Santiago Chile 4 Day Itinerary

Santiago, Chile 4-Day Travel Itinerary

(Markdown format for easy reading)

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Downtown Santiago

  1. Arrival at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) - Prepare to be welcomed by the city’s pleasant weather and stunning views of the Andes.
  2. Transfer to your hotel - Some top-rated options include W Santiago, Hotel Plaza El Bosque, and Hotel Tivoli Sanhattan.
  3. Lunch at Mercado Central - Try seafood dishes like ceviche or a traditional empanada at one of the many food stalls.
  4. Explore Downtown Santiago - Visit Plaza de Armas, Cathedral Metropolitana, and Palacio de la Moneda.
  5. Cerro Santa Lucia - Climb this historical hill for panoramic views of the city.
  6. Dinner at Borago - A Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a modern take on Chilean cuisine.
  7. Things to Know - Santiago is located in a valley, so it can be quite chilly during evenings and mornings. Carry a light jacket or sweater.
  8. Transportation - Santiago’s metro system is efficient and easy to navigate. Purchase a Bip! card for unlimited rides within designated zones.

Day 2: Bellavista & Lastarria Neighborhoods

  1. Breakfast at Pan de Mi Tierra - A popular spot in the bohemian neighborhood of Bellavista.
  2. Visit Bellavista’s Street Art - Stroll through the streets and enjoy the vibrant street art scene.
  3. Cerro San Cristobal - Take a cable car to the summit for breathtaking views of the city and Santiago’s famous postcard image, La Chascona.
  4. Lunch at La Vega Central - Experience Santiago’s lively food market in the Lastarria neighborhood.
  5. Patio Bellavista - Spend the afternoon shopping, dining, or enjoying a drink in this popular outdoor plaza.
  6. Dinner at José Antonio Restaurante - Known for its Chilean wines and innovative cuisine.
  7. Things to Know - Bellavista is famous for its nightlife; if you’re up for it, explore the bars and clubs in this area after dinner.
  8. Transportation - Buses 74A and C19 travel between downtown Santiago and Cerro San Cristobal, while buses 6, 7, 30, and 54 connect Bellavista with other parts of the city.

Day 3: Day Trip to Valparaíso & Viña del Mar

  1. Morning Train from Santiago to Valparaíso - Take a scenic train ride from Estación Central in Santiago to the colorful coastal city of Valparaíso (approximately 1.5 hours).
  2. Explore Valparaíso’s Hills - Climb aboard a funicular (cable car) and explore the picturesque neighborhoods filled with street art, bohemian cafes, and quirky shops.
  3. Lunch in Valparaíso - Enjoy seafood at one of the many restaurants overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
  4. Afternoon in Viña del Mar - Visit the Quinta Vergara Park and Casino, then stroll along the beautiful beach promenade.
  5. Return to Santiago - Take the train back to Santiago (approximately 1.5 hours) or opt for a bus if trains are full.
  6. Dinner at La Olla - A Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant with stunning views of the Andes.
  7. Things to Know - Make sure you have Chilean pesos as credit cards might not be accepted in smaller towns like Valparaíso and Viña del Mar.
  8. Transportation - Trenes Urbanos Valparaíso-Santiago (TUVS) offers round-trip train service from Santiago to Valparaíso, with additional bus connections available.

Day 4: Barrio México & Farewell Dinner

  1. Breakfast at Bocanáriz - A gourmet wine bar and restaurant in the trendy Barrio México neighborhood.
  2. Visit Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Santiago (MAC) - Admire contemporary Chilean art at this modern museum.
  3. Lunch at Mercado Chino - Explore the bustling market and try local street food.
  4. Museo Interactivo Mirador (MIM) - A science museum with interactive exhibits, perfect for kids or the young-at-heart.
  5. Dinner at Borgoeccia - This restaurant specializes in Chilean and Italian cuisine.
  6. Farewell Drinks at Café de la Tuerca - A cozy bar known for its live music performances.
  7. Things to Know - Barrio México can be a bit noisy, so consider bringing earplugs if you’re sensitive to noise.
  8. Transportation - Buses 20, 43, and 51 connect downtown Santiago with Barrio México, while the metro’s Line 3 also serves this area.