Santiago, Chile: 5 Days of Fun and Adventure!

Discover the hidden treasures of Santiago, Chile on a family adventure filled with culture, fun, and memories.

19 July 2023

A trip to Santiago, Chile offers a perfect blend of cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. Explore the historic city center where you can visit fascinating museums, markets, and beautiful squares. Take a scenic cable car ride up to the Cerro San Cristobal for stunning views of the city, and spend a day at the Parque Metropolitano where kids can enjoy playgrounds, a zoo, and botanical gardens.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Vibrant Streets of Santiago

  • Check into the Bellavista neighborhood, known for its lively atmosphere and colorful street art.
  • Visit La Chascona, Pablo Neruda's quirky house turned museum, showcasing his eccentric tastes.
  • Wander through Mercado Central, a bustling fish market with an array of fresh seafood stalls.
  • Take a funicular up Cerro San Cristobal for panoramic views of the city from the Mirador Terraza Bellavista.
  • End the day at Patio Bellavista, a charming outdoor complex filled with restaurants, bars, and live music venues.
Day 2

Delighting in Santiago's Culinary Scene

  • Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at Wonderland Cafe, where homemade pastries and inventive dishes await.
  • Stroll through the neighborhoods of Lastarria and Italia to explore their trendy boutiques, art galleries, and cafes.
  • Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Astrid y Gaston, a renowned Peruvian restaurant known for its creative culinary fusion.
  • Discover the hidden gem of Bocanáriz, a wine bar offering an impressive selection of Chilean wines to taste and pair.
  • End the evening with dinner at Restaurant 040, where acclaimed chef Sergio Barroso crafts unique dishes using local ingredients.
Day 3

Day Trip to Valparaiso and Viña del Mar

  • Embark on a scenic drive to Valparaiso, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its colorful hills and bohemian charm.
  • Explore the vibrant street art scene by wandering through the labyrinthine alleys of Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepcion.
  • Enjoy a seafood lunch at La Concepción, a cozy restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
  • Head to Viña del Mar for a relaxing afternoon at the beautiful beach, soaking up the sun and playing in the gentle waves.
  • On the way back to Santiago, stop by Casablanca Valley to indulge in wine tastings at renowned wineries such as Casa del Bosque.
Day 4

Immersing in Santiago's Cultural Heritage

  • Start the day at La Moneda Palace, the presidential palace, and witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
  • Explore the impressive collections of the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, showcasing ancient artifacts from indigenous cultures.
  • Have an elegant lunch at Boragó, a Michelin-starred restaurant that showcases Chile's diverse native ingredients.
  • Take a leisurely stroll through Parque Forestal, a picturesque park with art installations, fountains, and leafy paths.
  • End the day with a performance at Teatro Municipal, a historic theater that hosts ballets, operas, and classical concerts.
Day 5

Outdoor Adventures in Santiago's Surroundings

  • Begin the day with a thrilling hike to the summit of Cerro Manquehue, one of Santiago's iconic mountains.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch at Parque Bicentenario, a spacious park with beautiful gardens, a lake, and playgrounds for kids.
  • Visit the Chilean National Zoo, home to a wide variety of animals, including the iconic South American species.
  • Indulge in a traditional Chilean barbecue dinner at Eladio, a rustic grillhouse offering mouthwatering meats and local specialties.
  • End the evening with a vibrant dance performance at La Casa de la Cueca, where you can learn the traditional Chilean cueca dance moves and join in the festivities.

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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