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Day trips from Chile

Best Day Trips from Chile 2026

The day trips from Chile that repay the journey — with transport, timing, and cost for each.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

This guide covers 5+ day trips in Chile — Valparaiso, Cajon del Maipo and Casablanca Wine Valley top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

Chile stretches 4,300 km along South America's Pacific coast, offering stunning diversity from the Atacama Desert in the north to Patagonian glaciers in the south. Experience world-class wine regions, vibrant cities like Santiago and Valparaíso, and breathtaking natural wonders including Torres del Paine National Park.

Top day trips

Handpicked excursions within easy reach.

120 km from Santiago

Valparaiso

Turbus or Pullman Bus from Alameda Terminal (every 15 min, ~$6 USD)

Highlights: Street art on Cerros Alegre and Concepcion · Ride the historic ascensores (funiculars) · Fresh seafood at Mercado Puerto · Pablo Neruda house museum La Sebastiana

45 km from Santiago

Cajon del Maipo

Microbuses from Plaza Egana metro (Line 4) to San Jose de Maipo

Highlights: El Morado Natural Monument glacier views · Banos Morales natural hot springs · Embalse El Yeso reservoir turquoise waters · Rafting on the Maipo River at Cascada de las Animas

80 km from Santiago

Casablanca Wine Valley

Bus towards Valparaiso from Alameda and ask to stop at Casablanca town

Highlights: Vina Indomita panoramic terrace winery · Vina Kingston for Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir tastings · Fresh seafood at Restaurante Las Vertientes · Cool-climate varietals unlike the warmer Maipo Valley

50 km from Santiago

Pomaire

Microbus from Pajaritos metro station towards Melipilla, change at Melipilla for Pomaire (~$2 total)

Highlights: Handmade clay pottery workshops you can try yourself · Famous oversized empanadas (media luna) at local restaurants · Cazuela de vacuno (traditional beef stew) in clay pots · Artisan market street stalls along main avenue

130 km from Santiago

Vina del Mar

Turbus from Alameda Terminal to Vina del Mar bus station (every 15 min)

Highlights: Playa de Vina del Mar and Playa Renaca beach walks · Castillo Wulff oceanside mansion · Municipal Casino de Vina del Mar (South Americas oldest casino) · Jardin Botanico with 3,000+ plant species

Trips by distance

How far you can go in a day.

Getting there

Transport options for day trips.

Tours
Organized wine tours from $80-130 per person including transport, guide, and tastings; Valparaíso day tours from $45-70
Private
Private car hire from $120/day for Maipo wine country or Cajón del Maipo; rates higher for further destinations
Public
TurBus and Pullman Bus to Valparaíso ($6-12 each way, 1.5 hrs); Microbuses to Cajón del Maipo from Plaza Egana metro ($2 each way)
Rental
Car rental from $40-60/day for economy; essential for wine routes and Cajón del Maipo to access multiple wineries and viewpoints

Day trip tips

Make the most of your excursions.

Tip

For Valparaíso, take the earliest bus from Alameda terminal (departures from 6 AM) to arrive before the Santiago day-tripper crowds — the hills are magical in the morning light before noon.

Tip

Wine country tours to Maipo valley are best on weekdays when wineries are quieter; some premium bodegas require advance booking regardless of day.

Tip

Cajón del Maipo is best visited in spring (September-November) when the river is flowing strongly and wildflowers are blooming in the high Andes above the canyon.

Tip

Pomaire village (60 km west of Santiago) is a unique half-day trip for handmade black clay pottery at incredibly low prices — the artisan workshops line the main street and demonstrations are free to watch.

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