Things To Do
in Bellavista

Polite greetings are important—shake hands for first meetings and a single cheek kiss is common among friends and acquaintances.

Use titles (Señor/Señora/Don/Doña) in formal contexts; punctuality is somewhat relaxed for social events but expected for business meetings.

Chileans may stand closer than some northern Europeans; conversations can be friendly and warm—avoid blunt criticism and be respectful when discussing politics or social issues.

Wait to be seated, say 'buen provecho' (enjoy your meal) when passing by diners, and avoid leaving large tips in cash if service charge is already included.

Tipping around 10% in restaurants is customary if service is not included; for taxis round up the fare or add a small tip, and tipping is not expected for small street food purchases.

Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in restaurants and shops; carry some Chilean pesos (CLP) for markets, small vendors and public transport. Mobile payments and apps (Uber, Cabify) are commonly used in Santiago.

(December–February) Hot and dry with plenty of sunshine—great for outdoor terraces and mountain day trips; expect temperatures in the mid-20s–30s °C (70s–90s °F).

(March–May) Mild temperatures and clear light; cooler evenings and occasional rain—very pleasant for walking and photography.

(June–August) Cooler and wetter with overcast days; temperatures range from single digits to mid-teens °C (40s–50s °F); nearby ski resorts open in the Andes.

(September–November) Blooming parks and warming days—one of the best times to visit for comfortable weather and fewer summer crowds.

Multiple trails from Bellavista lead up this iconic hill in Parque Metropolitano—short hikes deliver city views and are suitable for most fitness levels.

A mountain valley 1–2 hours from Santiago offering numerous hikes (El Morado, Embalse El Yeso) with rivers, gorges and high-Andes scenery—ideal for full-day outdoor excursions.

A more challenging urban-area hike located in the northeast of Santiago that rewards hikers with expansive views of the city and Andes; best for experienced hikers.

Gentler walking paths and green space along the river for relaxed strolls, birdwatching and family-friendly outings.

Santiago’s main international airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez), about 15–20 km from Bellavista; accessible by airport buses (Centropuerto/Turbus) ~30–60 minutes depending on traffic, taxis or ride-share apps.

Regional airports (e.g., Concepción, Temuco) serve domestic routes but require a connection in Santiago for Bellavista; most international visitors use SCL.

Vegetarian options are increasingly available in Bellavista cafés and modern restaurants; many places advertise vegetarian dishes, but menus still favor meat and seafood—ask staff for modifications.

Vegan offerings exist but are less common; seek out specialty cafés or look for restaurants with clear vegan menu items or willing to adapt dishes.

Some restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests, but cross-contamination is possible—notify staff and prefer establishments that explicitly offer GF options.

Language cards listing ingredients in Spanish are useful; seafood and nuts are common in Chilean cooking so communicate allergies clearly.