What are the key attractions covered in the first few days when starting from Santiago?

The early days of most tours begin in Santiago with visits to the city's essential sites. Travelers explore the Plaza de Armas central square and see the Metropolitan Cathedral with its classic neoclassical design. The presidential La Moneda Palace offers a glimpse into Chile's political history. Many tours take guests through the arts-focused Lastarria district and up to Cerro Santa Lucia for city views. Day trips often venture to Casablanca Valley for wine experiences or to the colorful port city of Valparaíso. As one TourRadar traveler notes: "Starting in Santiago gave us the perfect mix of city culture and Andean landscapes with the first days spent exploring historic sites and enjoying Chilean wine tastings."

What kind of accommodation options are available in Santiago for tours heading to the Andes?

Santiago's accommodations for Andes tours fall into three main groups: tourist-level 3-star properties like Hotel Presidente standard 4-star hotels such as Hotel Providencia and luxury 5-star options including Plaza el Bosque Ebro. These properties are picked for their locations near key attractions and all include breakfast service. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The hotels in Santiago and Atacama were picked carefully with excellent access to downtown areas and restaurants."

What weather conditions should I expect when starting a tour from Santiago to the Andes?

Santiago's weather follows Mediterranean patterns. Summer months from December through February see temperatures reach 85°F (29°C) while winter from June to August brings milder conditions around 52°F (11°C). The temperature changes become more dramatic as tours move into the Andes. A TourRadar traveler notes: "We weren't properly advised about what to bring for the Atacama desert. You need to pack both warm and cool weather clothing as temperatures vary drastically between day and night."

Are there any recommended day trips from Santiago before starting the Andes journey?

Before heading to the mountains visitors often take day trips to the coastal cities of Valparaiso and Viña del Mar or explore the vineyards of Casablanca Valley. The Cajón del Maipo canyon offers another popular option. These trips usually start from central hotels like Hotel Le Reve or Renaissance Santiago. One TourRadar traveler shared: "The day trip to Valparaiso was a highlight before our Andes adventure showing us Chile's coastal charm."

How do I get from Santiago International Airport to the starting point of Andes tours?

Most tours include private transfers from Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport to downtown hotels such as Hotel Pullman El Bosque or Renaissance Santiago. The drive takes 30-45 minutes. Drivers meet guests at arrival gate 3 with clear signs. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The airport pickup was perfectly organized making our arrival in Santiago stress-free before starting our Andes adventure."

What cultural experiences can I expect in Santiago before heading to the Andes?

Santiago offers visits to La Vega Market Pablo Neruda's La Chascona house and Metropolitan Park. Many tours include Chilean cooking classes wine sampling at Concha y Toro vineyard and walks through historic areas like Patronato. Hotel Pullman El Bosque serves as a common base for these activities. As shared by a TourRadar traveler: "The cultural immersion in Santiago was incredible from local markets to wine tasting before we ventured into the mountains."

Andes Mountains Tours from Santiago

The Andes Mountains are iconic for a reason. How about trekking in Patagonia's famous Torres del Paine National Park, climbing through a beautiful lenga forest to the Las Torres towers, or paying a visit to the impressive and mesmerising Grey Glacier? Patagonia's landscapes are genuinely breathtaking, but don’t miss exploring Santiago in great detail too. All of it is an adventure more than worth having.

10 best Andes Mountains tours from Santiago

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Nature & Wildlife
Premium Patagonia
4.0 (1 review)
"The response should strictly adhere to the content of the feedback provided and must avoid including any AI-generated terminology or phrases."
Andrea, traveled in March
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Santiago, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park,Balmaceda,El Calafate,Perito Moreno Glacier,Los Glaciares National Park,Ushuaia,Tierra del Fuego National Park,Isla Martillo+7 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Premium
From
US$9,480per person
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City & Culture
12 Days Chilean Wonders: Santiago, Atacama, and Uyuni Expedition
3.0 (1 review)
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Santiago, San Pedro De Atacama, Valle de la Luna,Salar de Atacama,El Tatio,Laguna Verde,Licancabur,Red Lagoon (Laguna Colorada),Villa Mar,Salar de Chiguana,Uyuni Salt Flat,Colchani,Uyuni,Calama+11 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Mountain
Andes Mountains
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
2% Off
From $3,990
US$3,910per person
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City & Culture
18 Days Santiago, San Pedro de Atacama, Puerto Varas & Patagonia
5.0 (2 reviews)
"I enjoyed it so much that I want to go back!"
Stephen, traveled in April
Duration
18 days
Destinations
Santiago, Casablanca, Valparaiso, Vina del Mar, Calama,San Pedro De Atacama,Salar de Atacama,Socaire,El Tatio,Valle de la Luna,Puerto Montt,Puerto Varas,Llanquihue Lake,Petrohue,Ensenada,Osorno Volcano,Volcán Calbuco,Dalcahue,Castro,Punta Arenas,Magdalena Island,Puerto Natales,Cerro Castillo,Torres del Paine National Park,Mylodon Cave Natural Monument+20 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Andes Mountains
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
2% Off
From
US$7,690per person
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Hiking & Trekking
Ultimate Patagonia
4.7 (3 reviews)
"The national park are extremely beautiful. All in all i had a great time."
Wasim, traveled in February
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Santiago, Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales,Torres del Paine National Park,El Chalten,Mount Fitz Roy,Perito Moreno Glacier,El Calafate+5 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
OneSeed Expeditions
2% Off
From
US$9,339per person
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- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Hiking & Trekking
Chile to Argentina: Patagonia Peaks & Starry Nights
Duration
16 days
Destinations
Santiago, Valparaiso, Pucon, Puerto Varas, Puerto Natales,Torres del Paine National Park,Torres del Paine,El Calafate,Los Glaciares National Park,Perito Moreno Glacier,El Chalten,Buenos Aires+7 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
15% Off
From $5,499
US$4,674per person
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Food & Wine
10 Days Unique Experience for WINE Lovers @ Argentina and Chilean Premium Vineyards
5.0 (1 review)
"When I saw the title say wine, I just bought the package, without hesitation. I had an incredible experience with this company."
Kenny, traveled in February
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Santiago, Casablanca, Maipo, Mendoza, Potrerillos,Uspallata,Mount Aconcagua,Buenos Aires+3 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Mountain
Andes Mountains
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Signature DMC
15% Off
From
US$4,335per person
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City & Culture
Highlights of Chile & Argentina
4.5 (16 reviews)
"She really made our trip. Each and every destination wowed us."
Jacqueline, traveled in September
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Santiago, Valparaiso, Casablanca, Pucon,San Carlos De Bariloche,Buenos Aires+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Mountain
Andes Mountains
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $3,419
US$2,564per person
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City & Culture
12 Days Chile Highlights: Santiago, Atacama & Lake District
4.5 (2 reviews)
"The itinerary flowed well and the hotels, guides and drivers we were allocated were above expectation."
Jill, traveled in April
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Santiago, Valparaiso, Vina del Mar, Calama,San Pedro De Atacama,Salar de Atacama,Socaire,El Tatio,Valle de la Luna,Puerto Montt,Puerto Varas,Petrohue,Ensenada,Osorno Volcano,Chiloe Island,Dalcahue,Castro,Puelo+14 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Mountain
Andes Mountains
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
25% Off
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US$4,390per person
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Hiking & Trekking
Geluxe: Chile & Argentina: Capital Cities & Hiking Patagonia
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Santiago, Maipo, Puerto Natales,Torres del Paine National Park,El Calafate,Los Glaciares National Park,Buenos Aires+4 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From
US$9,999per person
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Ancient Wonders
Vineyards, Atacama & Uyuni Salt Flats 11Day Tour
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Santiago, Casablanca, Valparaiso, Vina del Mar,San Pedro De Atacama,Valle de la Luna,El Tatio,Laguna Verde,Licancabur,Red Lagoon (Laguna Colorada),Uyuni,Colchani,La Paz,Copacabana,Lake Titicaca,Island of the Sun+12 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Mountain
Andes Mountains
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
GUIDEcuador Travel
25% Off
From
US$4,510per person
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- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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City & Culture
City, Volcanoes and Glaciers in Chile
5.0 (1 review)
"The sites visited were beautiful and guides were well-informed and friendly. The tour company made every effort to accommodate our needs."
Lori, traveled in March
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Santiago, Vina del Mar, Valparaiso, Puerto Varas,Llanquihue Lake,Vicente Perez Rosales National Park,Petrohue,Osorno Volcano,Ensenada,Puerto Montt,Puerto Natales,Cerro Castillo,Torres del Paine National Park,Lago Nordenskjöld,Lake Pehoé,Mylodon Cave Natural Monument+12 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
People Travel and Experience
25% Off
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US$2,660per person
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City & Culture
Chile - Santiago, progressive city - 4 DAYS
5.0 (1 review)
"It would've been nice to see a little bit more of vina Del Mar and Valparaiso but other than that I loved it!"
Mitchell, traveled in August
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Santiago, Vina del Mar, Valparaiso
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsChilean Coastal RangeCentral Chile+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Aborigen Tours
15% Off
From $475
US$404per person
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City & Culture
City & Sea: Santiago, Valparaíso & Viña
3.0 (1 review)
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Santiago, Vina del Mar, Valparaiso
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsChilean Coastal RangeCentral Chile+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
People Travel and Experience
15% Off
From
US$945per person
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Hiking & Trekking
Tailor-Made 11 Days Chile Trip to Winery & Classic W Trek
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Santiago, Maipo, Valparaiso, Vina del Mar, Punta Arenas,Magdalena Island,Marta Island,Torres del Paine National Park,Lago Nordenskjöld,Lake Pehoé,Puerto Natales+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsChile AustralPatagonia+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Agate Travel
15% Off
From
US$9,449per person
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Food & Wine
4 Days Deluxe Culinary Experience @ Santiago de Chile
5.0 (1 review)
"Excellent experience, something different from the ordinary. I really loved the experience."
Matheu, traveled in January
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Santiago
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
Andes MountainsCentral Chile+1 more
Operated in
English, Portuguese,Spanish+1 more
Operator
Signature DMC
15% Off
From
US$1,500per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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