Santiago Half-Day Tours: Top 5 Picks & Helpful Tips

Planning a quick getaway to Santiago and searching to make the most of limited time? Very often, half-day tours can provide a brilliant option to soak in the city’s top attractions without sacrificing your entire schedule. So, this guide walks you through five fantastic Santiago half-day tours, loaded with practical tips and recommendations, so it’s possible to experience the heart of Chile’s capital with ease.

1. Historical Santiago City Tour

For people interested in history and culture, a historical city tour is perhaps a must. Actually, this tour generally includes key sites such as the Plaza de Armas, which is really the city’s main square; the Metropolitan Cathedral, with its jaw-dropping architecture; and La Moneda Palace, the presidential palace that has witnessed pivotal moments in Chile’s history. The tour sometimes covers the Central Market (Mercado Central), so too it’s a chance to get a feeling of Santiago’s vibrant daily life and try some native foods. To be honest, this type of tour normally takes about 4 hours, which means that it’s the perfect length to get the gist of the city’s past without it using up the whole day. Just a little tip: wear comfy shoes, as there may be a little bit of walking!

Consider that certain tours offer a more personalized experience by taking into account small group sizes. This can really give you a chance to ask loads of questions and get more info from your tour guide. Basically, this type of tour could be ideal to delve a bit into the city’s background and immerse yourself in the local culture. As a matter of fact, numerous operators offer morning and afternoon departures, enabling you to go with a schedule.

2. Wine Tour in the Maipo Valley

Did you know that Chile is recognized around the globe for its wine? In a way, taking a half-day trip to the Maipo Valley provides the ability to discover the region’s wine-producing background. What tends to happen is, that you would visit prestigious vineyards where it’s possible to explore the wine-making progression, right from the vine to the bottle, and partake in wine tastings guided by specialists. It’s almost like your learning how to appreciate a well made Sauvignon Blanc or maybe a good robust Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s a superb way to connect with Chilean culture. You may want to know that the Maipo Valley happens to be situated near Santiago, turning it into a convenient escape for a half-day journey. As a matter of fact, many wine tours usually offer transport from your lodging in Santiago, thus making the entire experience even simpler.

Keep in mind to verify if the tour covers the tasting fees, very, very occasionally they are not included in the initial price. It’s important too, to have some idea that wine tours usually include a little glimpse into the vineyard’s heritage, as well as the unique characteristics of the grapes grown here. It is because of this understanding which helps to grow understanding of what goes in making these great wines, but please drink responsibly. I mean, the wine-tasting sessions happen to be conducted in picturesque settings, commonly among vineyards with dramatic mountainous backgrounds. This really lets you cherish not merely the wine but too it’s beautiful Chilean landscape. Anyway, why not give it a go? it can be very exciting, as a matter of fact!

3. Cerro San Cristobal and Bellavista Neighborhood

Seeking spectacular views of Santiago? Very, very, the Cerro San Cristobal plus the bohemian neighborhood of Bellavista make for a winning combination. Cerro San Cristobal is that large hill smack dab in the middle of Santiago. That tends to feature a sanctuary at the top with a massive Virgin Mary statue. I mean, there may be the option to hike or maybe just take a cable car, depending how fit you happen to be and/or if it tickles your fancy, to get to the top. You are greeted with panoramic cityscapes which, honestly, could be perfect for photos. As a matter of fact, Bellavista, at the bottom of the hill, is well-known for its colorful street art, energetic nightlife, plus many eateries. Why not experience Cerro San Cristobal?

The mix of all natural and man made scenery creates the day. In some respects, the tour may include a visit to La Chascona, which, as you probably know, one of the three houses of the poet Pablo Neruda, giving a peek into his life and work. Very often these tours are a relaxed paced method for those seeking culture as well as outstanding city views, and probably something light for lunch.

4. Cajón del Maipo: A Glimpse of the Andes

Those trying to get outside of the city? It’s almost like Cajón del Maipo offers a brief venture to the Andes Mountains. In a way this canyon, positioned southeast of Santiago, is well-known for its breathtaking mountain vistas, the El Yeso dam, as well as out of doors routines like hiking plus picnics. Now and again half-day tours center around a stop to the dam to take pictures plus just take in the fresh mountain air. Seriously, think about the elevation before booking in case you are prone to feeling altitude illness! Actually, the landscape is pretty great for anyone looking to hook up with Chile’s natural grandeur without heading on a considerable adventure. I mean, a quick stop to Cajón del Maipo could be refreshing, but just bear in mind that transportation may take a considerable section of your half-day outing, meaning that the real period at the canyon may be somewhat on the short side.

It’s important too, to keep in mind that this type of tour depends a bit on weather circumstances and time of the year. It could be, summer tours might be a little more pleasurable for picnics and going for walks, as the weather is far better, and tours might sometimes offer optional extras like horseback riding.

5. Markets and Food Tour

Foodies, listen up! This one’s for you. Basically, if you like immersing yourself in the area’s culture through meals, after that a marketplaces plus food tour could be the most effective fit. The tours may go by means of the Mercado Central, La Vega, along with some smaller area marketplaces to give a real flavor of where locals buy groceries and what meals tend to be like. Very often the tours include things like some testing, this means you’re able to test everything from empanadas to clean fruit juices, plus several regular Chilean meals. Basically, it is a flavorful way to get to grips with the spirit of Santiago, with the food markets, really adding life.

Try to have a good look at the dietary possibilities before reserving, to ensure you have a lot to eat. It’s important to remember too, tours are an incredibly helpful possibility to find ingredients along with meals you may not have found normally. At the end of the day, these visits are run by way of neighborhood specialists. Who tend to be equipped with a wealth of information regarding the traditions in terms of cooking techniques of the dishes offered. They provide recommendations, or recommendations regarding places where you could discover neighborhood fare even as staying inside the metropolis. I mean, it could be a genuine experience to be sampled during that period! Seriously, just what are you awaiting, then?