Best Day Trips from Santiago

Santiago's location in the heart of Chile's Central Valley makes it one of South America's best-positioned cities for day trips. Within 90 minutes you can be skiing on Andean slopes (in season), swimming in the Pacific Ocean at Viña del Mar and Valparaíso, wine tasting in the Casablanca or Maipo valleys, or hiking in the dramatic Cajon del Maipo gorge.

Valparaíso, Chile's bohemian port city and UNESCO World Heritage site just 110km from Santiago, is the most essential day trip — a maze of colourful hillside neighbourhoods, street art, funicular elevators, and a vibrant cafe scene. The Casablanca Valley produces some of Chile's finest Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay and is accessible by guided tours from the city. The Portillo ski resort is a classic winter day trip from Santiago.