Santiago Extension

Welcome to Santiago, Chile’s capital. Vibrant, sophisticated and cosmopolitan, the city is emerging as a favourite destination of travellers to the region.

The city is situated in the centre of the Santiago Basin and surrounded by the snow-capped mountains of the Andes and the Chilean Coastal Range. Originally inhabited by the Picunche Indians, the city was established during the Spanish Conquest of Chile by Pedro de Valdivia.

After you arrive and settle in at your centrally located, superior accommodation, why not visit Barrio Bellavista in the evening? This trendy area is considered ‘the Soho of Santiago’ thanks to its street art and it features a number of good restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

*Please note Australian passport holders are required to obtain a Chilean tourist visa or if transiting for longer than 8 hours before arrival.

Today you will enjoy a small group tour of Santiago. Your first stop is the Natural History Museum, which houses a number of Rongorogoro artefacts from Easter Island as well as collections of fossils, timber, minerals and flora and fauna.

You will then head to Santiago’s central square, or Plaza de Armas. Surrounding the square you will see the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral and the Palacio de la Real de Santiago.

Next to the palace is the historic Central Post Office, which stands on land once occupied by Pedro de Valdivia’s house and a building that served as a Presidential Palace.

From the plaza you will walk to Palacio de la Moneda along a traditional Chilean street. Originally a colonial mint house, hence the building’s name, the Palace is the seat of the President of Chile. If you’re lucky, you might catch the changing of the guard, which occurs every second day.

Finally you will visit Cerro Santa Lucia, the hill on which Santiago was founded. Now a park, you will walk past its fountains and up some stairs to a fort with panoramic views of the city.

Today you will join a small group tour to head towards the Chilean coastline.

Your first stop is the charming Valparaiso. This city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and many of its colourful buildings perch in a haphazard fashion on the hillside.

You will take a walk to discover the local art galleries and street art which embody Valparaiso’s bohemian lifestyle, including visiting one stairwell which claims, “we are not hippies, we are happies.” You will also take a ride on one of the city’s remaining funiculars.

Then it is on to the Casablanca Valley. This region is famous for wine production, in particular Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir varieties. You will visit a cellar door for a premium wine tasting and have the chance to purchase some wines and other souvenirs.

If time permits before your onward flight, why not visit Cerro San Cristobel?

Located in Parque Metropolitano in the north of the city near Bellavista and Providencia you will find a funicular that will carry you to the top of Cerro San Cristobel mountain.

At the top you will find the fourteen metre high statue of the Virgin de la Immaculada Concepcion.

You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your onward flight.