Things To Do
in Santiago

A baked or fried turnover filled with seasoned minced beef, onion, raisins, olives and a piece of hard-boiled egg — found at bakeries and traditional restaurants across the city, especially during September fiestas.

Must-Try!

A layered corn (choclo) casserole with a savory meat filling and sweet corn topping — hearty and seasonal in many local eateries and mid-range restaurants.

A comforting clear stew with large pieces of meat (chicken or beef), potatoes, corn and vegetables — common at home-style restaurants and markets.

A Chilean hot dog overloaded with ingredients like avocado, mayonnaise, sauerkraut and tomatoes — an essential street-food experience from fast-food stands.

Chileans greet with a handshake in formal settings and a single cheek kiss among friends and acquaintances of the same or opposite sex; use titles (Señor/Señora/Doctor) in formal contexts.

Polite small talk is common — avoid sensitive political debates about the dictatorship unless you know the person well; show respect when discussing recent history and human rights.

Business meetings expect punctuality, but social gatherings often start a bit later; hosts are hospitable — bringing a small gift when invited to a home is appreciated.

Maintain modest public behavior; avoid loud arguments in public and respect queues and personal space in urban contexts.

A 10% service charge is commonly added at restaurants; if not included, a 10% tip is appreciated for good service. Tipping taxi drivers is not mandatory but rounding up is common; tip small amounts to hotel staff and tour guides if service is good.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels; carry some Chilean pesos for markets, small vendors and public transport. Contactless payments and ride-hailing apps are common in the city.

December to February: hot, dry and sunny with temperatures often 28–35°C (82–95°F) in the city — ideal for outdoor dining and wine tours but protect against sun and occasional heat waves.

March to May: mild days and cooler evenings, autumn colors in parks and vineyards, and comfortable weather for walking and cultural activities.

June to August: cool to cold with frequent rain in Santiago and snow in the high Andes; air pollution (smog) can increase during stagnant cold spells — good season for skiing in nearby resorts.

September to November: warming temperatures, blossoms in parks, breezy conditions and fewer tourists — one of the best times for hiking and photography.

The majority of Santiago’s population is a mix of European ancestry and indigenous heritage, with broad cultural influence from both.

Mapuche and other indigenous groups are present in the urban population and contribute to cultural life, though they are a minority.

Notable communities from neighboring Latin American countries (Peru, Venezuela, Colombia), as well as expatriates from Europe and North America working in business, education and NGOs.

Large student populations attend universities in central Santiago and many neighborhoods have lively youthful and creative communities.