blueberry5203

Hello,

I'll be in Santiago for three days later this month (at the beginning and end of my trip to Chile) and I'm hoping to get input on my itinerary- see below for what I was planning to do. I've never been to Santiago before and I want to be sure I don't miss out on key places to visit in the city. I'm staying in Bellavista.

Day 1:
Arrive at the airport at 8:30 am from an overnight flight
-Check out Plaza de Armas and Mercado Central
-Parks and politics bike tour:
Excerpt from bike tour website: We begin with a gentle ride through Santiago´s parks chatting about Chilean culture, education and immigration before diving into the hustle and bustle of downtown to explore General Pinochet´s notorious 1973 political coup and its repercussions. Using Santiago´s beautiful green spaces and lively city center, this tour will show you what an important regional and international political player Chile has been since Independence in 1810.

Day 2:
-Morning bike tour called "Locals´ Life and La Chimba Tour"
I would have done this the first day to get an overview of the city, but it starts an hour after my plane lands...
-Visit Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino OR visit La Chascona
-Check out Cerro San Cristobal


Day 3 (a week later on my way back home):
-wine tour - not sure with what company OR this could be a good day for La Chascona or a museum

I really appreciate your guidance- thank you!

Huentetu

I would do the bike tour you have earmarked for the second day. Instead of the first tour you mention, take a free walking tour (OK you have to tip)the first day. This will give you an excellent introduction to the city and you would see things which you might want to return to (the museum, for instance) on the third day. The tours go am and pm, so you could fit it in the first day.

blueberry5203

That's a great idea- what's the best way to find a free tour?

Huentetu

http://freetoursantiago.cl/portada.html
http://www.spicychile.cl/

blueberry5203

Thanks so much...

blueberry5203

Huentetu, is doing a wine tour a "must" if I'm in the Santiago area? It seems like they all take a day, and I'm not sure I'd want to give up that much time to do it, unless it's a "must do"

Huentetu

I don't think it is a must when you have only a short time to spend. Turistik, the company which runs the hop on hop off bus tours, also does a half day tour to a couple of wineries if you are interested.
http://www.turistik.cl/tours/undurraga-am?lang=en
Personally I would spend the money on a really good wine with my dinner!

blueberry5203

Thanks for your opinion- I think I might leave it off my itinerary just because the trip is short and there's a lot I want to do as is.

blueberry5203

Just wanted to say "Free Tour Santiago" was excellent. The guide was very knowledgeable about the culture and history- and gave a great insider perspective. I highly recommend it. Thanks Huenetu!

Huentetu

How nice of you to come back and report. I am glad it was good.

crosscheck

Hola Blueberry,

Did you end up doing the bike tour as well?