Santiago Chile 7 Day Itinerary
Santiago, Chile: 7-Day Travel Itinerary
(Markdown formatting is used for readability)
Day 1 - Arrival & Downtown Exploration
- 🛬 Arrive at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL)
- 🏨 Check-in at Hotel Plaza El Bosque or similar (North-Central Santiago)
- 🚌 Public Bus (TransVIP) to Downtown Santiago
- 🛤 Explore the historic center: Palacio de la Moneda, La Moneda Square, Metropolitan Cathedral
- ☀️ Lunch at Central Market (Mercado Central), try seafood dishes like ceviche and empandas
- 🚐 Hop-on Hop-off bus tour for an overview of the city
- 🌳 Visit Park Santa Lucia, a beautiful urban park with a mix of history and nature
- 🍽️ Dinner at Borago restaurant (Concha y Toro Winery) to taste award-winning Chilean cuisine
Day 2 - Bellavista Neighborhood & San Cristobal Hill
- ☕️ Breakfast at Amoramora Cafe in Bellavista
- 🚎 Take a taxi or Metro (Line 5) to the Bellavista neighborhood
- 🛰️ Visit the Sky Costanera for panoramic views of Santiago
- 🍜 Lunch at Bratacha, known for its traditional German food and beer
- 🚐 Funicular Ascensor San Cristobal to San Cristobal Hill
- 🏞️ Enjoy the breathtaking views of Santiago from the hilltop
- 🍽️ Dinner at Jardin Bocanariz, offering a variety of Chilean wines and tapas
Day 3 - Vina del Mar & Valparaiso
- 🚌 Early morning bus to Vina del Mar (Valparaiso is nearby)
- 🏖️ Relax at Reñaca Beach or Wennapu Beach
- 🛤 Take a funicular or walk up the hills of Valparaiso for stunning views and vibrant street art
- 🍽️ Lunch at Marisqueria Don Pepe in Valparaiso, offering fresh seafood dishes
- 🚌 Return to Santiago in the evening
- 🎭 (Optional: Attend a performance at Teatro Municipal de Santiago)
- 🍽️ Dinner at La Cigale Patisserie Restaurant for French-inspired dishes
Day 4 - Museums & Markets
- ☕️ Breakfast at Cafe Liguria in Barrio Brasil
- 🏛️ Visit the Museum of Memory and Human Rights, or the Pre-Columbian Art Museum
- 🛍️ Shopping at El Mercado Vega or El Mercado Central for local products
- 🍜 Lunch at La Chinesca in Barrio Brasil, offering a fusion of Asian and Chilean cuisine
- 🏙️ Spend the afternoon exploring Parque Forestal and the Bellavista neighborhood
- 🍽️ Dinner at Poblado 38 or La Olla for contemporary Chilean cuisine
Day 5 - Wine Tasting in Maipo Valley
- 🚌 Full-day tour to Maipo Valley (Maipo, Pirque, or Lo Abarca)
- 🍇 Wine tasting at vineyards like Concha y Toro, Santa Rita, or Undurraga
- 🥩 Lunch at a local winery with traditional Chilean dishes
- 🌄 (Optional: Stay overnight in the wine region)
Day 6 - Day Trip to Cajon del Maipo
- 🚗 Self-drive or guided tour to Cajon del Maipo (day trip)
- 🔥 Visit El Yeso Dam and enjoy a picnic lunch
- ⛰️ Hike through the canyon, take in the breathtaking views
- 🌄 (Optional: Camp overnight in Cajon del Maipo)
Day 7 - Last Day & Departure
- ☕️ Breakfast at your hotel or nearby cafe
- 🛍️ Last-minute shopping for souvenirs or gifts
- ✈️ Depart from Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL)
Things to Know
- Santiago’s time zone is Chile Time (CLT, UTC -4)
- Spanish is the official language; English is spoken in tourist areas
- The exchange rate for USD can be found at xe.com
- Tap water in Santiago is safe to drink
- Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand
- The weather in Santiago varies greatly by season; check the forecast before your visit
Transportation
- Metro (Santiago Metro) for getting around the city
- TransVIP or Tur Bus for trips from airport to downtown
- Taxis, Uber, and local buses are also available
- Renting a car is an option but driving in Santiago can be challenging
Tips
- Always carry some small change for public restrooms
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
- Respect the local culture and customs while traveling
- Embrace the Chilean cuisine and try new dishes!