Best Things to Do in Santiago, Chile

Barrio Lastarria is one of Santiago’s most charming and bohemian neighborhoods, featuring narrow colonial-era streets, colorful buildings, eclectic galleries, bookstores, and vibrant cultural institutions. This artsy district preserves Santiago’s architectural heritage while serving as the contemporary center for Chile’s artistic and literary communities.

Visitors wander through tree-lined streets discovering independent galleries showcasing Chilean and international contemporary art, vintage bookshops packed with rare editions, artisanal cafes with local roasted coffee, and restaurants serving innovative Chilean cuisine. The neighborhood pulses with street musicians, outdoor markets, and cultural events throughout the year, attracting students, artists, and culturally-minded tourists.

• Tickets: Free to explore the neighborhood; galleries and cafes have individual charges
• Hours: Neighborhood accessible 24/7; shops and galleries typically open 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Duration: 2-3 hours for thorough exploration
• Getting there: Located in central Santiago; accessible by metro, taxi, or walking from nearby districts

Explore on foot to fully appreciate the architectural details and discover hidden courtyards and galleries. Visit mid-week for a more relaxed atmosphere and easier gallery browsing. The area is excellent for dining—try small restaurants tucked into side streets. Bring a camera for the colorful streets and architecture, though respect private property.

Baños Colinas offers a peaceful retreat in the foothills of Colina, a municipality in Chile’s Metropolitan Region known for its geothermal natural hot springs. These thermal baths have been cherished for generations for their purported therapeutic and healing properties, drawing locals and visitors seeking relaxation and wellness benefits in a tranquil natural setting.

The facility features multiple thermal pools at varying temperatures, surrounded by lush vegetation and natural landscaping. Visitors enjoy the contrast between hot mineral waters and cool Chilean mountain air, often combining bathing with nearby hiking trails and rural hospitality. The intimate setting emphasizes wellness and natural healing rather than commercial resort atmosphere.

• Tickets: CLP 8,000–12,000 (approx. \$9–14 USD)
• Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (varies by season)
• Duration: 2–3 hours
• Getting there: Colina, Metropolitan Region; 50 km north of Santiago via Ruta 5 Norte; accessible by car rental or organized tour

Bring a change of clothes and towel. These natural baths are less developed than commercial spa resorts—rustic charm is part of the appeal. Visit in late autumn or winter for warmer contrast between pools and mountain air. Local restaurants nearby serve traditional Chilean fare.

Palacio Cousino is an opulent 19th-century mansion in Santiago, Chile, representing one of South America’s finest examples of neo-Gothic and neoclassical architecture. Built in the 1870s by the wealthy Cousino family, this grand palace showcases elegant design, intricate craftsmanship, and treasured collections of art and furnishings.

The palace features ornate crystal chandeliers, marble staircases, original period furniture, European paintings, and decorative arts throughout its 70 rooms. Guided tours reveal the lifestyle of Chile’s 19th-century elite, with beautifully preserved rooms including a grand ballroom, intimate drawing rooms, library, and dining halls. Each room reflects the family’s refined taste and international influences.

• Tickets: CLP 15,000 (approximately USD 15) for guided tour; reservations strongly recommended
• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM; Sunday 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours for complete tour
• Getting there: Located in central Santiago; accessible by metro, taxi, or bus

Tours are guided only and available in both Spanish and English—book ahead for English-language tours. Photography is typically not permitted inside, so plan accordingly. Visit mid-week for shorter waits. The palace provides excellent insight into Chilean aristocratic history and 19th-century luxury living standards.

El Yeso Dam (Embalse El Yeso) is a stunning mountain reservoir nestled in the Andes above Santiago, where clear turquoise waters reflect dramatic granite peaks in a breathtaking alpine setting. The dam creates a picturesque mountain lake accessible as a scenic day trip from the capital, offering photography, hiking, and nature appreciation in pristine Andean landscape.

Visitors enjoy walking around the reservoir’s edge capturing stunning mountain vistas, picnicking in alpine meadows, and exploring granite formations and patches of snow even in summer. The high-altitude setting provides a cool escape from Santiago’s heat, with crisp mountain air and wildflower displays during spring and early summer months. The dramatic color of the water—ranging from turquoise to deep blue—creates stunning photo opportunities at different times of day and seasons.

• Admission: 15,000–25,000 CLP (~$20–30 USD) for road access
• Hours: Open daylight hours; seasonal closures possible
• Duration: 2–4 hours typical visit
• Getting there: Cajon del Maipo valley, ~45 km from Santiago; 4WD recommended in winter

Visit spring through fall for optimal access and weather. Summer offers warm days with cool mountain air and clear skies ideal for photography. Bring layers—mountain weather changes quickly. The road can be rough; SUVs or high-clearance vehicles are ideal. Combine with nearby thermal hot springs or El Morado National Park for a full mountain day.

Estancia El Cuadro exemplifies the legendary estancia culture of Chilean Patagonia, offering visitors an immersive experience in rural ranch life, horse culture, and pristine wilderness. Located in the Casablanca wine region of Valparaíso, this working estancia preserves traditional livestock ranching practices while welcoming travelers seeking authentic Patagonian adventure and connection with the land.

Guests participate in horseback riding across expansive pastures, help with ranch operations, observe working cowboys managing herds, and enjoy traditional Chilean asados (outdoor grilled meat feasts) featuring ranch-raised livestock. The property overlooks the Andes and Pacific coastal valleys, offering dramatic mountain scenery and opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation in protected natural areas.

• Tickets: All-inclusive packages; day visit approx. CLP 80,000–100,000 (\$9–12 USD); overnight stays available
• Hours: Open year-round; tours typically 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Duration: Full day (6–8 hours) recommended
• Getting there: 14 km via La Vinilla road from Casablanca; accessible by organized tour or car rental

Book in advance, especially for overnight stays and horseback riding. Wear sturdy boots and layers—weather changes rapidly in Patagonia. Spring and early autumn offer the best conditions for ranch activities and mountain exploration.

Farellones and El Colorado are adjacent mountain ski resorts in the Andes above Santiago, offering South America’s most accessible alpine skiing and summer mountain recreation. The resorts sit high in the cordillera with stunning views of snow-capped peaks and provide year-round outdoor activities despite their proximity to Chile’s capital city.

Winter brings ski enthusiasts to both resorts for runs suited to all skill levels, with El Colorado featuring more facilities and Farellones offering a more intimate experience. Summer transforms the area into a hiking and mountain biking destination with alpine meadows, cable car rides, and mountain vistas. Both resorts feature restaurants, lodges, and infrastructure supporting outdoor activities in a pristine Andean setting.

• Ski passes: 80,000–120,000 CLP (~$100–150 USD) per day winter
• Summer activities: Cable cars, hiking, mountain biking; 30,000–50,000 CLP (~$40–65 USD)
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (winter); 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (summer)
• Getting there: 45 minutes from Santiago; higher altitude access may require 4WD in winter

Winter conditions vary significantly by year—check snow conditions before visiting. Summer offers pleasant weather for hiking with dramatic mountain scenery. Both resorts provide restaurants and gear rental. The combination of two resorts allows flexibility in choosing crowds or atmosphere. High altitude (2,500–3,500 m) may require acclimatization.

La Campana National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve spanning 8,000 hectares in Chile’s Valparaiso region, made legendary by Charles Darwin’s 1834 visit and his fascination with the rare Chilean Palm forests. The park protects one of the last remaining populations of this endangered species, found nowhere else on Earth, alongside diverse fauna including chinchillas, foxes, vizcachas, eagles, and endemic bird species. Three distinct sectors—Granizo, Cajón Grande, and Ocoa—offer varied landscapes from coastal approaches to high Andean peaks reaching 1,850 meters.

The signature Andinista Trail (7 km round trip, 8.5 hours) challenges hikers with 4,727 feet of elevation gain to reach the summit for expansive views across the Pacific and inland valleys. Easier routes suit family outings while experienced mountaineers tackle technical climbing on Cerro La Campana. The park features cycling routes, picnic areas, camping facilities, visitor centers, and guided environmental talks. Viewpoints provide stunning photo opportunities across diverse ecosystems transitioning from coastal mist-influenced forests to alpine vegetation.

• Tickets: Check official park entrance for current pricing; advance payment recommended
• Hours: Open daily except Mondays; closed Christmas and New Year’s; Andinista Trail departure by 9:30 AM
• Duration: 3–8 hours depending on trail selection
• Getting there: Located 2 hours from Santiago by private vehicle or organized tour; accessible from coastal towns or valley approach

The Andinista Trail has winter closures June–August due to snow. Start hikes by 9:30 AM latest to finish safely. Bring ample water, sun protection, and proper hiking boots for steep terrain. The Chilean Palm forests in lower elevations are incredibly rare—visit Cajón Grande sector to see these ancient endemic plants in their natural habitat, a privilege found nowhere else globally.