6-Day Itinerary to Visit Chile During National Holidays
Updated on 15 de September, 2026
Art and folklore in Chile’s most traditional celebration of the year
6 DAYS
National Holidays is one of the best times of the year to visit Chile, with the entire territory filling with celebrations to have a great time and get to know our traditions. In this itinerary, you’ll explore the hills and urban art of Valparaíso, the historic neighborhoods of Santiago, and the mountain landscapes of Cajón del Maipo and Pirque, on a trip that combines heritage, folklore, wine, and local culture.
DISTANCE
596 km
DAYS
6 DAYS
DESTINATIONS
LANDSCAPES
SEASON
ATTRACTIONS
Inicio del itinerario
Attractions included on this day
Day 1
Urban Art and Bohemian Valparaíso
Welcome to this journey through Chile during National Holidays! Get ready, because you’re in for 6 amazing days. Our first stop will be Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Upon arrival, we’ll explore the hills of Bellavista and Florida, amidst colorful facades, staircases, and urban art murals. We recommend following the route of Museo a Cielo Abierto (Open-Air Museum), a circuit of murals and artworks painted on walls and facades, and visiting some of the funiculars before admiring the bay from its viewpoints.
As night falls, you’ll enjoy a traditional Valparaíso-style afternoon tea, with sandwiches, homemade preparations, and tea or coffee, in the style of the city’s classic soda fountains. To end the day, you’ll experience Valparaíso’s bohemian nightlife amidst music and lights, concluding the evening with local cuisine and pisco-based cocktails.
Attractions included on this day
Day 1
Urban Art and Bohemian Valparaíso
Welcome to this journey through Chile during National Holidays! Get ready, because you’re in for 6 amazing days. Our first stop will be Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Upon arrival, we’ll explore the hills of Bellavista and Florida, amidst colorful facades, staircases, and urban art murals. We recommend following the route of Museo a Cielo Abierto (Open-Air Museum), a circuit of murals and artworks painted on walls and facades, and visiting some of the funiculars before admiring the bay from its viewpoints.
As night falls, you’ll enjoy a traditional Valparaíso-style afternoon tea, with sandwiches, homemade preparations, and tea or coffee, in the style of the city’s classic soda fountains. To end the day, you’ll experience Valparaíso’s bohemian nightlife amidst music and lights, concluding the evening with local cuisine and pisco-based cocktails.
Attractions included on this day
Day 2
Cueca, Hills, and Tradition in Valparaíso
Today we’ll go to the Ramadas Populares Alejo Barrios, the grand National Holidays celebration in the city, held in Playa Ancha. There we’ll enjoy folk music, cueca, traditional games, and typical gastronomy.
In the afternoon, we’ll take a walking tour through Alegre and Concepción hills, part of Valparaíso’s historic area recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore its streets, staircases, and murals, visit the Artkinson Gallery and stop at the Yugoslavo and Gervasoni promenades to admire the city and the Pacific Ocean.
On your last night in the port city, you’ll experience Chilean folklore in an emblematic traditional bar in Valparaíso, with live music and Valparaíso’s traditional cueca dance. Learn its steps with local musicians and dare to wear typical Chilean attire.
Photography: UCV Radio
Attractions included on this day
Day 2
Cueca, Hills, and Tradition in Valparaíso
Today we’ll go to the Ramadas Populares Alejo Barrios, the grand National Holidays celebration in the city, held in Playa Ancha. There we’ll enjoy folk music, cueca, traditional games, and typical gastronomy.
In the afternoon, we’ll take a walking tour through Alegre and Concepción hills, part of Valparaíso’s historic area recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore its streets, staircases, and murals, visit the Artkinson Gallery and stop at the Yugoslavo and Gervasoni promenades to admire the city and the Pacific Ocean.
On your last night in the port city, you’ll experience Chilean folklore in an emblematic traditional bar in Valparaíso, with live music and Valparaíso’s traditional cueca dance. Learn its steps with local musicians and dare to wear typical Chilean attire.
Photography: UCV Radio
Attractions included on this day
Day 3
Explore Historic Santiago
We’re heading to Santiago. We will start the Cerro Santa Lucía, an urban park with gardens and attractions like the Neptune Fountain, as well as viewpoints with city and Andes Mountains views. Then, we will continue to the La Moneda Palace, seat of the Government of Chile, and the historic París-Londres neighborhood, whose streets preserve part of Santiago’s architecture.
In the afternoon, we’ll go to the iconic Barrio Lastarria, where we can have Mapuche cuisine for lunch and enjoy a tasting of Chilean wines.
At night, we’ll celebrate in the full National Holidays atmosphere, with a traditional Chilean dinner in the Bellavista neighborhood, where we can take a cueca class and enjoy a folk show that tours different regions of the country.
Attractions included on this day
Day 3
Explore Historic Santiago
We’re heading to Santiago. We will start the Cerro Santa Lucía, an urban park with gardens and attractions like the Neptune Fountain, as well as viewpoints with city and Andes Mountains views. Then, we will continue to the La Moneda Palace, seat of the Government of Chile, and the historic París-Londres neighborhood, whose streets preserve part of Santiago’s architecture.
In the afternoon, we’ll go to the iconic Barrio Lastarria, where we can have Mapuche cuisine for lunch and enjoy a tasting of Chilean wines.
At night, we’ll celebrate in the full National Holidays atmosphere, with a traditional Chilean dinner in the Bellavista neighborhood, where we can take a cueca class and enjoy a folk show that tours different regions of the country.
Attractions included on this day
Day 4
La Fonda del Parque O'Higgins
Today will be a busy day. In the morning, we’ll use the funicular of Santiago Metropolitan Park, pausing at its viewpoints. You can’t miss the traditional mote con huesillos, a Chilean drink prepared with husked wheat, dried peaches, and sweet juice.
At noon we’ll head to Parque O’Higgins, perhaps the largest ‘fonda’ in Chile, which brings together typical gastronomy, music, cueca, and traditional games.
In the late afternoon, we’ll explore Barrio Italia, known for its tree-lined streets, antique shops, design stores, and cultural spaces. Finally, we’ll end our day with a Chilean gastronomic experience: the terremoto cocktail, one of the most popular drinks during National Holidays, prepared with pipeño wine, grenadine, and pineapple ice cream.
Photography: @telefericosantiago
Attractions included on this day
Day 4
La Fonda del Parque O'Higgins
Today will be a busy day. In the morning, we’ll use the funicular of Santiago Metropolitan Park, pausing at its viewpoints. You can’t miss the traditional mote con huesillos, a Chilean drink prepared with husked wheat, dried peaches, and sweet juice.
At noon we’ll head to Parque O’Higgins, perhaps the largest ‘fonda’ in Chile, which brings together typical gastronomy, music, cueca, and traditional games.
In the late afternoon, we’ll explore Barrio Italia, known for its tree-lined streets, antique shops, design stores, and cultural spaces. Finally, we’ll end our day with a Chilean gastronomic experience: the terremoto cocktail, one of the most popular drinks during National Holidays, prepared with pipeño wine, grenadine, and pineapple ice cream.
Photography: @telefericosantiago
Attractions included on this day
Day 5
Cajón del Maipo and Pirque
In the morning we’ll go to Cajón del Maipo, about 50 kilometers from downtown Santiago. There we’ll go on a horseback ride on Chilean horses, exploring valley trails and enjoying the views of the Andes Mountains.
Then we’ll travel to Pirque, about 48 kilometers from Cajón del Maipo. There, we’ll enjoy lunch and visit one of its wineries, among the best in the world.
Attractions included on this day
Day 5
Cajón del Maipo and Pirque
In the morning we’ll go to Cajón del Maipo, about 50 kilometers from downtown Santiago. There we’ll go on a horseback ride on Chilean horses, exploring valley trails and enjoying the views of the Andes Mountains.
Then we’ll travel to Pirque, about 48 kilometers from Cajón del Maipo. There, we’ll enjoy lunch and visit one of its wineries, among the best in the world.
Day 6
Barrio Yungay and Bahá'í Temple
It’s time to say goodbye to Santiago. In the morning, we’ll walk through Barrio Yungay, one of the capital’s oldest heritage sectors, founded in 1839. This multicultural area retains much of its original architecture and brings together cultural spaces and Chilean cuisine restaurants.
And by midday, we’ll head to the Bahá’í Temple of South America, a Bahá’í House of Worship open to people of all faiths. Located at the foothills of the mountain range, it stands out for its contemporary architecture, gardens, and panoramic views of Santiago.
Photography: @d.nikolas31
Day 6
Barrio Yungay and Bahá'í Temple
It’s time to say goodbye to Santiago. In the morning, we’ll walk through Barrio Yungay, one of the capital’s oldest heritage sectors, founded in 1839. This multicultural area retains much of its original architecture and brings together cultural spaces and Chilean cuisine restaurants.
And by midday, we’ll head to the Bahá’í Temple of South America, a Bahá’í House of Worship open to people of all faiths. Located at the foothills of the mountain range, it stands out for its contemporary architecture, gardens, and panoramic views of Santiago.
Photography: @d.nikolas31
What you should know
How to get there by air
The main entry point is Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago. It receives direct international flights and frequent connections. From the terminal, you can take private transport, authorized transfers, or buses to the city center and travel directly to Valparaíso (about 120 km).
How to get there by land
To travel between Santiago and Valparaíso, there are frequent intercity buses from the Pajaritos or Alameda terminals. In Santiago, if you’re not using private transport, use the Metro and buses by paying with the Bip! card, and you can get everywhere. To explore mountain sectors like Cajón del Maipo or Pirque with complete autonomy, you’ll need to rent a car or hire guided tours with included transfers.
Climate and clothing
In Chile, September (spring) has temperate but variable weather. Mornings and evenings are cold, especially on the coast and in the mountains, while midday is warm. Dress in layers: include a light jacket, windbreaker, comfortable walking shoes for hills or trails, and sunglasses with sunscreen.
Must-Know Tips
September 18 and 19 are non-waivable holidays: formal businesses and supermarkets close, so plan your shopping. Bring Chilean pesos in cash for the ‘fondas’, take care of your belongings in crowds, and book wineries or tickets weeks in advance. A key fact: the terremoto cocktail is sweet, but deceptively strong.
