🇨🇱 Santiago · Itinerary
3 Days in Santiago: The Perfect Itinerary
Three days is ideal for first-time Santiago — enough for the historic centre, a wine-valley day and the colourful coast at Valparaíso without rushing. This plan groups things by area so you’re not criss-crossing the city, and it doubles as the perfect warm-up before flying on to Patagonia or Easter Island.
Best for: first-timers, wine lovers, and anyone using Santiago as a springboard to Rapa Nui or Patagonia
Get this as a free, personalised Santiago planWavvia tailors it to your dates, pace, budget and how you travel — solo, couple, family, LGBTQ+, accessibility needs and more.
Day 1: The historic centre & Bellavista
Based around Centro & Bellavista
Morning
Start in the Plaza de Armas — the cathedral, the old post office and the excellent Pre-Columbian Art Museum a block away.
Afternoon
Wander to Lastarria for lunch, then climb leafy Cerro Santa Lucía for your first city-and-Andes view.
Evening
Ride the funicular up Cerro San Cristóbal for sunset over the city, then dinner in bohemian Bellavista.
Day 2: A day in wine country
Based around Maipo or Casablanca Valley
Morning
Head out to the Maipo Valley (about 45 minutes) or Casablanca toward the coast for a morning winery tour and tasting.
Afternoon
A long vineyard lunch and a second bodega — Concha y Toro’s estate in Pirque or a boutique family winery.
Evening
Back in the city, keep it low-key with drinks and dinner in Providencia or Barrio Italia.
Day 3: Valparaíso & the coast
Based around Valparaíso & Viña del Mar
Morning
Day-trip to Valparaíso (about 1.5 hours): ride the historic funiculars and lose yourself in the street-art-covered hills of Cerros Alegre and Concepción.
Afternoon
Lunch with an ocean view, then over to neighbouring Viña del Mar for the beach and gardens.
Evening
Return to Santiago for a farewell seafood dinner at Mercado Central or in Lastarria.
Santiago itinerary tips
- Base yourself in Providencia, Las Condes or Lastarria — central, walkable and the safest areas at night.
- Use the clean, cheap Metro and ride-hailing apps; keep your phone out of sight on the street and on transport.
- Book wine tours and popular winery visits ahead in the December–February high season.
- Pair this with Easter Island: 3 days here plus 4 on Rapa Nui makes a superb week — the only flights to the island leave from Santiago.
Where to stay in Santiago
Compare Santiago hotels in one placeBrowse and compare prices across Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, Hotels.com and more on one map.Santiago itinerary FAQs
Is 3 days enough for Santiago?
Yes — 3 days is a great length to see Santiago's highlights at a comfortable pace. It's best for first-timers, wine lovers, and anyone using Santiago as a springboard to Rapa Nui or Patagonia The plan groups sights by area so each day flows naturally instead of criss-crossing the city.
How should I spend 3 days in Santiago?
Spend it like this: Day 1 is The historic centre & Bellavista (Centro & Bellavista), Day 2 is A day in wine country (Maipo or Casablanca Valley), Day 3 is Valparaíso & the coast (Valparaíso & Viña del Mar). Each day is built around one area to keep walking and transport to a minimum.
Which areas does this Santiago itinerary cover?
It's based around Centro & Bellavista, Maipo or Casablanca Valley, Valparaíso & Viña del Mar — chosen so you explore one part of Santiago per day.
What should I know before visiting Santiago?
Base yourself in Providencia, Las Condes or Lastarria — central, walkable and the safest areas at night.
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