Things To Do
in Puente Alto

Traditional market where you can find fresh produce, seafood (depending on delivery), baked goods and inexpensive cooked meals — ideal for sampling local flavors and juices.

Look for empanadas, sopaipillas (fried dough), completos (Chilean hot dog) and juices at kiosks and food carts clustered around transit hubs and busy streets.

A single cheek kiss (right cheek) or a handshake is common when meeting someone. Use 'hola' and polite forms like 'por favor' and 'gracias'.

Use formal address (usted) with older people or in formal interactions until invited to use tú. Politeness and modest dress are appreciated in churches and civic spaces.

Wait for a host to invite you to eat; it’s polite to keep hands visible and not to start until served. Sharing food is common in family settings.

Public displays of loud behavior can attract attention; be mindful of noise late at night and respect queueing and personal space in transit.

Tipping is appreciated but not strictly obligatory. In sit‑down restaurants a 10% service charge is sometimes added; if it's not included, leaving 10% for good service is common. For taxis, round up the fare or add a small tip; porters and hotel staff often receive a small tip for help.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops, malls and restaurants; contactless payments and international cards work in many places. Carry some Chilean pesos in cash for markets, street vendors and small purchases. The national debit network (Redcompra) and local e‑wallets are commonly used; ATMs are available but check fees.

December–February bring warm, dry weather (20–32°C typical); long days are ideal for city strolls and mountain day trips. Heat waves can occur; carry water and sun protection. Fewer clouds mean good mountain visibility but also higher air pollution episodes in the Santiago basin.

March–May offers milder temperatures and clearer skies; foliage in the foothills changes color and the air is often pleasant for hiking. Occasional wind and cooler nights are common.

June–August is cool to cold, with chilly mornings and possible light rain in the city; higher elevations in the Andes get snow and open opportunities for snow‑view hikes. Bring warm layers; some outdoor routes can be muddy or icy.

September–November features blooming vegetation, warming temperatures and good conditions for outdoor activities; early spring can still be cool in the mornings and evenings.

A popular mountain valley east of the metropolitan area offering short to multi‑day hikes, river gorges, scenic viewpoints and access to reservoirs such as Embalse El Yeso — suitable for day trips from Puente Alto.

Local ridges and foothill trails near the commune provide accessible hikes and panoramic city‑and‑mountain views, favored by locals for morning and afternoon outings.

Main international airport serving Santiago (Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez). It is about 30–60 minutes by car depending on traffic; reachable by taxi, private transfer or shuttle services.

There are smaller airfields and charter operators around Santiago for private flights and scenic flights; these are used less frequently by general travelers — most will use SCL for commercial travel.

Soccer is the dominant sport in Chile and widely played and followed in Puente Alto, with local clubs, school teams and pickup games common in parks and streets.

Proximity to the foothills makes hiking, trail running and mountain biking popular activities among residents who use nearby trails and routes.