8 Exciting Day Trips from Santiago Chile – Coast to Andes

We love Chile’s vibrant capital, but sometimes it’s nice to get out of the rush of the city and enjoy one of our favourite day trips from Santiago.

Santiago’s proximity to both mountains and coast makes it uniquely positioned for a variety of adventures. From hiking in the Andes to exploring the bustling streets and colourful murals of coastal towns, each excursion brought us closer to the heart of this captivating country.

Join us as we share our top picks for day trips from Santiago, promising a blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation.

Our suggested day trips from Santiago are featured on the map and include:

• Head to the coast: Valparaiso, Viña del Mar, or Isla Negra
• Explore the Andes: Cajon del Maipo or Embalse el Yeso
• Pomaire
• La Campana National Park
• Isla de Maipo

Coastal day trips from Santiago

Valparaiso

Known for its bohemian culture, vibrant street art, and steep hillsides lined with colourful houses, Valparaíso is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a rich historical narrative and an artistic atmosphere.

But much more than that, Valparaiso is fun. Jeff and loved our time there, and I can’t wait to go back. I don’t know if it’s the laid-back, friendly people, the colourful streets, or the eclectic architecture, but something got me to fall in love with this city built on hills. Although it tops our list of day trips from Santiago, the reality for us was that we stayed for days. We even took a tasty Chilean cooking class in Valparaiso.

Valparaiso is a 1 hour 50 minute drive from Santiago

Viña del Mar

We found Viña del Mar to be equally fascinating as nearby Valparaiso without the high energy. In fact, we loved our time in Chile’s “Garden City,” which earned its moniker for its many lush parks and green spaces. Viña del Mar is a coastal oasis.

Jeff and I spent our time exploring the city’s history, lounging on its golden beaches, strolling through its botanical gardens, and indulging in its renowned seafood cuisine. While we said we stayed in Valparaiso for nearly a week, the reality is that our apartment was in Viña del Mar.

Viña del Mar is a 1 hour 40 minute drive from Santiago

Read next: 17 Fascinating Things to Do in Valparaiso and Viña del Mar

Isla Negra

It is home to one of the celebrated Chilean poet Pablo Neruda’s three houses, which is now a museum. The whimsical house, designed by Neruda himself, is filled with collections of maritime artefacts and boasts stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, which clearly influenced his work.

We also enjoyed exploring the nearby beach and sampling the local seafood, which is some of the freshest and most delicious in the region.

Isla Negra is a 1 hour 40 minute drive from Santiago

Getting to the coast – should I drive or take one of the day tours from Santiago

We had our own rental car, which we picked up in La Serena and returned to Santiago. If you don’t have a car, don’t want to drive in Chile, or just prefer the benefits that come from having a guided tour and someone else to do the planning and driving, don’t miss these Valparaiso day tours from Santiago:

• Valparaíso, Viña del Mar and Neruda Museum
  This 10-hour tour takes in a lot. If it’s your only chance to get here and you only have one day, it seems perfect and is rated extremely high by past participants. The tour meeting point is in Santiago’s Las Condes neighbourhood. From here, the first stop is wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley, then onto the Neruda museum in Valparaiso, “La Sebastiana”, a walking tour of Valparaiso, and finally the famous flower clock in Viña del Mar. Reserve your Valparaíso, Viña del Mar and Neruda Museum tour here.
• Valparaiso port and Vina del Mar full-day tour
  If you want more time in Valparaiso without a Neruda museum visit, then this is the tour for you. Read the tours for the details, as this one takes in a lot and hits most of our favourite spots in each city. As a bonus, it also stops to see a genuine Moai brought from Easter Island in 1951. Reserve your Valparaiso port and Vina del Mar full-day tour from Santiago here.

Day trips from Santiago into the Andes

Cajon del Maipo

Cajón del Maipo is an escape into the natural wonders of Chile.

From hiking and horseback riding to thermal springs and picnic spots beside the Maipo River, this destination provides a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation at the foothills of the Andes Mountains.

It’s easy to get here with one of the day tours from Santiago. Our top pick is this highly-rated 9-hour tour that visits four vineyards. Note that a lunch stop is included, but lunch is not included in the price. Reserve your Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 vineyards from Santiago here.

Cajón del Maipo is a 1 hour 30 minute drive from Santiago

Embalse El Yeso

A high-altitude, tranquil reservoir surrounded by towering Andean peaks offering peaceful reflections of cerulean skies, Embalse El Yeso is often considered one of the most breathtaking destinations in Chile. It boasts a crystal-clear mountain reservoir and stunning views of the Andes Mountains.

Hike around the reservoir’s perimeter, take photos of the stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, or enjoy a picnic lunch on the reservoir’s sandy beaches. The area around Embalse el Yeso also provides opportunities for bird watching and enjoying the pristine natural environment.

Embalse El Yeso is a 2 hour 15 minute drive from Santiago

Day tour from Santiago to the Andes

• Tour Cajón del Maipo + Embalse el Yeso
  This 8 to 9-hour tour from Santiago will take you to the beautiful Andes with a professional guide. It includes viewpoints at Cajón del Maipo and Embalse el Yeso, then visits the Las Melosas area, known for its naturally polished rocks. Finally, there is a stop at Casa Chocolates for handmade treats. Reserve your Cajón del Maipo and Embalse el Yeso here.

More Santiago day trips

La Campana National Park

Explore diverse ecosystems and stunning views. La Campana National is a sanctuary for nature lovers, offering trails that range from leisurely walks to challenging hikes leading to spectacular vistas.

You can even hike the trails that Charles Darwin once explored, which lead to panoramic vistas at the summit. The park is a haven for endemic flora and fauna. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for the park’s wildlife, which includes pumas, foxes, and condors.

La Campana National Park is a 1 hour 15 minute drive from Santiago

Pomaire

Known for its artisan clay pottery and enormous empanadas, Pomaire is a charming village that offers a glimpse into rural Chilean life. You can explore the town’s many artisanal shops, sample the local cuisine, and learn about the region’s history and traditions.

If you’re looking for a laid-back and authentic day trip from Santiago, Pomaire is the perfect choice.

Pomaire is a 1 hour drive from Santiago

Isla de Maipo

Even though I don’t drink alcohol, Isla de Maipo’s charm extends beyond its vineyards, offering a serene escape into rural Chilean life. Renowned for its agritourism, the area invites visitors to engage in activities like fruit picking and horseback riding amidst its lush landscapes.

The town is a hub of community warmth and cultural celebrations, including the vibrant Vendimia festival that showcases the local agricultural heritage with music, dance, and community festivities.

Isla de Maipo is a 45 minutes drive from Santiago

Which of these Santiago day trips appeal to you?