Santiago Chile 6 Day Itinerary

6 Days in Santiago, Chile

This itinerary offers a mix of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and Chilean charm for a memorable trip to the capital.

Things to Know Before You Go:

  • Spanish is essential: While English is spoken in some tourist areas, knowing basic Spanish phrases will greatly enhance your experience and make it easier to navigate the city and interact with locals.
  • Currency: The currency in Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP).
  • Safety: Santiago is generally a safe city, but exercise caution as you would in any large metropolis. Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics and be aware of your surroundings.

Day 1: Arrival & City Center Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL), take a taxi or Uber to your hotel in the vibrant city center.
  • Where to Stay: For a luxurious stay, consider Hotel Singular Santiago. For a more budget-friendly option, try The Green House Hostel.
  • Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and explore the Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city. Visit the historic Metropolitan Cathedral and the Palacio de la Moneda, Chile’s presidential palace.

Things to do:

  • Climb Cerro San Cristóbal: Take a funicular or hike up for stunning city views.
  • Tour the Palacio de La Alhambra: Admire this beautiful 19th-century building and its impressive collection of art and artifacts.
  • Visit the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino: Explore ancient Chilean art and learn about the cultures that existed before the arrival of Europeans.

Where to Eat:

  • Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Chilean lunch at “La Piojera” for their delicious “pebre” (a spicy salsa) and a variety of “empanadas” (savory pastries).
  • Dinner: Savor authentic Chilean cuisine at “Chimichurri” in the bohemian neighborhood of Bellavista.

Day 2: History & Culture

  • Morning: Explore the historic barrio Lastarria, admiring the architecture and browsing its art galleries and boutiques.
  • Afternoon: Wander through the colorful Mercado Central (Central Market) to sample fresh seafood and experience local life.

Things to do:

  • Dinner: Indulge in a “pastel de choclo” (corn pie) feast at “El Hoyo de Mijo,” a legendary restaurant known for its hearty Chilean dishes.

Day 3: Art & Architecture

  • Morning: Visit the Museo Chileno de Arte Contemporáneo (MAC), a museum showcasing modern and contemporary art from Chilean and international artists.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Mercado de la Vega (Bellavista neighborhood) for local crafts and souvenirs, followed by a traditional “once” (afternoon tea) at a charming café like “Café Literario” or “La Casona del Café.”

Day 4: Nature Escape

  • Things to do: Hike up to the top of Cerro Santa Lucía for panoramic views of the city. Visit the Parque Metropolitano de Santiago for stunning panoramas and outdoor activities.

Day 5: History & Politics

  • Things to Eat: Explore the culinary delights of Chilean cuisine at “La Chascona,” a museum and former home of Pablo Neruda, showcasing traditional dishes in a unique setting.
  • Things to see: Visit the Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos (Museum of Memory and Human Rights) to learn about Chile’s history with human rights struggles.

Day 6: Departure & Beyond

  • Enjoy a final morning in Santiago, savoring a “completo” hot dog at one of the many street vendors before heading home.
  • Explore the vibrant street art scene: Wander through the colorful streets of Bellavista and take a look at the works by local artists.

Things to do:

  • Visit the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (MAC) in Santiago for a unique experience.

Where to Stay:

  • Explore the city’s cultural offerings:

For a luxurious stay with stunning views of the Andes Mountains, consider:

  • Hotel Ritz-Carlton, Santiago: Known for its elegance and top-notch service.
  • Airbnb options in Providencia: This vibrant district offers a variety of comfortable apartments and houses.

Things to do: Explore different parts of the city for a more immersive experience.

  • Visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts): For those seeking a cultural immersion, this museum provides a rich experience.
  • Stay at a boutique hotel in Lastarria: This neighborhood offers charming and unique accommodations.

Things to do:

  • Enjoy a “completo” hot dog from the street food stalls in Lastarria: Try a “completo italiano” with tomato sauce, onions, and tomatoes or a “completo chileno” (the Chilean version of a “hot dog” with added avocado, chopped tomatoes, and corn).
  • Enjoy a final meal at one of Lastarria’s fine dining establishments.

Where to Eat:

  • Sample the traditional Chilean cuisine at a restaurant in the Providencia district.

Renting a Room in a Hotel:

  • Things to do: Consider staying in a hotel with a “completo” (a complete Chilean experience) like “El Hoyo de Mijo” for a unique stay.

Taxis and Public Transport:

  • Experience the city’s vibrant public transportation system, the “Metro” for a taste of local culture, try taking it to the Bellavista neighborhood and enjoy the bustling atmosphere at “La Casona,” a popular hostel with a shared kitchen for travelers to connect over meals.

Things to do:

  • Explore the city: Visit historical neighborhoods like Cerro San Cristóbal and the Museum district, known for its museums and cultural venues.
  • Enjoy the nightlife: Experience the vibrant nightlife of Bellavista, which is renowned for its bars, restaurants, and clubs.
  • Immerse yourself in Chilean culture: Visit the “Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos” (Museum of Memory and Human Rights) to delve into the country’s complex history with human rights.

Explore local cuisine: Enjoy a delicious “complete” (a traditional Chilean dish) at a restaurant in Bellavvista, a vibrant neighborhood known for its diverse culinary offerings.

  • Things to try:
    • Empanadas: These savory pastries come in various flavors and fillings, reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage.
    • Museo de Bellas Artes: Explore the Chilean version of “street food” with a twist. The museum features a “completo” bar where you can customize your own “complete” experience.

**Explore a “completo”

  • Enjoy the views:

Things to know:

Taxis and Public Transport:

  • For an immersive “Chilean” dining experience, try the “El Hoyo de Mumo” restaurant in the Providencia district.
  • The “complete” concept is a cultural phenomenon in Chile, with variations found throughout the country.
  • Enjoy a unique “Chilean” experience by trying different “completos” (a type of hot dog) and other local specialties.

This example shows how the text you provided could be used to create a more immersive itinerary for a traveler.

Things to do: Try your hand at cooking during your stay, as many apartments in the area are equipped with kitchens.

  • Enjoy the local nightlife: The “El Hoyo de Mijo” and other establishments offer a taste of the vibrant Chilean nightlife scene, allowing you to experience the unique atmosphere of Santiago’s nightlife.

**For a more modern take on “completos,” try “completos” with a twist.

  • Enjoy a “completo” in a variety of ways: with traditional Chilean toppings like pebre (spicy tomato salsa), avocado, and mayonnaise.

Things to do:

  • Visit the “Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos”: This museum tells the story of the victims of the Pinochet regime.
  • Explore the neighborhood’s nightlife: Enjoy a variety of restaurants and bars in the area for a unique experience.

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere:

  • The city is full of them, with options like “completo chileno,” “completo italiano” (which often includes cheese and avocado) and “completo italiano” offering a taste of Chile’s local culture.
  • Explore the artsy vibe:

Things to do:

  • Enjoy a variety of Chilean cuisines in the city.
  • Check out the street art scene, especially in the “Bellavista” neighborhood.

For a more traditional experience:

  • Visit the Museo de Bellas Artes: It’s a great place to see art and enjoy a taste of Chile’s rich history.
  • Enjoy a “completo” with Chilean toppings: Immerse yourself in the local culture.

This is a sample itinerary:

  • Day 1: Arrive at “Bellavista” for a night out, then head to the “Bellavista” neighborhood to explore the vibrant nightlife and enjoy a variety of local experiences.**
  • Explore the “complete” scene:

Things to Eat & Drink:

  • Enjoy traditional Chilean cuisine: Try dishes like “pastel de cho” (a type of empanada), " completos" (with different variations) and “pisco sour” cocktails.

Day 6:

  • Enjoy a final “completos” meal with your favorite Chilean toppings.

This is just a framework, you can add details and specific restaurants or activities based on the traveler’s preferences and interests.