Day Trips from Santiago Chile: Explore Like a Local

If you’re visiting Santiago, Chile, it’s tempting to spend all your time exploring its cosmopolitan neighborhoods, rooftop bars, and museums. But venture just beyond the city limits, and you’ll uncover a world of hidden gems — charming wine valleys, colorful coastal villages, Andean hot springs, and tranquil nature reserves that most tourists overlook. Whether you’re craving adventure, relaxation, or authentic Chilean culture, these hidden-gem day trips from Santiago, Chile will help you experience it like a local.

Pomaire – Chile’s Clay Artisan Village

Distance from Santiago: ~1 hour Best for: Handicrafts, traditional food, and small-town charm

Just an hour west of Santiago lies Pomaire, a quaint village famous for its terracotta pottery and traditional Chilean cuisine. Wander the main street lined with artisan workshops where locals craft pots, dishes, and quirky “chanchitos” (little clay pigs said to bring good luck). Don’t miss the chance to savor a hearty empanada de pino — Pomaire’s are legendary, often weighing nearly a kilo!

Local tip: Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and chat with artisans about their techniques — many have been perfecting their craft for generations.

Cajón del Maipo – Nature and Hot Springs in the Andes

Distance from Santiago: ~1.5 hours Best for: Outdoor adventure, hot springs, and scenic views

Nestled in the Andes Mountains, Cajón del Maipo is one of Santiago’s favorite escapes, yet still feels wonderfully wild. Adventure-seekers can go white-water rafting, hiking, or horseback riding through canyons and crystal-clear rivers. End your day soaking in the Baños Colina Hot Springs, where naturally heated pools are set against a breathtaking mountain backdrop.

Local tip: Bring cash and arrive early if you plan to visit Embalse El Yeso, a turquoise reservoir that’s become Instagram-famous but still retains its magic when visited during quieter weekday mornings.

Isla Negra – Neruda’s Seaside Sanctuary

Distance from Santiago: ~1.5 hours Best for: History, poetry, and coastal beauty

Poetry lovers and culture buffs will adore Isla Negra, home to one of Pablo Neruda’s most enchanting seaside houses. Overlooking the rugged Pacific coastline, the poet’s former home is now a museum showcasing his eclectic collections — from ship figureheads to seashells and maps. After the visit, stroll the windswept beaches or enjoy fresh seafood at a local caleta (fishermen’s cove) nearby.

Local tip: Try a pisco sour with local machas (razor clams) at a coastal restaurant — you’ll be dining the Chilean way.

Rancagua & Sewell Mining Town – Chile’s Industrial Heritage

Distance from Santiago: ~2 hours Best for: History and cultural insight

Travel back in time with a visit to Sewell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located high in the Andes. Once a bustling copper mining town, Sewell is now an open-air museum showcasing Chile’s early 20th-century mining life. The brightly colored wooden houses perched on steep slopes make for fantastic photos. Stop in Rancagua on your way back for a taste of local rodeo culture or a stroll through its lively markets.

Local tip: You can only visit Sewell with a guided tour (book ahead), but the insider stories and mountain views make it well worth the trip.

Casablanca Valley – Boutique Wineries Without the Crowds

Distance from Santiago: ~1 hour Best for: Wine tasting and countryside tranquility

While many visitors head straight for the famous Colchagua Valley, locals know that Casablanca Valley offers an equally rewarding — and more intimate — wine experience. This cool-climate region is ideal for Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, and its boutique wineries like Bodegas RE and Loma Larga offer personalized tastings with winemakers.

Local tip: Pair your tasting with a lunch among the vines at Casa del Bosque or Kingston Family Vineyards for a true Chilean countryside experience.

Termas de Jahuel – A Hidden Mountain Spa Retreat

Distance from Santiago: ~2 hours Best for: Relaxation and wellness

Tucked in the foothills of the Andes near San Felipe, the Termas de Jahuel is a peaceful retreat where Chileans go to unwind. The thermal waters here are rich in minerals and surrounded by serene vineyards and mountain scenery. Spend the afternoon soaking in the thermal pools, indulging in a massage, or sipping a glass of local wine as you gaze over the Aconcagua Valley.

Local tip: Stay for lunch — the on-site restaurant offers some of the best regional cuisine paired with boutique wines.

Laguna de Aculeo – Peaceful Lakeside Escapes

Distance from Santiago: ~1.5 hours Best for: Picnics, kayaking, and local nature

Once a well-kept secret among Santiaguinos, Laguna de Aculeo is making a quiet comeback as a day-trip destination. Located south of the capital, this lake area offers hiking trails, kayaking, and picnic spots with mountain views. It’s the perfect place to disconnect from city life and enjoy a relaxed afternoon surrounded by nature.

Local tip: Bring your own picnic or buy supplies from a local panadería (bakery) on your way — empanadas and pastel de choclo are musts.

Chile’s capital may be the country’s cultural and culinary hub, but the real charm lies in the day trips that reveal its diversity — from artisan villages and Andean hot springs to wine valleys and poetic coastlines. By venturing beyond the city, you’ll uncover the Chile locals love — authentic, flavorful, and full of surprises.