Home to seven million residents, Santiago is the best place to experience urban culture in Chile. Its vibrant neighborhoods make for rewarding exploring, whether taking in the grand architecture of Centro, photographing street art in Barrio Brasil or dining and drinking in upscale Providencia. The Chilean capital also houses excellent museums, riverside parks and plenty of surprises — like La Chascona, the wildly extravagant hideaway Pablo Neruda built for his mistress.

Guided tours take you to some of the city’s key sights, such as the Plaza de Armas, the Palace of the Royal High Court and Cerro Santa Lucía, a manicured 19th-century park with views over downtown. Beyond the city center, there’s much to explore. You can take a day trip to the Maipo Valley for tours through scenic vineyards. For immersion in the Andean wilderness, it’s hard to top the Cajón del Maipo, a canyon that’s ideal for hiking, cycling and rafting. You’ll also find some of Chile’s best ski slopes just a short drive from the capital.

Suggested things to do:

Visit the Centro Gabriela Mistral, a cultural center that stages an impressive lineup of concerts, dance performances and art exhibitions.

Dine on oysters, grilled octopus or risotto at Bocanáriz, an award-winning restaurant and wine bar, which is famed for its wine list (and wine pairings).

See finely crafted ceramics, wooden carvings and textiles created by pre-Columbian cultures at the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino.

Peru Santiago Culture & Historical Tours

Santiago & Surroundings 6 Days