Itineraries for Your Trip to Santiago
2 Days in Santiago for First Timers
Santiago is among my favorite cities, and not just because it’s so beautiful, with its mix of old and new architecture against an Andean backdrop. It also feels very safe and very walkable. While you’ll need to take a metro, taxi, or tour to reach some of the nicest areas—such as Las Condes—many of Santiago’s top highlights are within a short walk of one another.
Although I easily could (and have) spent days on end walking around Santiago, I do think a two-day trip to the Chilean capital is enough for you to get a good feel for the city. Here’s how I would suggest spending your time.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the gorgeous Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana).
Winters are mild in Santiago, but do get a bit of rainfall. Bring a waterproof jacket.
Santiago is a very walkable city, and a great way to get your bearings is by visiting on foot. Check out the Plaza de Armas before heading over to La Moneda Palace (Palacio de la Moneda), a 10-minute walk south. Keep walking for another half hour until you eventually make it to La Chascona, Pablo Neruda’s old home at the base of San Cristobal Hill (Cerro San Cristobal).
After exploring on foot, grab a completo—a Chilean-style hot dog served with onions and guacamole—for lunch before making your way over to the Chilean Museum of Pre-Colombian Art (Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino). Spend your afternoon exploring this massive museum's collection of artifacts, which range from ancient adornments to mummies.
After night falls, head out to a traditional dinner show. Sit down to a three-course meal served with Chilean wine and take in live music and dance performances that showcase traditions from different regions of Chile. Opt for a dinner show package that includes transportation from your hotel for added convenience.
Spend your second day checking out the food and wine scene in Santiago. In the morning, head out to some of the city's food markets, including Tirso Molina Market and the Santiago Central Market, where you can try all sorts of local treats. Join a food tour for an insider’s experience.
In the afternoon, head over to Santa Rita Winery (Viña Santa Rita) for some wine tasting. This pretty winery is located on the outskirts of Santiago, making it a convenient stop if you want to learn about Chilean wine right where it’s grown but don’t have time to go on a day trip to the Maipo Valley.
Now that you’ve learned about Chilean food and wine, put your knowledge into action by attending a cooking class. Learn how to make traditional Chilean dishes, such as cazuela (a type of soup typically made in a shallow pot) or chupe de mariscos (a seafood stew) from your instructor. Best of all, at the end of your class you’ll get to dine on your creations.
