Santiago

Santiago is one of those cities where tradition and modernity collide with brilliant effect.

A city tour here will take you to the heart of Spanish colonial Santiago in the Plaza de Armas with its grand 18th Century cathedral then wander the charming low-slung Lastarria neighbourhood with its jacaranda trees – only to then pull focus completely to look up at the glass and steel skyscrapers of the 21st Century capital.

An essential part of any city tour is a trip by funicular or cable car to the summit of San Cristóbal Hill, where you can see the entire city laid out below you, backed by the snowy ramparts of the Andes Mountains which stretch out to a seemingly endless horizon.  

Santiago has some of the best eating in Chile, and the national cuisine is particularly rich in seafood, as befits a country whose coastline stretches some 2700 miles (4300 km) along the Pacific Ocean.

One of the best places to get to the heart of Chile's food culture is at Mercado Central, Santiago's 19th Century central market and one of its architectural treasures. It’s a place made for walking tours and cookery classes – bring your camera as well as an appetite.

While pisco sours remain a popular drink to wash down a zingy dish of ceviche, Santiago also has a thriving craft beer scene, so make sure to include time for a drink or two at a cervercería (brewpub) during your visit.

Chile’s wine industry has played a major role in building the country’s international brand, and many of its best wineries can be found in the Rosario Valley, within easy reach of Santiago.

The terroir here is dominated by the cool damp winds of the Pacific Ocean and the warm granite foothills of the Andes. This produces ideal growing conditions for Syrah, Pinot Noir and Malbec red grapes, along with Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer white grapes. 

Winery tours come with a meal in gorgeous rolling countryside; and if you want to linger it’s also possible to stay overnight, keeping your glass nicely topped up into the bargain.

You can’t escape the view of the Andes in Santiago, but why would you want to? Instead, head into the mountains for a day of hiking high above the city at the Yerba Loca Nature Sanctuary a short 35 miles (55 km) drive away.

This alpine park at an altitude of around 7850 feet (2400 m) is braided with a series of trails that are suitable for anyone with a good level of fitness. You can walk through beautiful valley, ascending gently to views of La Paloma Glacier.

With a packed lunch and plenty of clean mountain air, Yerba Loca is the ideal place for a natural reset close to the city. 

Generations of Chilean poets and artists have been attracted by the charms of Valparaíso, a World Heritage-listed city on the Pacific coast, 75 miles (125 km) from Santiago. 

The city is a warren of streets that tumble down the hill to the sea every one seemingly lined with characterful old mansions that recall the city's heyday as one of South America's busiest and richest ports. These are complemented by an extraordinary collection of street art that has turned Valparaíso into a vibrant outdoor gallery. 

Visits to Valparaíso often include a trip to the resort town of Viña del Mar (Santiago's favoured beach escape) or the vineyards of the nearby Casablanca Valley. 

As befits Chile's cosmopolitan capital city, Santiago has plenty of excellent accommodation to suit tastes and budgets. Choose from premium hotels to fashionable boutique guesthouses to stylish luxury. If you want to be outside the city, there’s also the option of staying at a nearby winery.

Within Santiago, the most popular districts to base yourself in are around the Centro, Barrio Lastarria for its restaurants and nightlife, or leafy Providencia.

Santiago International Airport (airport code SCL) is the international gateway for flights to Chile. The airport is 10 miles (16 km)  west of the city centre. 

There are multiple daily flights south to Punta Arenas (3½ hours), for Fly & Cruise trips to Antarctica, as well as the entry point for trips to Torres del Paine National Park. 

Other domestic destinations include Calama (CJC, 2 hours) for the Atacama Desert and Easter Island (IPC, 4½ hours).

There are direct flights from Santiago to Buenos Aires (EZE, 2 hours), where you must change to connect to Ushuaia for Antarctic cruises.