Central Chile

Travel Guide

Valparaiso featuring a city
Wulff Castle featuring chateau or palace, general coastal views and heritage elements
Costanera Center showing a city and a bridge
Sculpture Park showing outdoor art, a city and a park
Cerro Concepcion
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 featuring cycling, a sporting event and street scenes

Providencia

Boasting high-rise apartments and elegant houses, this area offers access to Cerro San Cristóbal with its Virgin Mary statue, Metropolitan Zoo, and the Teleférico. Explore the nearby bohemian Barrio Bellavista, home to artists and performers.

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 featuring a pond, chateau or palace and a park

Downtown Santiago

4/5(45 area reviews)

Central to Santiago Metropolitan Region, this commune boasts the oldest part of the city, including downtown and major government infrastructure like La Moneda palace.

Downtown Santiago
Vitacura which includes bird life and a pond

Vitacura

Boasting Santiago's most exclusive shopping street, Avenida Alonso de Córdova, with luxury boutiques like Louis Vuitton and Armani, this upscale area is also home to elite private schools and the Gliders Club. Easily accessible via Costanera Norte toll-way.

Vitacura
Lastarria which includes cafe lifestyle and street scenes as well as a large group of people

Lastarria

4.5/5(79 area reviews)

Lastarria is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Lastarria District and Gabriela Mistral Cultural Center while in the area.

Lastarria
Bellavista showing street scenes and outdoor art

Bellavista

4.5/5(61 area reviews)

Travelers come to Bellavista for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like 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
Fully refundable
The price is NT$4,795 per night from Oct 31 to Nov 1
NT$4,795
NT$5,103 total
Oct 31 - Nov 1
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! (1,396 reviews)
Very convenient for the airport, extremely short walk. Welcome from staff a little cool although polite and business like. Room OK, maybe would benefit from a little care and attention (very soft mattress) but generally acceptable considering the location and convenience. Breakfast was ok, limited ...

Reviewed on 2025/10/19

Holiday Inn Santiago - Airport Terminal by IHG
NH Collection Plaza Santiago

NH Collection Plaza Santiago

5 out of 5
Avenida Vitacura 2610, Santiago, Region Metropolitana
The price is NT$4,325 per night from Nov 7 to Nov 8
NT$4,325
NT$4,325 total
Nov 7 - Nov 8
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Santiago. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
Gostaria de mencionar o excelente atendimento em nossa chegada com o Sr. PAUL na recepcao, om sorriso constante e interessado realmente em nos bem receber. Infelizmente, nao podemos falar o mesmo dos atendentes da recepcao no Domingo, e no equivoco no restaurante no cafe da manha, em que foram retirados ...

Reviewed on 2025/9/22

NH Collection Plaza Santiago
Wyndham Santiago Aeropuerto

Wyndham Santiago Aeropuerto

4.5 out of 5
Av. Americo Vespucio 1284, Santiago, Santiago
The price is NT$3,679 per night from Oct 26 to Oct 27
NT$3,679
NT$3,679 total
Oct 26 - Oct 27
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Santiago. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,082 reviews)
Excellent staff. Large clean comfortable rooms. The front desk needs an extra person to help with check in. 7 minute ride from airport.. It is not walkable. If you plan to visit any city attractions you will need to plan for a taxi and a minimum 20 minute ride..

Reviewed on 2025/10/19

Wyndham Santiago Aeropuerto
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.
The Place

The Place

4 out of 5
La Gloria 47, Santiago
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Santiago. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (101 reviews)
The Place-really great
The rooms did not disappoint! I had a double terrace and it was really nice. I used the gym, which was minimal but got the job done. I attempted to extend my stay because I was so comfortable, but they were booked! I do want to share that the area is a bit noisy with a street view and the restaurant ...

Reviewed on 2025/9/29

The Place
Time Suite - Comfort Apartments

Time Suite - Comfort Apartments

4 out of 5
Callao 2988, Las Condes, Santiago, Region Metropolitana
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Santiago. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Costanera Center ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (279 reviews)
Great place

Reviewed on 2025/10/2

Time Suite - Comfort Apartments
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! (617 reviews)
Was good. Staff were great

Reviewed on 2025/10/19

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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Central Chile