Hi! We will be hiking the W trek in Patagonia Jan 26-30. We have 2 days before the trek to sightsee in Santiago. I wanted to seek advice on tours, short hikes, and the best way to see the city in that time. I've looked at Viator tours and most seem to be 10 hour duration or longer, which is too long for us. We are willing to venture out a little but not for that long, particularly before the long hiking days to conserve some energy but stay active. We are staying in Providencia. Thanks so much.

Possibly the tours you see on Viator are combining wine tasting and a trip to Valparaiso, that's what a lot of tourists are looking for.

There are companies that do daily tip based tours, I used Tours4Tips in Valparaiso a long time ago and they are still in business. Meeting place for both Santiago tours is the Museo Bellas Artes (off beat tour sounds more interesting to me).

Some free City Walking Tours but if they are in Chilean Spanish you won't understand the dialect!
https://www.santiagoturismo.cl/en/fr...y-of-santiago/

You may want to browse this website if interested in mural art in Santiago. I don't believe they are free but might work for you. Or you can just wander around Bellavista.
https://www.stgostreetart.com/

There is one Neruda house in Santiago, La Chascona, but honestly it was my least favorite. However you can combine it with walking around Bellavista.

Thank you so much for the information. The walking tours look great that you suggested- all great suggestions and I will follow up on all of them!

Please do report back, I'll be there with a free day in early March.

I have flagged the restaurant Chilean Brunch for a visit.
https://toteat.app/r/cl/Chilean-Brun...2/checkin/menu