Santiago is framed by the Andes — ski in the morning, sip wine in the afternoon. The Central Market and nearby Maipo Valley wine region offer diverse experiences.
Santiago is framed by the snow-capped Andes Mountains -- a modern metropolis where you can ski in the morning and sip Carménère wine in the afternoon. Chile's capital offers the Central Market's seafood, the Bellavista neighborhood's bohemian nightlife, and the nearby Maipo Valley wine region within an hour's drive. The city has modern infrastructure, a world-class Metro, and the Costanera Center skyscraper providing panoramic views from its 300-meter observation deck.
September through November and March through May offer comfortable spring and autumn temperatures with clear Andes views. Summer (December-February) is hot and dry at 25-35 degrees C with peak domestic travel. Winter (June-August) is the cheapest time for flights and ski season in the nearby Andes at Valle Nevado and Portillo. January is the warmest month but also the busiest. August is the coldest with temperatures averaging 5-15 degrees C.
LATAM operates from Santiago with the largest domestic and international network in Chile, connecting to all of South America. Sky Airline provides budget domestic and regional routes. Delta, American, and United serve Santiago from US hubs. Iberia, Air France, British Airways, and KLM offer European connections. Qantas connects to Sydney. Air Canada serves from Toronto. Avianca connects via Bogota. JetSMART provides ultra-low-cost South American routes.
Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL) is 17 km from the city center with Centropuerto and TurBus shuttle services reaching the city center in 30 minutes for approximately 2,000 CLP. The Metro does not yet reach the airport, though the Line 3 extension is planned. Uber and taxis cost 15,000-25,000 CLP ($30 USD) to Providencia or Las Condes. The airport is modern with new international terminals.
Santiago is one of South America's more affordable capitals -- the Metro costs under $1 USD per ride and is efficient. The Cerro San Cristobal funicular offers city views for a few dollars. Wine tours in the Maipo Valley cost a fraction of Napa or Mendoza at 15,000-30,000 CLP. The Costanera Center sky observatory has the best views in South America at 10,000 CLP. The Central Market serves excellent seafood for 8,000-15,000 CLP per person. Most museums have free days, and La Chascona (Pablo Neruda's house) is affordable.
Santiago's Metro is one of the best in Latin America with 7 lines and 136 stations covering the city efficiently. Single fares cost 720-800 CLP (.80-1 USD) during peak hours, cheaper off-peak. The Metro runs from 6 AM to 11 PM (until 10 PM on Sundays). The Bip! card is required and can be recharged at stations. Buses (Transantiago) fill the gaps the Metro misses. Uber and Cabify are widely available and affordable at 3,000-8,000 CLP for most central trips. The city is walkable in the central areas of Bellavista, Lastarria, and the Historic Center. The Cerro San Cristobal funicular and cable car are part of the funicular system and offer great city views. A car is not needed within Santiago but useful for wine valley day trips.
Providencia offers the best location for tourists with excellent Metro access and parks, with hotels from $70-150 USD per night. Bellas Artes and Lastarria provide bohemian charm near the historic center with boutique hotels from $50-120 USD. Las Condes is the upscale business district with high-end hotels from $120-200 USD. The Historic Center (Santiago Centro) offers budget options from $30-60 USD near the main attractions. Budget hostels in Bellavista from $5-15 USD.