Santiago Private Tours & Local Tour Guides

Given its large size (641 km²), 3–4 days in the city are recommended, as Santiago is one of the largest cities in the Americas, with everything from national zoos to art festivals to keep your itinerary full. Need some inspiration? You can space these tours in between your travel downtime.

• Day 1: Soak In Santiago’s Highlights: A 7-hour tour takes you through Santiago’s biggest attractions, from savory, locally made empanadas de pino to sunny Santa Lucia Hill, where the city was born. 
• Day 2: Marvelous Maipo Canyon: Spend the day taking the scenic route through Santiago’s nearby canyon, filled with plenty of wine tasting, crisp spring rivers, and adorable horses. 
• Day 3: Savor Santiago’s Cuisine: From traditional markets to locally beloved restaurants, this tour takes you through Santiago’s booming gastronomy scene. Whenever you’re feeling stuffed, take some time to stroll the city streets on this walking tour until 
• Day 4: Horse Riding Through The Hills: Looking to take a breather and spend some time with nature? Hop on a horse and ride through the Andean foothills, just thirty minutes from downtown Santiago. 

Excited to see more? Check out our Santiago Private Tours 

Alright, with limited time, you’ve got to hit Santiago’s most exciting spots in one go—without burning out, of course. Here’s where you should head to:

• Morning: Start your day in the center of the city with a tour of Santiago’s historic highlights, namely Plaza de Armas, Cerro Santa Lucia, and La Chascona, where Pablo Neruda stayed. 
• Lunchtime: From Patronato to La Vega Central, several spots deserve your attention, whether you’re looking for a quick Churrasco sandwich or an elaborate meal. 
• Afternoon Strolls: Unwind after lunch with a trip through Chile’s ancient art scene with a trip to the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, where Chile’s earliest expressions lay preserved in time. 
• Nightlife: There’s no better place to spend your last few hours in the city than Bellavista, Santiago’s premier nightlife neighborhood. 

For more expert advice on how to get the most out of your Santiago schedule, talk to one of our local Santiago tour guides.

Santiago is one of the most walkable cities in Latin America, given its Eurocentric street design. So pack a pair of comfortable shoes. Whenever you get tired, the metro is a reliable way to zip through the city. 

Generally, September to November are considered ideal travel months due to the favorable weather & lower crowds. With that said, each of Santiago’s 4 seasons offers its own perks.

• Summer (December to March): Ideal for outdoor activities & night tourism. 
• Autumn (March to May): Perfect for those seeking cool, slightly rainy atmospheres. 
• Winter (June to August): Ideal travel time for ski lovers and cozy café enthusiasts. 
• Spring (September to November): Ideal for those seeking low tourist crowds. 

Somewhat. Chile overall has a moderate English proficiency rating, with only 10% of the population speaking English, but Santiago’s rating of 553/800 means you can get by in tourist areas without Spanish. With that said, it’s still advisable to learn some Chilean Spanish phrases before you explore on your own, as English gets less common the further from the city center you get.

During the day, Santiago has a walking safety index of 58.38, which is moderate, meaning you should apply vigilance and keep the expensive items in your hotel and not on you. Nighttime, however, is another story. Anyone looking to tour the city at night NEEDS to be accompanied by a local who knows which streets to avoid and where to go for a safe & fun evening.