Things To Do
in Los Cerrillos
Los Cerrillos is a small urban enclave in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, just southwest of central Santiago. It sits near the historic Cerrillos Airport, blending industrial zones with residential neighborhoods and straightforward access to the capital’s attractions. The area functions as a convenient base for quick hops into downtown Santiago, the Maipo Valley wine region, and nearby foothills.
With its mix of everyday city life and quieter outskirts, Los Cerrillos offers an authentic glimpse of life in Chile’s capital region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Los Cerrillos and take in the breathtaking landscapes that surround the area. After checking into your accommodation, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café that serves traditional Chilean pastries. Take some time to explore the quaint village and its stunning views.
In the afternoon, embark on a guided hiking tour through the nearby hills, where you'll discover unique flora and fauna native to the region. Engage with local guides who will share fascinating stories about the history and ecology of Los Cerrillos. After the hike, savor a packed lunch while overlooking the scenic valleys.
As the sun sets, head back to the village for a dinner at a family-owned restaurant, featuring local wines and delicious Chilean dishes. Spend the evening enjoying live music or cultural performances, often held in the town square. Retire for the night, ready for an adventurous day ahead.
Start your day with a traditional Chilean breakfast at your accommodation, featuring fresh bread and local jams. Visit the local artisan market to meet craftsmen and learn about their techniques while browsing handmade textiles and pottery. Capture photographs of the vibrant stalls and interact with friendly vendors.
After lunch, take a guided tour of a nearby vineyard to learn about Chilean wine production. Participate in a wine tasting session and enjoy a picnic amidst the vine-covered hills. The afternoon sun creates the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll through the vineyard.
In the evening, return to the village and enjoy a cooking class focused on traditional Chilean cuisine. Learn to prepare iconic dishes, and then sit down to enjoy the meal you've created. Share stories with your fellow participants while savoring the flavors of Chile.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $30-60 |
| 🚆Public transit day pass | $2-4 |
| 🛍️Groceries for a week | $40-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Proximity to Santiago's cultural highlights and modern amenities
- Good value for money and accessible public transit
- Predominantly residential/industrial feel with limited nightlife on-site
- Some services and attractions require short trips into central Santiago
- "Hola" - Hello
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Hablas inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Estoy perdido" - I am lost
Places to Visit in Los Cerrillos
Visit one of these nice places.
An industrial-chic airfield setting with vintage aircraft components and runways; best captured at dawn or during air events when activity is high.
Panoramic city views, expansive greenery, and the hill’s contours provide striking angles for skyline and nature shots.
Classic colonial architecture, fountains, and daily life scenes—great for street photography and warm golden-hour light.
A compact hill in the heart of the city offering winding paths, stone stairways, and elevated viewpoints for urban imagery.
Food in Los Cerrillos
Los Cerrillos Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Flaky pastry filled with seasoned beef, onions, raisins, and olives; a Chilean staple found in bakeries and markets.
Must-Try!
Corn-based pie layered with meat, onions, and sometimes egg; a comforting classic especially in cooler months.
A hearty corn soup or stew featuring meat (usually chicken or beef), potatoes, squash, and green peas.
Grilled conger eel served with pebre and potatoes or greens; a seafood specialty often available near coastal-influenced spots.
Barbecued meats (beef, pork, or chicken) cooked on a grill, commonly found in family-style eateries and parrillas.
A sweet, non-alcoholic summertime drink/dessert made from barley and dried peaches, iconic in Chilean markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small municipal market offering fresh produce, prepared foods, and snack options, ideal for a quick bite or picnic ingredients.
Casual vendors selling sopaipillas (fried pumpkin-dough treats) and completos (Chilean-style hot dogs) with fresh toppings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A courteous greeting such as 'Buenos días/tardes' followed by a handshake; maintain polite tone in conversations.
Use formal address ('usted') with strangers and elders; Chileans value politeness in casual and professional settings.
Breakfasts and lunches are social; avoid rushing meals and wait for everyone to be served before beginning to eat.
Safety
Tipping in Los Cerrillos
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 10%–15% is customary if service is not included. If service is included, tipping is optional. Small tips for taxi drivers or street vendors are appreciated but not required.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, and shops. Cash is handy for markets and smaller vendors; ATMs are common in urban areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry, sunny days with warm temperatures; stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities in the cooler morning or evening hours.
Milder temperatures with colorful foliage; comfortable for walking tours and outdoor photography.
Cool to mild with higher chances of rain; pack a light rain jacket and layer clothing for fluctuating temperatures.
Transition to warmer days; blooming landscapes and pleasant conditions for city exploring and hiking.
Los Cerrillos at Night
Hiking in Los Cerrillos
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular hiking area with glacier-fed lagoons and scenic views; suitable for day hikes with varying difficulties.
Rich biodiversity and mountainous terrain; options for shorter, scenic hikes a short drive away.
Airports
How to reach Los Cerrillos by plane.
Located in Pudahuel, just northwest of downtown Santiago; primary international gateway accessible by car, taxi, and public transit.
Historic and small airfield within Los Cerrillos; primarily general aviation and flight-related activities; convenient for day trips and aviation enthusiasts.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Residents who commute to central Santiago for work, often living in mixed residential-commercial zones.
University and college students who study in the wider Santiago area and frequently use public transit.
Families living in nearby neighborhoods seeking accessible services, parks, and day trips to the Maipo Valley.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular team and street sport in urban Chile; local matches and casual pick-up games are common.
Popular in the surrounding hills and Cajón del Maipo; scenic routes attract outdoor enthusiasts.
Urban bike paths and valley routes attract cyclists for daily commutes and weekend rides.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Los Cerrillos.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Chile has growing vegetarian options in many eateries; look for salads, grilled vegetables, cheese-based dishes, or request 'sin carne'. In markets, you can often find cheese empanadas, mote con huesillo, sopaipillas with pebre, and other meat-free snacks. For dining out, ask for 'sin carne y sin pescado' and consider sharing plates that center on grains, legumes, and vegetables.