Santiago attractions

High in the Andean foothills, at a lung-testing 8,200 feet (2,500 meters), travelers can sink into the thermal springs of Baños Colina that are naturally heated by the San José volcano. The waters have a high mineral content—and are believed to have healing qualities—promising soothed skin after an alpine soak with a view.

Situated southeast of Santiago’s tourist center, Barrio Italia beckons visitors with its creative flair and lively atmosphere. Once a hub for Italian immigrants, this increasingly trendy neighborhood has become a paradise for art enthusiasts, fashionistas, and food lovers alike, offering a diverse blend of boutiques, galleries, cafés, and antique stores.

Though Santiago's historical district boast many architecturally outstanding buildings, most were built or refurbished in the early 1900s, well after the Spanish Colonial period. The Red House - or Casa Colorada - is a fine exception. It's no mystery why this squat stone structure has survived Santiago's tectonic history of earthquakes (and the gas-lamp fires that inevitably followed) intact. Originally completed in 1779 as the home of "Count of the Conquest" Don Mateo de Toro y Zambrano, it has served as a salon for Chile's politicians and VIPs for centuries. Today, the Casa's thick-walled corridors and sturdy rooms are home to the Museo de Santiago, a solid museum featuring dioramas about key moments in the Chilean history. Please note: The Red House (Casa Colorada) is closed for renovation.

Set in Providencia, a chic suburb on the outskirts of Santiago, the Costanera Center is a massive development featuring offices, two luxury hotels, and a mall that spans six stories. It's a great place to go to watch a film, do a bit of shopping, or simply grab a bite and people-watch.

Established in 1820 and housing nearly two million burials, the General Cemetery of Santiago (Cementerio General de Santiago) is both the largest and oldest cemetery in the country. With rows of ornate sculptures and mausoleums broken up by gardens of palm trees, a walk through the cemetery may as well be a lesson on the stylistic evolution of architecture itself, in addition to being a memorial.

The Chilean building boom of the late 1800s, spurred by rising silver, copper, and nitrite prices worldwide, inspired some of the city's most marvelous architecture. Grand palaces were built with neoclassical facades fashionably adorned with baroque and art nouveau touches. The finest of them all is located in the heart of the Calle Dieciocho neighborhood: the Cousiño Palace.

The brainchild of brothers Hernan and Eduardo Gras, and partner Cristian Hartwig, MontGras Winery opened in 1993. Using state-of-the-art technology, the award-winning winery is best known for its full-bodied syrah, malbec, carmenere, and cabernet sauvignon wines.

In the heart of the Casablanca wine country, Estancia El Cuadro is a winery, event center, and getaway all rolled into one. You can come for a wine tour, dine on Chilean fare at the restaurant, or simply roam the walking trails that surround the property.

Museo Interactivo Mirador combines fun and education in more than 350 interactive science, art, and technology exhibits. You can also enjoy a workshop, a live demo, or a 3D film, before grabbing lunch at one of the on-site cafés or strolling the expansive gardens.

A family-friendly destination that’s both entertaining and educational, the Aquamundo Aquarium is one of the biggest in Chile, with more than 1,000 species of reptiles, birds, and fish. Exhibits often showcase local sea creatures, such as the poisonous Easter Island balloon fish and the Central Coast red shark.

Among Santiago’s most recognized buildings, La Parroquia San Vicente Ferrer was on Chile’s 2,000 peso banknote for over a decade. Construction on the church and the adjacent convent that now houses the handicraft market began in 1809, and the well-preserved complex retains much of its original Spanish charm to this day. It still draws parishioners and visitors alike with its whitewashed exteriors, though many people just stop for a quick photo before heading to Los Dominicos Handicraft Village next door.

Among the oldest Dominican churches in Santiago, this historic structure in the city center is notable for both its architecture and its interiors. It was built in 1747 (though other churches have stood here in the past) and was declared a national monument in 1951.

Just outside Santiago lies Yerba Loca Sanctuary(Parque Yerba Loca), a diverse natural reserve in the heart of the Chilean Andes, replete with glacial ravines, rocky peaks, and wildflower-covered meadows. Known for La Paloma Glacier, the looming peaks of Los Piches and El Altar, and the densely wooded forests of Villa Paulina valley, Yerba Loca Sanctuary is a popular day-trip destination.

Home to South America´s longest ski run—which comes in at a whopping 8 miles (12 kilometers)—there’s much more to Termas de Chillan than hot springs. The resort offers a myriad of snow-centered activities, which include everything from dog sledding and skiing, alongside relaxing hot springs that prove perfect for travelers tired from a day of skiing.

In the heart of Santiago's O'Higgins Park, Fantasilandia is a sprawling amusement park filled with a wide range of rides, from kid-friendly mini trains to thrilling roller coasters geared toward older kids and adults. The park also has loads of carnival-style games where you can test your dexterity and win prizes.

Among Chile's youngest wine regions, the San Antonio Valley is growing in popularity and is particularly celebrated for its pinot noir and sauvignon blanc. This cool-weather region is blessed by crisp winds from the Pacific Ocean, which helps create the perfect conditions for grapes to ripen slowly.