9 Day Trips From Santiago Chile

All products and services featured on Be Free and Travel are independently selected by Anna Freitag. However, when you buy something through one of the featured  links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a passion for fine wine, breathtaking hikes, and captivating art. Santiago, Chile, serves as the perfect base for exploring these delights, and more. Nestled in the heart of the country, this vibrant city is more than just a cultural and culinary hub—it’s a gateway to some of the most memorable day trips you can imagine.

Imagine sipping on a glass of Carmenère in the Casablanca Valley, Chile’s signature wine that has left me wanting more. Picture yourself wandering the colorful streets of Valparaíso, where every wall is a canvas, showcasing stunning street art in every corner. Maybe you crave all of this and the thrill of outdoor adventures, like horseback riding through the majestic Andes Mountains.

Santiago offers a plethora of experiences that will resonate with your passions. But there’s more. I’ve got some off the beaten path natural gems to share with you that most travelers miss. (And I would have too if I hadn’t been invited to go hiking with one of my local friends).

For more off the beaten path adventure ideas, check out my 10 day off the beaten path Chile itinerary.

So let’s explore some unforgettable day trips and tours from Santiago. Keep reading to uncover your next great escape!

Don’t have time to read the whole post?

I get it! I’m short on time too, so I’ve added the highlights here, including quick booking links when relevant. Don’t forget to save this post for later when you’re ready to dive in deeper.

1. Day tour to Valparaiso

For vibrant street art and panoramic coastal views

2.Chill in Viña del Mar

A seaside delight

3. Explore Portillo Inca Lagoon in the Andes Mountains

Enjoy stunning beauty in the rugged mountains

4. Take a Casablanca Valley wine tour

Visit 4 different wineries with the option to have lunch at one of Chile’s best restaurants – this one is quintessential and one of the very best day trips from Santiago

5. Parque Nacional Rio Clarillo

One of the natural gems missed by most tourists

6. Take a day trip horseback riding through the Andes

If you love horses like me, then I’ve said enough

7. Go hiking at Quebrada de Macul

And cool off in a waterfall – a true gem most travelers never see

8. Soak in the thermal hot springs at El Cajón del Maipo

A full day adventure ending with a Chilean BBQ under the stars – bookmark this one if you’re looking for the best day trip from Santiago

9. Get your adrenaline fix paragliding and sand boarding

And see adorable penguins and sea lions on this full day adventure tour

Want more details? Let’s dive deeper into each day trip below!

I’ll even share things like how to get there on your own, options for booking a tour, and what you should bring with you.

9 best day trips from Santiago, Chile

1. Day tour to Valparaiso

Head to the coast on a day trip from Santiago and check out the incredibly colorful port city of Valparaiso. (Often shortened to Valpo.) If you are a lover of street art like I am, prepare to be completely captivated just walking around the city. Every time I blinked it seemed like I opened my eyes to another beautiful mural.  The experience is sensory overload in the very best way possible!

Taking the funicular is another fun (and super inexpensive!) thing you can do while walking around the city.  If you prefer to get your exercise you can opt to take the stairs up the steep city hills.  Either way you’ll end up with panoramic views of the city and the coastline.

Taking home artwork in the form of a postcard or painting is possible and makes a wonderful souvenir for the art lover.  I bought some postcards at a shop near the funicular and was then thrilled to randomly encounter the life size version of the artwork on a building while wandering the streets.

Seeing Valparaiso by day tour:

The easiest way to get to Valparaiso is to let someone else take care of all the logistics.  I recommend this private day tour of both Valparaiso and Viña del Mar.  Price depends on how many people you have in your group. It’s a more expensive option, but you’ll have the most flexibility and will be able to have a conversation with the guide.

You could also opt for this group tour that also covers Valpo and Viña. At $140 per person it’s cheaper than the private tour, but it won’t be as personal of an experience as you’ll be in a group. As an added bonus this one includes a wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley.

There are cheaper options yet, but keep in mind that generally with tours you get what you pay for. The cheapest option is generally a huge bus tour where you drive by most of the sites. Personally that’s not my idea of a good time. 

Getting there on your own:

The most affordable way to get to Valparaiso will be to take the bus from Santiago. Buses leave every 10-20 minutes and can cost as low as $3 one way. Book in advance here or just show up at any of the main bus terminals in Santiago and purchase from one of several bus companies.

The trip one direction takes about 2 hours. Buses leave frequently enough in both directions so you can easily piece together your own day trip this way. 

2. Chill in Viña del mar

Head to Viña del Mar, another coastal option for a day trip from Santiago that’s popular with the locals.  When I took the bus here I didn’t see a single other tourist, but I saw plenty of Santiago residents heading out for the day.  

Get chilly in Chile by swimming in the Pacific ocean at one of the beaches, then warm up again by soaking up the sun if you’re traveling in summer (Dec-Feb).  You may even catch a free, organic circus show under the bridge at Playa Caleta Abarca! As an aerialist myself, this was a huge highlight for me.

You can also see Wulff Castle perched on the coast and the famous flower clock of Viña.  Be sure to experience some of the amazing seafood available! 

Seeing Viña del Mar by day tour:

I recommend the same options as in the Valparaiso section for day tours where transportation and logistics are all handled for you. This private day tour to Viña del Mar and Valparaiso offers the best, most personalized experience for you but is more expensive. Price varies per person depending on your group size.

This small group tour (maximum of 12 people) offers a lower price, but will be less personalized. Cost per person is $140 per person and also includes a wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley. Great for those short on time in Chile and wanting to sample a little of everything the country has to offer.

Just as before I don’t recommend going with the options cheaper than this. Often they are actually large group tours with 30 people that try to trick you by telling you it’s small. These also will spend most of the time just driving past sites. My advice is to avoid those as the value just isn’t there.

Getting there on your own:

Buses are the cheapest option for getting to Viña del Mar on your own. A bus will get you there in roughly 2 hours. They leave just as frequently as they do for Valparaiso (every 10-20 minutes) from every bus terminal in Santiago. You can book in advance online

You can also drive yourself if renting a car. And it may be a bit quicker trip than taking the bus.

3. Explore Portillo Inca Lagoon in the Andes Mountains

Nestled between the rugged Andes Mountains is an enchanting lake known as Laguna del Inca.  Depending on the season and the lighting the color of the lake can range from a stunning emerald green to deep blue.  Get out of the city and into nature by visiting the Portillo Ski Resort on a day trip from Santiago.

Learn some local Incan mythology while at the lake.  The story about how the lake got it’s beautiful color says that a Incan prince was marrying an Incan princess, the most beautiful woman in the empire. 

While they were performing the wedding ceremony high on a cliff it is said that she fell to her death.  The devastated prince decided that the only worthy burial option was to have her buried in the lake.  While the princess descended, legend says the lake became enchanted and turned to a stunning emerald green color.  

Whether nor not you enjoy stories like that, it’s beautiful natural spot. It’s a great spot for a picnic if you go in the summer like me. Or, come for a day of skiing or snowshoeing in the winter months. It’s an easy day trip from Santiago.

Seeing Portillo Inca Lagoon by day tour:

The most convenient way to enjoy it by taking a day tour.  Enjoy the stunning mountain scenery while someone else does the driving for you.  Start the day with a stop at San Esteban Vineyard for a wine tasting before continuing on to the lake for lunch (at your own expense). 

You even have the opportunity at the end of the day to pet some llamas and take some adorable photos with them before driving back to Santiago.  They are so cute and fun, and if you’re an animal lover like me you will love them!

It’s a full day tour lasting about 11 hours and cost starts at $99 per person, depending on your group size. Book your Portillo Inca Lagoon day tour here.

What to bring:

• Layers: The mountains may be cooler than Santiago
• A swimsuit: If you’re brave enough to take a cold dip in the frigid mountain lake
• A towel to dry off afterwards

Getting there on your own:

Located about 2 ½ hours from Santiago, you can drive yourself to the Portillo Ski resort if renting a car. Click here to save the location on Google Maps.

4. Take a Casablanca Valley wine tour

It’s always wine o’clock somewhere!  Wine lovers should be sure to add in a tour to one or more of the wineries in the Casablanca Valley.  Just a 50 minute drive from Santiago makes this an easy day trip.  

Here you can try Carménère, a rather unique wine now found mostly in Chile.  A member of the cabernet family of grapes, it was originally mostly grown in France until the 1867 phylloxera plague destroyed nearly all of the vineyards throughout Europe.  Since Chile is geographically isolated the grapes survived in the region, which is why you will now find Carménère almost exclusively here. 

I love consuming local specialties like this on my travels so I drank quite a bit of this wine during my 3 weeks in Chile.

Taking a day tour of the wineries:

I recommend taking this day tour to 4 different wineries. Start at the scenic Emiliana Organic Winery where you also get to meet the most adorable alpacas! Talk about Andean charm.

Next taste some sparkling wine at architecturally beautiful Casa Valle Viñamar.  The third wine tasting is at Bodegas RE where you also get to tour the wine cellars and see the traditional clay wine jars. 

Lastly, you can enjoy a high end lunch at Tanino on the terrace of Viña Casas del Bosque.  This place came highly recommended by all of the locals I talked to during my time in Santiago!

It’s an all day wine adventure, lasting about 10 hours. The price starts at $99 per person and depends on how many tastings you’d like to include. This tour has a cap of 13 people to ensure a quality, small group experience.

In my opinion this is one of the very best Santiago day trips you can take.

Click here to book the experience

Getting there on your own:

Roughly a 50 minute drive from Santiago it is possible to drive yourself and visit a few wineries in a day.  However, unless you are traveling with someone willing to be the sober cab I don’t recommend this option. 

Chile has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to drinking and driving and just a single glass of wine can put you over the legal limit.  To me it’s just not worth risking the potential 61-301 day prison sentence.

5. Parque Nacional Rio Clarillo

Escape the summer heat of Santiago with a day trip to the Rio Clarillo National Park.  Find a shady spot near the river for a picnic then jump in the river to cool off!  You’ll likely see local families doing the same, enjoying nature and family time together. 

I chose to go for a hike first to work up a bit of an appetite and to admire the vistas from further up the hills.  I didn’t see any other tourists while I was here, only locals, making it feel like a hidden gem. Make sure to get your national park pass before you go.

Getting there on your own:

Roughly an hour outside of Santiago, renting a car and driving will be the easiest way to get here. Save the location here on Google Maps.

The park is open from 8:30am-2pm Tuesday through Sunday. Click here to buy your national park pass for $3.500 CLP (About $4 USD).

What to bring:

• Your national park pass
• A valid ID (they check at the gate)
• Plenty of water
• Snacks or a picnic lunch
• A bag for trash (Always take everything back out with you when it nature)
• Blanket or towel to sit on
• Swimsuit
• Sunscreen
• Sturdy shoes or hiking boots

6. Take a day trip horseback riding through the Andes

Take a break from the city and witness the majesty of the rugged giants that are the Andes mountains. Really connect with nature by doing it on horseback. As someone who grew up with a horse I am always excited to go for a ride when traveling to a new country!

Ride up through the hills past cacti and beautiful Chilean flora. The horses here might be smaller than many of the ones typical in the United States, but they are bred to be quite nimble with stamina to handle carrying riders through the mountains.

Taking a horseback riding tour:

This private tour is a wonderful day trip from Santiago. It’s only about 3 hours long and starts at 8am, so you’ll still have the entire afternoon and evening for other adventures.

No matter your skill level on horseback, and even if you are a first time rider, they will pair you with a wonderful horse and guide you through the whole experience. In my opinion there is nothing quite like connecting with nature like this on the back of a gentle giant.

The price starts at $159 per person, depending on your group size. A picnic lunch is included along with some Chilean wine to sip too. Definitely don’t want to miss this one!

Book the horseback riding tour here

What to bring:

• Layers in case it’s cooler than in the city
• Sunscreen
• Sturdy closed toe shoes for riding
• Best to wear long pants to avoid chafing

7. Go hiking at Quebrada de Macul

This is an absolute off the beaten path gem!  If you love waterfalls and a good hike like me you don’t want to miss this.  Regardless of how far you feel like hiking you can enjoy a dip in the cool rock pools alongside Chilean locals and their families. 

If you are more adventurous and you hike all the way up along the river you will be rewarded with a series of waterfalls, the last one being the biggest and most impressive.  There are a few steeper uphill climbs and a bit of rock scrambling to get there, but totally worth it in my opinion! The mountain spring water is frigid, so better to work up a sweat before jumping in to cool off. 

A word of caution, always be careful at waterfalls and really assess the situation before you decide to swim near it or under it as they can be incredibly powerful and dangerous with a big risk of drowning.  However, at the time I was here the water was shallow enough for me to walk up to the waterfall and it was light enough that I chose to stand under it. 

You could certainly spend all day here if you wanted and bring a picnic to enjoy, however it’s also possible to fit in in the late afternoon or evening after a day of exploring the city.  I chose the latter. After spending a couple hours hiking to the waterfalls and enjoying a dip in the cold water, I hiked back down just in time to enjoy a beautiful view of the sun setting over the mountains in the distance, with the glittering Santiago below.  

Getting there on your own:

The park is located just on the outskirts of the city which is why it’s easy to.  If you’ve rented a car you can drive near the entrance of the park.

I took an Uber to the adjacent neighborhood and walked into the park with a local friend of mine.  Uber is pretty inexpensive in Chile, so even though it was about a 30 minute ride for me it was quite affordable, like $15 at most.

Google Maps location is here. The park is open Tuesday – Sunday from 8am to 5pm. We were definitely in the park later than that and there weren’t any park rangers walking around asking people to leave.

What to bring:

• Plenty of water to drink
• Any snacks you may want or a picnic
• A bag for trash (Always take everything back out with you when it nature)
• Swimsuit
• A towel 
• Sunscreen 
• Sturdy shoes or hiking boots

8. Soak in the thermal hot springs at El Cajón del Maipo

If cold water isn’t your thing but you’d still love to get out into nature and enjoy the beauty of the Andes then this is the perfect option for you! 

Although I may be a brave soul who will endure frigid mountain lakes and waterfalls (because yolo), there’s still nothing quite like the comfort and warmth of some hot springs.   The water ranges in temperature from about 85-130 degrees F (30-55 degrees C).  

Getting there with a day tour:

One day trip you won’t want to miss from Santiago is this tour to the thermal hot springs of El Cajón del Maipo. This natural gem is nestled in the Andes Mountains and offers a natural escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Not only will you get to soak in the rejuvenating hot springs, but you’ll also be treated to a traditional Chilean BBQ dinner under the stars, accompanied by a variety of local wines. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to admire a stunning waterfall and stop at the House of Chocolate for some sweet treats.

At about $210 per person it’s pricier than some of the other day tours, but worth it for the stunning mountain views in nature’s hot tub. With a maximum group size of 12 travelers, this 10-hour tour ensures an intimate and memorable experience.

Book your hot spring experience here

How to get there by yourself:

If you’re renting a car it is possible to drive yourself to Termas Valle de Colina. Save the location on Google Maps here.

What to bring:

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Layers in case the temperature drops after sunset

9. Get your adrenaline fix paragliding and sand boarding

If you like a little adrenaline then I recommend trying paragliding.  This was the most adventurous day trip I took in Santiago!  I had never been before so I was a little nervous, but as soon as I was in the air I realized how serene and peaceful it can be soaring through the sky with the birds. 

For anyone who isn’t certified to fly alone you will be paired with a skilled and knowledgeable guide who will do the necessary maneuvering to get you up in the air.  Some coordination is required on your part, but they will instruct you on what to do and will give you easy to follow commands. 

Before you know it you will feel your feet leave the ground as you start ascending up into the air.  I enjoyed about 20 minutes of air time before we came back down to the ground.  Again, for landing your guide will instruct you exactly what to do. All you have to do is listen to the commands and follow directions.  

How to do it on a day tour from Santiago:

For the thrill-seekers and adventure lovers, this paragliding tour that includes sandboarding on the Concon dunes is a must-do day trip from Santiago. Not only will you get to fly high above the stunning Chilean coast, but you’ll also have the chance to try your hand at sandboarding down the towering dunes.

And that’s not all- this tour also includes a boat ride to see adorable penguins and sea lions at Zapallar. Fuel up for the adrenaline-packed adventure with the included picnic lunch. Enjoy typical Chilean food and drinks such as empanadas, pebre, fruits, nuts, and the famous pisco sour.

This full day adventure lasting 9-13 hours requires a minimum of 2 passengers to run, but only allows a maximum of 6 passengers for a more personalized and intimate experience. That’s what makes it worth the price of $350 per person.

Get ready for an unforgettable day filled with adrenaline, natural beauty, and delicious Chilean cuisine.

Book your paragliding adventure here

What to bring:

• Sun protection
• Motion Sickness medication if you have a sensitive tummy for paragliding
• Closed toe shoes

Santiago is not just another city to check off your list. It’s a gateway to unforgettable day trips that will leave you with memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re seeking relaxation in thermal hot springs, adventure on the dunes, or a taste of Chilean culture and cuisine, this vibrant city has it all!

If you’re looking for more to do on your trip to Santiago, Chile I’ve got you covered. I’ve got a list of the best things to do in Santiago, or check out my 4 day itinerary that puts the best together for you.

Read more: Top 20 Things To Do in Santiago, Chile

How to spend 4 Days in Santiago, Chile

So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to discover the hidden gems of Santiago! Keep exploring, keep traveling, and keep making unforgettable memories. The world is waiting for you.

Happy exploring, and remember to Be Free and Travel! 🌏✈️

Also, if you like saving money I’ve got some great tips you won’t want to miss. I love getting the best value and saving money when I travel! Now I’m spilling the tea on all my best secrets.

Read more: 31 Best Ways to Save Money on Travel

37 Creative Ways to save Money for a Trip

Disclaimer: Due to changing circumstances, please check with tour operators for the most up-to-date information on availability and safety measures.