Things To Do
in San Bernardo
San Bernardo is a growing city in the Maipo Valley just south of central Santiago, blending urban neighborhoods with access to vineyards and nearby hills. It serves as a practical base for exploring the greater Santiago area while maintaining a more relaxed, local vibe. The city provides easy transit links to the capital and the Maipo wine region, making day trips convenient.
Visitors will find a mix of markets, traditional Chilean eateries, and gateway-style access to outdoor adventures in the foothills south of the city.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the Plaza de Armas, where you can admire the stunning architecture of the surrounding buildings. Enjoy a traditional Chilean breakfast at a nearby café, savoring fresh pastries and aromatic coffee. Take a leisurely stroll down the streets, soaking in the local culture and vibrant atmosphere.
Head to the Museo de Historia Natural for an engaging exploration of Chile's natural history and diverse ecosystems. Afterward, indulge in a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, sampling classic Chilean dishes like pastel de choclo. Spend the afternoon wandering through the historic streets, discovering local artisan shops and markets.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot in one of the plaza’s cafes to enjoy a glass of pisco sour while people-watching. Later, treat yourself to a gourmet dinner at a nearby restaurant, where you can experience the rich flavors of Chilean cuisine. Conclude your evening with a leisurely walk, enjoying the vibrant nightlife and local music.
Start your day with a visit to the Centro Cultural de San Bernardo, where you can appreciate local art exhibitions and cultural events. Afterward, take a guided tour of the historic church, Iglesia San Bernardo, which showcases impressive colonial architecture. Enjoy a breakfast of fresh fruit and local bread at a nearby bakery, fueling your exploration of the area.
Spend the afternoon in the Parque O'Higgins, where you can relax among the lush greenery and perhaps enjoy a picnic. Visit local artisan markets to shop for unique handcrafted souvenirs that reflect the rich culture of San Bernardo. Engage with local artists and craftsmen, learning about their inspirations and techniques.
As evening approaches, attend a local music or theater performance at the cultural center, immersing yourself in the artistic scene. After the show, dine at a traditional Chilean restaurant, sampling empanadas and seafood dishes. End your day enjoying a nightcap at a local bar, mingling with friendly locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🍽️Meal for 2 in mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🏨Hotel (mid-range) per night | $60-120 |
| 🚶One-way local transit ticket | $0.80-1.50 |
| 🛒Groceries for a week | $25-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Proximity to the Maipo Valley wine region
- Relaxed, local urban atmosphere with affordable dining
- Limited nightlife and big-city entertainment within San Bernardo itself
- Transit to central Santiago can be busy during peak hours
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¡Gracias!" - Thank you!
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Una mesa para dos, por favor." - A table for two, please.
- "¿Puede recomendarme un buen restaurante?" - Can you recommend a good restaurant?
Places to Visit in San Bernardo
Visit one of these nice places.
The central square with historical architecture and lively street life, ideal for candid shots of locals and evening lights.
Vibrant stalls, colorful produce, and bustling activity provide dynamic street photography opportunities.
Riverside paths and bridges offer tranquil nature shots and reflections, especially during golden hours.
Colorful street art and wall paintings in the older neighborhoods provide bold, urban photography opportunities.
Food in San Bernardo
San Bernardo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Baked or fried pastries stuffed with pino (meat and onions) or cheese and olives; a staple at markets and casual eateries.
Must-Try!
A savory corn pie layered with seasoned meat, onions, olives, and sometimes hard-boiled egg; a comforting, regional favorite.
Chilean-style hot dog loaded with avocado, sauerkraut, mayo, and tomato; popular street-food option.
A simple, comforting chicken or beef soup with corn on the cob, potatoes, and squash; often served with fresh salsa and bread.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market where you can sample prepared foods, fresh produce, and regional specialties, with vendors selling ready-to-eat bites and ingredients for home cooking.
Casual spots offering completos, empanadas, choripán, and other quick Chilean bites ideal for a casual lunch.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is common in formal settings; friends may greet with a light hug or two cheek kisses in informal situations. Use polite forms, and address people as señor/señora or don/doná depending on age and familiarity.
Arrive on time for business meetings; social events may start a little later, but basic punctuality is appreciated.
Small talk about family and food is normal; avoid overly confrontational topics in casual settings.
Safety
Tipping in San Bernardo
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 10-15% is customary if service is not included. Small cafés and casual eateries may round up the bill or leave small tips for good service. Cash is widely accepted, and many places also take major credit cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry days with long afternoons; bring sun protection and water; outdoor activities are popular, including winery visits and river strolls.
Mild temperatures with changing foliage; great time for photography around vineyards and city parks.
Cool to mild temperatures with occasional rain; occasional showers; layering is recommended and indoor attractions become popular.
Rising temperatures and blooming landscapes; outdoor markets and countryside trips are very pleasant.
San Bernardo at Night
Hiking in San Bernardo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic canyon area with several hiking routes, glaciers, rivers, and panoramic views of the Andes; suitable for day trips from San Bernardo.
Gentle to moderate hikes with vineyard and hillside landscapes, ideal for half-day excursions.
Airports
How to reach San Bernardo by plane.
Located in Pudahuel, about 45-60 minutes from San Bernardo by car depending on traffic; major gateway to Chile with domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of middle-class families, small business owners, and commuters who work in Santiago but live in San Bernardo. The area also sees visitors on winery day trips and weekend getaways.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region, with local teams and casual matches common on weekends.
Popular for both road cycling in the valley and scenic rides near vineyards and foothills.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Bernardo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Chilean dishes can be adapted; look for vegetable cazuela, pastel de choclo without meat, salads, empanadas stuffed with cheese or vegetables, and grilled vegetables. When in doubt, ask for opciones sin carne or sin pescado; many restaurants can accommodate with dairy- or plant-based options.