Leveline2014

Hello,
I will be spending 5 days in Chile, landing in Santiago on 13 Feb, and leaving 18 Feb. First time there. I was wondering if anyone can recommend the must do in Santiago and around? Or as I have 5 days, I should add one more location in Chile to visit? Any recommendation would be great! And if you've got any agency contact there? Thanks a lot.

thursdaysd

That's very little time, given how big Chile is. I'd spend a day or two in Santiago and the rest of the time in Valparaiso. Click on my name for my TR. You don't need an agency.

ilovechile

Hi Leveline2014

I would check out Concha Y Toro vineyard. It is in the southern part of Santiago only about 45 minutes from the city center by subway and taxi. They do tours in English and Spanish and for a few pesos more you can do the private VIP tour were you taste 5 different wines with local cheeses and bread.

You should also contact the Green Bicycle company that do a morning and afternoon tour around the city. In one of the tours, I can't remember which, they take you to La Vega which is one of the top 5 open air markets in the world according to the NYT. La Vega is awesome.

You should also get out to Vina and Valparaiso which is only about an hour by bus. There you of course have the beach. Check out Tours4Tips. It is a group of locals that give tours in English and Spanish and they do not charge. You tip them at the end.

February is holiday month in Chile, kids are off from school, a lot of people take their summer holidays which means Santiago is not as crowded, you can move around on the subways pretty easily.

There are a lot of events on in Santiago during your stay check out ilovechile dot com which will help you find a lot of events and give news about Chile in English.

I am not a tour guide, I am from the US and own a couple magazines here in Chile, but if you need any help or further suggestions please feel free to contact me.

I hope you have a fantastic time here in Santiago, this place has an awesome vibe.

All the best

Dan

hilaryblack

I believe that there is a free walking tour departing from the plaza de armas, very informative! I went twice, and both times the guides have been really helpful and personable as well, telling little stories/legends. Also there is an ice cream place called La Rosa (?) it is delicious, definitely go there at least once!

Leveline2014

@ ilovechile - Many thanks! In transit currently in Europe. I flew out from Singapore...so I am half way through the journey. Another 12 hours flight though...Thanks for your advice for Santiago. I'll go ahead and book a hotel there to start with, probably 5 nights there and do day trips then to the vineyard you recommended, as well as Valparaiso and the other places.

@ Hilaryblack - thanks also for the tip re free walking tours. I'll try and find it too

Thanks a heap for responding to my question!

ilovechile

Hi Leveline2014

If you need help or anything or have any questions while you are here do not hesitate to contact me. Just visit the the I Love Chile website in my profile and click on contact us/staff at the top of that page and you will find me at the very top of the list.

All the best, Safe journey

Dan B.