Santiago
Chile
- Safety rating
- 7.2/10
- Best time to visit
- September to November for spring flowers and mild Andes skiing. March to May for wine harvest season in Maipo Valley. June to August for skiing at Valle Nevado (2 hours away) — best Andes snow.
- Population
- 5.5M
Overview
Santiago sits in a valley framed by the snow-capped Andes and the Coastal Range — a cosmopolitan South American capital with outstanding wine bars, innovative restaurants, first-rate museums, and the leafy Providencia and Lastarria neighbourhoods. The city is a gateway to Patagonia, the Atacama, and Easter Island — but is a compelling destination in its own right.
Top attractions
Cerro San Cristóbal, La Moneda Palace, Mercado Central, Bellavista neighbourhood, Lastarria, MuseumChile (pre-Columbian), Maipo Valley wine tour, Valparaíso (day trip), Cajon del Maipo, Pablo Neruda Houses
Getting around
Metro is modern, efficient, and safe — use the Bip! card. Cabify and Uber operate throughout. Walking is ideal in Lastarria, Bellavista, and Providencia. Day trips to the coast (Valparaíso, 1.5hr) and wine country by bus.