Santiago tours

Here is a selection of the best guided tours in Santiago: 1) Santiago City Tour, like a local! 2) Discover the Charm of Valparaiso 3) Casablanca Valley Vineyard Full Day Tour 4) Penguins and Chile's Most Beautiful Central Coast 5) Santiago Half-Day City Tour

Santiago, the capital of Chile, offers a blend of modernity and historical charm, surrounded by stunning landscapes. Here are some must-do things in Santiago: Explore Santiago's main square, Plaza de Armas, surrounded by historical buildings, including the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Take a funicular or hike to the top of Cerro San Cristóbal for panoramic views of the city and the Andes. Visit the Virgin Mary statue and enjoy the park's surroundings. Take a guided tour of La Moneda Palace, the presidential palace, and learn about Chile's political history. Explore the artsy neighborhood of Bellavista, known for its colorful houses, street art, and vibrant nightlife. Visit La Chascona, one of Pablo Neruda's former homes turned museum. Experience the bustling Mercado Central, a historic market known for its seafood. Try traditional Chilean dishes at one of the market's many seafood restaurants. Wander through the Lastarria neighborhood, filled with cafes, boutiques, and cultural spaces. Visit the Museo de Bellas Artes and enjoy street performances. Stroll through Barrio Italia, known for its bohemian atmosphere, vintage shops, and charming cafes housed in old mansions. Take a day trip to the nearby wine valleys, such as the Maipo Valley or Casablanca Valley, and indulge in wine tasting at local vineyards. Explore the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino, dedicated to the indigenous cultures of the Americas, showcasing artifacts and art. Relax in Parque Forestal, a beautiful urban park along the Mapocho River. Visit the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo and enjoy outdoor activities. Explore Parque Metropolitano, the largest urban park in Santiago. Besides Cerro San Cristóbal, there are various trails, gardens, and the Santiago Zoo. Climb Santa Lucía Hill for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. The hill features gardens, fountains, and historic monuments. Visit the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral, an iconic religious site with impressive architecture and historical significance. Learn about Chile's recent history at the Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos, dedicated to documenting human rights abuses during the dictatorship. These activities provide a diverse and rich experience of Santiago, allowing you to appreciate its history, culture, and natural beauty.

The cost of a private tour in Santiago can vary depending on several factors, including the duration of the tour, the specific attractions or areas you wish to visit, the level of customization, and the number of people in your group. Additionally, prices may vary among different guides, as they set their own prices with ToursByLocals. The cost of a private tour in Santiago typically ranges from around $300 - $600. It's important to note that each guide sets their own prices, which is why there can be a large variation between one guide and another. When planning a private tour, be sure to read the 'what's included' and 'what's extra' sections of the tour page. If you don't quite see what you are looking for, you can send a message to the guide and discuss customising a tour to meet your specific needs and budget.

Here are some of the top tours in Santiago, each highly rated with over 40 reviews! 1) Sightseeing Santiago and Panoramic from Hill Park 2) Transfer and Tour of Valparaiso 3) Valparaiso & Viña del Mar Day Tour 4) Santiago City Tour in Six Hours 5) Santiago Unveiled: Exploring Contrasts, Charms, and Dynamic Delights

ToursByLocals guides set their own prices in order to compensate themselves fairly for the hard work they do and the time spent preparing for the private tour as well as delivering the tour itself. Therefore there is no expectation for ToursByLocals customers to tip their guide. Writing a review after the tour is a great way to show your appreciation to your guide as it helps them receive more inquiries in the future.

Guided tours are perfect for getting in-depth knowledge about the history, culture, and significance of the places you're visiting. If you're interested in learning about Santiago from a local expert, a guided tour can be very informative, and an excellent use of your vacation time. Whilst English is spoken in the tourist areas, a guided tour can help bridge the communication gap and ensure you don't miss out on important information. If you have limited time in Santiago and want to see as much as possible in a short period, a private guided tour can be efficient. That way you are not restricted by a set schedule and can prioritise what you want to see in the time you have. Although private tours are generally more expensive than a group tour, they’re remarkably value: a good guide can provide you with insider tips, hidden gems, and local recommendations that will help you avoid tourist traps or overpriced places during your stay. ToursByLocals guided tours can be tailored to specific interests, such as art, history, or food. If you have a niche interest, a specialised tour can enhance your experience.

Yes, you can hire a tour guide in Santiago. Hiring a tour guide can be a great way to enhance your travel experience and gain valuable insights into the local culture, history, and attractions. ToursByLocals has over 20 local guides in Santiago who are local experts and offer a wide range of customizable private tours. They will work with you to customize an itinerary based on your interests and preferences. Private tour guides can provide a more personalized experience and offer flexibility in terms of scheduling and activities.

Santiago is surrounded by diverse landscapes and interesting destinations, making it an excellent starting point for day trips. Here are some recommended day trip options from Santiago: Valparaíso and Viña del Mar: Explore the colorful and bohemian streets of Valparaíso, known for its street art and historic architecture. Visit Viña del Mar for its beautiful beaches, gardens, and the famous Flower Clock. Enjoy the coastal scenery and visit the Pablo Neruda House Museum in Isla Negra. Cajón del Maipo: Head to Cajón del Maipo for stunning mountain landscapes, gorges, and the Maipo River. Visit the Embalse El Yeso reservoir and enjoy activities like hiking, horseback riding, or hot spring bathing in Banos Colina. Maipo Valley Wine Tour: Explore the Maipo Valley, renowned for its vineyards and wineries. Take a wine tour to sample some of Chile's best wines, visit the cellars, and learn about the winemaking process. Pomaire: Visit Pomaire, a small village known for its pottery and handicrafts. Explore local workshops, purchase traditional Chilean pottery, and enjoy authentic Chilean cuisine. Portillo and Inca Lagoon: Visit the famous Portillo ski resort, located beside the stunning Inca Lagoon. Enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery and take part in various outdoor activities. Island of Maipo: Explore the Island of Maipo, known for its rural landscapes and vineyards. Visit local wineries, orchards, and enjoy the tranquility of the countryside. Colchagua Valley Wine Tour: Discover the Colchagua Valley, another renowned wine region. Take a wine tour to experience the flavors of the area, visit vineyards, and explore the Colchagua Museum. Sewell Mining Town: Explore the historic mining town of Sewell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the town's history, architecture, and its significance in the mining industry. These day trips offer a mix of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and outdoor activities, allowing you to explore the diverse regions surrounding Santiago. Choose a destination based on your interests and the type of experience you're looking for.

The number of days to tour Santiago, Chile, can vary based on your travel preferences, interests, and the activities you plan to include in your itinerary. Santiago is a dynamic city with a mix of cultural, historical, and outdoor attractions. Here are some general recommendations for the duration of your stay in Santiago: 1-2 Days: If you have a limited amount of time, you can explore the main highlights of Santiago in one to two days. Focus on the city center, including Plaza de Armas, La Moneda Palace, and the historic neighborhoods. Consider taking a walking tour or visiting a museum to get a quick overview. 3-4 Days: With three to four days, you can delve deeper into Santiago's attractions and include additional experiences. Explore neighborhoods like Bellavista and Lastarria, visit museums such as the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino, and take a day trip to a nearby destination, like Valparaíso or Cajón del Maipo. 5-7 Days: A week in Santiago allows you to explore the city at a leisurely pace and include day trips to nearby regions. You can visit more museums, parks, and cultural sites, as well as enjoy the local cuisine and nightlife. Consider exploring the wine valleys, taking a hot air balloon ride, or participating in outdoor activities in the surrounding areas. Beyond 7 Days: If you have more than a week, you can further immerse yourself in the local culture, participate in additional day trips, and explore surrounding regions like the Maipo Valley or Colchagua Valley. Consider taking multi-day excursions to the Atacama Desert, Patagonia, or other regions in Chile. Keep in mind that Santiago serves as a gateway to various natural wonders and cultural destinations throughout Chile. The duration of your stay will also depend on whether you plan to explore other parts of the country. Additionally, consider your own travel pace and preferences, as some travelers may prefer a more relaxed itinerary, while others may want to cover as much as possible within a shorter timeframe.

The cost of a 7-day trip to Santiago, Chile from the United States can vary widely depending on several factors, including your departure city, travel style, accommodation preferences, activities planned, and overall budget. Here are some general considerations: Flights: Round-trip airfare from the US to Santiago can vary based on factors such as the departure city, the time of booking, the airline, and the class of service. On average, you might expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $1,500 or more per person for a round-trip ticket. Accommodation: Santiago offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. On average, you can expect to pay around $50 to $150 or more per night, depending on your preferences. Transportation: Local transportation within Santiago, such as taxis, public transit, or ride-sharing services, will contribute to your overall budget. Food: Dining costs will depend on your eating habits. Santiago has a diverse culinary scene, and you can find a range of dining options. On average, budgeting $20 to $50 per day for meals is a reasonable estimate. Activities: Entrance fees to attractions and other activities will add to your expenses. Budgeting for around $20 to $50 per day for activities is a reasonable estimate. As a rough estimate, a mid-range budget for a 7-day trip to Santiago, Chile, from the United States could range from $1,500 to $3,000 or more per person. Luxury travelers might spend more, while budget travelers could potentially spend less. Keep in mind that these are general estimates, and prices can fluctuate based on various factors. It's advisable to research current prices, consider any promotions or discounts, and plan according to your personal preferences and financial capacity. Additionally, exchange rates can affect costs, so be aware of the current exchange rate between the US Dollar and the Chilean Peso.

Choosing the right neighborhood to stay in Santiago depends on your preferences, interests, and the type of experience you're seeking. Santiago offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. Here are some popular areas to consider for accommodation: Providencia: Pros: Central location, upscale neighborhoods, shopping centers, restaurants, and parks. Close to the Costanera Center, one of South America's tallest buildings. Cons: May be more expensive compared to some other areas. Bellavista: Pros: Bohemian atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, street art, and a range of restaurants and bars. Close to Cerro San Cristóbal. Cons: Can be noisy at night due to nightlife. Lastarria: Pros: Historical neighborhood with a mix of cultural attractions, theaters, and trendy cafes. Close to Parque Forestal and museums. Cons: Limited nightlife compared to Bellavista. Las Condes: Pros: Upscale neighborhood, business district, shopping malls, and high-end restaurants. Safe and well-maintained. Cons: May feel more business-oriented. Santiago Centro: Pros: Historical city center with landmarks like Plaza de Armas, La Moneda Palace, and museums. Access to public transportation. Cons: Can be busy during the day, quieter at night. Ñuñoa: Pros: Residential neighborhood with a mix of parks, theaters, and restaurants. Close to Providencia and well-connected by public transportation. Cons: Less touristy, fewer nightlife options. Vitacura: Pros: High-end neighborhood with shopping districts, parks, and upscale dining. Safe and well-maintained. Cons: May be more expensive, especially in terms of accommodation. La Reina: Pros: Residential area with parks, green spaces, and a peaceful atmosphere. Access to amenities and public transportation. Cons: May be less central compared to other neighborhoods. When choosing a neighborhood, consider factors such as proximity to attractions, safety, transportation options, and the atmosphere you prefer. Santiago's public transportation system, including the Metro and buses, makes it relatively easy to explore different parts of the city regardless of where you choose to stay.

The best time to visit Santiago, Chile, depends on your preferences and the type of experience you are seeking. Santiago experiences a Mediterranean climate with distinct seasons. Here are considerations for each season: Spring (September to November): Pros: Pleasant temperatures, ranging from around 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). Blooming flowers and green landscapes. Fewer tourists compared to the summer months. Cons: Possibility of some rain. Summer (December to February): Pros: Warm to hot temperatures, with daytime highs ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). Festivals, outdoor events, and vibrant street life. Ideal for outdoor activities and exploring nearby attractions. Cons: Higher temperatures can be challenging for some travelers. Higher tourist numbers, especially during the holiday season. Fall (March to May): Pros: Mild temperatures, ranging from around 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). Beautiful autumn foliage. Wine harvest season in the surrounding valleys. Cons: Possibility of some rain. Winter (June to August): Pros: Cooler temperatures, ranging from around 3°C to 15°C (37°F to 59°F). Clear skies and crisp air. Ideal for those who enjoy winter activities and want to experience the Andes covered in snow. Cons: Some attractions may have reduced hours or close during the winter. Limited greenery and outdoor festivals. If you prefer milder temperatures and outdoor activities, spring and fall are generally considered the best times to visit. Summer is great for those who enjoy warm weather, festivals, and outdoor events. However, it's also the peak tourist season. Winter is an excellent time for winter sports enthusiasts, as you can take advantage of the nearby ski resorts in the Andes. Keep in mind that Santiago's location allows for year-round travel, and the city serves as a gateway to various regions in Chile, each with its own climate and attractions. Be sure to check the specific weather conditions and any local events or festivals that may align with your travel dates.