January 12: Santiago de Chile

About Santiago de Chile

Santiago de Chile, the capital and largest city of Chile, is home to approximately 7 million people in its metropolitan area, making it the country’s political, cultural, and economic hub. Nestled in a valley surrounded by the Andes and the Coastal Range, Santiago offers a mix of modern skyscrapers and historic colonial architecture. The city is known for landmarks like Plaza de Armas, Cerro San Cristóbal, and its vibrant neighborhoods such as Bellavista. It serves as a gateway to Chile’s wine regions and the Andes for outdoor enthusiasts.

From San Pedro de Atacama to Santiago de Chile

There are several daily flights from Calama, which is a 1.5-hour drive from San Pedro de Atacama. A shuttle can easily be arranged via your hostel or the several tour operators. The flight to Santiago takes about the same amount of time and costs around 120 €. Upon arriving in Santiago, you’ll find the usual range of transportation options common in most capitals, such as buses, metro, taxis, or Ubers. I opted for the latter, as it is usually the fastest and safest choice.

PXL_20250113_001956681.MP — Where there is a capital, there is a viewpoint

Getting around Santiago de Chile

Getting around Chile’s capital is easy. There are Ubers, buses, and an extensive metro network. For the metro, you can buy the local “Bip” Card at any terminal and charge it with a few thousand Chilean pesos. Prices are determined by the time of day (more expensive during rush hours) rather than distance. When walking after dark, inform yourself about which places to avoid, be generally streetwise, keep your valuables to yourself, and stay alert to your surroundings.

Things to do in Santiago de Chile

Cerro San Cristóbal: Hike or take the funicular to the top of this iconic hill in the heart of Santiago. Enjoy panoramic views of the city, visit the Virgin Mary statue, or explore the Santiago Metropolitan Park, which also includes the Chilean National Zoo.
Cerro Santa Lucía: A historic hill featuring landscaped gardens, fountains, and ornate staircases. Climb to the top for great views of the city and admire its European-style architecture and historic fortifications.
Bahá’í Temple of South America: Visit this stunning architectural marvel located on the outskirts of Santiago. The temple’s unique design, surrounded by serene gardens, offers a peaceful retreat and breathtaking views of the Andes.
La Moneda Palace: Tour the presidential palace and learn about Chile’s political history. Don’t miss the changing of the guard ceremony, which takes place several times a week.
Barrio Lastarria: Explore this vibrant neighborhood known for its bohemian vibe, street art, boutique shops, and cozy cafes. It’s also a great spot to experience Santiago’s culinary scene.
Mercado Central: Dive into Santiago’s culinary culture at this bustling market. Sample fresh seafood, including Chile’s famous ceviche, or dine at one of the many local restaurants.
Sky Costanera: Visit the tallest building in Latin America, standing at 300 meters, and enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Santiago and the Andes from its observation deck. The viewpoint, located on the 62nd floor, is especially stunning at sunset.