Santiago City Explorer
A spectacular city of color, culture, and stunning scenery
So, you want to explore a whimsical city, but you also want to take in awe-inspiring natural beauty. Santiago is your answer to both! Feast your eyes on the sky-high, snow-capped Andes, stroll through colorful artsy neighborhoods, tour a postcard-worthy vineyard, and admire amazing architecture. Experience the magic of Chile on this amazing vacation.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Santiago (SCL)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- 4 nights in Santiago at the Hotel Torremayor Lyon, or similar
- Santiago Historical Downtown City Tour
- Half-day Santa Rita Vineyard Tour with wine tasting
- Breakfast daily
Great Ways to Explore
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See Chile's hilly, mountainous landscape up-close on an unforgettable winery tour.
- Witness once-in-a-lifetime views from Santa Lucia Hill and St. Christopher Hill.
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Try some of Chile's most famous culinary specialties, like Pastel de Choclo, Chilean Empanadas, Cazuela, and more.
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Gawk at the Metropolitan Cathedral in the bustling Plaza de Armas!
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Stroll through the colorful, artsy Bellavista neighborhood - filled with quirky shops and interesting restaurants.
Embark on a journey to sunny Santiago, Chile's vibrant capital city! Wander through colorful buildings, art galleries, quaint cafes, and eye-popping street art in the charming Bellavista neighborhood. Then, spruce up your history knowledge with a visit to the impressive Plaza de Armas, a neoclassical cathedral that has an amazing story dating back to 1541! End each day marveling at an unforgettable sunset from the picture-perfect hilltop parks of St. Christopher Hill and Saint Lucia Hill.
Enjoy an extensive tour of historical downtown Santiago, where you'll see famous landmarks, walk around traditional neighborhoods, browse local handicraft shops, and enjoy an iconic Pisco Sour drink. You'll also visit a famous winery, nestled in the foothills of the Andes in Maipo Valley! Indulge in some authentic food and local wine after a fun tour of the cellars.
Helpful links for travel to Chile:
Visa & Passport Info
Vaccines & Medications Info
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Santiago (SCL)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- 4 nights in Santiago at the Hotel Torremayor Lyon, or similar
- Santiago Historical Downtown City Tour
- Half-day Santa Rita Vineyard Tour with wine tasting
- Breakfast daily
-
See Chile's hilly, mountainous landscape up-close on an unforgettable winery tour.
- Witness once-in-a-lifetime views from Santa Lucia Hill and St. Christopher Hill.
-
Try some of Chile's most famous culinary specialties, like Pastel de Choclo, Chilean Empanadas, Cazuela, and more.
-
Gawk at the Metropolitan Cathedral in the bustling Plaza de Armas!
-
Stroll through the colorful, artsy Bellavista neighborhood - filled with quirky shops and interesting restaurants.
Embark on a journey to sunny Santiago, Chile's vibrant capital city! Wander through colorful buildings, art galleries, quaint cafes, and eye-popping street art in the charming Bellavista neighborhood. Then, spruce up your history knowledge with a visit to the impressive Plaza de Armas, a neoclassical cathedral that has an amazing story dating back to 1541! End each day marveling at an unforgettable sunset from the picture-perfect hilltop parks of St. Christopher Hill and Saint Lucia Hill.
Enjoy an extensive tour of historical downtown Santiago, where you'll see famous landmarks, walk around traditional neighborhoods, browse local handicraft shops, and enjoy an iconic Pisco Sour drink. You'll also visit a famous winery, nestled in the foothills of the Andes in Maipo Valley! Indulge in some authentic food and local wine after a fun tour of the cellars.
Helpful links for travel to Chile:
Visa & Passport Info
Vaccines & Medications Info
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Santiago!
As you float down to land in stunning Santiago, look out your plane window and feel yourself gasp as you catch sight of the snow-capped Andes. Upon arrival, meet your friendly driver and enjoy a transfer to your luxurious accommodation.Â
Once you're all settled in, start exploring the city! Head to Providencia, the perfect neighborhood to start your stay in Santiago. Stroll the streets of this upscale area, which are lined with cute shops and authentic restaurants. For your first dinner, you might want to indulge in some local favorites like Pastel de Choclo, a corn casserole with meat and stuffing, or Cazuela, a homemade stew with beef, chicken, corn, rice, and potatoes. Yum!Â
Transfer from Santagio airport (SCL) to Santiago hotel
Check-in - Hotel Torremayor Lyon
Boasting an elegant style of Mediterranean architecture, Hotel Torremayor Lyon is a luxurious retreat of comfort, sophistication, and hospitality. As soon as you walk into the hotel's lobby, you'll feel immersed in peace and relaxation. Check-in with the friendly reception team, then head up to your spacious, air-conditioned room. Open the door to WiFi, LED cable TV, a minibar, plush beds, and much more. Unpack your swimsuit and head up to the glistening outdoor pool (open during spring and summer)! After a refreshing dip, make your way back to your room and freshen up in your sparkling bathroom. Hungry? Head to the elegant on-site restaurant, then unwind with a crisp cocktail in the lounge. And, well, if you're just too comfy to leave your room - room service to the rescue.
Day 2. Santiago
Wake up smiling - it's your first full day in sunny Santiago! Recharge with breakfast, then embark on an exciting tour of Santiago's historical downtown.Â
Santiago Historical Downtown City Tour with Saint Lucia Hill
Explore Santiago, Chile's capital, which is nestled in the central valley, right below the majestic Andes. Feel the legacy of the "Mapuche" natives, who inhabited this land during the Pre-Colombian era, as well as the modernity of a thriving, booming city. Stroll along beautiful streets, visit interesting museums, admire amazing architecture, and learn all about the city's fascinating history.
Depart from your Santiago hotel and get ready to explore! Journey towards the city center, where you will see all of the main attractions, including the one and only Santa Lucia Hill, where the city was founded in 1541.
You will then be taken to the Plaza de Armas, where you'll see the Cathedral of Santiago, the Municipality, the Post Office Building, the National History Museum, and more! Stand in awe of the gorgeous Government Palace, where you'll have the opportunity to walk through some of the most traditional streets and neighborhoods in Chile.
The fun's not over yet! Head uptown along the Costanera Highway until you reach the elegant Vitacura neighborhood and the Alonso de Cordova Avenue. Check out the FABA handicraft shop, which specializes in lapis lazuli jewelry, a semi-precious stone found only in Chile and Afghanistan. To conclude a fabulous tour, enjoy a traditional Pisco Sour drink while appreciating the beautiful spectacle of colorful jewelry.
Day 3. Santiago
After breakfast, venture out to Chile's whimsical wine wonderland! Say "cheers" to a tour of the Santa Rita Vineyard, then enjoy a fun wine tasting.
Spend the rest of the day exploring the eye-popping Bellavista neighborhood. Boasting tons of street art, vibrant nightlife, and brightly-colored buildings, you'll fall in love with this magical gem of a "barrio" (neighborhood). If you're a fan of poetry, you might want to stop by La Chascona, a current museum which was once one of Pablo Neruda's three houses.
Half-Day Santa Rita Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting
Escape to the Maipo Valley, a vast land of natural beauty, about 25 miles from Santiago at the foothills of the Andes. Enjoy the amazing opportunity of touring the one and only Santa Rita winery, declared a National Monument!
During the drive to the beautiful Maipo Valley, enjoy breathtaking views of countryside landscapes. Immersed in the lush greenery of the valley, you'll find the Santa Rita Winery, founded in 1880 by Domingo Fernandez Concha. Smell the woodsy oak of the wine cellar, where the wines take a complex body with a smooth taste of wood. The Patronal House stands in a park of 40 hectares, where centenary trees captivate the attention of wide-eyed visitors.
After a great tour of the wine cellar, indulge in a delicious lunch at Doña Paula restaurant, another declared National Monument! This vineyards restaurant was named after Paula Jaraquemada, a woman who sheltered over 100 servicemen during the time of independence.
Last but not least, you'll visit the Museo Andino. Admire its wide collection of 1800s Pre-Colombian pieces of art!
Day 4. Santiago
Can you believe it's your last day, already? Make the best of it - your adventure's not over yet! Fuel up with breakfast, then grab your camera and get going. Today, visit the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral. Be sure to take it all in - from its ornate floor tiles to its frescoed ceiling. Stroll around the nearby Plaza de Armas, laden with stone sculptures, street performers, and art installations.
Looking for somewhere interesting to eat lunch? Look no further! Head straight to the Central Market, or "Mercado Central," for authentic favorites in a festive atmosphere. If you've been craving seafood, you'll be a happy camper. The Central Market is also a jackpot of handmade crafts and souvenirs, so bring some extra cash with you.Â
In the afternoon, you'll want to experience the breathtaking views from St. Christopher Hill (Cerro San Cristobal), which stands nearly 3,000 feet above the rest of the city. Sounds like a hike? Well, it is - sort of. In order to reach the top, you can either get your cardio workout in on a one-hour climb, or take the easy route and glide up via funicular. Either way, you'll be rewarded with some postcard-worthy photo ops of the majestic Andes cradling the sparkling city.Â
Another great place to watch your last Chilean sunset is Santa Lucia Hill, a picture-perfect hilltop park on the eastern edge of downtown Santiago. Known for its panoramic views, this spot boasts a gorgeous yellow fountain and a fairytale-like terrace. Views as great as Santa Lucia Hill's do come at a cost, though - a cost of strength and stamina! The hike up may be a bit tough, but the peace, quiet, and beauty at the top is well worth it. With that being said, if your legs are just too tired to climb, hop on the elevator a couple blocks from the park's main entrance.
Day 5. Depart Chile
Savor one last breakfast in Chile, then squeeze all your souvenirs into your luggage and enjoy a relaxing transfer to the airport. Spend your flight home scrolling through photos and dreaming about your next adventure.Â