debalyin

Does anyone have any suggestions on what to see/do in santiago. We are there for four days. Has anyone done a fabulous day excursion to a winery or the beach?

helenoftroy

did you search on the forum? Try: santiago, valparaiso, vina del mar, maipo.

Percy

If you are there for 4 days ,then you will have lots of time to see Santiago.

Here is some of the do not miss places:

1.Cerro Santa Lucia ( A nice baroque style park with great architectural buildings, almost down town area)

2. San Cristobal Hill.. you can take the Tram up here and the view over the city of Santiago are great.

There is white statue of the Virgin Mary at the top of San Cristobal Hill.
(just below the Hill is the Sheraton Hotel)

3. Then go to the "Old "part of Santiago and see the lovely buildings.
They are all around "Plaza des Armes" and Santiago Constituional Plaza.

Here you will see :

The Government Palace
Santiago Cathedral
St.Augustine Church
Santiago Theatre

Santiago is divided in half almost by the River Mapocho.
The river looks like it is starting to dry up a little.


Then I would hire a guide and have him take you to the Wine Country on your way to Valparaiso and onto Vin del Mar.

Valparaiso is the port city and the Congress was moved here from Santiago by Pinochet ( remember him!!)
See the Congress building it is unique with a square "hole" in the middle !!!!

Vaparaiso and Vin del Mar area are almost fused into one.

Both city are along a curve of the Pacific Ocean.

In Vina del Mar you must see the Casion building..it is gorgeous and right along the ocean drive.

You could hire a guide in Santiago to tour you around,this way you will see more.

Here is a good tour guide for you to e-mail.

His name is Victor Miranda and he was born and lives in Santiago.

[email protected]

If he is busy during the days of your stay , then one of his tour guide friends can help you.

Have a great time
Percy

Tazzyjo

Hello,

This may be too late, but for anyone else too, do a city bike tour. Santiago isn't the first place you'd think of doing one but it certainly livens up the few days you'll have there looking at museums.

I don't know if there are others but I did one with a group called La bicicleta verde (www.labicicletaverde.com) and it was definitely one of the highlights of my weekend. It's like a walking tour but in my opinion more interesting. It's completely safe and even if you're like me and haven't ridden in years it's not in the least bit scary. I did one in the morning and it was focussed on culture/people/idiosyncracy etc and not just staring at dull buildings. I think they have another one which is more historical.

Three hours well spent.

Have fun whatever you do, it's a great city!

ridlee

I would suggest doing a daytrip into curico. I would do a wine tour of Miguel Torres and have lunch there. They have a wonderful 3 course lunch for only $20. The town of curico is very nice as well. They have a beautiful plaza just to sit and watch the people in.

pep

Any recommendations on hotels in Santiago? Are there any in Bellavista? Providencia?

JaneB

We loved the San Francisco. Also,they offer day trips to all of the popular destinations.

quimbymoy

i also enjoyed a day touring concha y toro's winery. they give a nice tour.