Flights from Melbourne to Santiago

Need to know

Located between the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the snow capped peaks of the Andes mountain range, Chile is a country of true diversity, home to wide expanses of desert in the north, glaciers in the south, and lively modern cities in between. Located in central Chile, the vibrant cosmopolitan city of Santiago is home 32 individual districts, each of which possesses its own personality, spanning from bohemian neighbourhoods through to affluent areas.

Founded in 1541, Santiago boasts a long and fascinating history showcased in the city’s museums and evident during a stroll through its streets. Catholic imagery and sculptures are quite prevalent, with fine examples dotted around the city. See the San Cristóbal Hill’s Virgin Mary statue on the second highest peak in the city, and marvel at the beautiful scenery on offer.

Although an old city, there are a number of contemporary buildings and fascinating examples modern architecture across Santiago, ranging from the Consorcio Building wrapped in vegetation to the spiral designs of Santiago Calatrava.

Santiago is also home to countless cafes and restaurants serving delectable food, as well as a lively, dazzling nightlife and great shopping opportunities.

Getting around

Walking around Santiago is a great way to see the city, however, the city is not laid out in a grid system, so it’s best to carry a map with you. Santiago has a linked bus and train network called Transantiago that is quick and easy to use. Just purchase a Tarjeta Bip! Contactless card and top it up to travel. There are lots of taxis around that are relatively cheap, but be sure to check the meter is on before you set off. If you’re planning to head to the coastal areas hiring a car is a good option, but if you just want to stay in the metropolitan area public transport will see you through. 

Santiago is a great place to visit all year round, with temperatures rarely getting lower than 4°C in the winter months and hitting an average of 15°C - 30°C throughout the year. The summer months are from December to February where there is a mild, dry heat. These months are the busiest times to visit, so many travellers prefer to head to Santiago in the shoulder months (from September to November and March to May), when there are smaller crowds and better deals on cheap flights.

Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport

Located 15 km north-west of downtown Santiago, Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport is the largest airport in Chile. Flights make their way to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport directly or via a number of destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Sao Paulo, Auckland, Buenos Aires and Toronto.