with a breakfast empanada at Emporio La Rosa, a popular ice cream shop that also offers savory pastries.
  • Go on a hike in the nearby Cajon del Maipo, a stunning canyon surrounded by mountains and rivers.
  • Refresh yourself with a dip in the natural pools of the Baños Colina hot springs, which offer breathtaking views of the Andes and are located at an altitude of over 3,000 meters.
  • Have a picnic lunch of Chilean cheeses, charcuterie, and wine by the river.
  • On the way back to Santiago, stop at the Concha y Toro winery, one of the country's oldest and most famous, for a cellar tour and tastings of its Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • End the day with a sunset stroll through the Bellavista neighborhood, which is known for its bohemian vibe, street art, and nightlife.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Santiago, Chile by plane is to fly into the Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago. Many major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, United, and LATAM offer direct flights from various cities around the world.

Car

If traveling by car, the best way to get to Santiago, Chile is to take the Pan-American Highway that runs through Chile from north to south. Many rental car companies offer car rentals in Santiago or at airports in the city.

Train

There are no trains that go directly to Santiago, Chile as the country does not have an extensive rail network. The closest train station is located in Talca, about 250km south of Santiago.

Boat

There are no boats that go directly to Santiago, Chile as the city is landlocked. However, cruises that travel down the west coast of South America often stop in Valparaiso, a coastal city located 120km west of Santiago that has a major port.

Bus

One of the best ways to get to Santiago, Chile by bus is to take a long-distance bus from major cities in neighboring countries like Buenos Aires, Argentina or Lima, Peru. The bus terminal in Santiago is called Terminal de Buses Pajaritos and has many bus companies that offer routes throughout Chile as well.

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