Santiago
Chile's capital in the shadow of the Andes and the gateway to the Maipo and Aconcagua wine valleys.
About Santiago
Founded by the conquistador Pedro de Valdivia on 12 February 1541, Santiago is Chile's capital and largest city, spread across a broad basin between the snow-capped Andes and the coastal range. It is the natural gateway to the country's most important wine regions: the Maipo Valley begins on the city's southern fringe and is the historic cradle of Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon, producing structured, cassis-and-mint reds from Andean foothill vineyards, while the Aconcagua Valley lies to the north. Iconic wineries and joint ventures — Almaviva, Seña and the vast Concha y Toro among them — are all within reach for day trips. Beyond the vineyards, Santiago offers a lively urban culture of historic plazas, hilltop parks, markets and restaurants, with the Andes and Pacific coast each roughly an hour or two away.
Practical details
Wine tourism notes
Santiago sits within easy reach of Chile's flagship wine valleys — the Maipo Valley immediately to the south, historic home of powerful Andean Cabernet Sauvignon, and Aconcagua to the north — making the capital the natural launch point for Chilean wine tourism.
Regional cuisine
Chilean comfort food anchors the table — pastel de choclo, empanadas de pino, fresh Pacific seafood and ceviche, grilled meats and pebre, washed down with the country's Cabernet, Carmenère and crisp whites.
Canonical attractions
- the historic Plaza de Armas and Cerro Santa Lucía
- the Andes foothills and nearby ski resorts
- the Maipo Valley wineries a short drive south
- vibrant neighbourhoods such as Bellavista and Lastarria
Editorial notes
Fly into Arturo Merino Benítez and base yourself in the city; the Maipo Valley wineries are 30-60 minutes south, with Aconcagua a longer drive north toward the coast.