Things to do & places to visit in Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile

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Santiago Metropolitan Region #1 destination in Chile 2023. The average rating score is 4.51 based on 237.0k traveler reviews, of 277 attractions. Timezone: America/Santiago, current date and time: Saturday, May 04, 2024, 17:10.

Top things to do (39)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Cajon del Maipo (2.810 reviews)
- Awesome view of the mountain in different colours
Sightseeing Tours

I love this zone in the Andes mountains next to Santiago. It is a narrow road from Las Vizcachas to The Cajon del Maipo, so you must go with patience and all the intention to hace a good day. You can visit San José de Maipo, San Alfonso, Embalse El Yeso, Baños Morales, Lo Valdés, Villa El Volcan and many other places taht shows you the amazing Los Andes mountains with their different colours. There are a lot of people who like to visit this area so if you can go during the week will be better than a weekend. Yo can visit during the day or you can stay there in all the hostals and hotels that the area has. See more..
5.0 Rutavertical Rafting - Cajon del Maipo (2.548 reviews)
- Great Customer Service
River Rafting & Tubing

The outfitter offered superb customer service from first enquiry to leaving after the rafting trip. I was the only one among 35+ paddlers who spoke limited Spanish and one of the guides served as my personal translator upon his regular duties. Getting to San Juan de Maipo from Santiago is easy and takes about 1 hour by bus from Les Mercerdes, one of the metro stops near the end of one of the lines. Highly recommended! See more..
5.0 Viña Cousino Macul (2.472 reviews)
- Valentina is highly recommended!
Saturday: 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM Wineries & Vineyards

We were really lucky to have Valentina to guide us through a tasting. She took us on a quick tour of the buildings (which was not included in the tasting we paid for) and guided us through the wines in the right level of detail. The wines were very nice and provided a good range. The vineyard is incredibly accessible from the city centre taking only 45 minutes by public transport. Recommended to those on a budget and wanting to do a DIY tour or those with little time available to reach the Maipo valley See more..
5.0 Sousas Tour (2.366 reviews)
- Lived up the expectations
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM City Tours • Cultural Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours • Wine Tours & Tastings

My feedback is extremely positive. I made whole communication by email and I didn't have any trouble. On the day, everything happened as agreed, the place (Cajon del Maipo and Embalse del Yeso) is fantastic. In addition, the structure and logistic provided by Sousas Tour such as Van, picnic, stops, etc were excellent. In summing up, I strongly recommend Sousas Tour as an agency to whom are going to visit Chile. See more..
5.0 Morande Turismo & Transporte (2.313 reviews)
- Awesome
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM City Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Sightseeing Tours • Day Trips

I did the tour to Valle Nevado. No words to describe how friendly and commited Sebastian and Manuel are. We were blessed with a nice snow in November, what made that moment much more special. The picnic in the end of tour seeing the sunset from the Valle Nevado is awesome. Another day I met Sebastian in the tour to Embalse and I had a problem with my smartphone. He and Lorena took nice photos of me and sent me in whatsapp so that I could have that moment registered. Thank you very much to Morande and all the staff. When I come back to Santiago, surely I will look for them to do more tours. See more..
5.0 Smart Tour (1.929 reviews)
- Wonderful day of leisurely sightseeing
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours

I went on the small group tour to Portillo and Inca lagoon, and it was well worth the price! My guides Yuri and Gabriel were extremely knowledgeable and interesting. I was the only English speaker in the group, but they made sure I never missed anything. The drive is long, but our driver Osvaldo and our guides made sure there were plenty of unique stops along the way to stretch your legs and see some history. The lagoon is absolutely beautiful, very peaceful and I can only imagine it's even better in the winter. I would absolutely recommend this tour (or any tour) with Yuri, Gabriel, and Osvaldo! See more..
5.0 Natexplora (1.903 reviews)
- Great Rafting Experience
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM River Rafting & Tubing

Would repeat any day of the week. I had so much fun going down the river, and the staff that came along was also really friendly and made the trip worthwhile. They make an emphasis on safety for sure and I felt comfortable the whole time, even if I had fallen into the river. The views are one of a kind so it is definitely a must do when traveling to Santiago. See more..
5.0 Full Tour (1.166 reviews)
- A day full of natural wonders... 4 totally different “lagunas”
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM City Tours • Cultural Tours • Sightseeing Tours

If you want to feel like in a National Geographic documentary... just do it. We enjoyed a perfect day with our “winning team” : Driver : Samuel Guide : Rodrigo : he will tell everything you want to know and even more ;-) It’s a long drive but you will not regret it. See more..
5.0 Conexion Chile (1.055 reviews)
- Awesome tour of Vapariso and Vina del Mar
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Sightseeing Tours

Karen arranged this tour on a very short notice and it was excellent. Our guide Ismael and his driver we're extremely helpful. Ismael was very knowledgeable and fluent in English. The tour itself was very informative and enjoyable. They took us to an excellent seafood restaurant by the sea which looks like a castle. Food and ambiance were very good. I would highly recommend this tour company. See more..
5.0 Bora pro Chile (717 reviews)
- Excellent
City Tours • Multi-day Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours

I definitely recommend the tour. Me and my girlfriend loved it, we did the Termas colinas and Cajon del Maipo. The guide Rodrigo is great, super helpful and friendly. Also the driver Seba is really nice and funny! They made a delicious picknick with wine in the end with a really nice view! See more..
5.0 Uncorked Wine Tours (653 reviews)
- Intimate experience at boutique vineyards.
Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours • Food Tours • Wine Tours & Tastings

When booking for a wine experience in Chile, I intentionally searched for something more intimate (I hate cattle calls!) and authentic. This experience checked that box and more. Vivi was a great tour guide and took us to two boutique vineyards in the Casablanca value. The tour also included a 4-course authentic Chilean lunch at a local restaurant on the way back to Santiago. The extra cost of this tour is very much worth it! Also, the booking service was very communicative, responsive, and helpful. I left my airpods in the tour van. As soon as I noticed the next day and reached out via email, they immediately got back to me and dropped them by my AirBnB the same afternoon. See more..
5.0 ViajarChile (440 reviews)
- A must-do tour in Santiago
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM City Tours • Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

Hands down the best tour I've done in Santiago. The views from the top of the Andes are breathtaking. The sunset picnic in the mountains was amazing. What makes the experience extra special is the guide Marco. I was the only English-speaking person on the tour (the rest of the group, about 15 people, were from Brazil). Marco made sure I wasn't left alone. He encouraged the group to talk to me in English and made sure I understood everything and had a good time. He not only talked about the scenery, but also cultures, animals, nature, food, his exciting life stories, and everything really. His humor, positive energy and charismatic personality made everyone feel comfortable. Although I couldn't communicate with the group, I felt being taken good care of and connected with everyone, especially Marco. The picnic was yummy with plenty of snacks/tapas, wine, and juice. I highly recommend this tour! See more..
4.5 Patio Bellavista (22.0k reviews)
- Colorful Space With Nice Shops
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is a must if you want to taste their food and see the handmade products. It opens only at 11 am, but it is open all day long. With Mexican, Japonese, Peruan restaurants and cafe is a perfect break for your lunch. I would not advise you to go after 7 pm during these days as the protests are really close and you may get caught in. See more..
4.5 Cerro Santa Lucia (19.6k reviews)
- Fun day trip
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks

The climb up this natural 230 foot hill offers a worthy reward: breathtaking panoramic views of the city. See more..
4.5 Cerro San Cristobal (18.5k reviews)
- Worth a visit especially on a Monday
Saturday: Spent 2-3 hours Mountains • Lookouts

This 860 meter hill in the center of Santiago features a zoo and wine museum at the midway point and a gondola ride to the top, where a Virgin Mary statue overlooks the city. See more..
4.5 Sky Costanera (15.2k reviews)
- Great views over Santiago
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Lookouts • Observation Decks & Towers

Experience Santiago highest viewing platform at the top of the tallest building in Latin America. SkyCostanera is the start point to know Santiago. SkyCostanera offers an exceptional experience, a panoramic view of the city in 360° at 300 meters high See more..
4.5 Costanera Center (14.5k reviews)
- Biggest Mall in South America
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 AM Spent 1-2 hours Shopping Malls

Costanera Center opened its doors in June of 2012 in Providencia, one of Santiago’s most happening neighborhoods. With more than 197,000 square meters of floor area, it is Chile’s and Latin America’s largest mall and one of the most important on the continent. Thanks to its location, connection with the community and access to public transportation, it is easily accessible from many different parts of Santiago. Visitors love the more than 300 stores distributed throughout six thematically-organized floors including exclusive boutiques and the best international brands such as H&M, Banana Republic, Gap, Topman, Aristocrazy, Hugo Boss, Guess and Zara, among others. An exclusive benefits program called “On Tour Costanera Center” is available to foreign tourists. The discount bracelet opens the door to enticing offers at more than 100 stores. To register, go to the On Tour booth on the second floor of the mall, show your foreign passport or ID and enjoy the program s benefits. Costanera Center also has a wide variety of the best culinary options including a strip with different types of restaurants, a 2,000 person capacity food court, 12 Premium movie theaters and a supermarket, in addition to other services. And that is not all... Sky Costanera was recently opened on the upper floors of the tower. This highest observation deck in Latin America is 300 meters high and is the only one with a 360-degree view of Santiago. Sky Costanera is open every day of the year, except state holidays, and offers free guided visits in three languages. Costanera Center has undeniably become a Santiago icon and is a must-see for locals and tourists alike. See more..
4.5 Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana) (10.3k reviews)
- Fantastic Architecture
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Architectural Buildings

Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral is located in the city's historic center and faces the northwest corner of Santiago's Plaza de Armas. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Santiago de Chile and the center of the archdiocese of Santiago de Chile. Construction of the neoclassical cathedral began in 1753 and ended in 1799. The architect was the Italian Gioacchino Toesca. Further alterations ordered at the end of the 19th century gave it its present appearance. Previous cathedrals in the archdiocese had been destroyed by earthquakes. Certainly would very highly recommend visiting this cathedral to any tourist in Santiago to appreciate the fine architecture. See more..
4.5 Casa Museo La Chascona (9.391 reviews)
- Interesting
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Tour the eclectic architecture of this home which served as the romantic hideaway for famed poet Pablo Neruda and his wife Matilde, as portrayed in the 1995 film "Il Postino." See more..
4.5 Barrio Lastarria (8.146 reviews)
- Best neighborhood for restaurants and fun
Spent More than 3 hours Neighborhoods

This bohemian neighborhood has plenty of shops, bookshops, design shops, museums, cinemas, theater, restaurants and bars, hotels and tourist appartments, and more. See more..
4.5 La Moneda (7.784 reviews)
- La Moneda
Spent More than 3 hours Government Buildings

The center of Chile's history, this presidential palace is a beautiful building that occupies an entire city block on downtown Santiago. See more..
4.5 Araucano Park (7.240 reviews)
- Nice walk, views of modern Santiago
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Parks

It was worth stopping for about thirty minutes to walk around and see this upper class area of the city. Nice views, few cafes, people exercising and locals walking around. We took a look at the malls right outside. See more..
4.5 Barrio Bellavista (7.019 reviews)
- trendy
Spent 2-3 hours Neighborhoods

This cultural city neighborhood is rich with artists, entertainers and some of chile's best ethnic and local cuisine. See more..
4.5 Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos (6.132 reviews)
- Museo de la Memoria
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

The Museum of Memory and Human Rights seeks to draw attention to human rights violations committed by the Chilean state between 1973 and 1990. Its mission is to allow dignity for victims and their families, stimulate reflection and debate and to promote respect and tolerance in order that these events never happen again. It is a Bicentennial project, inaugurated on January 2010, by then President Bachelet. Its purpose is to promote educational initiatives that enhance knowledge and consideration. Its location, on Matucana Street, is also part of an ongoing effort to promote the cultural circuit of Santiago's West Side. Through objects, documents and archives presented in different settings and formats, as well as a innovative sight and sound presentation, it is possible to learn part of this history: the military coup, the repression that took place in the following years, the resistance movement, exile, international solidarity, reparation policies. See more..
4.5 Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino (4.891 reviews) from $8.00
- Amazing museum & artifacts
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Museums • History Museums

The Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art (Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino) in Santiago, Chile is a jewel among the world's museums and a highlight to any trip to Chile. Widely regarded as one of the best museums in Latin America, this unique establishment houses an impressive collection of artifacts from ancient Central and South America, which underscores the rich cultural diversity and artistic splendor of the Pre-Columbian Americas. See more..
4.5 Parque Bicentenario (4.312 reviews)
- Parque Bicentenario
Spent 2-3 hours Parks

A visit to the modern Parque Bicentenario is well worth it for a leisurely stroll or bike ride. It is located in the heart of the Vitacura community, bordering the south side of the Mapocho river. It is rather a large park but carries a relaxing atmosphere for both locals and tourists alike. There is a large man made lagoon, with beautiful views of the water and city skyline & on a clear day the majestic Andes can be seen in the distance. The Lagoon, is also home to numerous black necked swans as well as other unusual fowl and fish. Children and adults alike, can be seen feeding the birds at all times. A lovely park to visit if you have time. See more..
4.5 Valle Nevado - Ski Resort Chile (4.229 reviews)
- Fantastic vacation skiing in the Andes
Ski & Snowboard Areas

Valle Nevado is South America's premier ski resort, offering access to the largest amount of terrain and the most modern lift system on the continent. The Valle Nevado complex provides a complete experience, including boutique shops, three hotels, private apartments, six restaurants, a full-service spa and fitness center, cinema, library, bars and lounges, a pub with live music, a kids entertainment center and a state-of-the-art events venue, all set to the breathtaking backdrop of the magnificent Andes. Located just 90 minutes from Santiago, Valle Nevado offers 2,200 acres of varied terrain, and 17 lifts including the country's only gondola. Due to the resort's orientation and altitude at 9,924 feet, Valle Nevado on average receives the most snow of Central Valley resorts, with a seasonal average of 300 inches. Short lift lines and few people on the slopes provides days of powder skiing after a storm. The resort has a terrain park, plenty of side and backcountry terrain, and guests spending 7 nights at the resort receive 2 interconnect tickets to neighboring resorts, opening a staggering 7,000 acres of terrain. The adventurous can book heli-skiing directly at the resort, a truly spectacular experience with vertical drops of up to 5,000 feet in one run. The 2017 season runs from June 23 to September 22. Join the resort for the 2nd Annual Chile Wine Festival from Aug. 18 - 24. See more..
4.5 Centro Cultural Palacio de la Moneda y Plaza de la Ciudadanía (4.050 reviews)
- Interesting story and drive by with guide
Saturday: Speciality Museums • Historic Sites

We toured with Sean from Chile Dream Tours, which we highly recommend, and we drove by both sides of the palace and through this area while he gave us a history lesson about the palace and government and the current goings on...we really enjoyed our Santiago overview with Sean and would highly recommend it. Just walking around on foot not knowing wouldn't be a very good use of time in our opinion...but with a guide, even the mundane becomes interesting! See more..
4.5 Parque Arauco (3.754 reviews)
- Good Mall
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Shopping Malls

PARQUE ARAUCO is the country´s pioneer and leading shopping mall. Located in one of the city´s most exclusive districts, it stands out for offering the most attractive store mix, and a gastronomic experience with over 65 alternatives to choose from, together with a high level entertainment listing. In PARQUE ARAUCO you will discover more than 350 brands, and all 4 unique and distinguishing areas will delight you for sure. Our Luxury District, where you will find exclusive world class brands; “Piso Diseno” (Design Floor), dedicated to home and decoration; the Boulevard, one of the mall´s most emblematic areas, with its refined international cuisine setting and the best flavors of the world; and finally, following the latest trends, our Bazar Gourmet, Chile's first food hall, with dazzling aesthetics and innovation, in relation to urban and casual cuisine of the world. With tourists in mind, in Parque Arauco you can request your Travellers Card, with exclusive benefits for you. See more..
4.5 Santuario de la Inmaculada Concepcion (3.212 reviews)
- San Cristobal - Don't miss this
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

The view alone with the statue is the reason to visit this holy sight. The funicular adds to the experience, but stop at the 1st stop on the funicular and visit the zoo. It was delightful and completed our day. I do suggest walking sticks for the steep hills. See more..