If you’re looking for a quick escape from the hustle & bustle of Santiago, you’re in the right place! And the good news are: you don’t have to go far.

Just an hour or two in any direction will take you to artisan towns with empanadas that weigh over a kilo and even the world’s largest swimming pool.

The choices are endless, but we’ve narrowed it down for you on this ultimate list of the top 8 must-visit day trips from Santiago. So, get ready for a day packed with unforgettable experiences!

1. Valparaíso

Valparaíso, lovingly called “Valpo” by locals, is a vibrant, bohemian port city on Chile’s Pacific coast. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s famous for its steep hillsides decked with colorful houses and breathtaking street art.

🚌 How to get there: Valparaíso is about 120 kilometers northwest of Santiago. The easiest way to get there is by bus or car, with the journey taking 1.5 to 2 hours. Buses depart frequently from Santiago’s main terminals, so you can usually purchase a ticket directly at the terminal before departure (if you prefer to book it in advance, you can do so here).

Note: Valparaíso, like many cities, has areas that are perfectly safe for tourists and others where extra caution is advised. For this reason, we highly recommend exploring with a guided tour or following our curated full-day itinerary to guide you through the best of Valpo.

Alternatively, we also recommend joining a guided tour from Santiago, like the one below, which also includes a visit to Viña del Mar and the Casablanca Valley:

2. Cajón del Maipo

Just an hour from Santiago, Cajón del Maipo is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.

Here, you can hike to the stunning El Morado Glacier, soak in natural hot springs at Termas Valle de Colina, or simply sit back with a picnic by the turquoise waters of Embalse El Yeso. The landscapes are dramatic, the air is fresh, and it’s the perfect escape from the city!

🚌 How to get there: Cajón del Maipo is about 60 kilometers southeast of Santiago. You can drive here but we do not recommend it as you won’t get to see nearly as much as you would with a guided tour. We recommend the following ones:

3. Valle Nevado

Valle Nevado is one of the largest ski resorts in South America! Just an hour and a half from Santiago and high in the Andes mountains, it’s a skier’s paradise with powdery slopes and modern facilities.

🚌 How to get there: Valle Nevado is about 70 kilometers from Santiago. While you can drive, the road is steep and has over 60 hairpin turns, making it challenging for inexperienced drivers, especially in winter. A guided tour or transfer is the easiest and safest option.

4. Isla Negra & the Largest Pool in the World

Despite its name, Isla Negra is not an island but a coastal city. And it’s best known as the beloved poet Pablo Neruda’s most cherished retreat.

Among the local poet’s three famous homes in Chile, La Casa de Isla Negra stands out for its deep connection to his life and work. With its breathtaking views of the Pacific, it’s easy to see why this was his favorite place to write his poems.

On the same day, you can also pay a quick visit to the largest swimming pool in the world at San Alfonso del Mar Resort (recognized by the Guinness World Records!). This massive pool stretches an incredible 1,013 meters in length, holds 250 million liters of seawater, and has a depth of 3 meters.

Interestingly, swimming isn’t permitted in the main pool. Instead, it’s designed for activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, diving, and even small boat excursions.

Smaller pools are available for bathing, but with a small catch: the pools are not open to the public. Access is reserved for those renting an apartment on one of the 13 pyramid-shaped apartment buildings, dining at the on-site restaurant, or those invited by a property owner.

Book a stay at San Alfonso del Mar Resort >

While it’s beautiful year-round, the best time to enjoy a weekend here is during the summer (December to February), when you can rent an apartment to fully experience the resort’s attractions.

🚌 How to get there: Isla Negra is located about 120 kilometers west of Santiago. If you’d like to visit the nearby San Alfonso del Mar Resort, it’s just 13 kilometers further along the coast. Renting a car is a great option for exploring at your own pace (we recommend using RentalCars), or you can join a guided tour that visits both and includes stops at local wineries, like this one:

5. Viña del Mar

Just an hour and a half from Santiago, Viña del Mar is a laid-back coastal city perfect for a quick city escape. Known as the “Garden City”, it’s famous for its flower-lined streets, sandy shores, and vibrant energy.

You can spend the day relaxing at Reñaca Beach, take a photo by the famous Reloj de Flores, eat some fresh seafood, stroll through the city’s parks and gardens, like the serene Quinta Vergara, or try your luck at the Viña del Mar Casino, one of the oldest in South America.

🚌 How to get there: driving is a good option, but it can get busy and hard to find parking, especially in the summer. Guided tours like this one are an easy and stress-free way to visit, and they often include a stop in Valparaíso.

Rent a car with the best price in Chile >

6. Pomaire

Pomaire is a charming village that feels like a step back in time. Known for its traditional Chilean pottery and artisan crafts, it’s the perfect place to soak up local culture and bring home unique souvenirs. Plus, you can try your hand at pottery-making at the Taller Barros shop!

Tip: don’t leave without tasting Pomaire’s famous empanadas de kilo (yes, they weigh a kilo!), a local specialty that’s both delicious and fun to share.

🚌 How to get there: Pomaire is about a 1-hour drive from Santiago. Driving is a quick and easy option, but a guided tour, like this one, allows you to learn more about the village’s history and culture while making the most of your visit.

7. Casablanca Valley

Often compared to the famed wine regions of Mendoza, Argentina, Casablanca Valley is just an hour from Santiago and offers another unique wine experience. While Mendoza is celebrated for its bold Malbecs, Casablanca stands out for its cool-climate wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

Here, you can spend the day walking through the vineyards, learning about the winemaking process, and tasting award-winning vintages. Many wineries also offer food pairings, picnics, and even sunset tastings, making the experience truly special.

🚌 How to visit: Most wineries have websites with reservation options. You can browse their wine tours, tastings, and dining experiences, then book directly online. Popular wineries in Casablanca Valley include Emiliana, Bodega RE, and Casas del Bosque.

Alternatively, you can hop on a guided tour like the one below and enjoy the wine tastings without worrying about transportation (important, since you’ll most likely get drunk):

8. La Campana National Park

If you’re into hiking, then we have the perfect city escape for you: La Campana National Park. This stunning park has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and has one of the last forests of Chilean palm, a species in danger of extinction.

Hot Tip: you can find an overview of all trails available in the park here. For a quick one with beautiful views plus Chilean palms, we recommend this one-hour loop.

🚌 How to get there: La Campana National Park is located about an hour and a half drive from Santiago. The best way to visit is by renting a car and driving to the start of the trail you choose. Most of the trails start from the small town of Olmué, but others can start from here. If you prefer a guided tour, we recommend this one through the Chilean Palm Forest retracing the steps of Charles Darwin.