Central Chile Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Valparaiso featuring a city
Wulff Castle which includes heritage elements, a castle and general coastal views
Costanera Center featuring a city and a bridge
Sculpture Park which includes outdoor art, art and a monument
Central Chile

The heart of Chile attracts those eager to ski and hike in the snowcapped Andes, explore rocky river canyons and relax on golden sandy beaches.

Chile’s geographical and cultural heart is home to all the country’s major cities and many of its most impressive sights. Make the modern capital city of SantiagoOpens in a new window your base and take side trips out to famous beach towns, mountain destinations, hot springs and valleys.

Santiago sits in an incredibly beautiful location on a wide plain surrounded by the Chacabuco and Angostura mountains and the snow-covered peaks of the Andes, providing a dazzling backdrop on clear days. Explore the compact historic center with its lively atmosphere, museums and restaurants, tree-filled Plaza de Armas and narrow streets packed with stalls selling everything from fruit to fish.

Choose from a range of landscapes, from mountain ranges to desert to forest, to explore outside of the city. One of the area’s most beautiful natural sights is the Cajón del Maipo, a rocky river canyon carved out of the Andes by the Río Maipo. Venture to nearby valleys and find hot springs and a warm welcome in tiny hamlets.

As well as the fresh air and scenery, there are also great opportunities for outdoor adventure here, with organized hiking, rafting and mountain-biking trips available. Hit the slopes of the modern Valle Nevado Ski Resort in the heart of the Andes.

Central Chile has a lot to offer beach lovers too. Head for the famous coastline around Viña del MarOpens in a new window, one of Chile’s most popular beach cities. Stay in the town to experience its mix of beaches, clubs, casinos and high-rise hotels.

Further north, the port city of ValparaisoOpens in a new window couldn’t be more different, with charming, colorful houses covering the hills that slope down toward the sea. Travel around its steep, cobbled streets by funicular railway and climb its meandering stairways. Valparaiso itself doesn’t have a beach, but the coastline near it boasts a string of tranquil bays with white sandy beaches.

Reach Central Chile by flying to Santiago and then use the good network of buses to explore the region.

Where to stay in Central Chile

Providencia featuring a sporting event, cycling and street scenes

Providencia

Noted for its cafes and shopping, there's plenty to explore in Providencia. Top attractions like Costanera Center and Gran Torre Santiago are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Pedro de Valdivia Station or Los Leones Station to see more of the city.

Providencia
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Las Condes

Cafes, shopping and mountain views highlight some notable features of Las Condes. Make a stop by Alto Las Condes or KidZania Santiago while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Hernando de Magallanes Station or Manquehue Station to get around town.

Las Condes
Santa Lucia Hill showing a pond, a castle and a park

Downtown Santiago

3.5/5(8 area reviews)

Noted for its museums and art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Santiago. Top attractions like Fantasilandia and Palacio de la Moneda are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Toesca Station or O'Higgins Park Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Santiago
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Vitacura

Vitacura is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Santiago Metropolitan Park or CasaPiedra Event and Conference Center.

Vitacura
Lastarria featuring street scenes and café lifestyle as well as a large group of people

Lastarria

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

Travellers come to Lastarria for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Lastarria District and Museo de Artes Visuales while you're in town.

Lastarria
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El Golf

Spend some time visiting places like Apoquindo while getting to know El Golf, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at El Golf Station or Alcantara Station to see more of the area.

El Golf

Popular places to visit

Cities near Central Chile