Itinerary
Southern Chile Family Adventure
An all-ages family trip to Chile’s Lake District and Patagonia
Before you enter the world of Andean deserts or Patagonian peaks, Santiago is your welcome to the wonders of Chile.
Extraordinary Journeys Santiago tours introduce you to one of South America’s lesser-appreciated metropolises through the eyes of locals who know her best: the hidden histories, the favorite eateries, the undiscovered adventures waiting down the next alley. Cities typically move fast, but we know Santiago’s rhythms. Our personalized itineraries take you along at just the right speed to see what lies under the hubbub and see why this city has charmed poets, artists, and adventurers alike.
Key travel information for Santiago
The best time to visit Santiago
Since most people plan a Santiago tour as an add-on to a bigger itinerary to see Patagonia or the Atacama, you’ll be happy to know that high season for those destinations—December through February—is also prime time to enjoy the capital city. Temperatures can get a bit warm, but a trip out to the coast or spending a relaxing afternoon inside a museum is an easy fix.
Santiago also gets a fair amount of winter traffic in June, July, and August thanks to the world-class skiing right next door in the Andes. A perk of visiting in September at the start of fall is taking part in the Fiestas Patrias (Independence Day festivities) and going on wine tours during harvest in February, March, and April.
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Highlights of a Santiago trip
Take in top-of-the-world views from the top of the Gran Torre—South America’s tallest building—or the summit of San Cristobal Hill, accessible via a historic funicular railway.
Surround yourself with the history of Chile, from Indigenous roots to the years of the Pinochet dictatorship, at renowned museums like the Museum of Memory & Human Rights and the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.
Hop on a bike or hit the streets to see storied monuments like La Moneda Presidential Palace and marvel at the mix of old-new architecture on a guided tour.
Step into the whimsical world of poet Pablo Neruda at his La Chascona home.
Sample classic Chilean dishes and ingredients at the Central Market, which overflows with stalls and family-run eateries.
Discover why Santiago is among the continent’s buzziest art cities at open-air street museums, public art exhibits, and cultural centers like the Gabriela Mistral Cultural Center.
Tap into the city’s artisan spirit with a cooking class or art workshop.
Browse vintage shops or hang out in hip bars in artsy neighborhoods like Lastarria and Bellavista.
Head up into the Andes for sky-high hikes in Cajon del Maipo or hit the slopes in winter at Valle Nevado or Portillo.
Spend a day in Chilean wine country, tasting and touring at storied estates and familiarizing yourself with signature varietals like Carmenere and Sauvignon Blanc.
Escape to the coast for a day, from paying a visit to Pablo Neruda’s seaside home at Isla Negra or strolling the colorful streets of hilly Valparaiso.
Santiago tour FAQs
Other areas to explore
A visit to Santiago puts you within easy reach of many other beautiful and fascinating parts of South America.
Torres del Paine
Surrender to awe in southern Patagonia's most iconic national park
Easter Island
Few places on the planet exude as much magnetism as this tiny dot of land afloat in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Known to the locals as Rapu Nui, Easter Island is one of the most isolated places on Earth, which only adds to its allure.
Buenos Aires
Argentina’s glittering capital on the banks of the Río de la Plata, Buenos Aires hums with culture, creativity, and charisma.
Lake Titicaca
The largest freshwater lake in South America, Lake Titicaca is known for its floating islands, ancient culture, and UNESCO World Heritage status.
Why book with Extraordinary Journeys?
We go deep
We value depth over breadth. While we have broadened our map, our intimate expertise runs deep—from understanding each locale's hidden rhythms to cultivating relationships with exceptional guides.
We keep it honest
Seasoned travelers know that places change, authentic experiences migrate. We'll listen to your hopes and passions, but push back when we know something will better resonate with you.
We’ve got it covered
Traveling to wild places asks something of us— a quality of attention and presence. From behind-the-scenes logistics to bespoke culinary experiences, our team has thought of everything.
We know it’s personal
There will undoubtedly be extraordinary unscripted moments: hippos emerging at sunset, the impossible blue of Arctic ice. We know that meaningful memories often live in personalized details.