There are a number of festivals, holidays and other events celebrated in Santiago each year. The main ones are listed below.
January 1: New Year's Day (national holiday) March/April: Easter Monday (celebrated nationwide)The Resurrection of Christ gives rise to many processions, and baptisms are celebrated on Easter Weekend, the most important moment of the Christian calendar.
May 1: Labour Day (national holiday) August 15: Assumption Day (national holiday) September 18: Independence Day and Armed Forces Day (Fiestas Patrias, national holiday)Commemoration of the Independence of Chile in 1810, with military parades followed by a huaso rodeo, a Chilean manifestation during which two horsemen compete to catch a young calf.
October 12: Día de la Raza (national holiday)In recent years, this day has evolved into a celebration of the cultural richness engendered by the mixing of peoples. Parades are held through the streets, as well as singing and dancing.
December 25: Christmas (national holiday)Month | Min. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Max. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Average Rains (MM) | Best Time to Travel |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | 12/54 | 31/88 | 1/0.04 | Not the best period to go |
February | 12/54 | 30/86 | 2/0.08 | Not the best period to go |
March | 10/50 | 28/82 | 4/0.16 | Not the best period to go |
April | 7/45 | 24/75 | 14/0.55 | Good period to go
![]() |
May | 5/41 | 20/68 | 58/2.28 | Good period to go
![]() |
June | 4/39 | 17/63 | 78/3.07 | Good period to go
![]() |
July | 2/36 | 16/61 | 75/2.95 | Not the best period to go |
August | 4/39 | 18/64 | 54/2.13 | Not the best period to go |
September | 5/41 | 20/68 | 27/1/06 | Not the best period to go |
October | 7/45 | 24/75 | 14/0.55 | Good period to go
![]() |
November | 9/48 | 27/81 | 6/0.24 | Good period to go
![]() |
December | 11/52 | 29/84 | 4/0.16 | Good period to go
![]() |
The Arturo-Merino-Benítez International Airport is located about 17 kilometres (11 miles) northwest of the city centre, in Pudahuel.
Santiago is a very large city and distances between points of interest are considerable. However, the city has a well-developed, efficient and reliable public transport system. You will never have any difficulty getting around.
Santiago's Metro is one of the most modern systems of Latin America. At present, there are seven lines in operation (1, 2, 3, 4, 4A, 5 and 6) from 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. except on Sunday and holidays (until 10:30 p.m.) Tickets may be purchased from station counters and cost CLP 800 (rush hour) and CLP 670 (off-peak).
Buses are a convenient and inexpensive solution for getting around Santiago. Santiago's network of city buses (Micros) is of two types: the troncales run only along broad avenues, whereas the smaller alimentadores mainly ply the city's narrower streets. Fares may only be paid by swiping a rechargeable Tarjeta Bip! card on the bus. These cards, priced at CLP 1,500, may be purchased at any Metro station or at the Bip centres located throughout the city, and can also be used on Santiago's Metro. Unlike the Metro, the travel credit needed for a single bus fare is about CLP 700. It is worth noting that one Tarjeta Bip! card may be used by several people in succession.
Driving around Santiago is a good way to free yourself from distances, which may be quite important. A vehicle is also recommended if you plan to explore the region. Most rental agencies are located outside the airport (note that a 5% supplement is usually charged there) or in the city centre.
Taxis are a convenient mode of transport in Santiago. Metered taxis are black with yellow roofs and have orange plates. The initial charge is about CLP 300, then CLP 650 for every kilometre.
Upon your arrival in Santiago, you can get in touch with local tourism professionals for further information and to help organise your stay.
Servicio Nacional de TurismoOffers sightseeing recommendations, tourist information and brochures.
Offers practical information and useful recommendations (accommodation, restaurants, public transport, festivals, cultural events, etc.).
See your doctor before you travel. It is recommended that you obtain insurance covering health care expenses as well as medical evacuation or repatriation before you leave home. Santiago counts several hospitals and medical institutions, as well as quality medical practitioners and health specialists.
VaccinationsThere are no vaccination requirements for visitors to Chile.
However, the following vaccines are recommended:
For more information, contact Air France's international vaccination centre:
It is recommended to:
It is recommended to drink bottled water in Santiago.
With the exception of Peruvian and Bolivian citizens, who need only be in possession of a national identity card to enter Chile, travellers from all other countries intending to stay in Chile for more than three months must obtain a visa and their passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
For further information, visit the website of Chile’s Aliens and Migration Department: http://www.extranjeria.gob.cl
To enjoy peace of mind during your stay in Santiago, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country.
Here are a few basic Spanish phrases that will make your stay in Santiago a little easier:
Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon: ¡ Buenos días ! (morning) / ¡ Buenas tardes ! (afternoon)
Thank you very much: Muchas gracias
I don't understand: No entiendo
Could you repeat ?: ¿ Puede repetir ?
What time is it ?: ¿ Que hora es ?
Sorry: Disculpe (to say sorry)
Excuse me: Con permiso (to get past) / ¡ Por favor ! (to get attention).
Train station: Estación de trenes
I'm looking for (…): Estoy buscando (…)
How much is (…)?: ¿ Cuál es el precio de (…) ? /¿ Cuánto es ?
Do you have (…)?: ¿ Tiene (…) ?
Where can I find (…)?: ¿ Dónde puedo encontrar (…) ?
Tipping
In Santiago, it is customary to leave a 10% tip in restaurants, unless a service charge is included in the bill. Although US dollars are commonly seen in Chile, it is preferable to offer the tip in Chilean pesos.