Packing Tips for Santiago
Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May)
If you're buying return flights to Santiago for spring travel, you'll need to pack a lot of layers. The temperature often changes and rain is frequent. Bring along rain gear and waterproof protection for your devices and camera equipment. For hiking trips, it's always a good idea to have a dry bag in case it starts to rain while you're on a trail.
Summer (December to February)
Santiago is hot during the summer months. For flights to Santiago between December and February, pack light, breathable basics that you can mix and match. Some of the best summer staples for the city are a pair of jeans for the cooler nights, plus shorts, dresses, and comfortable t-shirts. Avoid packing items that wrinkle if you don't want to bring along a portable steamer or iron.
Winter (June to August)
For flights to Santiago in the winter, you'll want to bring your warmest items of clothing. Temperatures average between 3°C to 15°C during the day, and it's also the rainiest time of year. Some good wardrobe essentials include wool sweaters and puffer jackets. On the plus side, if you can handle the less than perfect weather, you may also find good deals on cheap flights to Santiago.
Public Transport and How to Get Around in Santiago
Santiago is an easy city to explore on foot. The streets are laid out on a grid and it’s relatively flat. If you get tired from walking around or you need to get somewhere quickly, you can use Santiago's public transportation system.
Metro
There are five metro lines that run across the city. A single ticket costs 620 CLP ($1.31 AUD), and you can use the same ticket for the city's bus system. The metro is the perfect option for budget travellers buying cheap flights to Santiago. If you know you're going to be using the metro as your main means of transportation, buy the city's Bip! card for 1,400 CLP ($2.95 AUD). It will give you a discount on fares and is cheaper than buying single tickets each time you need to use the metro.
Bus
When buying flights to Santiago and planning to use the bus upon arrival, keep in mind that the bus drivers don't accept cash payments for fares, so you'll need to purchase a ticket in advance. Fares for buses start at 600 CLP ($1.27 AUD) and will vary by bus zone.
Taxi
You can hail a metered taxi from anywhere around Santiago. The meters start at 250 CLP ($0.53 AUD) and charge 100 CLP ($0.21 AUD) for every 2 kilometres, making it an affordable way to get around the city once your flights to Santiago land.
Car
You don't need to rent a car in Santiago if you're only planning on exploring the city. However, if you want to go on day trips, you can use Webjet's car rental option when booking your return flights to Santiago. Alternatively, you can rent a car from the airport or in the city when you arrive.
Transport from Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL)
One of the most affordable ways to get from Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) to your hotel in downtown Santiago is with a minivan transfer. You can also use the Tur-Bus which is a service that runs every 30 minutes from the airport to the city.
If you want to cut down on travel time, you can take a taxi directly to your accommodation. Cab fares from Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) cost on average 14,000 CLP to 17,000 CLP ($29.54 to $35.87 AUD) depending on your final destination. Once your flights to Santiago arrive, go outside of the arrivals terminal to the taxi stand to catch a ride.
Best Things To Do on Weekends
Valle Nevado
One of the best things to do in Santiago on the weekend in the winter months is to go up to Valle Nevado. It offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the Andes, and it's only 90 minutes from Santiago. If you've never skied before, don't worry. There are slopes for every level, and you can sign up for lessons. If you're buying flights to Santiago in the summer months, you can explore the many hiking trails or go on a horseback riding adventure.
Costanera Center
For epic views of Santiago, head to the top of the Costanera Center. It's one of the highest buildings in Latin America, standing at 304 metres tall. If you're booking an airfare to Santiago, you don't want to miss out on the 360-degree views of the city and the surrounding Andes Mountains!
Palacio de La Moneda
Palacio de La Moneda is one of the most beautiful neoclassical buildings in Santiago. Budget travellers buying tickets to Santiago and can reserve a spot for a free tour through the palace.
Cajon del Maipo
Nature lovers buying flights to Santiago should hire a car or book a day tour to Cajon del Maipo. It's located 25 kilometres from the city and is where you'll find a massive gorge on the Rio Maipo. You can spend a day hiking, rafting, cycling, skiing or visiting the nearby wineries. If a day trip is not enough for you, there are camping facilities.
