Santiago 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Santiago

This itinerary provides a mix of cultural experiences, historical sites, and outdoor adventures, showcasing the best of what Santiago has to offer.

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Santiago

  • Morning: Arrive at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL).
    • Transportation: Take a taxi or Uber (~$30 USD) from the airport to your hotel in the city center.
    • Things to do:
      • Visit the Plaza de Armas, the historical and cultural heart of the city.
      • Tour the Catedral Metropolitana and admire its stunning architecture.
      • Stroll through the historic streets of Barrio Lastarria, exploring its art galleries, cafes, and boutiques.
      • Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Chilean lunch at “La Piojera” known for its delicious seafood dishes and local atmosphere.
    • Afternoon:
    • Climb Cerro San Cristóbal for panoramic views of Santiago (take the funicular or hike up!).
    • Explore the bohemian neighborhood of Barrio Bellavista, known for its vibrant nightlife, street art, and quirky shops.
      • Dinner & Drinks: Indulge in a hearty Chilean meal at “El Hoyo” followed by a drink with a view at “Barrio Alto”.

Things to know:

  • Things to do: Funicular ride (~$10 USD) is a great way to see the city and enjoy traditional Chilean food.
  • Things to know:
    • Currency: The Chilean Peso (CLP) is the currency used in Santiago.
    • Language: Spanish is the official language of Chile.

Where to eat:

  • Lunch: Try a “completo” - a hot dog with avocado, tomato, and mayonnaise, a staple of Chilean street food.

Day 2: History & Culture

  • Morning: Immerse yourself in history at the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino (Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art)
    • Things to do: Admire the fascinating collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts.
  • Afternoon: Explore the historic streets of Barrio Bellavista, visiting:
    • Things to do:
      • Museo Histórico Nacional (National Historical Museum): Discover the history of Chile from its pre-Columbian roots to modern times.
    • Explore the bohemian alleys and admire the colorful murals.

Day 3: A Taste of the Andes

  • Day trip: Take a scenic bus ride (~$5 USD) up to the Andes Mountains for breathtaking views and a glimpse into traditional Andean culture.
  • Things to do:
    • Visit the Andes Mountains: Explore the stunning Andes Mountains with a day trip to one of the many charming mountain towns, like Farellones or San José de Maipo.

Day 4: Art & Architecture

  • Where to stay: Consider staying in a boutique hotel in Barrio Bellavino for a unique experience.
  • Things to do: Explore the eclectic mix of art galleries, street art, and cultural attractions in the neighborhood. Enjoy a delicious “picarón” (sweet fried bread) or visit the Museo de Arte Precolombino for a deeper dive into Chilean history

Day 5: Modern Marvels & Relaxation

  • Morning:
  • Visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes: Explore the diverse collection of Chilean and international art.
  • Things to do:
    • Stroll through the Parque Forestal, a beautiful green space in the heart of Santiago.
    • Visit the Palacio de la Moneda:** This historical building is the seat of the Chilean government and houses the Presidential Palace.

Other things of interest:

  • Enjoy a “picarón” (a sweet fried treat) for breakfast.

Where to stay:

  • Stay in the charming and historic Palacio de la Moneda neighborhood for a central location with easy access to museums, restaurants, and nightlife.
  • Visit the historical Palacio de Bellas Artes, which often houses exhibitions and events.

Things to do:

  • Explore the vibrant street art scene of Barrio Lastarria.
  • Wander through the Mercado Central and admire the fresh seafood.

This is just a starting point for your itinerary. You can customize it based on your interests and time constraints. For example, you could add:

  • A visit to the Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos (Museum of Memory and Human Rights), which commemorates the victims of Chile’s dictatorship.
  • A tour of the Palacio de Bellas Artes, a beautiful building with a rich history.
  • A hike up Cerro San Cristóbal for stunning views of the city and to experience the Andes landscape.

Other things to do:

  • Explore the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino (Museum of Chilean Art) for its pre-Columbian art collection.
  • Visit the Palacio de la Moneda, a historical building that is home to the Presidential Palace.
  • Enjoy a “completo” - a classic Chilean hot dog with all the toppings.

Things to know:

  • Chile uses the “peso” as its currency.

Remember to always carry some local currency and be prepared to bargain at markets.

  • The best time to visit Santiago is during spring (September-November) or autumn (March-May). The weather is mild and pleasant, and there are fewer crowds than in the summer months.

Things to eat:

  • Sample traditional Chilean cuisine:

  • “Empanadas de pino”: Savory pastries filled with a variety of fillings, including beef, onions, raisins, and olives.

  • “Completo”: A delicious and popular street food experience!

  • “Pisco Sour”: This iconic cocktail is a must-try in Chile.

  • Explore the culinary delights of Santiago’s markets:

  • Ceviche: Enjoy the fresh and flavorful seafood ceviche at a local “cevichería”.

  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Santiago:

  • Explore the neighborhood of Bellavista, known for its bars and restaurants.

  • Enjoy a traditional Chilean meal (try “pastel de choclo” - a baked corn dish)

  • Enjoy the diverse food and drink scene in one of the many “picadas” (snack bars) that dot the city.

Day 3:

  • Explore the neighborhood of Barrio Bellavista: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this bohemian neighborhood, known for its colorful murals, street art, and lively nightlife.

  • Experience a “picada” (a traditional Chilean experience.

Things to do:

  • Visit the Museo de la Moda y Textiles (Museum of Fashion and Textiles)
  • Explore the Mercado de la Vega for local produce and flavors.
  • Enjoy a delicious meal at “La Piojera”, a popular restaurant in Santiago.

Remember: This is just a sample itinerary. You can tailor it to your interests by adding more time for certain activities or skipping others altogether.

Enjoy your trip!