16 best day trips from Santiago: our tip picks

Santiago sits in a wide valley between the Andes and the coastal mountains, which makes it a convenient base if you want to explore more of central Chile without committing to an overnight trip. With around 7 million people in the metro area, it’s a big city—but you don’t have to go far to see something completely different. The highways are well maintained, public transportation is dependable, and there are plenty of tours if you’d rather not plan it all yourself. Here are the best day trips from Santiago.
 

1. Pomaire pottery village

Distance from Santiago: 37–40 miles (60–65 km)

Pomaire is a small village known for its handmade clay pottery. It’s an easy day trip from Santiago and a good stop if you’re into traditional crafts. The main street is lined with workshops where you can see artisans shaping cookware, decorations, and pig-shaped coin banks called chanchitos de greda, which are meant to bring good luck.

It’s also a good place to grab lunch. The empanadas here are huge—some are over a pound (about 0.5 kg)—and many restaurants serve typical Chilean food in clay dishes. You’ll want around 3–4 hours to walk around, browse the shops, and sit down for a meal. Try to go between Tuesday and Friday if you can. It’s quieter mid-week, and many shops close on Mondays.

How to get to Pomaire

For this Santiago day trip, you can take a bus from Terminal San Borja (connected to Estación Central metro) to Melipilla—they leave often, every 10–15 minutes. 

From there, it’s a short colectivo or local bus ride to Pomaire. A few direct buses go straight to Pomaire too, but they’re less frequent. If you’re driving, take Route 78 toward San Antonio for about 35 miles (57 km) and follow the signs—it’s well marked. Expect the trip to take about 60–90 minutes total, depending on traffic.
 

2. Undurraga or Concha y Toro Wineries (Maipo Valley)

Distance from Santiago: 19–22 miles (30–35 km)

If you want to learn more about Chilean wine, both Concha y Toro and Viña Undurraga are easy to get to from Santiago. Concha y Toro is known for the Casillero del Diablo cellar and the old mansion with its gardens. Undurraga has been around since the 1880s and has a small museum along with the usual vineyard tour.

Tours typically walk you through the vines and the cellars and end with a tasting. Plan for around 3–4 hours if you want to take your time—and maybe include lunch. Some people visit both wineries in one day or add a stop at Doña Paula, a popular restaurant nearby.

How to get to Maipo Valley Wineries

Most people go by car—it’s a straightforward drive south from Santiago and takes about 30–45 minutes. Joining a tour is another option, and that usually includes transport, tastings, and sometimes lunch. Tours usually cost around $70–120 USD, depending on what’s included.

A taxi from downtown Santiago costs roughly 18,000–25,000 pesos each way. You could also take a public bus to a nearby town, but you'd need to sort out the last leg yourself with a taxi or prearranged ride from the winery.
 

3. La Campana National Park

Distance from Santiago: 56–62 miles (90–100 km)

La Campana is a national park between Santiago and Valparaíso, known for its Chilean palms—some grow over 100 feet (30 meters) tall and live for centuries. Darwin climbed the main peak here, Cerro La Campana, back in 1834, and you can still hike that same trail.

There are a few different hikes, including a tough one to the summit, which is just over 6,100 feet (1,880 meters). On clear days, you’ll get views of both the Andes and the Pacific. You might come across wildlife too—condors, small mammals, maybe even a wildcat. 

It’s worth spending at least half a day here, maybe 4–6 hours, especially if you bring food and make a picnic out of it. Spring (September–November) is great for flowers, while fall (March–May) has nice colors and cooler temperatures.

How to get to La Campana National Park

One option is to take the metro to Limache, then a local bus to Olmué, followed by a bus or taxi to the park’s El Granizo entrance. You can also take a bus from Terminal Alameda to La Calera (about 70 minutes), then continue from there. 

If you’re driving, take Route 68 toward Valparaíso and follow the signs to Olmué and the park. It takes about 1.5–2 hours by car. Entry is around 4,000 pesos. Make sure you bring water, sun protection, and proper shoes—the trails can get rocky.
 

4. Portillo Ski Resort and Laguna del Inca

Distance from Santiago: 100 miles (160 km)

Portillo is tucked high up in the Andes, about two hours north of Santiago. Even if you're not into skiing, it's worth the trip for the views alone. The resort sits between 9,450 and 10,925 feet (2,880–3,330 meters) and has a mix of runs and lifts for different skill levels. The bright yellow hotel has a kind of old-school charm, and it's a nice place to stop for lunch.

Right next to the resort is Laguna del Inca, a glacier-fed lake known for its shifting colors — sometimes deep blue, other times green depending on the light. There’s a local legend tied to it about an Incan prince and a broken heart tied to its name. Winter (June to September) is a good time for skiing and snowboarding, while summer is better for hiking or just spending time outside.

It’s best to plan a full day — around 8 to 10 hours round trip — so you’re not rushed. Some guided tours make a stop at a vineyard in the Aconcagua Valley on the way back.

How to get to Portillo Ski Resort

The drive from Santiago is straightforward. Head north on the Los Libertadores Highway, and you’ll climb through the dramatic switchbacks of Los Caracoles Pass. It’s scenic but can be tricky in winter, so snow chains might be necessary. 

If you’d rather not drive, there are day tours from Santiago (around $85–140 USD) that include transport and a guide. Turistik also runs a bus service, though it’s slower — around 4.5 hours — and doesn’t run often. If you’re visiting in winter and driving yourself, keep an eye on road conditions.
 

5. Isla Negra

Distance from Santiago: 70 miles (110 km)

Isla Negra isn’t actually an island — it’s a coastal village that became famous thanks to Pablo Neruda. He built his favorite home here, which you can now visit as a museum. The house is packed with maritime antiques, ship figureheads, bottles, and other odd collections that reflect his love for the ocean.

The coastline is dramatic, with big rock formations and waves that crash against the shore — the kind of scenery that clearly inspired some of his poems. After the museum, you can walk along the beach, browse a few small artisan shops, and grab some seafood at a beachfront restaurant.

How to get to Isla Negra

From Santiago, take a bus from Terminal Alameda to El Tabo — Turbus and Condor Bus both run this route, and it takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. From El Tabo, you can catch a local transfer or taxi to Isla Negra. 

If you’d rather have more flexibility, rent a car and drive via Route 68 — it takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. There are also guided day trips available, and many include a stop at a Casablanca Valley vineyard along the way.
 

6. Santuario de la Naturaleza Yerba Loca

Distance from Santiago: 22 miles (35 km)

Yerba Loca is a protected natural area in the Andes foothills, not far from Santiago. It’s a good option if you want a quiet day outdoors without going too far. There are around 21 miles (34 km) of hiking trails — some easy, others more demanding — that take you through valleys, past streams, and up into high alpine terrain. On a clear day, you can see La Paloma Glacier and the towering El Altar peak, which reaches 17,129 feet (5,222 meters).

There’s a good mix of landscapes — forested lower trails and more rugged terrain as you climb. You might see wildlife like grey foxes or condors, especially early in the morning. Spring and summer are best for hiking, but if you're up for colder weather and snow, winter can be beautiful too.

How to get to Santuario de la Naturaleza Yerba Loca

For this Santiago day trip, you'll drive the G-21 road (Camino a Farellones) until kilometer 25 — the entrance is at Curve 15. It’s about an hour from Santiago. You’ll need your own car, since public transport doesn’t really reach the area. 

From the gate, it’s another 2.6 miles (4.2 km) on a dirt road to Villa Paulina, which is where most hikes start and where you’ll find parking. The park’s open year-round but has seasonal hours: in winter, it’s 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (you need to be out by 6:00 PM), and in summer, same opening time, but you can stay until 8:00 PM.
 

7. San José de Maipo village

Distance from Santiago: 31 miles (50 km)

San José de Maipo is a small town in the foothills southeast of Santiago. It’s got a laid-back mountain feel, with cobbled streets, old adobe buildings, and a few casual places to grab a bite or stay overnight. It’s also the main entry point to Cajón del Maipo, the canyon known for its rivers, thermal springs, and mountain trails.

Most people come through here on their way to hike near El Morado, soak in Termas del Plomo, or check out the bright turquoise water at Embalse El Yeso. There’s also rafting, horseback riding, and some quieter trails if you just want to walk. It works well as a home base if you want to stretch the trip out for a few days—or you can come just for the day if you’re short on time.

How to get to San José de Maipo

If you’ve got a car, this Santiago day trip is about a 1.5-hour drive along Camino al Volcán (G-25). If not, take the metro to Puente Alto and grab a local bus to town—buses run every 20–30 minutes and take around an hour. There’s also a bus from Avenida Matta with a transfer in Puente Alto, though that takes closer to two hours. A lot of tours also include transport, which can be helpful if you’re not renting a car.
 

8. Valparaíso (and Viña del Mar nearby)

Distance from Santiago: 75 miles (120 km)

Valparaíso is one of Chile’s most characterful cities, known for its steep hills, colorful houses, and huge murals. The old funiculars still run, creaking their way up to neighborhoods that look out over the Pacific. It’s a city that draws in artists, students, and anyone looking for something with a little edge.  There are plenty of things to do in Valparaíso.

Just up the coast is Viña del Mar, a much more polished beach town. It’s known for its parks, palm-lined streets, and long stretch of coastline. People come here to walk the beach, visit the flower clock, or have lunch by the water. If you’ve got time, it’s easy to visit both in one day, though staying overnight gives you more space to explore.

How to get to Valparaíso and Viña del Mar

Buses leave every 15–20 minutes from Terminal Alameda and Pajaritos in Santiago. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and costs around $5–9 USD. 

Once you’re there, you can switch between the two cities easily—either by metro (15 minutes) or local bus. Driving takes about the same amount of time, and Route 68 is pretty straightforward. A lot of day tours include both cities, sometimes with a winery stop in Casablanca Valley if you're into that.
 

9. Casablanca Valley wine region

Distance from Santiago: 50 miles (80 km)

Casablanca is a cool-climate wine region about an hour from Santiago, best known for Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. The vineyards sit between the coast and the mountains, which means cooler air and a slower ripening season—good for wines that need a bit more finesse.

Most people make a day of it. You’ll usually spend a few hours visiting a couple wineries, sampling a few glasses, and maybe sticking around for lunch. 

The views are great, and the pace is slow, which is part of the draw. It’s also not too far from Valparaíso, so you can link the two if you’re driving.

How to get to Casablanca Valley

For this Santiago day trip, you’ll just head west from Santiago on Route 68. Most of the wineries are signposted and not far off the highway.

Buses go to the town of Casablanca, but they won’t help much once you’re there—so it’s better to rent a car or join a tour. Most wine tours from Santiago handle all the logistics, including pick-up, so you can relax and not worry about driving after tastings. 
 

10. Parque Mahuida (La Reina district)

Distance from Santiago: 9 miles (15 km)

Parque Mahuida is an easy way to get into nature without leaving Santiago. It’s up in the foothills of the Andes in the La Reina district, and it gives you a real feel for the landscape around the city—scrubby forest, steep trails, and views back over the valley. 

You’ve got options here: hiking, ziplining, a rodelbahn (a kind of downhill track), and even paintball. If you’re coming with kids or just want to take it slow, there’s a small farm, picnic areas, and horseback riding too. Since it’s close by, most people spend about 3 to 4 hours here and then head back into the city.

How to get to Parque Mahuida

Driving from central Santiago, follow Avenida Larraín east until it turns into Avenida Alcalde Fernando Castillo Velasco—keep going until you hit number 11095. 

If you’re on public transit, take the Metro to Plaza Egaña and then bus D02, or go to Príncipe de Gales and catch bus D18. Both stop near Álvaro Casanova, close to the entrance. The park’s open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and there’s a small entry fee.
 

11. Cajón del Maipo and El Yeso Reservoir

Distance from Santiago: 43 miles (70 km)

Cajón del Maipo is a go-to day trip if you want to be in the mountains. The drive alone is worth it—twisting roads, deep canyons, and river views most of the way. El Yeso Reservoir is one of the main draws. The water is bright turquoise and surrounded by peaks, and it’s a good place to hang out for a bit and take a walk or just enjoy the view. 

You’ll find places to hike or ride horses, and some people add a visit to nearby hot springs. It’s a full-day trip, usually 8 to 10 hours round-trip, especially if you stop in towns like San José de Maipo along the way.

How to get to Cajón del Maipo

Head southeast from Santiago through Puente Alto and follow Camino al Volcán (G-25) for this Santiago day trip. Once you get to San José de Maipo, it’s about 45 more minutes to the reservoir—some of that road is unpaved and narrow, so take it slow. If you’ve got a rental car and are confident driving in the mountains, it’s doable. Otherwise, a guided tour can be a good option. 

Public buses can get you to San José de Maipo, but beyond that, you’ll need a different way to reach the reservoir. Most tours include transport, stops at viewpoints, and a guide.
 

12. Rancagua and Sewell Mining Town

Distance from Santiago: 56 miles (90 km) to Rancagua, 93 miles (150 km) to Sewell

This one’s for anyone curious about Chilean history or industrial heritage. Sewell is a former mining town high in the Andes, built into a steep slope with staircases instead of roads. It was once home to thousands of workers at El Teniente, the world’s largest underground copper mine. Founded in 1905 by an American company, Sewell is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can still walk through the original housing, school, and other buildings. You’ll start in Rancagua, a smaller city with its own history, then head up into the mountains to explore Sewell. Since it’s not easy to reach and tours take time, you’ll want to block out a full day—usually 10 to 12 hours door to door.

How to get to Rancagua and Sewell

Getting to Rancagua is straightforward—just catch a bus from Santiago’s Terminal O’Higgins, and you’ll be there in about 90 minutes. Visiting Sewell is more involved since it’s inside mining territory. 

You can’t go on your own, but there are guided tours from both Santiago and Rancagua. Groups like Fundación Sewell handle the permits and transport and walk you through the town’s history. These usually run on weekends and need to be booked in advance. Expect a winding drive with plenty of views as you climb into the mountains.
 

13. Termas de Colina

Distance from Santiago: 62 miles (100 km)

About 62 miles (100 km) southeast of Santiago, Termas de Colina is a laid-back place to spend a day in the mountains. The hot springs are set in a row of natural terraces, with nine outdoor pools built up from mineral deposits. 

Water temperatures vary between 77°F and 131°F (25°C to 55°C), depending on the pool, and the heat comes straight from underground activity around the nearby San José Volcano.

You’ll want to bring everything you need—snacks, lunch, water, sunscreen, and a towel. There’s no Wi-Fi or cell service, and no shops or cafes once you’re up there. Most people stay for 3–4 hours, either soaking or relaxing by the pools with a picnic. It’s especially quiet during the week.

How to get to Termas de Colina

For this Santiago day trip, head out from Santiago along Route G-25 toward Cajón del Maipo. Keep going past San José de Maipo, then follow the road toward Baños Morales. 

The last 6 miles (10 km) are unpaved and can be rough, especially in winter. A 4x4 is a safer bet if you’re driving. There are also tours from Santiago that include transport and entry. The whole trip takes around 2 to 2.5 hours each way. You need to arrive before 6 PM to get in, but once you’re there, the pools are open around the clock.
 

14. Parque Natural Aguas de Ramón (paleontological route)

Distance from Santiago: 9 miles (15 km)

This park is only 9 miles (15 km) from downtown, but it feels much further out. Parque Natural Aguas de Ramón stretches out over 8,940 acres (3,620 hectares) in the Andes foothills and is one of the easier places to reach if you want a half-day hike with a bit of variety. 

The paleontological route is about 2.3 miles (3.7 km) and fairly easy, taking you past the site where fossils of the Stegomastodon were uncovered. Along the way, you'll pass native forests, hanging bridges, and small waterfalls.

If you're lucky, you might spot condors overhead. Expect to spend 2–3 hours on the trail. It’s good for kids, casual hikers, or anyone wanting a quick nature break without leaving the city behind for too long. You can also check out the Los Peumos trail or the longer hike to Salto de Apoquindo if you want to stay out longer.

How to get to Parque Natural Aguas de Ramón

Make your way to La Reina. By public transport, take the D18 or D08 bus to Plaza La Reina, then walk about 25 minutes along Onofre Jarpa Avenue to reach the entrance. Or take the metro to Príncipe de Gales and then the 412 bus to the intersection of Príncipe de Gales and Valenzuela Llanos. 

From there, it’s a short walk. If you're driving, head to Álvaro Casanova or Onofre Jarpa—parking is available at the gate. The park opens daily, but keep in mind that the last entry is at 1:00 PM and it closes at 5:00 PM.
 

15. Reserva Nacional Río Clarillo

Distance from Santiago: 28 miles (45 km)

Just under an hour southeast of Santiago, Río Clarillo National Reserve is a good choice if you're looking for a full day outdoors. The reserve protects over 32,580 acres (13,185 hectares) of native forest and river valley, with plenty of plant and animal life. One of the most popular places inside the park is Rodeo de las Yeguas, where the Clarillo River forms natural pools that are great for cooling off on hot days.

There are several trails, including one called Sendero Quebrada Jorquera that includes interpretive signs pointing out native species and explaining the landscape. You might see Chilean woodpigeons, iguanas, or even foxes if it’s quiet enough. 

It’s a relaxed place to walk, have lunch, and spend a few hours. Most people stay 4–6 hours. Try to arrive early—the park limits daily visitors and closes at 5:00 PM.

How to get to Reserva Nacional Río Clarillo

For this Santiago day trip, you’ll drive south from Santiago on Route 5 or take Avenida Vicuña Mackenna (which becomes Avenida Concha y Toro in Puente Alto). After crossing the Maipo River, head through Pirque and follow signs to El Principal. 

The first 20 miles (32 km) are paved, but the last 8 miles (13 km) are gravel. You can also reach the park by bus from Metro Las Mercedes in Puente Alto. The trip takes about an hour by car. Make sure to buy your entry ticket in advance through the CONAF website, since they won’t let you in once the limit is reached. Gates open at 8:30 AM, and final entry is at 1:00 PM.
 

16. Baha'i Temple

Distance from Santiago: 7 miles (11 kilometers)

Just outside Santiago in the foothills of Peñalolén, the Baha’i Temple sits quietly above the city, about a 20-minute drive from the center. It opened in 2016 and is the only Baha’i temple in South America. 

The building has a unique, petal-like structure made of cast glass and Portuguese marble, which changes slightly in appearance depending on the light and time of day. The space is open to everyone, no matter their background or beliefs, and is meant to be a quiet place to reflect or pray. Inside, it holds up to 600 people, but it rarely feels crowded.

The surrounding grounds cover nearly 200 acres (80 hectares) and were designed by Chilean landscape architect Juan Grimm. You’ll find native plants, peaceful walking paths, and hillside views over Santiago—especially striking when the sky is clear. There are nine different paths leading toward the temple, in line with the Baha’i principle of unity. Most people spend about 1–2 hours here, wandering the gardens and sitting in silence inside the temple. 

How to get to Baha’i Temple

Take Metro Line 4 to Grecia station, then grab bus 506, 507, or 510 to Diagonal Las Torres. From there, it’s a bit of an uphill walk along Álvaro Casanova—manageable, but you can also take a taxi for the last stretch if needed. Driving takes about 19 minutes from downtown. 

The entrance is at Diagonal Las Torres 2000. There’s a parking area at the base, and you can either climb over 150 steps or take the gradual, accessible path up. It’s open every day and completely free to visit.