Chile is a country of unforgettable beauty, exquisite architecture, outdoor adventure and culture. Nestled between the soaring Andes and sprawling vineyards, the city of Santiago offers a blend of history, modernity and natural wonder. From its colorful street art and bustling markets to breathtaking mountain views, this city is where adventure and experiences converge.
If you're considering whether Santiago should secure a place on your travel itinerary, a visit to this city is sure to set the tone for an amazing vacation. During your visit, you'll have the opportunity to see colonial architecture, snow-capped Andes mountains, natural beauty and more. The diverse culture and beautiful scenery have secured this city a place on our top 20 underrated travel destinations.
AAA Travel experts can help you plan your trip, and you can find many points of interest on the Trip Canvas website. Using the right resources, you can plan a successful and unforgettable trip.
Top Reasons to Visit Santiago
Santiago is a city full of opportunities for travelers to wine, dine and make merry. Visiting Santiago, you'll have ample places to go indoors and out. Whether you're visiting the nearby Andes mountains or kicking back with fellow travelers in restaurants and coffee shops, you're bound to make memories that you'll treasure forever.
Here are some of the top reasons to make sure your South American vacation includes Santiago, Chile:
1. View the Stars at the Observatory
Do you love watching the stars? Have you always wanted to see the sky without interference from modern lights? Chile's skies are famously clear, and the Andes mountain range helps protect the sky from light pollution. Many star gazers come to watch the night sky in Chile. Just a half an hour from Santiago there is a privately owned and operated observatory located in the Andes mountains.
Scheduling at the observatory varies, so maintain a flexible schedule if you're hoping to make this a stop on your trip. At the observatory, be prepared for some beautiful sights and some cold temperatures after dark. Check out our packing tips to make sure you're prepared for all types of conditions.
2. Enjoy the Good Life With a Winery Tour
Chile is known for its thriving wine industry. Chile's diverse climate and varied growing conditions have made this country an excellent producer of different types of wines. The area around Santiago is home to several beautiful wineries, including several family-owned vineyards.
If you love wine and want the experience of visiting the bucolic Chilean wine country, there are several winery tours in the area around Santiago. Consider visiting the Casablanca winery. On this wine tour, visitors can learn about the wine-making process, taste wine with plates of olives and nuts and enjoy Chilean cuisine.
3. Have Fun While Horseback Riding in the Andes
Take a step away from the city to enjoy a horseback riding tour. During tours, knowledgeable guides take travelers to see some of the wonders of the Santiago Valley.
Horseback tours differ from one company to the next, but some are educational, pointing out vegetation and animals along the way. Tours may also offer food to eat from local restaurants, bakeries or artisans.
4. Take a Private Tour for a Customized Experience
Santiago is a city full of striking beauty, interesting architecture, and (of course) stories you won't want to miss. Enjoy the sites and learn the stories during a private tour of Santiago. There are many private tours available, including food tours, culture tours, winery tours, walking tours, cable car tours and more.
Whether you're riding a cable car, strolling through historic neighborhoods or gazing at snow-capped mountains, taking a private tour allows you to enjoy all that Santiago has to offer as you ask questions and get answers from experts.
5. Visit Historic Neighborhoods
Strolling through Santiago's historic neighborhoods like Bella Vista, Lastarria and Barrio Italia, you'll have a chance to admire Santiago's homes and businesses while visiting busy, vibrant markets. These neighborhoods are the true heart of Santiago, where travelers can find bookstores, restaurants, museums and more. Bellavista is also the home of San Sebastian University, which draws students and adds life to the neighborhood.
6. Travel to Vina del Mar
Not far from Santiago is a city called Vina del Mar, or "Garden City," where visitors can enjoy outdoor sports, excellent cuisine, and recreational opportunities. In Vina del Mar, you can visit old castles, mansions, museums and more. There are many Vina del Mar tours leaving from Santiago, so it's a perfect day trip if you're hoping to get out of the city and see somewhere new.
7. Soak Up Culture At Museums
As the capital of Chile, Santiago is home to many museums that showcase all different types of history and culture in Sydney.
- Museum of Memory and Human Rights - This institution draws attention to the human rights violations committed by the Chilean state for nearly two decades beginning in 1973. The museum promotes respect and tolerance to prevent future violations. This the museum to visit if you're interested in the modern history of Chile. Here, you'll learn about the country's history and military coup.
- Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino - The Chilean museum of pre-Columbian art features an impressive collection of artifacts from ancient Central and South America. This museum is regarded as one of the best museums in Latin America.
How to Get Around Santiago
Getting around Santiago is easy when you know what to do. The best options include the Metro, taxis, rideshares and on foot. The Metro is an efficient way to travel between neighborhoods, but during rush hour, it can get very crowded.
During rush hour, a taxi or rideshare may be a more comfortable way to get where you're going. If you're hailing a taxi, only flag taxis with yellow tops.
Keep in mind, the historic portion of the city is laid out on a grid, which makes exploring on foot relatively easy and rewarding. There are also other options available to get around in Santiago:
- Take a rideshare or Metro to travel between neighborhoods. You can purchase a rechargeable metro card at one of the over 140 metro stations called a "Bip!" card and add funds as you travel to make transportation easier and quicker.
- When traveling within a neighborhood, walking on foot is an easy and inexpensive way to get around.
- To use the buses, locally known as micros, you will also need a "Bip!" card, as cash is not accepted. Taking the bus is also an affordable and convenient transportation option and you can also use apps like Moovit or Red Santiago to track buses in real time.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Santiago?
The best time to visit Santiago is from September to November, when spring brings mild weather and blooming jacaranda trees. If you want to experience fall colors, plan your trip between March and May which are Santiago’s autumn months. Parks and vineyards show vibrant reds and golds during this time. Both seasons offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making them ideal for exploring the city and nearby nature.
FAQs About Santiago
Before you go to Santiago, it's important to learn as much as you can! This FAQ can help answer your questions and help you research as you make decisions about your Santiago trip.
How is international travel different from domestic travel?
International travel is very different from domestic travel in a few ways.
- Cultural differences. Learn about the culture of the country you're visiting. There may be unexpected ways that the people and culture differ from your own. Knowing what to expect can help you blend with the people in the place you're visiting.
- Passport required. You are not required to get a tourist visa if your visit is for less than 90 days, but you will be required to have a valid passport throughout your stay. If your passport expires soon, get your passport renewed before leaving on your trip.
- Currency differences. You may be able to use a debit or credit card while you're traveling, but foreign transaction fees may apply. Call your credit or debit card company before leaving on your trip. Let the company know that you're leaving the country. They may put an alert on your account that allows you to use the card when you leave. Consider changing money to local currency either before leaving, or after you arrive, so you'll have some cash on hand.
- Phone differences. You may need to pay extra to use your phone while roaming. Find out the cost and consider using apps on your phone to make phone calls while you're away.
Is Santiago Safe?
Santiago is a big city, so use caution while you're there. Keep your valuables out of sight and your purse or handbag close. Chile is one of the safer countries in Latin America, but extra caution is always a good idea.
Have a plan when you're going out and know how to ask for help when it's needed. Don't carry all of your cash on hand, and don't show your cash if you can avoid it.
What's the weather like in Santiago?
The weather in Santiago is relatively mild. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are cold and windy. The lowest temperatures in Santiago are usually above freezing, and the warmest temperatures are in the mid-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperatures vary from one time of year to the next, so do your research and pack clothing accordingly for the temperature when you'll be leaving.
What is Santiago known for?
Santiago is known for its great food, nearby wineries and easy access to the Andes mountains for outdoor activities. At the same time, it offers a lively city experience with plenty of restaurants, bars, art galleries and museums to explore.
Whether you want nature or culture, Santiago has both within reach.
Do I need anything other than a passport to visit Santiago?
According to the US Embassy, if you are a U.S. citizen traveling to Santiago, you will not need a visa unless you're staying for longer than 90 days. You must have a valid passport.
Is Santiago expensive?
Compared to other Latin American countries, Chile is neither very expensive nor very cheap. Prices for hotels and restaurants in Santiago are reasonable, and public transportation is a relatively low-cost option.
If you're on a tight budget, plan your stay well in advance and become an AAA member to receive exclusive discounts and better deals. March to November is considered the low season for travel. During this time, you'll be able to take advantage of low prices, and your trip will be more affordable overall.
What are some recommended places to stay in Santiago?
There are many hotels in Santiago, running the gamut from high-end hotels with expensive restaurants and extra features to low-cost budget hotels. Shopping around will help you find a hotel that's right for your budget and other needs. Trip Canvas has many recommended hotels, but here are a few recommended options:
- For historic charm with modern comfort: Concha Y Toro 33 By Nobile
- For a practical and functional option: Ibis Santiago Estacion Central
- For a convenient location: Nobile Estacion Central
What are some of the best places to eat in Santiago?
There are a lot of fantastic food options when you're eating in Santiago. Here are some traditional dishes you're likely to enjoy when you're out and about in Santiago restaurants:
- Arrollado huaso (pork roll): This pork roll is made with slices of bacon, pepper, garlic, cumin, and chili pepper sauce. It's delicious and flavorful.
- Ajiaco (meat soup): This meat soup isn't specific to Chile, but the Chilean version of the dish is nicely spicy, using barbecued meat, hot chili peppers, onions, potatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin.
- Caldillo de congrio (Conger eel soup): This soup is served along the coast in various forms. It's accompanied by clams and muscles with white wine.
- Carbonada (Vegetables and meat minestrone): This is a winter stew that is often prepared with pumpkin, potatoes, carrots, green beans, and meat that has been cut into small pieces. The dish is served with broth and parsley.
Interested in trying some of the best Santiago restaurants? Here are some options for you to choose:
- For authentic Chilean cuisine: Jardin Secreto
- For delectable seafood options: Ocean Pacific's Esmeralda - Vitacura
- For more Chilean flavors: Latin at Santiago Marriott
Like other large cities, Santiago is full of restaurants of all kinds. You can choose from a range of restaurants, including Peruvian-style restaurants, Indian, Italian and more. Find the restaurants you prefer on Trip Canvas.
Ready to Visit Santiago?
If you're convinced that Santiago is the best place to take your next trip, it's time to start planning. There's so much to do while you're there, it's hard to choose just one activity. The AAA Travel experts are here to help.
AAA Travel experts can help you plan your itinerary, pick the best hotel, and use your AAA membership to access discounts. Contact AAA Travel to start your planning today.