Santiago, Chile: Culture, History, and Outdoor Adventures!

Discover the vibrancy of Santiago, Chile: an unforgettable family adventure awaits!

19 July 2023

A trip to Santiago, Chile offers a perfect family-friendly vacation with a mix of culture, history, and outdoor adventures. Explore the city's vibrant neighborhoods, such as Bellavista and Lastarria, with plenty of parks, playgrounds, and museums for the little ones. Take a day trip to the nearby Cajon del Maipo for hiking, hot springs, and stunning mountain views, ensuring an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Day trip plan

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Day

Explore Santiago's Vibrant Culture

  • Start your day with a visit to La Vega Central, a bustling market filled with colorful stalls and fragrant aromas. Don't forget to sample some juicy local fruits!
  • Take a stroll through Barrio Lastarria, a bohemian neighborhood lined with artsy cafes and funky bookstores. Enjoy a cup of delicious Chilean coffee while people-watching.
  • Immerse yourself in history at the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral, a majestic place of worship that will leave you in awe of its architectural beauty.
  • Head to Cerro Santa Lucia, a hilltop park offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Climb to the top and snap some envy-inducing photos for your Instagram feed!
  • Refuel with a late lunch at Fuente Alemana, a legendary sandwich spot loved by locals. Sink your teeth into their famous lomito, a mouthwatering pork sandwich that will transport you to flavor paradise.
  • End the day with a visit to Parque Bicentenario, where kids can run wild in the playground, and parents can relax by the serene lake. It's the perfect spot for some quality family time amidst nature's embrace.

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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