Central Chile Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Valparaiso featuring a city
Wulff Castle which includes heritage elements, general coastal views and a castle
Costanera Center which includes a city and a bridge
Sculpture Park featuring a city, art and a skyscraper
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 which includes street scenes, a sporting event and cycling

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 garden, a pond and a castle

Downtown Santiago

3.5/5(12 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 café scenes and street scenes as well as a large group of people

Lastarria

4.5/5(13 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
Bellavista which includes outdoor art and street scenes

Bellavista

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

Bellavista is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Patio Bellavista and Santiago Metropolitan Park while you're in town.

Bellavista
Holiday Inn Santiago - Airport Terminal by IHG

Holiday Inn Santiago - Airport Terminal by IHG

4 out of 5
Armando Cortinez Norte 2150, Santiago, Region Metropolitana
The price is AU$200 per night from 27 Sept to 28 Sept
AU$200
27 Sept - 28 Sept
Stay at this 4-star ski hotel in Santiago. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,367 reviews)
"Very convenient, clean, comfortable. Delicious dood service. The personnel was the best"

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

Holiday Inn Santiago - Airport Terminal by IHG
Hotel Capital Bellet

Hotel Capital Bellet

3 out of 5
Saint Paul 1457 / Antonio Bellet 135, Santiago, Providencia
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Santiago. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (788 reviews)
"Me alojé 10 días y todo fue excelente: desde las instalaciones, habitaciones amplias y cómodas hasta la atención del personal. ¡Recomendado 100%!"

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

Hotel Capital Bellet
Hotel Almasur Providencia

Hotel Almasur Providencia

4 out of 5
440 Avenida Pedro de Valdivia, Santiago
The price is AU$125 per night from 25 Sept to 26 Sept
AU$125
25 Sept - 26 Sept
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Santiago. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (234 reviews)
"This hotel is perfect for family travel or business. The staff is extremely professional and courteous. The restaurant staff is also always prepared to assist you and guide you. Walking distance to public transport. Pharmacies. Restaurants. Very safe neighborhood. Several diplomatic missions nearby. ..."

Reviewed on 17 Sept 2025

Hotel Almasur Providencia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Spot Suites

Spot Suites

4 out of 5
882 Av. Manquehue Nte., Santiago, Región Metropolitana
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Santiago. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Costanera Center and Parque Arauco Mall are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
"Great place to stay, near Parque Arauco and the park for kids. Amenities are great. Everything on spot!"

Reviewed on 26 Aug 2025

Spot Suites
Zip Housing El Golf

Zip Housing El Golf

3 out of 5
Málaga 79, Santiago, Metropolitana
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Santiago. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Costanera Center and Parque Arauco ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (252 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

Zip Housing El Golf
Park Plaza Apart Hotel

Park Plaza Apart Hotel

3 out of 5
Av. Huerfanos 545, Santiago, Region Metropolitana
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Santiago. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (610 reviews)
"Great location, walkable to the key tourist sights. I had the loft which was spacious and had a wonderful view overlooking the Andes in the backdrop. The furnishings were a bit old but it didn’t bother us. Fantastic value for money. Very happy with the accommodation. The reception lady of the night ..."

Reviewed on 12 Sept 2025

Park Plaza Apart Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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