Things to Do in Santiago, Chile in 3 Days: Travel Itinerary
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Travelgrafía
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Hi! If you’re planning a trip to Chile, get ready to discover an exciting country with a rich cultural and culinary scene. If you’re not sure what to do in Santiago, you’ve come to the right place! Here, we present a 3-day itinerary that covers all the must-see spots.
We wrote this travel guide based on our own experiences, and we’ll share the best things to do in Santiago, along with some tips and recommendations that will undoubtedly be helpful.
Let’s get started!
3-Day Itinerary in Santiago, Chile
Day 1: Explore the Center, Try Chilean Food, and Climb Cerro Santa Lucía
Begin your 3-day itinerary in Santiago by dedicating the morning to exploring the historic center, one of the most iconic tourist spots in the capital. Here, you can admire colonial, neoclassical, and art deco architecture while learning about the fascinating history of one of Latin America’s most captivating countries.
Must-see places in Santiago’s historic center include Plaza de Armas, La Moneda Palace, the Cathedral, Cerro Santa Lucía, Paseo Ahumada, and the Central Market, where you can taste local cuisine such as empanadas, humitas, and pastel de choclo. You can also visit the Lastarria and Bellavista neighborhoods, known for their art galleries and restaurants.
The historic center offers many attractions, making it easy to miss some of its most interesting sites. To make the most of your 3 days in Santiago, we recommend booking this free walking tour, which takes you through the most fascinating spots, offering a richer experience.
Booking a free tour of Santiago’s historic center is simple: just click here, select your date and time, indicate the number of people attending, and confirm your reservation via email. Remember, the tour is free, but a tip is expected based on the service provided.
After exploring the historic center, another great activity in Santiago is to climb Cerro Santa Lucía in the afternoon, also known as Cerro Huelén by the Mapuche people. Standing at 69 meters high, this green oasis offers attractions like Castillo Hidalgo and the Neptune Fountain.
Climbing Cerro Santa Lucía is one of the best things to do in Santiago de Chile, as it’s not only a beautiful tourist spot but also holds historical significance. This site marks the founding of the city in 1541. From its viewpoint, you can also enjoy views of the snow-capped Andes Mountains.
If you love viewpoints, you might also want to visit the Gran Torre Santiago, also known as the Costanera Center. Standing at 300 meters with 64 floors, it’s the tallest skyscraper in the region and offers a 360-degree panoramic view. You can buy tickets here.
Tips for Booking Good, Cheap, and Cheerful Accommodation: If you wait until the last minute, it’s very likely that the best and most economical accommodations will already be booked, and you’ll have to settle for what is available.
Booking.com is our preferred website for booking accommodations without having to pay in advance. If you click here, you can get a discount of 15% or more. After entering your destination and travel date, you can filter by price, location, accommodation type, and read reviews from other travelers.
By frequently booking through Booking.com, you can access exclusive discounts, enjoy free breakfasts, and receive better rooms at no additional cost. This will help you secure more economical rates and additional benefits that will allow you to save on your trip.
Things to do in Santiago – Day 2: Cerro San Cristóbal and Best Museums
On the second day, continue with one of the best spots to visit in Santiago de Chile: Cerro San Cristóbal. Located within the Metropolitan Park, one of the world’s largest urban parks, it rises 880 meters above sea level and is one of the city’s main attractions.
You can reach the summit by bike, funicular, or cable car. However, we recommend walking to explore the Japanese Garden and the Mapulemu Botanical Garden and enjoy serene spaces with views. It is undoubtedly one of the best walks in Santiago.
At the top of the hill, there is a large statue of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception and shops where you can try the famous mote con huesillo. On hot days, consider visiting the Tupahue Pool, a popular spot among locals and travelers looking for the best things to do in Santiago.
After spending the morning at Cerro San Cristóbal, you may want to return to your accommodation for a quick shower. We recommend staying at Hostal Merced 88, located near the Plaza Baquedano metro station, just a 10-minute walk from the park entrance and 15 minutes from the historic downtown area.
The Museum of Memory and Human Rights is a must-see for understanding Chile’s recent history. This museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of the victims of the Pinochet dictatorship (1973-1990) and promoting human rights.
The Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art is one of the top tourist attractions in Santiago, where you can learn about pre-Columbian cultures from across the continent, spanning from Mesoamerican civilizations to the indigenous peoples of Tierra del Fuego. The museum’s collection includes sculptures, ceramics, textiles, and ceremonial artifacts.
The Museum of Fine Arts and the Gabriela Mistral Cultural Center feature various art exhibits ranging from colonial times to contemporary pieces by both Chilean and international artists. Literature enthusiasts will enjoy visiting La Chascona, one of the three houses of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda.
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