Santiago and Portillo: From the Capital to the Andes
Updated on 26 de November, 2025
3 days of urban culture and winter adventure
3 DAYS
Would you like to have a getaway in Santiago? On this three-day itinerary, you will get to know the historical heritage of the Chilean capital, and then ascend to more than 2,800 meters in altitude. Portillo, South America’s oldest ski center, awaits you there with its world-class slopes, the legendary Laguna del Inca, and the iconic hospitality of its hotel.
Photos: Portillo
DISTANCIA
340 km
CANTIDAD DE DÍAS
3 days
DESTINOS
PAISAJE
Inicio del itinerario
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
The historical heart of Santiago
Your adventure begins in the center of Santiago. Start the tour at the Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city, where you can admire the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Historical Museum. From there, walk a few blocks to the imposing Palacio de La Moneda, the seat of government, and explore its underground cultural center.
For lunch, immerse yourself in the bohemian atmosphere of Barrio Lastarria. This area is famous for its varied gastronomic offerings, its design shops, and its vibrant cultural life. Enjoy a meal on one of its terraces and stroll through its tree-lined streets, an oasis in the middle of the metropolis.
Afterward, head to Barrio Bellavista and walk along Pío Nono to Cerro San Cristóbal to ascend to the summit by funicular and see Santiago in all its splendor.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
The historical heart of Santiago
Your adventure begins in the center of Santiago. Start the tour at the Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city, where you can admire the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Historical Museum. From there, walk a few blocks to the imposing Palacio de La Moneda, the seat of government, and explore its underground cultural center.
For lunch, immerse yourself in the bohemian atmosphere of Barrio Lastarria. This area is famous for its varied gastronomic offerings, its design shops, and its vibrant cultural life. Enjoy a meal on one of its terraces and stroll through its tree-lined streets, an oasis in the middle of the metropolis.
Afterward, head to Barrio Bellavista and walk along Pío Nono to Cerro San Cristóbal to ascend to the summit by funicular and see Santiago in all its splendor.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
Ascent to Portillo and adrenaline in the snow
For your second day, get up early to travel to the Portillo ski center. After a 2 to 3-hour ascent along Route 60, the iconic yellow hotel will welcome you. Check in, settle in, and get ready for action in one of the most famous ski centers in the world.
After a replenishing lunch, it’s time for your first snowboarding session. Whether you take a beginner’s class or go all out as an expert, Portillo’s 35 slopes offer challenges for all levels.
The day culminates with the classic “après-ski” in the hotel bar, a time to relax and share the day’s experiences. Enjoy an exquisite dinner and live music, experiencing the unique atmosphere that only South America’s oldest ski center can offer its visitors.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
Ascent to Portillo and adrenaline in the snow
For your second day, get up early to travel to the Portillo ski center. After a 2 to 3-hour ascent along Route 60, the iconic yellow hotel will welcome you. Check in, settle in, and get ready for action in one of the most famous ski centers in the world.
After a replenishing lunch, it’s time for your first snowboarding session. Whether you take a beginner’s class or go all out as an expert, Portillo’s 35 slopes offer challenges for all levels.
The day culminates with the classic “après-ski” in the hotel bar, a time to relax and share the day’s experiences. Enjoy an exquisite dinner and live music, experiencing the unique atmosphere that only South America’s oldest ski center can offer its visitors.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 3
Laguna del Inca and return
After a breakfast with a view of the peaks, take a guided hike to admire the Laguna del Inca, whose intense emerald waters are the setting for a famous love legend. It is the perfect place for nature photography and to contemplate the immensity of the Andes.
Depending on the season, you might have the option of taking a boat ride to capture even better views of the mountains reflected in its waters. After lunch, you decide the plan: you can return to the slopes for a final snowboarding session or choose the more relaxing option.
The highlight of your trip is a rest in the hotel’s famous outdoor heated pool or its spa. Immersing yourself in its warm waters while watching the mountains is the perfect farewell before embarking on the return trip to Santiago.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 3
Laguna del Inca and return
After a breakfast with a view of the peaks, take a guided hike to admire the Laguna del Inca, whose intense emerald waters are the setting for a famous love legend. It is the perfect place for nature photography and to contemplate the immensity of the Andes.
Depending on the season, you might have the option of taking a boat ride to capture even better views of the mountains reflected in its waters. After lunch, you decide the plan: you can return to the slopes for a final snowboarding session or choose the more relaxing option.
The highlight of your trip is a rest in the hotel’s famous outdoor heated pool or its spa. Immersing yourself in its warm waters while watching the mountains is the perfect farewell before embarking on the return trip to Santiago.
What you should know
How to get there by air
Your entry point is the Santiago International Airport (SCL), where you will begin the itinerary. To go to Portillo, we recommend hiring a transfer service with the ski center itself.
How to get there by land
To get around Santiago, we recommend using the Metro or the Red bus system, while the attractions on this itinerary can be seen on foot. To go to Portillo, the car trip takes between 2 to 3 hours on Route 57 and then Route 60. The final stretch, known as “Los Caracoles”, has sharp curves. Check the Portillo website, where they offer transfer services.
Climate and clothing
In Santiago, the climate is Mediterranean, while in Portillo it is high mountain and very cold. Dress in layers: comfortable urban clothing for the city and complete snow equipment (base layer, fleece, waterproof jacket, gloves, hat) for the mountains.
Must-Know Tips
As in any big city, you should be aware of your belongings in Santiago. To go to Portillo, plan your visit well and find out if there are rooms for only one night, as most of the hotel’s programs include long stays. As it is a winter destination, it only operates from June to September or October.
