About Santiago
Santiago, also known as Santiago de Chile, is the capital and largest city of Chile and one of the largest cities in the Americas. Located in the Chilean Central Valley within the Santiago Basin, between the Andes to the east and the Chilean Coastal Range to the west, it anchors the Santiago Metropolitan Region and its conurbation of Greater Santiago, which comprises more than forty communes and concentrates over a third of the national population and around 45% of Chile's GDP. Most of the city lies between 500 and 650 meters above sea level, with recent urban growth extending into the Andean foothills.
Cheap flights to Santiago
The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $1,304 from Vancouver, travelling 21 Dec – 27 Dec. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
Airlines travellers compared most often: Austrian Airlines, Aeroméxico.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 20 Sep and 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to SantiagoPlaces to visit in Santiago
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San Cristóbal Hill
Viewpoint · 2 mi from centreA large hill topped by a white statue of the Virgin Mary, with the best panorama of Santiago and the Andes behind it. Ride the funicular up and walk down, ideally on a clear morning after rain.
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Plaza de Armas
LandmarkThe historic main square, framed by the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the National History Museum. It is lively with chess players and street performers, but watch out for pickpockets in the crowds.
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La Moneda Palace
HistoricThe neoclassical seat of the Chilean president, bombed during the 1973 coup and later restored. Catch the changing of the guard ceremony in front, and visit the cultural center beneath the plaza.
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Santa Lucía Hill
ParkA small hill in the city center where Santiago was founded, landscaped with terraces, fountains, and stairways leading to a small fort. Climb to the top for city views, and bring ID, since visitors may be asked to register.
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Museum of Memory and Human Rights
Museum · 2 mi from centreA moving museum documenting human rights abuses during the military dictatorship from 1973 to 1990. Allow plenty of time and use the audio guide, since many exhibits are in Spanish only.
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Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art
MuseumA compact, well-designed museum of textiles, ceramics, and carvings from cultures across the Americas before European arrival. It is just steps from the Plaza de Armas, so it fits easily into a downtown walk.
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Gran Torre Costanera
Viewpoint · 3 mi from centreThe tallest building in Latin America, with the Sky Costanera observation deck near its top offering views across the city to the mountains. Go late in the afternoon to see the city in daylight and at dusk.
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Mercado Central
MarketA historic fish market under an ornate iron roof, surrounded by seafood restaurants serving Chilean dishes. Skip the touts at the center and eat at the smaller stalls on the edges, which are often better value.
Things to do in Santiago by type
53 tours, tickets and experiences across 5 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Gastronomy & nightlife 22 experiences Alyan Vineyard at Sunset -
Outdoor activities & Adventure 11 experiences Cajón del Maipo & Embalse del Yeso with Picnic -
Day Trips & Excursions 11 experiences Cajon del Maipo - Full-Day Tour -
City tours 8 experiences City Tour Hop On Hop Off -
Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 2 experiences Cajon del Maipo: El Yeso Dam - Full-Day Tour
- Over 6 hours 19
- 3-6 hours 18
- 1-3 hours 2
- Flexible 1
- Small group 3
- Private 2
- Wheelchair accessible 1
Top experiences in Santiago
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 53 available.
Viña del Mar and Valparaiso - Full-Day Private Tour
From $215 per adult
Valparaiso, Viña del Mar and Reñaca - Full Day Tour
From $44 per adult
Santiago City and San Cristobal Hill with Cable Car - Small Group Tour
From $173 per adult
Concha y Toro Wine Tour
From $99 per adult
Cajon del Maipo - Full-Day Tour
From $50 per adult
City Tour Hop On Hop Off
From $62 per adult
Santiago City Highlights and Hidden Gems with a Local Guide - Private Tour
From $51 per adult
City Tour Hop On Hop Off + Transfers In/Out
From $144 per adult
Isla Negra and Pomaire - Full-Day Tour
From $103 per adult
The Historic Center of Santiago City - Walking Tour
From $53 per adult
Cajon del Maipo and Colina Hot Springs - Full-Day Tour
From $79 per adult
Cajon del Maipo: El Yeso Dam - Full-Day Tour
From $56 per adult
Where to stay in Santiago
Popular hotels in Santiago.
Novotel Santiago Vitacura
From $124 per night
Mercure Santiago Centro
From $73 per night
NH Collection Plaza Santiago
From $156 per night
Renaissance Santiago Hotel
From $169 per night
Time Select - Elegant Apartments
From $109 per night
Icon Hotel
From $84 per night
Rugendas Hotel Boutique by Time
From $164 per night
Plaza San Francisco
From $293 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Santiago Airport
From $113 per night
Time Suite - Comfort Apartments
From $109 per night
Pullman Santiago El Bosque
From $147 per night
Pullman Santiago Vitacura
From $189 per night
Best time to visit Santiago
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Santiago is March to April and October to December, when average daytime highs are around 73–84°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Santiago weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 67° 49° 98%
- Thu 22 Oct 67° 52° 94%
- Fri 23 Oct 59° 51° 92%
- Sat 24 Oct 65° 47° 53%
- Sun 25 Oct 68° 47° 2%
- Mon 26 Oct 67° 52° 75%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Chilean peso (CLP)1 US dollar ≈ $983
- Language
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +56
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/SantiagoUTC−3
Upcoming public holidays in Chile
- Reformation DayDía Nacional de las Iglesias Evangélicas y Protestantes
- All Saints DayDía de Todos los Santos
- Immaculate ConceptionInmaculada Concepción
- Christmas DayNavidad / Natividad del Señor
- New Year's DayAño Nuevo
- Good FridayViernes Santo
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Santiago
These are the airports closest to central Santiago. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- SCL Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport8 mi (14 km) from the city centre
Getting around Santiago
Transantiago.mw-parser-output .error-deadlink{color:red;background:yellow;display:none;white-space:nowrap}[dead link] runs the metro and main bus lines in the city. Fares on public transport can be paid only with a bip! card. Beginning February 2026, contactless credit / debit cards can be used on the metros. Bip! cards can be bought and recharged at any metro station (1,550 pesos for the card, minimum recharge 1,000 pesos) or at a Centro bip!.
By metro
The Santiago Metro system is the second largest in Latin America and has seven lines and 136 stations, with many holding rotating art exhibitions. The lines 1, 2 and 5 pass through the historical center and 4 and 4A mostly serve the east of the city. As it is a very popular mode for getting around, the metro can be crowded during rush hours.
By bus
Transantiago buses are mostly modern and run around the clock on the main lines. If you know a little Spanish, you can find route information on the Transantiago website.
By taxi
Taxis are a relatively inexpensive and safe way to get around the city. Flag drop costs 300 pesos plus 120 pesos for every 100 meters. Official taxis are black and yellow and easily identifiable. Radiotaxis are also common and a good idea late at night. Suburban areas are sometimes served by taxis operating fixed routes and fixed rates.
Santiago travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Santiago?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Santiago is March to April and October to December, when average daytime highs are around 73–84°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
What is the weather like in Santiago?
February is usually the warmest month in Santiago, with average highs of 88°F (31°C). June is the coolest, with average lows of 44°F (7°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 133 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Santiago?
Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) is the closest airport, about 8 miles (14 km) from the centre of Santiago.
How much are flights to Santiago?
The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Santiago in the last 30 days was $1,304 from Vancouver, travelling 21 Dec – 27 Dec.
What currency is used in Santiago?
Santiago uses the Chilean peso (CLP). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $983.
What time zone is Santiago in?
Santiago uses the America/Santiago time zone (currently UTC−3). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Santiago?
Transantiago.mw-parser-output .error-deadlink{color:red;background:yellow;display:none;white-space:nowrap}[dead link] runs the metro and main bus lines in the city. Fares on public transport can be paid only with a bip! card. Beginning February 2026, contactless credit / debit cards can be used on the metros.
What are the best places to visit in Santiago?
Top sights in Santiago include San Cristóbal Hill, Plaza de Armas, La Moneda Palace and Santa Lucía Hill. A large hill topped by a white statue of the Virgin Mary, with the best panorama of Santiago and the Andes behind it. Ride the funicular up and walk down, ideally on a clear morning after rain.
What are the top things to do in Santiago?
Popular experiences you can book in Santiago include Viña del Mar and Valparaiso - Full-Day Private Tour, Valparaiso, Viña del Mar and Reñaca - Full Day Tour and Santiago City and San Cristobal Hill with Cable Car - Small Group Tour. Destina Holidays offers 53 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Santiago?
The most popular types of experiences in Santiago are gastronomy & nightlife (22), outdoor activities & adventure (11), day trips & excursions (11) and city tours (8). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Santiago?
Popular areas for hotels in Santiago include Santiago Chile and Las Condes. Well-reviewed options include Novotel Santiago Vitacura and Mercure Santiago Centro.
