The Perfect 1 Week Santiago Itinerary (2025): What to Do, Eat & Explore

What if we told you that in just one week, you could sip wine at a historic vineyard, hike a volcano, get lost in colorful coastal cities, and end your day with rooftop views over the Andes? Santiago, Chile is that kind of place—a base for unforgettable day trips, high-energy adventures, and slow moments in leafy parks and stylish cafés.

We spent 7 full days exploring Santiago and its surroundings, mixing wine tastings, street art, glacier-fed reservoirs, and mountain hikes into a trip that was somehow both chill and packed with wow moments. This guide shares our exact itinerary, plus tips, food recs, and activity options if you're more into slow travel than summit views (or vice versa). Whether you're a foodie, nature-lover, or just here for the views, this 1 week Santiago itinerary is designed to give you the best of central Chile—without rushing it.

Map of our one week Satiago itinerary

🧭 1 Week Santiago Itinerary Overview

Here's how we broke down our 7 days in and around Santiago:

Each day is flexible—swap in alternative activities, add more time in nature, or build in slow mornings. The beauty of Santiago is how easy it is to mix city life with wild landscapes, all within an hour or two from downtown.

We kicked off our Santiago trip by diving straight into the city's historic heart—Barrio Lastarria. It's full of charm with cobbled streets, street art, and a laid-back vibe that makes it perfect for exploring on foot. From there, you can easily walk to iconic spots like Plaza de Armas and Casa de la Moneda, both of which give you a great sense of the city's colonial past.

If you want to get your bearings early, there's a free walking tour that covers all these highlights in just two hours. It's a great way to kick off the trip if you're into guided intros—and it leaves you plenty of time for everything else the day has in store.

La Moneda Palace, one of Santiago’s most iconic historic buildings, right in the heart of the city.

After the walk, Wonderland Café is a perfect brunch stop. This place is decked out in full Alice in Wonderland flair across three whimsical floors. We went for the yogurt bowl and hotcakes—super fresh and beautifully plated.

If brunch isn't in your plans, lunch at Patio Bellavista is a great alternative. It's got a buzzing atmosphere with tons of options, from Chilean classics to international bites. We also loved it for dinner—great food, fun energy, and ideal for unwinding after a packed day.

In the afternoon, head over to Cerro Santa Lucía. It's a short climb but gives you a great little escape into greenery and fountains with city views from the top. There's a bit of history scattered throughout, and the castle-like lookout makes for some fun photos.

From first to last: Wonderland Café’s quirky interior, the colorful vibe of Patio Bellavista, and the epic panoramic views from Sky Costanera.

We wrapped up the day at Sky Costanera, the tallest building in Latin America. The elevator ride to the top is worth it alone—it's so fast your ears might pop—but the 360° panoramic views are where it's at. We didn't catch sunset ourselves (timing didn't quite line up), but even in daylight, it was jaw-dropping to see the entire city stretch out beneath us. If you can time it for sunset, even better.

Day two was all about slowing down a little and soaking in the beauty of Santiago's surroundings—starting with wine (because obviously).

We booked a half-day tour to Concha y Toro winery, one of Chile's most iconic vineyards. The estate itself is stunning, and what really stood out to us was the villa—formerly the summer house of the winery's founding family. Walking around the gardens and hearing a bit about the winery's history made it feel like more than just a wine tasting stop. The tour took about two hours and included a visit to the old cellars, a peek into the Casillero del Diablo legend, and tastings of a few of their signature wines (yes, we brought a couple bottles back).

From legendary wine cellars to sunlit vines and a historic villa—Concha y Toro is more than just a wine tasting stop.

Since we planned to drink, we took an Uber instead of driving—super easy and about an hour from the city center. After the tour, you can either have lunch at the vineyard's restaurant, which has a shaded terrace and a nice wine-friendly menu, or head back into the city if you're ready for a change of scenery.

In the afternoon, we made our way to Cerro San Cristóbal, one of the city's largest green spaces and a must-do in Santiago. You can ride the funicular or take the cable car—both are scenic and fun in their own right. We rode up and walked a portion of the way down, which made for a nice, easy loop without too much effort.

At the top, you'll get sweeping views of the city (if the weather's clear) and find a few laid-back cafés and kiosks selling empanadas, mote con huesillo, and other local snacks. We just grabbed a drink and found a shady spot to chill for a bit—it's the kind of place where you can do a lot or just enjoy the breeze and the views.

Ride the cable car and soak in sweeping views of the city and Andes from the top of Cerro San Cristóbal.

To close out the day, we had dinner at Malva Loca, a cozy spot with tapas-style plates and a modern vibe that still feels super relaxed. After a day of wine, greenery, and gentle wandering, it was the perfect place to kick back and toast to a slower pace.

By day three, we were ready to swap city streets for ocean breeze—and a day trip to Viña del Mar and Valparaíso was just what we needed.

We rented a car for this one, but if you don't feel like driving, there are some great guided tours that make the trip super smooth. This Valparaíso + Viña del Mar day trip with lunch is a solid option if you want everything bundled together, and this coastal tour from Santiago covers all the essentials if you prefer to skip the logistics.

We started off in Viña del Mar, which has a completely different vibe from Santiago—more laid-back, more breeze, and definitely more palm trees. First stop? The flower clock (Reloj de Flores), which is touristy but cute. Then we wandered into Quinta Vergara, home of the Viña del Mar Festival. Even if there's no event happening, the amphitheater is a cool spot to visit and walk through.

From lush gardens to oceanfront castles, Viña del Mar brings the breezy, elegant side of Chile’s coast to life.

For lunch, we sat down at Ristorante San Marco, and it was an absolute highlight. The service was lovely and the "Tris de Ases"—a trio of pastas with three different sauces—was the kind of dish you think about later and get hungry all over again. Highly recommend if you're in the area.

After lunch, we made our way to Valparaíso, which is a total contrast to Viña. It's colorful, loud, and a little chaotic—in the best way. One big tip: we tried driving up into the hills and instantly regretted it. The streets are super narrow, very steep, and parking was an absolute nightmare. If we did it again, we'd definitely leave the car closer to the coast and just explore on foot—it's way more enjoyable that way.

Valparaíso is packed with street art and murals, and some of the painted staircases and corners are truly iconic. We spent the afternoon just wandering, camera in hand, getting a little lost (on purpose). Toward the end of the day, we stopped at a small café with a view over the city and the port, and it was the perfect way to wind down.

Wandering Valparaíso means getting lost in color—painted stairs, street art on every wall, and creativity around every corner.

It was a full day, but a memorable one—Viña del Mar for the coastal charm, and Valparaíso for the character and color. A perfect combo if you want to see two very different sides of Chile, all in one trip.

After a couple of jam-packed days, Day 4 was all about slowing down. Santiago is great for adventure and sightseeing, but it also knows how to chill—and we leaned into that energy hard.

We started the morning with a walk through Parque Bicentenario, one of the most peaceful green spaces in the city. It's spacious, beautifully kept, and perfect for just wandering without a plan. There's a small lagoon with flamingos, shaded benches, and plenty of space if you want to bring a book or just people-watch. We didn't rush anything—just strolled, sipped coffee, and enjoyed the quiet.

Mornings at Parque Bicentenario are pure calm—flamingos, quiet lagoons, and a perfect spot to reset mid-trip.

Depending on your mood, you can pair the morning with a museum visit—we'd suggest either the Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos, which covers Chile's dictatorship history in a powerful and moving way, or the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino, which has beautifully curated exhibits on indigenous cultures across Latin America. Both are well done and don't require a full day, making them great add-ons for a slower itinerary.

In the afternoon, we headed to Parque Arauco, one of the nicer malls in Santiago and a solid combo of shopping + food. Whether you're after international brands, a local SIM card, or just a solid lunch in air conditioning, this place delivers. There's also an open-air section with restaurants that has a more upscale, relaxed feel than your average mall food court. Even if shopping isn't on your list, it's a nice space to walk around and people-watch.

To wrap things up, we grabbed dinner at Brunapoli, a spot we'd been eyeing for a few days. It's Italian-style, cozy, and serves up seriously good pizza. If you're craving carbs after walking all day, this is the place.

After so many hills, murals, and day trips, Day 4 was exactly what we needed: light on logistics, easy on the feet, and full of good food. Highly recommend building in a "pause" day like this one—it makes the whole trip feel more balanced.

By day five, we were craving some fresh air and mountain views—and Cajón del Maipo delivered. This region is perfect for nature lovers, and the drive to Embalse El Yeso is one of the most scenic routes you can do from Santiago.

We drove ourselves and loved having the flexibility, but fair warning: the road is narrow, a bit rough in sections, and shared with big trucks. If you're not confident behind the wheel (or just want a stress-free day), it's worth booking a tour like this one with picnic and wine.

From roaring waterfalls to still, blue glacial lakes—Cajón del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso are a nature lover’s dream just outside Santiago.

Once you arrive at the reservoir, the view hits you all at once—turquoise water surrounded by jagged peaks, with not much else around. It's quiet, a little wild, and absolutely stunning. We brought a picnic and found a flat spot with views of the lake—there aren't really facilities out there, so having your own food is key. It's the kind of place where you lose track of time just staring out at the landscape.

If you're looking for a slightly more relaxed drive (and a shorter day), another option is Portillo and Laguna del Inca, which is just as scenic in a different way. We visited on this tour during the off-season, and it was wonderfully quiet—we had time to just sit by the lake and take it all in. Heads up though: during ski season, it gets busy and you'll be sharing the road and lookout points with a lot more people.

By the time we got back to Santiago, we were happily exhausted. If you've still got some energy to burn, a gentle stroll through Parque Araucano is a great way to close out the day—it's peaceful, has a small rose garden, and feels like a deep breath after a mountain day.

Or… if you're totally done walking (we get it), we highly recommend heading straight to Brussels Heart of Chocolate for a warm, gooey chocolate fondue. After a chilly day outdoors, it hit the spot—and yes, we ate the whole thing.

After a few days of road trips and relaxed walks, Day 6 was our chance to really move. If you're into mountains, views, and earning your dinner (we are 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️), this was the day to lace up and go.

Santiago is surrounded by mountains, and the hiking scene here is seriously underrated. There are trails for all kinds of fitness levels, but we wanted something with a bit of a challenge and a big payoff. Depending on your vibe (and how sore your legs are feeling), here are a few great options:

• Cerro El Pintor – This is the real deal. It's a high-altitude, all-day type of hike with epic panoramic views at the top. The last stretch is steep and exposed, so it's not for beginners—but if you're up for it, it's incredibly rewarding. Bring plenty of water and start early.
• Cerro Las Canoitas – This one's longer and less popular, which honestly made it more enjoyable. We barely saw other people, and the views are still amazing. It's a bit of a hidden gem if you want solitude without sacrificing scenery.
• Manquehuito – Shorter, more accessible, and still delivers on views. It's a popular option because it's so close to the city—you can even squeeze it in as a morning hike if you're short on time.

From first to last: panoramic city views from Cerro Las Canoitas, rugged terrain and moody clouds near the summit of Cerro El Pintor, and a glowing sunset over Manquehuito—each hike with its own vibe, all within reach of Santiago.

Whichever trail you choose, come prepared. We packed snacks, tons of water, and a few layers because the weather can change fast—sunny one minute, chilly and windy the next. Hiking here feels like a real adventure: raw landscapes, no crowded trails, and just enough altitude to make you feel like you've earned every view.

After the hike, we were absolutely starving. Enter: Panchita. It's a Peruvian fusion spot and one of our favorite meals in Santiago. The menu is full of bold flavors, huge portions, and dishes that feel like a hug after a day in the mountains. Trust us—this is the kind of dinner that hits different when your legs are tired and your phone's full of summit photos.

We went to bed that night tired in the best way possible—and a little proud of ourselves too.

Our last day in Santiago was a choose-your-own-adventure kind of day—and we love that about this city. Whether you want to go out with a bang (literally, a volcano trek) or just take it slow, there's a perfect way to close out your trip.

For the hikers-at-heart, Volcán San José is an unforgettable final challenge. The trek is about 8km round trip, with a moderate incline and nonstop mountain views the whole way. We booked this guided tour, which includes transport and a guide, and it was 100% worth it—not just for logistics, but for all the context you get along the way. You'll hike past rivers, through valleys, and end up with front-row views of this massive stratovolcano that towers over the region. It felt wild, quiet, and a little surreal—definitely a trip highlight if you're up for one more adventure.

Scenes from the Volcán San José trek: snowy ridges, glacial streams, and raw Andean beauty that makes every step worth it.

If you're more in the mood for recovery and relaxation, you've got options too. One of the most unique is a visit to the Baños Colina hot springs, tucked into the Andes and surrounded by nothing but nature. We didn't make it this time, but this tour makes it super easy and gets amazing reviews. Imagine soaking in naturally warm, mineral-rich pools with a view of the mountains… yeah, sounds like a great way to end a trip.

And of course, if your feet are just done (totally fair), spend the day café-hopping, browsing a local market, or booking yourself a little spa time. Santiago's got great coffee, and even just wandering around your favorite neighborhoods one last time can be the perfect slow send-off.

Before you call it a wrap, we'd suggest catching one last sunset from a viewpoint—whether it's Cerro San Cristóbal, Cerro Santa Lucía, or even just a rooftop bar with a view. There's something about that final golden hour light hitting the Andes that makes you want to start planning your return trip before you've even packed.

A week in Santiago flies by when your days are packed with rooftop views, coastal adventures, and mountain air. Whether you're sipping Carménère under the sun or trekking volcanic trails, Santiago delivers an unforgettable mix of culture, cuisine, and wild landscapes. Adapt this itinerary to your pace—adventurous or relaxed—and make the most of your 7 days in one of South America's most vibrant cities.

Want to save this guide for later? Bookmark it—or better yet, start packing. 🇨🇱

🕐 Is 7 days enough to see Santiago and the surrounding areas?

Yes! A full week in Santiago is perfect to balance urban exploration with day trips to nature and the coast. You'll have time to walk through historic neighborhoods, hike in the Andes, visit nearby wine valleys, and even relax at hot springs—all without rushing.

🚗 Do I need a car to follow this itinerary?

Not necessarily. For in-city activities, you can get around using Uber, the metro, or walking. For day trips like Cajón del Maipo, Valparaíso, or Embalse El Yeso, we used a rental car on some days and booked tours with transportation on others. We've linked tour options throughout this post if you prefer not to drive.

🥾 What's the best hike near Santiago for first-timers?

If you're up for a challenge, Cerro El Pintor offers incredible views and that "wow I really did this" feeling. For something shorter, try Manquehuito, which is close to the city and still delivers on views. We break down our favorites on Day 6.

🍷 Can I visit a winery without renting a car?

Yes! We visited Concha y Toro and booked a half-day tour with transport included (linked in the Day 2 section). Many vineyards around Santiago are accessible this way, and we definitely recommend skipping the car if you plan to drink.

🧳 What should I pack for Santiago in one week?

Layers are key. Mornings and evenings can be chilly—especially in the mountains—while the days can get sunny and warm. Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sun protection (hat + SPF)
• A light jacket or fleece
• Reusable water bottle
• And a small daypack for hikes and day trips

🌦️ When's the best time to visit Santiago?

Spring (September–November) and fall (March–May) are ideal for mild temperatures and clear skies. Summer (December–February) can be hot and busy, while winter (June–August) is great if you want to combine city time with skiing in the Andes.