Planning a trip to Santiago but want to explore beyond the city limits? Chile’s capital serves as the perfect base for some of South America’s most exciting day trips. From world-class wineries to snowy mountain peaks, and from coastal treasures to cultural gems, these escapes offer something for every type of traveler.
🏠 Where to Stay in Santiago:
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Radisson Petra La Dehesa
- ✨ 5-Star: Solace Hotel Santiago
- 🏨 4-Star: DoubleTree by Hilton Santiago Kennedy
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Hotel Capital Bellet
- 💸 Cheap: ibis Santiago Estacion Central
- 🏢 Apartment: Park Plaza Apartments
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Hotel Regal Pacific Santiago
- 🏩 For Couples: Heidelberg Haus
In this guide, we’ll explore the best day trips from Santiago that locals love but tourists often miss. Let’s discover why the areas surrounding Santiago are among South America’s best-kept secrets.
💁 Best Guided Tours from Santiago:
- Street Art & Wine Tasting Tour from $149 (⭐4.8/5)
- Valparaíso & Viña del Mar Day Trip from $100 (⭐4.9/5)
- Valparaíso & Viña Highlights Tour from $130 (⭐4.9/5)
- Coastal Cities Full-Day Tour from $99 (⭐4.8/5)
Valparaíso & Viña del Mar – Best Day Trip from Santiago, Chile
1. 🎨 Street Art Paradise
Visit duration: 2-3 hours / Travel duration: 1.5 hours (120 km from Santiago)
Street Masterpieces: You’ll feel like walking through the world’s most colorful open-air gallery in this UNESCO World Heritage city. The best concentrations of street art pop up in Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción neighborhoods, where local and international artists transform bland walls into stunning masterpieces.
Urban Culture: The artistic spirit of Valparaiso comes alive in these bohemian quarters. Free walking tours depart daily from Plaza Sotomayor at 10 AM and 3 PM, offering expert insights into the city’s evolving art scene.
Tour Options: Professional street art tours cost between 15,000-20,000 CLP ($18-24 USD) and include historical context and meetings with local artists. The Tours4Tips company offers excellent “Free” walking tours where you pay what you think it’s worth at the end.
Here are the must-visit street art spots:
- Templeman Street murals
- Piano Stairs on Beethoven Street
- Galería de Arte Bahía Utópica
- Polanco Cultural Park
- Cerro Bellavista’s Open Air Museum
⭐ Best Activities
Street Art Tour & Wine Tasting: Combine cultural exploration with wine tasting on this unique tour. Discover Valparaíso’s vibrant street art scene before enjoying premium wines in Casablanca Valley.
2. 🚞 Historic Funiculars
Visit duration: 1-2 hours / Travel duration: 15-20 minutes between funiculars
Heritage Transport: Welcome to the city’s most charming form of transportation, where century-old wooden cars climb steep hills while offering postcard-perfect views. These historic ascensores connect the flat harbor area to the colorful hills, with the Artillería funicular providing the most spectacular harbor panoramas.
Local Experience: Each funicular tells its own story of Valparaiso golden age. The Reina Victoria and El Peral funiculars remain the most popular routes for accessing premium viewpoints.
Practical Info: Operating hours are from 7 AM to 10 PM daily, with tickets costing 100-300 CLP ($0.12-0.35 USD) per ride. Purchase a multi-ride ticket for 1,500 CLP ($1.80 USD) to experience all working funiculars.
⭐ Best Activities
Valparaíso & Viña del Mar Tour: Experience two of Chile’s most charming coastal cities in one day. Visit colorful Valparaíso’s historic quarter and enjoy Viña del Mar’s modern beach resort atmosphere.
3. 🌅 Scenic Viewpoints
Visit duration: 2-3 hours / Travel duration: 30 minutes between main viewpoints
Panoramic Views: Get ready for some of South America’s most stunning urban vistas, where the Pacific Ocean meets a canvas of colorful houses cascading down 42 hills. Paseo 21 de Mayo offers the most comprehensive harbor views that will leave you speechless.
Photo Opportunities: The city transforms with the changing light throughout the day. Paseo Yugoslavo and Paseo Atkinson provide perfect angles for capturing the city’s famous architecture.
Viewpoint Access: The best mirador package tour costs 25,000 CLP ($30 USD) and includes transportation between five major viewpoints. Most viewpoints are free to access, but some, like the Port Authority Building observation deck, charge 2,000 CLP ($2.40 USD).
⭐ Best Activities
Valparaíso & Viña del Mar Highlights: Discover the best of both cities with a local expert. Explore UNESCO heritage sites, ride historic funiculars, and visit famous landmarks.
4. 🦞 Culinary Highlights
Visit duration: 2-3 hours / Travel duration: Walking distance between venues
Seafood Paradise: Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of fresh Pacific flavors at Mercado Central. The must-try local specialty is chupe de jaiba (crab pie), served piping hot at traditional restaurants throughout the port area.
Local Flavors: Traditional Chilean empanadas and fresh ceviche can be found at every corner. The best seafood restaurants cluster around the port area and Cerro Concepción.
Price Guide: Expect to pay 8,000-15,000 CLP ($10-18 USD) for a quality seafood lunch. Many restaurants offer “Menu del Día” specials for around 6,000 CLP ($7 USD) including starter, main course, and drink.
My favorite local eateries include:
- Mercado Central food stalls
- La Concepción Restaurant
- Porto Viejo
- Café Turri
- El Pimentón
⭐ Best Activities
Coastal Cities Full-Day Tour: Comprehensive tour covering all major attractions including Flower Clock, Wulff Castle, and historic neighborhoods of Valparaíso.
5. 🚌 Getting There
Visit duration: Full day trip / Travel duration: 1.5 hours each way
Transport Options: Getting to Valparaiso couldn’t be easier with regular buses departing every 15 minutes from Santiago’s Terminal Alameda. Turbus and Pullman buses offer the most reliable services, complete with comfortable seats and air conditioning.
Travel Tips: Smart travelers book return tickets in advance during peak season (December-February). The first morning bus departs at 6 AM – perfect for maximizing your day in Valparaiso.
Ticket Information: Bus tickets cost 5,000-8,000 CLP ($6-10 USD) each way depending on the time and company. Private transfers are available from 45,000 CLP ($54 USD) per vehicle, ideal for groups of 3-4 people. Book through the official websites of Turbus or Pullman to secure the best rates.
Cajón del Maipo
1. 🏔️ El Yeso Dam and Reservoir
Visit duration: 3-4 hours / Travel duration: 2 hours (70 km from Santiago)
Mountain Views: El Yeso Reservoir is that hidden gem where turquoise waters meet snowy Andes peaks, creating a scene straight out of a postcard. You’ll feel like you’ve discovered a secret spot that most tourists miss out on.
Natural Wonder: The reservoir sits at 2,500 meters above sea level, surrounded by peaks reaching over 4,000 meters. The surrounding area features unique Andean flora and fauna, including condors, foxes, and mountain viscachas.
Visitor Info: Entry fee is 5,000 CLP ($6 USD) per person, with special rates for groups of 6+ people. Best visiting hours are between 10 AM and 2 PM when the light is perfect for photos and the winds are calmer. Pack warm clothes, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
Seasonal Tips: Summer (December-February) brings perfect picnic weather, while spring (September-November) offers the best wildflower displays. The site closes during severe weather conditions, so check the forecast before heading out. Local food vendors sell empanadas and hot drinks at the viewpoint on weekends.
⭐ Best Activities
Local Experience in Cajón del Maipo: Experience the Andes like a local with this authentic tour through dramatic mountain landscapes and traditional villages.
2. 🥾 Hiking Adventures
Visit duration: 4-6 hours / Travel duration: varies by trail
Trail Network: Welcome to hiker’s paradise! The trails here range from easy nature walks to challenging summit attempts, and the best part – they’re all just a couple of hours from Santiago’s busy streets.
Popular Routes: El Morado Glacier trek (12 km round trip) rewards hikers with close-up glacier views. The San Francisco Glacier trail offers spectacular valley vistas and ends at a pristine mountain lake.
Hiking Details: Trail permits cost 3,000-7,000 CLP ($4-8 USD). Guided hikes start from 35,000 CLP ($42 USD) per person, including transportation and equipment. Most trails are best attempted between October and April.
Safety Information: Register at the CONAF office before starting any trail. Altitude sickness can affect visitors, so take time to acclimatize. Local guides offer GPS-tracked hikes with emergency satellite communication for 55,000 CLP ($66 USD).
⭐ Best Activities
Volcano Hiking Adventure: Challenge yourself with an exciting hiking tour to San José Volcano, offering breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains.
3. ♨️ Hot Springs Experience
Visit duration: 2-3 hours / Travel duration: 2.5 hours from Santiago
Thermal Relaxation: If you ever dreamed of soaking in a natural hot tub with snow-capped mountains as your backdrop, that’s exactly what you’ll get at these amazing thermal springs. The experience feels exclusive yet surprisingly affordable.
Natural Therapy: The mineral-rich waters contain healing properties for skin conditions and muscle aches. Each spring maintains a constant temperature between 35°C and 70°C year-round.
Practical Info: Entry fees range from 15,000-25,000 CLP ($18-30 USD). Bring your own towels and water shoes. Most hot springs are open from 9 AM to 6 PM, with the best visiting times being early morning or late afternoon.
Facilities Guide: Termas Valle de Colina offers 6 pools of varying temperatures, massage services (45,000 CLP/$54 USD per hour), and a rustic restaurant. Baños Morales features natural stone pools and basic changing rooms. Both locations offer locker rentals for 2,000 CLP ($2.40 USD).
⭐ Best Activities
El Yeso Dam & Hot Springs Tour: Relax in natural hot springs and admire the stunning El Yeso reservoir on this small-group adventure.
4. 🚵♂️ Adventure Activities
Visit duration: Full day / Travel duration: 1.5 hours to activity centers
Adrenaline Rush: This valley is Santiago’s ultimate outdoor playground, where you can raft class III rapids in the morning and zip-line across canyons in the afternoon. The variety of activities makes it perfect for both thrill-seekers and first-timers.
Activity Options: Horseback riding (cabalgatas) through the Andes foothills starts from 35,000 CLP ($42 USD) for 3-hour rides. Rock climbing at Los Manyos offers routes for all levels, while zip-lining courses feature 5 different lines reaching speeds of 60 km/h.
Booking Details: Adventure packages start from 45,000 CLP ($54 USD) per person. Most activities include equipment, guides, and transportation from central meeting points. Rafting trips run year-round but are best from October to March.
Equipment Rental: Full gear rental available at San José de Maipo – climbing equipment (25,000 CLP/$30 USD per day), mountain bikes (20,000 CLP/$24 USD per day), and camping gear (15,000 CLP/$18 USD per day).
5. 🚗 Transportation Guide
Visit duration: Full day / Travel duration: 1 hour to valley entrance
Access Options: Want to know the easiest way to reach this mountain paradise? You’ve got options! Regular buses run every 30 minutes from Santiago’s Baquedano Metro Station, or join a tour for a hassle-free experience with expert commentary included.
Travel Planning: Early morning departures are essential to maximize daylight hours. Most organized tours include hotel pickup between 7-8 AM, with breakfast stops at local bakeries.
Transport Costs: Public buses cost 3,000 CLP ($3.60 USD) each way. Private tours range from 65,000-90,000 CLP ($78-108 USD) per person. Rental cars start from 40,000 CLP ($48 USD) per day.
Local Transport Tips: Download the “Recorrido” app for real-time bus tracking. Shared taxis (colectivos) run between San José de Maipo and popular sites for 2,500 CLP ($3 USD) per person. Weekend services are more frequent but book up quickly during summer months.
Casablanca Valley
1. 🍷 Wine Tasting Routes
Visit duration: 4-6 hours / Travel duration: 1 hour from Santiago
Wine Experience: Looking for the perfect escape from Santiago’s bustle? Welcome to one of the world’s 10 Great Wine Capitals, where Pacific Ocean breezes create the ideal climate for exceptional wines. The Casablanca Valley’s cool microclimate produces some of Chile’s most celebrated whites and unique cool-climate reds.
Tasting Circuit: The valley features 11 interconnected vineyards with well-maintained roads and cycling paths. The region’s infrastructure makes it easy to visit multiple wineries in a single day, with most offering premium tastings and guided tours.
Tour Options: Full-day wine experiences typically include transportation from Santiago, professional guides, tastings at two wineries, and lunch. Premium packages start from 267,000 CLP ($315 USD) per person.
⭐ Best Activities
Casablanca Valley - Visit 4 Wineries Lunch Stop Tanino Restaurant: Explore the majestic Andes Mountains, visit El Yeso reservoir, and enjoy spectacular mountain scenery on this comprehensive tour.
2. 🏰 Top Vineyards
Visit duration: 2-3 hours per vineyard / Travel duration: 15-30 minutes between vineyards
Premier Estates: Must-visit wineries include:
- Emiliana Organic Wines – Chile’s leading organic and biodynamic winery
- Casas del Bosque – Ranked #1 in Casablanca Valley and #37 worldwide
- Villard Fine Wines – Family-run boutique winery
- Casona Veramonte – Features neo-classical architecture
- Viñamar – Known for exceptional sparkling wines
Signature Wines: The region specializes in Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and cool-climate Pinot Noir and Syrah. The valley’s unique mesoclimate creates wines with high fruit concentration and elegant acidity.
⭐ Best Activities
Casablanca Valley Wine Route: Discover Chile’s famous wine region through exclusive tastings at premium wineries and learn about wine production processes.
3. 🌞 Seasonal Experiences
Peak Season: Harvest season runs from mid-March to late April, offering unique opportunities to participate in wine production activities.
Year-Round Activities: Vineyards offer diverse experiences including:
- Horseback riding through the vines
- Cycling tours between wineries
- Wine museum visits
- Gourmet picnics
- Food and wine pairing experiences
Weather Tips: Summer temperatures average 25°C, perfect for outdoor activities. The valley experiences morning mist and cool afternoon breezes. September and October can see frost, so check conditions if visiting during these months.
Cultural Day Trips Near Santiago
1. 🏺 Pomaire
Visit duration: 4-5 hours / Travel duration: 1 hour (30 miles from Santiago)
Rural Charm: Just an hour from the center of Santiago, this unforgettable day trip takes you to one of the best places in Chile for authentic artisan crafts. The village has been among the top pottery-making destinations since the 1500s, making it a great place to spend the day exploring Chilean traditions.
Local Treasures: The main street overflows with handcrafted items including:
- Traditional clay cooking vessels (ollas)
- Decorative three-legged lucky pigs (chanchitos)
- Rustic ornaments and flowerpots
- Smooth, red-toned ceramic pieces
- Vases and water jugs
Shopping Guide: Take a tour around every corner of the artisan workshops where you can watch pottery being made. Most guided day tours include visits to the best pottery shops, with prices starting from 400 pesos for small items.
Planning Tips: You can get there by bus from Santiago’s Terminal Sur, with regular services running throughout the day. For the best experience, book a guided tour that combines Pomaire with other surrounding Santiago attractions.
⭐ Best Activities
Isla Negra & Pomaire Tour: Visit Pablo Neruda’s fascinating house-museum, explore the world’s largest swimming pool, and discover traditional pottery crafts in Pomaire.
2. 🏠 Isla Negra
Visit duration: 3-4 hours / Travel duration: 1.5 h from Santiago
Cultural Legacy: One of the best day trips from Santiago takes you to Pablo Neruda’s favorite residence, a must-visit place in Chile. The full-day tour offers things to do that literature enthusiasts don’t want to miss.
Museum Experience: The house-museum showcases:
- Maritime collections
- Ship figureheads
- Antique bottles
- Exotic seashells
- Personal artifacts
- Literary memorabilia
Visitor Access: The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, with guided tours available in multiple languages. Tour continues through the poet’s private spaces, taking around 1.5 hours to explore completely.
Travel Options: Buses from Santiago run every two hours, but many visitors recommend booking a tour that combines transportation and guide services. Private tours start from 66,000 CLP per person for groups, offering a great option for visiting Santiago’s cultural highlights.
⭐ Best Activities
Small Group Full Day Tour to Isla Negra, San Alfonso del Mar and Pomaire: Embark on a fascinating journey along Chile’s central coast, visiting Pablo Neruda’s enchanting house-museum in Isla Negra, exploring the world’s largest crystalline water pool at San Alfonso del Mar, and discovering the traditional pottery crafts in the charming village of Pomaire. This diverse tour combines literature, modern engineering marvels, and authentic Chilean culture.
Hiking Destinations Near Santiago
1. 🌲 Easy to Moderate Trails
Visit duration: 2-7 hours / Travel duration: 30-45 minutes from Santiago
Nature Paradise: Looking for the best things to do while visiting Santiago? The city’s surrounding mountains offer plenty of day trips for both beginners and experienced hikers. These trails showcase the stunning Andes mountains just an hour and a half from the city center.
Aguas de Ramon: This natural park features four distinct trails:
- Canto del Agua: 1 km easy trail (30 minutes)
- Paleontological Route: 3.7 km moderate trail (1.5 hours)
- Los Peumos Circuit: 6.5 km moderate trail (4 hours)
- Salto de Apoquindo: 17.5 km challenging trail (7 hours)
Mirador Views: The Mirador de Los Cóndores trail offers spectacular city panoramas. This 2.6 km route takes about one hour to complete, with an elevation gain of 130 meters.
2. 🏔️ Advanced Routes
Visit duration: Full day / Travel duration: 1-2 h from Santiago
Mountain Challenge: For those planning a trip to Santiago who don’t want to miss a serious hiking adventure, these routes deliver unforgettable experiences close to Santiago.
Cerro Manquehue: Standing at 1,638 meters, this iconic peak offers three main routes:
- Vía Roja (Lo Curro): Most popular, 2-hour ascent
- Los Trapenses: Less crowded, gentler incline
- Santa María: Most challenging, 3-hour climb
El Morado Monument: Located in rural Chile’s Cajón del Maipo valley, this spectacular trail features:
- 14 km round trip distance
- 4-hour total hiking time
- Views of San Francisco Glacier
- Natural mineral springs
- High-altitude lagoons
Practical Tips: The best time to visit these trails is between October and April. Early morning starts are essential, especially during summer months. Many trails require entrance fees ranging from 2,000-5,000 CLP ($2.5-6 USD).
❓ FAQ
How many days should I spend in Santiago to include day trips?
For the best experience, plan at least 4-5 days in Santiago to include the most popular day trips like Valparaíso, Cajón del Maipo, and wine tours. Two full days in Santiago itself plus 2-3 day trips will give you a perfect mix of city exploration and surrounding attractions.
Which winery offers the best wine tour from Santiago?
Concha y Toro and Santa Rita wineries are consistently rated as the top wine tour destinations, offering comprehensive tastings and historical tours. Both wineries provide excellent English-speaking guides and can be easily reached within an hour from Santiago.
When is the best time to plan ski day trips to Valle Nevado?
The ski season typically runs from late June to early October, with July and August offering the best snow conditions. Morning departures are essential as the resort can get crowded by midday, especially during weekends.
How can I spend a day in Valparaíso most efficiently?
Start early (around 7 AM) from Santiago to maximize your time in Valparaíso, beginning with the historic funiculars and street art in the morning when lighting is best for photos. Combine your walking tour with lunch at the port area, then explore Pablo Neruda’s house in the afternoon before returning to Santiago.
What’s the most cost-effective way to do wine tours?
Book a group tour that combines multiple wineries in the Maipo or Casablanca Valley rather than visiting independently. These tours typically include transportation, tastings, and lunch, offering better value than organizing everything separately.
Is it better to book tours in advance or upon arrival in Santiago?
During peak season (December-February) and weekends, it’s essential to book popular day trips at least a week in advance. For wine tours and ski trips especially, advance booking can save you up to 30% compared to last-minute rates.
Can I combine multiple destinations in one day trip?
Some destinations like Cajón del Maipo and wine tours, or Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, naturally pair well together and can be visited in one day. However, trying to combine more than two major destinations usually results in a rushed experience.
