Tour overview

This 4-day independent short break is an easy way to see Santiago and its surroundings, with hotels, transfers and guided excursions arranged but no tour leader. Local guides lead each activity, travelling by private vehicle, shared minivan and the city's metro, and the rest of the time is yours. Groups are small, with up to 12 travellers aged 15 and over. You stay three nights at a comfortable hotel in Santiago, with three breakfasts and one dinner included, and a complimentary transfer from the airport on arrival.

Santiago spreads across a wide valley beneath the snow-capped Andes, a modern, lively city with a historic heart. On the first full day a local guide takes you by metro into the centre for a walking tour of the Plaza de Armas, the cathedral, the Palacio de la Moneda and the city's markets and hills, followed in the evening by a Chilean Flavours experience, tasting local snacks and drinks such as pisco and empanadas. The city's Mercado Central is famous for its seafood restaurants, and the hills of San Cristóbal and Santa Lucía offer views across the rooftops to the mountains.

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The next day is a full-day trip to the coast. Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of brightly painted houses, street art and funiculars climbing the hills above the Pacific port, once a stop for ships rounding Cape Horn. Next door, Viña del Mar, the Garden City, has beaches, parks and a guided walking tour, before you return to Santiago for dinner.

The programme also includes a winery tour in the Cajón del Maipo, a dramatic valley in the Andes foothills just outside the city, where you learn how Chile's wines are made and taste a selection. On the last day there are no activities planned, so you can explore more of the city, visit a museum or head for the airport.

The physical rating is low. This break suits travellers who want a short, well-organised introduction to Santiago before or after a longer trip in Chile, such as Patagonia or the Atacama, while keeping plenty of freedom. Extra nights can be added before or after.

Trip highlights

  • A walking tour of Santiago's historic centre (Day 2)
  • A Chilean Flavours food and drink evening (Day 2)
  • Colourful Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Day 3)
  • A guided walk in Viña del Mar (Day 3)
  • A winery tour in the Cajón del Maipo
  • An airport arrival transfer

Your route

4 stops from Santiago to Viña del Mar

4-day trip: Santiago – Valparaíso – Viña del Mar – Santiago
  1. Santiago Days 1–4
  2. Cajon del Maipo Day 2
  3. Valparaiso Day 3
  4. Viña del Mar Day 3

Why choose this tour

Santiago, the coast and the wine country in a short break, with local guides and transfers arranged. Plenty of free time, with no tour leader.

Best suited to

  • Travellers adding Santiago to a longer trip
  • Independent travellers who like some structure
  • Food and wine lovers
  • First-time visitors to Chile
Santiago's skyline at dusk

Day-by-day itinerary

4 days from Santiago, Chile to Santiago, Chile

  1. Day 1 · Santiago Arrive in Santiago

    A transfer from the airport to your hotel, with the rest of the day free.

    Hotel
    Hotel
  2. Day 2 · Plaza de Armas, Santiago Santiago

    A guided walking tour of the historic centre, then a Chilean Flavours evening.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Dinner
  3. Day 3 · Valparaíso, Viña del Mar Valparaíso and Viña del Mar

    A full-day trip to the painted hills of Valparaíso and the Garden City of Viña del Mar.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
  4. Day 4 · Santiago Trip ends in Santiago

    No activities are planned, so you can explore more of the city before you leave.

    Meals
    Breakfast
Street art and murals in Valparaíso

Where you stay

  • Santiago (3 nights) Hotel

Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation 3 nights in a Santiago hotel
  • Meals 3 breakfasts and 1 dinner
  • Guided walking tour of Santiago's historic centre
  • Chilean Flavours evening of local snacks and drinks
  • Full-day trip to Valparaíso and Viña del Mar
  • Winery tour in the Cajón del Maipo
  • Arrival transfer from Santiago Airport

Not included

  • Flights
  • Departure transfer
  • Meals not listed
  • Tips, travel insurance and personal spending
The Andes and a lake in the Cajón del Maipo

This trip might not be for you if…

Honest disclaimer — please read

  • You want a tour leader — this is an independent break with local guides
  • You want most meals included — breakfasts and one dinner
  • You want to see Patagonia or the Atacama — this break is around Santiago
  • You want flights included — they are not

Good to know

The beach and coastline at Viña del Mar

Departures & prices

From £573 per person, twin share, tour only. 120 upcoming departures.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book this tour?

Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.

What financial protection do I get?

Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.

Is there a tour leader?

No. This is an independent break. Local guides lead each included activity, and the rest of the time is yours.

When is the winery tour?

The Cajón del Maipo winery tour is included during your stay. Your local team will confirm the day.

Is an airport transfer included?

Yes, on arrival. A departure transfer can be arranged locally.

Can I combine this with Patagonia?

Yes. It works well before or after a Torres del Paine trek or tour. Ask a specialist.

Do I need a visa?

UK visitors do not need a visa for Chile for tourist stays. Check the latest FCDO advice.

How many people travel together?

Up to 12 travellers aged 15 and over on the guided activities.

Can you tailor the trip?

Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.

What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.

ATOL protected 100% financially protected in a Trust bank account PTS 6035 4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option

Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.

If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.

Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary