Chile · City Guide
Santiago
Santiago is Chile's dynamic capital, a sophisticated city set in a valley beneath the dramatic snow-capped Andes, combining excellent contemporary art and museums, an outstanding wine culture with the Maipo and Casablanca valleys at its doorstep, the vibrant Bellavista and Lastarria neighbourhoods, a cable car to San Cristóbal hill providing extraordinary mountain views and easy access to the coastal city of Valparaíso. Santiago provides an excellent introduction to Chile's extraordinary diversity of landscapes and culture.
Elect's take
"Santiago has a sophistication and a setting that I find genuinely impressive. The combination of the Andes backdrop, outstanding wine country at the doorstep and the vibrant neighbourhood culture creates a city that rewards exploration before heading further into Chile's extraordinary landscapes."
The view of the Andes from Santiago, particularly on clear winter days when the snow-capped peaks rise dramatically above the city, is genuinely spectacular. The San Cristóbal hill, accessible by funicular or cable car, provides outstanding panoramic views of the city and mountains. The Maipo Valley, Chile's most celebrated wine region producing outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon, is approximately 45 minutes from the city with excellent winery visits. The Bellavista and Lastarria neighbourhoods provide outstanding restaurants, bars and bohemian culture. The Museum of Pre-Columbian Art houses an exceptional collection. Valparaíso, the colourful UNESCO World Heritage port city, is approximately 90 minutes by road.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Andes Backdrop
Spectacular snow-capped Andes visible from the city, especially on clear winter days.
Maipo Valley
Chile's most celebrated wine region producing outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon 45 minutes away.
San Cristóbal Hill
Panoramic views of the city and Andes from this iconic hill accessible by funicular.
Pre-Columbian Art Museum
An exceptional collection of indigenous American art and artefacts.
Bellavista & Lastarria
Santiago's most vibrant neighbourhoods for restaurants, bars and bohemian culture.
Valparaíso Access
The colourful UNESCO World Heritage port city approximately 90 minutes by road.
