How to Spend 48 Hours in Santiago, Chile – An Extra Long Layover
Day 1 in Santiago, Chile: Exploring the City Center
Arriving in Santiago: From Miami to Chile
I visited Santiago, Chile, in the summer of 2016, during my second major international trip. I flew on American Airlines from Chicago O’Hare to Miami and then continued to Santiago on a 777-200 aircraft. My flight landed at 6:30 am, and after quickly clearing customs and immigration, I arrived at the Hotel Montecarlo Santiago by 8:00 am. Since my room wouldn’t be ready until 11:00 am, the hotel staff kindly stored my luggage, giving me a few hours to explore the city.
How to Spend 48 Hours in Santiago, Chile - An Extra Long Layover - Table of Contents
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Getting Acquainted with Bellas Artes and Santiago’s Plaza de Armas
With only 48 hours in Santiago, I decided to make the most of my time by exploring the area near my hotel. I headed to the Bellas Artes neighborhood, a cultural hub known for its National Museum of Fine Arts and Academy of Fine Arts. This was my first time in a country where English was rarely spoken, which made navigating and communicating a unique challenge. I had to rely on my high school Spanish to get by, which made everyday interactions an adventure!
Later, I walked to Plaza de Armas, Santiago’s historical center. The Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral and bustling market stalls make this area popular among locals and tourists alike.
A memorable moment involved a mix-up in the cathedral when a guard, speaking rapidly in Spanish, tried to inform me that the church was closed—something I only realized after several minutes of confusion.
Day 2 in Santiago: Iconic Landmarks and Stunning Views
Visiting La Moneda Palace and a Surprise Protest
The second day began early as I set out to find La Moneda Palace, the official residence of the Chilean President. After struggling with poor cell service and navigating through the city’s narrow streets, I finally arrived. Outside the palace stands a statue of Salvador Allende, Chile’s first democratically-elected Communist leader, whose legacy remains complex due to the subsequent military coup.
To my surprise, I stumbled upon a peaceful protest advocating for more affordable public education. Despite my initial concern, the demonstration was government-approved and non-violent, allowing me to interact with locals and snap a few photos.
The University of Chile and Gran Torre: Santiago's Tallest Building
From the palace, I walked through the University of Chile, eager to see a bit of the local education system. Unfortunately, I couldn’t access any buildings, so I decided to take the Metro to Gran Torre, South America’s tallest skyscraper, located in the Costanera Center.
For 5,000 Chilean Pesos (about $7.50 USD), I ascended to the top to capture breathtaking panoramic views of Santiago and the Andes Mountains. The visible layer of smog trapped by the Andes is a stark reminder of the city’s air pollution challenges.
Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos: A Stadium with History
My final destination was Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos, home to the Chilean National Soccer Team. For a modest entrance fee of 10,000 Chilean Pesos (about $12 USD), I explored the seating area and field, while admiring the backdrop of the Andes. The stadium has a dark history, having been used as a prison camp during the Pinochet dictatorship, but today it stands as a symbol of resilience and national pride.
Santiago Area Tours and Recommendations
Reflecting on my whirlwind visit to Santiago, I realized that better planning would have allowed me to see even more of the city’s rich history and culture. For those with limited time, I highly recommend booking a guided tour. Below, I’ve linked some popular Santiago tours to help make the most of your visit:
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 Experience Santiago: Private Food Markets Tour with Cooking Demo and Homemade Lunch - $206.00 Get a taste of Chile’s culinary culture and cuisine on this private tour of Santiago’s food markets, plus a hands-on cooking demonstration and seasonal meal in a private home. Enjoy appetizers and a cocktail followed by a main course, side dish, salad and dessert – all paired with cheese and wine. You’ll learn about Chilean culinary traditions as well as contemporary food culture from your knowledgeable host and chef, and receive memorable recipes to take home! |
 City Tour of Santiago de Chile - $59.00 Get to know the Chilean capital on this 4-hour tour of Santiago by luxury coach. In a small group of no more than 12 with an local tour guide in your language so you don't going to miss any detail of the chilean history, daily life in this interesting tour. |
 Santiago Sightseeing Classic City Tour - $59.99 See the history, culture, sights and sounds of Santiago on this 3-hour tour! |
 Half day city tour of Santiago de Chile - $95.00 Departure from your hotel to visit the Civic Centre, the Presidential Palace La Moneda built in 1846, Main Square, the Cathedral, Post Office and downtown, continuing to B. O"Higgins Ave. and the old residential areas. Tour proceeds through Club de la Union Building, Universidad de Chile and Santa Lucía hill where the city was founded (1541).Visit to Bellavista area, full of nice Cafes and Restaurants, Theaters etc, and going up the San Cristobal hill to obtnain the best views of Santiago. Free time for pictures and continue visiting the new residential areas of Las Condes, Vitacura and Providencia. |
 Santiago de Chile & Santa Lucia Hill Sightseeing Tour - $71.31 If you are looking for what to do during your visit we recommend our City Tour through Santiago, which is a tour around the most important historical, commercial and residential areas. |
 Santiago Center Cultural Bike Tour - $59.00 This tour of Santiago will take you to see the cultural highlights of Santiago Center, like historical monuments, palaces, museums, churches, as well as typical sites in downtown Santiago. |
 Bike Tour through old Santiago de Chile - $128.00 Get ready to live the experience of knowing old Santiago de Chile on a bike! |
 Santiago Like a Local: Private Walking Tour with Coffee, Markets, Street Food and San Cristobal Hill - $197.00 On this private walking tour, experience Santiago like a true local -- a Santiaguiño -- as you explore boutique shops, food markets and diverse neighborhoods with your knowledgeable guide. You’ll sip coffee, sample street food, stop for lunch and have a drink at a local bar, immersing yourself in Chilean culture as you go. |
 City Tour of Santiago de Chile - $75.00 Get to know the Chilean capital on this 4-hour tour of Santiago by luxury coach. In a small group of no more than 15, visit such landmarks as La Moneda, Cerro Santa Lucia, and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Also, explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, from the bohemian Barrio Bellavista to affluent El Golf. |
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