7 best day trips from Santiago de Chile: coast, wine and the Andes
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Santiago sits between the Pacific coast and the Andes, so within two hours you can be on a beach, in a vineyard or high in the mountains. These are the best day trips from the city.
1. Valparaíso: colourful hills and street art
A UNESCO-listed port city of steep hills, historic funiculars (ascensores) and some of the best street art in South America. Walk around Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción, then visit La Sebastiana, one of Pablo Neruda's houses.
Getting there: about 1.5–2 hours by bus or car. Buses leave often from Santiago.
2. Viña del Mar: beaches and the flower clock
Valparaíso's neighbour has beaches, gardens and the famous Reloj de Flores (flower clock). It's easy to combine both cities in one long day.
3. Casablanca Valley: white wine country
Halfway between Santiago and the coast, Casablanca is known for Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Many wineries offer tastings and lunch, and it's a perfect stop on the way to Valparaíso. Book a tour so nobody has to drive after the tastings.
4. Maipo Valley: red wine next to the city
Chile's classic red wine region begins on the edge of Santiago. It's famous for Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere, Chile's signature grape. Some wineries are reachable by public transport.
5. Cajón del Maipo: the Andes up close
A canyon into the mountains with hot springs, hiking and the turquoise Embalse El Yeso reservoir. Roads can be rough and conditions change by season, so a guided tour is often the easiest option, especially in winter.
6. Algarrobo and San Alfonso del Mar
The beach town of Algarrobo is home to San Alfonso del Mar, the kilometre-long pool that once held the record as the world's largest. Nearby is Isla Negra, Pablo Neruda's ocean-front house-museum. This trip works best by car.
7. Farellones and the ski resorts (winter)
From June to September, ski resorts like Farellones, La Parva and Valle Nevado are about 1.5 hours from the city. Shuttles and tours are available if you don't want to drive mountain roads.
Don't miss in Santiago itself
Before or after your day trips, visit the Bahá'í Temple for free views over the city, and walk up Cerro San Cristóbal or Cerro Santa Lucía at sunset.
Getting around
- Tours are the easiest option for wine tasting and the mountains.
- Renting a car gives you the most freedom on the coast.
- Buses to Valparaíso and Viña are frequent and cheap.
Where to stay in Santiago
Lastarria and Bellas Artes are walkable and full of cafés, Providencia is safe and well connected, and Las Condes is closest to the mountains.
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