WORLD THROUGH FRAMES
Historic fort and rocky outcrop on Cerro Santa Lucía in Santiago, Chile, beneath a clear blue sky.
← Back to story
Story Day

Santiago and Cerro Santa Lucía

Day 1 / 2/12/2026

After a fourteen-hour flight from London, we arrived in Santiago and headed into the city for our first glimpse of South America. Surrounded by modern skyscrapers and the distant backdrop of the Andes, Chile’s capital provided a relaxed introduction to the journey ahead.
Perched high above the city, the historic fort on Cerro Santa Lucía recalls Santiago's colonial past and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustle below.

Santiago, the vibrant capital of Chile, sits in a broad valley beneath the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, blending modern city life with dramatic natural scenery. As the cultural and economic heart of the country, the city offers a fascinating mix of historic plazas, elegant neighbourhoods, lively markets, contemporary architecture, and an increasingly celebrated food and wine scene. From the colonial centre around Plaza de Armas to the stylish districts of Lastarria and Providencia, Santiago combines Latin American energy with a distinctly European influence.

Beyond the city itself, Santiago serves as a gateway to some of Chile’s greatest attractions. Within a short drive visitors can reach world-class vineyards, colourful coastal cities such as Valparaíso, or the ski resorts of the Andes. The city’s backdrop changes constantly with the light, creating spectacular views at sunrise and sunset, particularly from Cerro San Cristóbal or the Sky Costanera observation deck.

For travellers exploring Chile, Santiago is often more than just an arrival point. Its relaxed café culture, excellent museums, thriving nightlife, and easy access to both mountains and coast make it an ideal place to begin or end a South American journey. Whether wandering through historic streets, enjoying Chilean cuisine, or simply watching the Andes glow in the evening light, Santiago offers a memorable introduction to the country.

Notes

Arrived in Santiago 09:50am

We stayed in the Airport Terminal Hotel due to an early morning flight the following day, otherwise we may have stayed in the city centre.

Afternoon: Downtown Santiago

  • Plaza de Armas
  • Metropolitan Cathedral
  • Cerro Santa Lucía
  • Mercado Central

Photo Diary

We arrived in Santiago on a direct flight from London Heathrow at around 10am local time. Fortunately, our hotel was able to accommodate an early check-in, allowing us to drop off our luggage and freshen up after the journey. Once we had rested for a while, we took a taxi into the city centre, where we were dropped off at the historic Plaza de Armas.
Journey / driving

Santiago Airport to Plaza de Armas

18.2 km

Route prepared with FOSSGIS OSRM. Report a map issue.

Our first stop in Santiago was Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of the city. Bustling with activity, the square was filled with locals and visitors enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. A traditional folk band performed from the bandstand, providing a memorable introduction to Chilean culture. Surrounded by grand historic buildings and palm-lined gardens, the square felt lively and welcoming, and the regular presence of police officers gave us confidence as we began our first day in South America.
Old and new Santiago meet in the city centre, where modern glass towers stand alongside the historic architecture that has shaped Chile's capital for centuries.
Surrounded by palm trees and grand historic buildings, Plaza de Armas provided our first glimpse of the vibrant atmosphere of central Santiago.
Dominating the western side of Plaza de Armas is the Metropolitan Cathedral, one of Santiago's most important landmarks. Built over several centuries, the cathedral's grand façade and richly decorated interior reflect the city's colonial heritage and remain at the heart of religious life in Chile.
The twin towers of Santiago's Metropolitan Cathedral dominate Plaza de Armas and have stood at the heart of the city for more than two centuries.
The richly decorated interior of Santiago's Metropolitan Cathedral reflects the grandeur of Chile's most important Catholic church.
A beautifully crafted side altar inside the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago, showcasing the church's elaborate Baroque interior.
The vast wrought-iron roof of Mercado Central has sheltered traders and visitors since the nineteenth century, making it one of Santiago's most recognisable landmarks.
Casa Colorada, one of Santiago's oldest surviving colonial buildings, offers a glimpse into the city's eighteenth-century past.
Hidden among the trees of Parque Forestal, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes provided a peaceful escape from the bustle of downtown Santiago.
The soaring glass roof of the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes floods the historic building with natural light, creating one of Santiago's most elegant interiors.

Leaving the historic centre behind, we crossed downtown Santiago towards Cerro Santa Lucía. Rising above the surrounding streets, the hill has long been one of the city's most popular viewpoints and provided a welcome escape from the bustle below.

Cerro Santa Lucía

After exploring the centre of Santiago, we made our way to Cerro Santa Lucía, a historic hill and one of the city's most popular landmarks. Entering through the elegant Neptune Fountain, we followed the winding paths and staircases to the summit, passing terraces, gardens and the remains of an old fort. From the top, sweeping views across Santiago revealed the city's modern skyline framed by the distant Andes, providing a fitting end to our first afternoon in Chile.
Perched high above the city, the historic fort on Cerro Santa Lucía recalls Santiago's colonial past and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustle below.
From Cerro Santa Lucía, views across Santiago reveal a modern city framed by glass skyscrapers and distant hills.
At the foot of Cerro Santa Lucía, the Neptune Fountain combines nineteenth-century grandeur with the modern skyline of Santiago beyond.
After a fourteen-hour flight, we had no desire to pack too much into our first day. Instead, we spent a relaxed afternoon wandering through the historic centre, taking in Santiago's blend of colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers and leafy parks. It proved to be an enjoyable introduction to both Chile and South America, leaving us looking forward to the adventures that lay ahead.