Santiago is not only a fantastic city to explore but also a great spot from which you can visit some of Chile's most wonderful locations.
In this article, I will share with you all the amazing day trips you can do from Santiago.
I will cover:
Valparaíso
Maipo Valley
Embalse El Yeso
Pomaire
Portillo Ski Resort
La Campana National Park
Valparaíso
Valparaíso, or “Valpo”, is a coastal city by the Pacific Ocean, known for its artistic and bohemian vibe, steep hills, and historic port which was once South America’s most important port. Before the Panama Canal (1914), Valparaíso was the main stop for ships traveling between the Atlantic and Pacific.
Valparaíso’s historic quarter earned a UNESCO World Heritage Site title in 2003 due to its unique urban landscape and history as a major 19th-century port. So a wander through the historic quarter is a must!
Some other interesting things you should see and do in Valparaíso are:
Check out the street Art & Murals. Valparaíso is an open-air museum of graffiti and murals. Walk through Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción to see stunning artworks on staircases, alleys, and walls.
Take a ride with the Funicular. The city’s steep hills are connected by old-fashioned funicular elevators dating back to the 19th century. The most popular are Ascensor Reina Victoria and Ascensor El Peral.
You can't leave Valparaíso without visiting the Plaza Sotomayor and the Port area. The heart of Valparaíso’s seafaring past, featuring the Monument to the Heroes of Iquique and nearby Muelle Prat, where you can take a harbor boat tour.
Enjoy all this coastal city offers, especially the Seafood. Try fresh ceviche, chupe de mariscos, or reineta a la plancha at local spots like Caleta Portales, where fishermen bring in the daily catch.
For all the art lovers, I recommend the Baburizza Palace which is a beautiful Art Nouveau mansion that now houses the Fine Arts Museum, showcasing European and Chilean paintings.
Valparaíso is famous for its bohemian bars and music venues. Check out El Cinzano, a historic tango bar, or grab a drink at Fauna with panoramic hilltop views.
One of the best times when to visit Valparaíso is for the New Year! The city's massive fireworks display is among the best in South America.
Here I want to add Viña del Mar which is Valparaíso’s elegant seaside neighbor, known for its beaches, green parks, and upscale vibe. Only 15 minute drive away from Valparaíso, could be a great stop on your way back to Santiago. When in Viña del Mar you have to check out Flower Clock (Reloj de Flores) which is a famous floral landmark near the beach. Like Valparaíso, also Viña del Mar has some nice beaches to relax at, like Playa Reñaca or Playa Acapulco. Don't miss out on visiting Wulff Castle & Quinta Vergara. A historic castle by the sea and a lush park with a beautiful palace and amphitheater.
Maipo Valley
Just an hour from Santiago, Maipo Valley is Chile’s oldest and most prestigious wine region, best known for its world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and stunning vineyard landscapes. Spanish conquistadors planted the first vines here in the 16th century.
Of course, the main thing to do there is wine tasting and tours around the vineyards. Visit iconic wineries like Concha y Toro, Santa Rita, and Viña Cousiño Macul to taste award-winning wines and learn about Chilean winemaking.
For more active travelers, some wineries even offer cycling tours. And all foodies also won't be disappointed as many tours offer to pair wine with traditional Chilean food. Enjoy asados (BBQ), empanadas, and pastel de choclo with some of the best wines in Chile.
Another great spot for all the white wine lovers is Casablanca Valley. This area is famous for its Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. With a mild coastal breeze from the Pacific, it’s ideal for crisp, aromatic wines. Like in Maipo Valley, you can enjoy wine tastings and vineyard tours.
Embalse El Yeso
Nestled in the Cajón del Maipo region, about 2 hours from Santiago, Embalse El Yeso is a breathtaking turquoise reservoir surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Hiking at Embalse El Yeso is a breathtaking experience, with trails leading through rugged mountain landscapes and offering stunning views of the turquoise lake. It’s a great spot to enjoy nature, take photos, and relax in one of Chile’s most beautiful mountain settings. It’s quite a remote spot, so bring essentials like snacks, water, and warm clothing.
In general, the whole of Cajón del Maipo where Embalse El Yeso is located is a wonderful area. There you can also explore El Morado Glacier or relax in the natural Hot Springs - Baños Colina.
Pomaire
Just an hour from Santiago, Pomaire is a charming artisan village famous for its traditional clay pottery (greda) and delicious Chilean food. It’s the perfect spot to shop for handcrafted souvenirs.
When in Pomaire you have to try a Giant Empanada. Pomaire is known for its massive 1-kilo empanadas, stuffed with meat, cheese, or seafood. Besides giant empanadas, the town is known for humitas (corn tamales) and sopaipillas (fried dough snacks).
Poamire will be a great place where to wander through colorful streets lined with artisan workshops, craft stores, and local markets, and try some of the amazing Chilean traditional foods.
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Portillo Ski Resort
Located high in the Andes, about 2 hours from Santiago, Portillo is South America’s most famous ski resort, known for its breathtaking scenery, world-class skiing, and historic charm. Ideal for all those who love ski holidays!
Apart from enjoying a fantastic ski resort in the Andes, the area also features Laguna del Inca, a stunning emerald-green lake that sits right next to the resort.
In case you are visiting during the summer season, no worries. During the off-season, you can enjoy the hiking trails and lake views.
La Campana National Park
Just 90 minutes from Santiago, La Campana National Park is a stunning biosphere reserve known for its diverse wildlife, Chilean palm trees, and panoramic mountain views. It’s a top destination for hiking and nature lovers, with trails leading through lush forests, rugged peaks, and scenic valleys.
The best things to there are:
Hike to Cerro La Campana’s Summit – A challenging but rewarding hike (8 hrs round-trip) with breathtaking views, famously climbed by Charles Darwin in 1834.
Walk Through the Palm Grove – Home to one of Chile’s last remaining wild Chilean palm forests, some trees over 1,000 years old.
Spot Local Wildlife – Keep an eye out for foxes, condors, and eagles soaring over the park.