How to Spend 3 Spectacular Days in Santiago

Santiago, Chile is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. The city is filled with great landmarks, museums, and neighborhoods to explore and its natural surroundings are breathtaking. Check out this 3-day itinerary!

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Day 1: Explore the Historic Center

Start your day by exploring the historic center of Santiago. This area is home to many of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Cathedral of Santiago and the Palacio de la Real Audiencia. Take a stroll through the streets and admire the colonial-style architecture, which gives the city a unique character and charm.

Next, head to the Mercado Central, Santiago’s central market. Here you’ll find a wide variety of seafood and produce, as well as traditional Chilean crafts. This is a great place to stop for lunch. Be sure to try the empanadas and ceviche while you’re there.

After lunch, walk to the Parque Forestal, a beautiful park that runs along the Mapocho River. This park is home to several museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of National History. If you have the time and energy, check out one of them while you are in the area. Take a stroll along the river and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before heading back to your hotel for the evening.

Day 2: Discover Santiago’s Culture

Start your second day in Santiago by visiting the Centro Cultural Palacio de la Moneda. This cultural center is located in the Palacio de la Moneda, Chile’s presidential palace. Here you’ll find a variety of exhibits and performances that showcase the country’s history and culture.

An interesting tidbit about the palace. “La Moneda” translates as “the money.” The palace is located in the former mint. It is not open to the public and you have to have special connections to go inside. We were lucky enough to have a connection and enjoyed a wonderful tour. He told us, “it’s better to have friends than money. Money can’t get you inside La Moneda.” It turns out that even he and our guide had never been inside before.

After the cultural center, head to the Bellas Artes neighborhood, home to many of Santiago’s art galleries and museums. Art lovers should visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, which features works by many of Chile’s most famous artists. Lovers of history and culture will not want to miss the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolumbino. This amazing museum is dedicated to pre-Columbian art and artifacts from Central and South America.

Bellavista and Cerro San Cristobal

In the afternoon, take a stroll through the bohemian neighborhood of Bellavista. This area is known for its colorful street art, trendy restaurants, and bustling nightlife. This is a great place to enjoy a late lunch and do a little shopping.

Be sure to check out the famous Cerro San Cristobal, a hilltop park that offers stunning views of the city. There is a handy funicular (cable car) you can take up to save your tired legs and feet. The ascent is more challenging than it originally appears so think twice before you decide to hike it after two days on of exploring the city.

Here are some tour options if you don’t want to navigate the city on your own:

Day 3: Take a Day Trip

On your last day in Santiago, take a day trip outside the city. There are several places to choose from, but consider either a day exploring the unique city of Valparaiso or get close to nature in the nearby Andes mountains.

Valparaiso Day Trip

Valparaiso is a unique and vibrant city that offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Santiago. With its colorful architecture, street art, and bohemian vibe, this multi-layered city is an unforgettable destination.

Take a funicular up to Cerro Concepcion, one of the city’s main hills. This hill offers panoramic views of the city and the ocean. It’s also home to many of Valparaiso’s most famous landmarks, including the Church of la Matriz and the Palacio Baburizza.

After taking in the views, explore the city’s many staircases and alleys. Valparaiso is known for its colorful architecture and street art, and walking through the streets is the best way to experience the city. Be sure to check out the street art in the Cerro Alegre and Cerro Bellavista neighborhoods.

Grab lunch at one of the fabulous local restaurants. Seafood is a wonderful choice in this coastal city, but another popular dish is the traditional “Chorrillana,” a plate of french fries topped with steak, eggs, and avocado.

Here are some tour options to Valparaíso from Santiago:

Explore the Andes Mountains

The Andes are home to many natural wonders, including beautiful lakes, hot springs, and skiing resorts. Be sure to take a funicular to the top of Cerro San Jose for breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

If skiing is not your thing, you can also take a hike in the nearby Parque Metropolitano, the largest urban park in Latin America. This park offers many trails for hiking and biking, as well as a lake for swimming and boating.

Here are some tour options for the region:

Other Day Trips from Santiago

Consider these other fantastic tour options as well:

Santiago Accommodations

The Marriott Hotel is situated in the modern Las Condes District. This superior five-star hotel features a premier location near Parque Arauco, downtown Santiago, and Vitacura and Parque Araucano. Offering unrivaled views of the city skylines or the nearby mountains, this hotel is the perfect place to spend 3 days in Santiago.

Private Transfer from Santiago Airport or Hotel to San Antonio Hotel or Port

What are you waiting for?

Santiago is a city with a lot to offer. With its rich history, culture, and natural beauty, it is the perfect destination for a three-day trip. Or, attach a few days to your Argentina itinerary for a perfect pairing. You’ll be sure to leave Santiago with a newfound appreciation for this beautiful country and its people.

For more great South American destinations, check out these posts:

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