Santiago Trip Planning & Itineraries

Day One: Santiago Tours

Get oriented in Santiago with a 3.5-hour sightseeing tour. It's a great introduction to the city, including panoramic views over Santiago and a visit to a handicraft village. In the evening, experience the city's vibrant nightlife with a Chilean folklore show and dinner. Enjoy a three-course meal while being entertained by the traditional songs and dances of regional Chile. And when it's time to leave Santiago, organise a private or shared airport transfer for a no-fuss departure from Chile.

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Day Two: Santiago Private Tours

To get more from your visit to Santiago, take a privately guided tour with your own driver/guide to lead the way. You can tour Santiago on a private tour, or head further afield on a privately guided day trip to surrounding sights like the famous Cousino Macul and Concha y Toro wineries or a visit to a traditional hacienda ranch. And to go shopping with your own personal shopper, take a private shopping tour of Santiago, from the best department stores to fashion boutiques and local arts and crafts.

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Day Three: Day Trips from Santiago

Heading to the coast is always a popular excursion from Santiago. Spend a day exploring the towns of Vina Del Mar and Valparaiso, traveling through wine country and along the coast. Pretty Vina Del Mar is known as the "Garden City," and bohemian Valparaiso is home to the Pablo Neruda Museum. Wine-lovers will relish the Colchagua Valley wine tour touring the famous boutique vineyards and sampling the award-winning wines. And whether you're traveling in winter or summer, a trip to the Valle Nevado Ski Resort promises world-class skiiing, fresh mountain air and wonderful views.

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Ritz-Carlton

Just a few years old, this is the only Ritz-Carlton in South America and it is by far Santiago's best bet for an opulent splurge. A symbol of Chile's economic rise, it is also a flawless tribute to the good life with lavish furnishings and amenities.

Galerias Hotel

Mock Easter Island statues guard the entrance to this modern design haven, where impeccable service and understated, comfortable rooms will make you want to dally. Neutral colors are accented with reds and crisp lines that keep the ambience warm and inviting. Summer guests can enjoy the small outdoor pool on the 7th floor, snug among the skyscrapers.

Hotel Plaza San Francisco

This is one of Santiago's top hotels, where you enter a world of Scotch plaid and handsome hardwood, the lobby teeming with business suits mulling around the iron ponies. Highlights of this top-drawer hotel include sprawling marble baths and the hotel restaurant Bristol's Chilean cuisine, prepared with delicacy by an award-winning chef.

Akarana

One of the finest restaurants in Santiago, this softly lit treat was opened by a New Zealander who specializes in cuisine from her own country. It is unpretentious and the dishes are skilfully prepared and presented. Sample the seared Easter Island tuna or succulent lamb fillets.

Astrid & Gastón

One of the most critically acclaimed restaurants in South America, blending old European influences (Astrid) with South American (Gastón). The restaurant's exclusive fusion cuisine is among the most refined you will find anywhere, not just in this city. The Patagonian lamb shanks are something to savor and the service is impeccable. Book ahead.

El Giratorio

Spectacular views and a gently revolving dining hall put a different, er, spin on your evening meal here. The shifting panorama makes for a memorably romantic meal, particularly at night, and lunchtime set menus include aperitif, drink, main dish, dessert and coffee.