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Santiago: Chile’s Capital City
Santiago is Chile’s capital and largest metropolis—home to nearly one-third of the country’s population. More than a few first-time visitors arrive in Santiago unsure of what they’ll find. Surely, Santiago lacks the flair of destinations like Rio or Buenos Aires. However, after visiting Santiago, those in the know speak of the city’s leafy parks, charming plazas, excellent museums, and world-class restaurants.
Santiago is not a mere reflection of other South American capitals. While it carries the European influences of its colonial past, it has grown into a distinctly Chilean city where tradition and modernity converge. Historic barrios with cobblestone streets sit beside sleek skyscrapers, and vibrant street art complements elegant neoclassical architecture.
Santiago is also a cultural capital, home to some of South America’s best museums, galleries, and performing arts venues. Highlights include the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino, the Centro Cultural La Moneda, and the contemporary exhibitions at the Museo de Bellas Artes. The city’s theaters and music halls showcase everything from traditional folk performances to cutting-edge international productions.
Santiago’s culinary scene has come into its own in recent years, with chefs elevating Chilean flavors to new heights. Yes, it’s tidy and efficient, but don’t mistake it for stuffy or cold. Santiago is one of our favorite culinary destinations. More and more of Santiago’s restaurants are earning spots on San Pellegrino’s list of Latin America’s 50 Best. Pair your meal with one of Chile’s celebrated wines; the nearby Maipo Valley is renowned for its robust reds.
For those looking to explore beyond the city limits, Santiago serves as a gateway to some of Chile’s most iconic destinations. The Andes are within easy reach for hiking and skiing, while the coastal city of Valparaíso—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is just a short drive away. Wine enthusiasts can tour nearby valleys like Maipo, Colchagua, and Millahue, sampling world-class Cabernet and Merlot from some of the country’s finest vineyards.
Most LANDED clients spend one to two nights in Santiago, often returning for longer stays to uncover even more of the city’s treasures. Santiago’s accommodations mirror the city’s vibrant personality. From restored mansions that exude old-world charm to sleek, art-filled design hotels.
Let LANDED curate your Santiago experience—the perfect starting point for your Chilean adventure.
Our Favorite Hotels
What to do in Santiago
Over the years, we’ve built a network of trusted collaborators—true ambassadors—who unlock Santiago’s treasures for our clients, offering exclusive access to its top galleries, studios, workshops, and kitchens.
Whatever your passions, we’ll make the connections. LANDED can assist in arranging these and other signature experiences:
- Explore Santiago’s structural artistry with a talented young architect
- Visit the Pre-Columbian Museum with a curator or director
- Take an inside look at the presidential palace and city hall
- Tour local markets and enjoy a garden cooking class
- Taste exceptional wines at a curated wine tasting
- Discover vibrant street art on a guided tour
- Meet a contemporary artist at her gallery
- Enjoy a theater night with a Chilean film and television star
- Fly by helicopter to glaciers for hiking and a picnic
- Hike in the Andes with a former Jesuit novice (wise beyond his years and a joy to be with)
- Visit the test kitchen at Santiago’s top restaurant
- Take a helicopter flight to the wine valleys near the city for tastings and tours
- Attend a soccer match accompanied by a local guide (February to December)oca
Flanked by the snow-capped Andes to the east and the Coastal Cordillera to the west, Santiago can also serve as a base to explore these slopes and valleys, well-known for their recreational versatility. Alpine hiking, whitewater rafting, and horseback riding day trips can be arranged.
The ski resorts of Portillo, La Parva, El Colorado, and Valle Nevado are also within reach.
What is the Weather Like?
Santiago can be visited during any season—precipitation is light year-round, and most months are blessed with sunny days and cool, comfortable nights. Temperatures can reach into the 90s from December to March, but even during the summer months, the nights typically cool to near 50º F.
No matter when you visit, the weather in this area can surprise you. Mist and rain can be present at any time of the year. These averages are changing, please check extended weather forecasts using your favorite weather app prior to departure.
Getting There
Santiago is served by Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport, located approximately 20 minutes from downtown. Overnight flights from New York reach Santiago in under 11 hours. Flights from Miami last eight.
Santiago also offers direct flights with several other Latin American capitals.
Start your journey today
LANDED delivers the finest in custom, private travel to Central America, South America, and Antarctica. These regions are our passion; we know them first-hand and by heart. Speak with one of our travel designers and let us create a tailored itinerary for you in Santiago.
How to combine Santiago
Have some extra time? Here are some options for you to combine with