Quick Guide to 3 Days in Santiago, Chile

Quick Guide to 3 Days in Santiago, Chile

Getting Around:

Chile is a skinny but long country located on the western coast of South America. The country stretches as long as California and Oregon combined. Getting around Chile can be tricky but there are several options at your fingertips.

In Santiago, Transantiago runs all the public transit through the city and is easily accessible. You will need to purchase a rechargeable Bip! card at the ticket booth of any metro station. Cash will not be accepted onboard. You can read more about Transantiago here.

Taxi and Ubers are also cheap options. I prefer using Ubers for safety measures. Theft is very common in Chile and so are unmarked taxis.

My favorite option of course is hiring a driver. I hired Mauricio Escobar who runs “I’ll Take You”. He is a Spanish-speaking guide who speaks little English. He is a fantastic driver and even designed a custom-made itinerary for me. I told him what I like to do and he made all the arrangements. We connected through WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. For his contact info, please message me.

Language:

Spanish is the primary language in Chile. It is rare to find someone who speaks English even at excursions. If you don’t speak Spanish, I recommend learning a few words and downloading Google Translate or Microsoft Translate.

What To Eat:

Pastel del Choclo and Empanadas are the two main dishes in Chile. Pastel del Choclo is a corn and beef casserole usually served as a favorite during the winter months, but you can find them anywhere throughout the year. Empanadas are stuffed baked pastries. They are usually filled with cheese and shrimp, various meats, or cheese and tomatoes. For my vegan and vegetarian friends, finding a place that fits your dietary needs is very difficult but more vegetarian restaurants are popping up more than ever.

Currency:

In Chile, the Chilean Pesos is used. Make sure that your bills are not ripped or torn. They may not be accepted.

$1 = CP595.46

€1 = CP727.13

£1 = CP818.53

¥1 = CP5.58

Hotels:

Hotels and Hostels are relatively cheap in Chile. If you’re only in Chile for a few days, Santiago Centro is the best location for you. Most tours pick up in Downtown Santiago and day trips to Valparaíso or the Andes are easy to get to.

I decided to book an apartment space through AirBnB. For 5 nights, I paid about $220. The apartment included a front desk reception, full kitchen, warm shower, air conditioning, TV, wifi, and more. Air conditioning is very important during the summer months!


Itinerary:

Click on dates for the full itinerary.

Day Date Location To See/To Do To Eat
1 Feb. 18, 2018 Cajon Del Maipo 1. Parque Valle del Yeso

→ San José de Maipo, San Jose de Maipo, Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile

Beautiful national park. Recommend going with an experienced guide. Lack of hiking signs and weather fluctuates frequently. 

  • Cost: $6,000/person
  • Visited: Laguna Los Patos, Termas Del Plomo
Lunch in San Jose De Maipo: Empanadas Shop 

  • Ordered: Meat Empanada (1,200)

Dinner in Santiago: Hot Dog Stand

 

2 Feb. 19, 2018 Santiago 1. Ruta Vertical

Cam. Al Volcán 19635, 9460116 San José de Maipo, Región Metropolitana, Chile

  • Horseback Riding and White Water Rafting Combo ($35,000/person)
Lunch: Blokesur

Comercio 18711, San Jose de Maipo 9460072 Chile

A Chilian Fusion Restaurant that is located by Ruta Vertical.

  • Ordered: Pastel del choclo, vegetarian casserole, steak and potatoes, and blueberry juice with sugar ($6000). Entrees included soup and salad. 

Dinner: Nolita

→ José Victorino Lastarria 70, 8320152 Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile

Italian Restaurant

  • Ordered: Bolognese Fettuccini, Pisco Sours ($18,600)

Drinks: Victorino 

→ José Victorino Lastarria 138, 8320156 Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile

Known for their pitchers of sangria, and mojito. 

  • Ordered: Pitcher of red sangria, dessert, and fries ($8,000)
3 Feb. 20, 2018 Santiago 1. Viña Cousiño Macul

→ Av. Quilín 7100, 7921077 Penalolen, Peñalolén, Región Metropolitana, Chile 

A local vineyard that offers tours and wine tasting.

  • Group Tour and Wine Tasting ($14,000/person)

2. Templo Bahái

Av. Diag. Las Torres 2000, Penalolen, Peñalolén, Región Metropolitana, Chile

Baha’i House of worship in Santiago. 

  • Cost: Free
Breakfast: Original Green Roaster

→ Rancagua 040, Providencia, Región Metropolitana, Chile

Coffee shop with an expat environment. 

  • Ordered: Chilean Breakfast, ice mocha ($6,500)

Lunch: Central Pizza

  • Ordered: 24-inch Vegetarian Pizza ($12,500)

 

Expenses for 3 Days:

Type Costs (CLP) Costs (USD)
Hotel for 5 Days 131,000 $150.52
Transportation from Santiago Airport to Santiago City 20,000 $22.98
Private Driver 125,000 $143.63
Guide Tip 17,500 $20.11
Activities 110,000 $126.39
Food 51,800 $59.52
Drinks 26,500 $30.45
Transportation from Santiago City to Santiago Airport 17,000 $19.53
  Total 573.13
Per Person 286.57