Santiago Chile 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Itinerary: Exploring Vibrant Santiago

This itinerary focuses on exploring the highlights of Santiago, balancing popular attractions with hidden gems and local experiences.

Accommodation:

For this itinerary, I’ll assume you’re staying in the Bellavista neighborhood. It’s a vibrant area with stunning views, charming cafes, and a bohemian atmosphere, perfect for a 4-day stay.

Day 1: Historical Heartbeat

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to Plaza de Armas, the historical center of Santiago. Explore the surrounding colonial architecture, including the Catedral Metropolitana and the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombiano.

  • Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Chilean lunch at Restaurante El Hoyo, known for its delicious empanadas and hearty stews.

  • Afternoon: Stroll through the historic Lastarria neighborhood, browsing the artisan shops and admiring the beautiful murals that adorn the walls. Take a break at a charming cafe like Cafe La Chascona (named after a famous Chilean poet) for a coffee and delectable pastries.

  • Dinner: Indulge in fine dining with a focus on Chilean cuisine and wine at Boragó, renowned for its innovative use of local ingredients and exceptional wine pairings.

Things to know:

  • Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP). US dollars are often accepted, but you’ll get a better price if you pay in pesos.
  • Language: Spanish is the official language.

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

  • Morning: Explore the historic barrios of Santiago like Barrio Bellavista and Barrio Lastarria, known for their colorful houses, street art, and lively atmosphere. Visit the Museo de Bellas Artes or the National Museum of Fine Arts to delve into Chilean culture and art.

  • Lunch: Grab a quick and tasty “completo” (a hot dog with avocado, tomato, mayo, and ketchup) at El Completo Italiano, a beloved street food spot in Barrio Lastariano.

  • Dinner: Enjoy a casual dinner of Chilean street food like completos, pastel de choclo (sweet corn pie), or humitas (cornmeal tamales) from one of the many street vendors in the Lastarria neighborhood.

  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the Chilean experience.

Things to know:

  • Weather: Santiago has a Mediterranean climate with sunny days and cool nights. Be sure to dress for both!

Day 3: Wine Tasting & City Views

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the Casablanca Valley, a picturesque wine region known for its cool-climate vineyards and award-winning wines.

  • Lunch: Savor a traditional Chilean lunch at a vineyard restaurant. Many offer delicious dishes paired with their own wines, showcasing the local flavors.

Things to eat & drink:

  • El Hoyo, located in the heart of Santiago, is known for its traditional Chilean cuisine, like “pastel de choclo” (a savory dish with cornmeal, sweet corn, beef, and chicken)

  • Try a “completo” at a local “picada”: Enjoy a classic “Completo Italiano” from a street vendor.

  • Afternoon: Take in the stunning views of the Andes Mountains and the city of Santiago from a viewpoint like Cerro Concón.

Things to know:

  • Wine tasting times: Most wineries offer wine tastings by appointment, so be sure to plan ahead for your visit.
  • Weather can change quickly: Pack layers!

Things to do (in addition to wine tasting):

  • Explore the vineyards: Many have beautiful gardens and walking paths.
  • Visit a local winery: Enjoy a “picada” (a casual gathering of friends and family) with traditional Chilean food and wine pairings at a place like Casa Marin.

Day 4: Urban Adventure & City Exploration

  • Explore the city on foot: Wander through the vibrant streets of Santiago, taking in the sights and sounds of this bustling metropolis.
  • Try a “completo” (hot dog with avocado, tomato, mayo, and ketchup) at a local street food vendor.

Things to know:

  • Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking!
  • Choose a “picada” experience: This involves tasting different Chilean dishes alongside the wine.

Things to see in Santiago:

  • Cerro San Cristóbal: Enjoy a picnic with breathtaking views of the city.

Dining Tips:

  • Consider “El completo”: It’s an inexpensive and delicious way to experience local cuisine, but be prepared for a unique combination of flavors.
  • Try Chilean restaurants on your walk: Santiago is filled with fantastic options like “La Fuente Alemana” (German Restaurant) or “Mercado Central” (Central Market)

Things to do:

  • Explore the bohemian Lastarria neighborhood: Enjoy its vibrant atmosphere and find hidden cafes, boutiques, and art galleries.
  • Visit a local market: Sample fresh fruits from the “La Vega” market.

Day 1: San Cristóbal & Artful Eats

  • Morning: Take a cooking class focusing on Chilean cuisine. It’s a great way to learn about the local ingredients and culture.

  • Lunch: Try making a traditional “completo” (Chilean hot dog) with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.

  • Dinner: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Barrio Italia in the evening.

  • Things to know:

    • Many restaurants are closed for lunch in this area and open only for dinner.

  • Plan your meals: Explore the culinary scene in Santiago with a variety of dishes, from traditional “completos” at the market to fine dining experiences.

Things to do:

  • Enjoy the bohemian charm of “Barrio Lastarria”: Wander through this picturesque neighborhood and soak up its history.
  • Visit the “Chilean Museum of Wine”: This museum (Museo del Vino Chileno) showcases the history and culture of Chilean winemaking, with exhibits on everything from grape varieties to winemaking techniques.

Tips for a memorable experience:

  • Learn basic Spanish phrases: Knowing how to say hello (“hola”), thank you (“gracias”), please (“por favor”) and “how much?” ("¿Cuánto cuesta?") can be helpful.
  • Embrace the local culture: Try traditional Chilean dishes like “pastel de choclo” (sweet corn pie) or “completos” (a type of hot dog) and “completo italiano” (with “pastel de chocho” as a part).

Enjoy!

  • Remember: These are just suggestions. You can customize your itinerary based on your interests, budget, and the time you have available.