Embark on a unique exploration of Santiago with our Hop On Hop Off City Tour, granting you the freedom to decide your stops and the duration of your visits. Some of Santiago's treasures may capture your interest longer than others—forget rigid schedules and embrace your own pace. Start this flexible adventure whenever you wish at any stop, as the Big Bus runs from Tuesday to Sunday, between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
The first stop on our Hop On Hop Off tour is adjacent to Parque Arauco Mall, one of the most significant shopping destinations in both Chile and Latin America. Opened in 1982, it was the pioneering mall in the country to combine major retail outlets and entertainment. Today, it offers a diverse array of dining options and entertainment, with a mix of local and international products and a Luxury District featuring brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Dior.
The second stop brings you to the stunning Bicentennial Park in Vitacura, the largest green space in the area, stretching along the south bank of the Mapocho River. Covering 27 hectares, it showcases various landscapes, including play zones, statues, sports areas, lagoons, and more. Strolling through its paths and visiting its two lagoons, where black-necked swans, flamingos, herons, and fish coexist, is the best way to explore this park.
The third stop is the Santiago Cable Car, offering the finest panoramic views of the capital. You arrive at the "Oasis Station," the starting point, via the main access road on Pedro de Valdivia. The cable car provides breathtaking 360º views of the city, the majestic Andes Mountains, and is surrounded by native Chilean flora. As Santiago's top attraction, it transports you to the summit of San Cristóbal Hill at the "Cumbre Station," home to the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception and Bellavista Terrace, which offers city views and the classic "Motes con huesillo" for a refreshing treat.
The fourth stop is the Funicular, situated in Parquemet, Santiago's largest green space and Latin America's, commonly known as "Cerro San Cristóbal." Declared a Historical Monument in 2000, the "Funicular" is valued for its intricate cable car transport system and its significance as a heritage element of Santiago. The entrance via Pío Nono features a grand neoclassical castle designed by the renowned architect Luciano Kulczewski, with cars ascending about 500 meters up the hillside to the summit of San Cristóbal. It includes an intermediate station leading to the National Zoo and the "Estación Cumbre," where you can connect with Bellavista Terrace, the Sanctuary of the Virgin, and the Cable Car.
Whichever stop you choose, enjoy these exclusive tours:
* Funicular Machine Room Tour: A fascinating tour of the Santiago Funicular's Machine Room, showcasing its vintage yet operational cable system, unchanged since its 1925 inauguration.
* Panoramic Buses: These eco-friendly buses traverse Parquemet, connecting Estación Pío Nono with Estación Cumbre and Estación Tupahue, offering a scenic tour and the option to connect via cable car or funicular.
The fifth stop is Santiago's Plaza de Armas, the historical heart of the capital and designated kilometer 0, a captivating blend of colonial architecture and the vibrant pulse of urban life. Encircled by the majestic Metropolitan Cathedral and colorful buildings like the "Post Office," "Santiago Municipality," and the "National History Museum," the square serves as a cultural hub where history, local crafts, and the lively city atmosphere converge.
An exclusive experience not to be missed:
* Metropolitan Cathedral Tour: A unique opportunity to delve into the Cathedral's history and ascend the bell tower for a 360º view of Santiago's Historic Center.
The sixth stop is Constitution Square, nestled in Santiago's Civic Quarter. Surrounding the square are key buildings and monuments associated with the Chilean State's executive branch, alongside statues of notable national political figures: Diego Portales, Pedro Aguirre Cerda, Jorge Alessandri, Eduardo Frei Montalva, and Salvador Allende. The Moneda Palace, the presidential headquarters, is the main attraction, with the nearby La Moneda Cultural Center hosting various art exhibitions. Nearby are the Metropolitan Intendancy, Santiago Stock Exchange, Union Club, University of Chile, Paseo Bulnes, and Barrio Dieciocho.
The seventh stop is Santa Lucía Hill, a pivotal site since Santiago's founding on February 12, 1541. The grand neoclassical entrance, completed in 1902, centers around a sculpture of the God Neptune and features an architectural ensemble with curved staircases, fountains, a spacious terrace, and a triumphal arch topped by a dome. Besides the Hill's architecture and panoramic views, nearby attractions include the National Library, the Paris-Londres neighborhood, the San Francisco Church, the Catholic University's Main Building, the Gabriela Mistral Cultural Center, and the Lastarria neighborhood, teeming with art galleries, restaurants, bookstores, crafts, and more.
The eighth stop is in Providencia, at Plaza de la Aviación, an extension of Balmaceda Park. The plaza's name honors the monument to the Chilean Air Force erected in 1980. A notable feature is the Bicentennial water fountain, nearly 70 meters long and over 25 meters wide. The park skirts the Mapocho River, and Providencia Avenue, a vibrant tourist area with various shops, restaurants, cafes, businesses, and bars for enjoying Santiago, is nearby. Don't miss Barrio Italia, a culinary hotspot renowned for its assortment of international cuisine restaurants.
The ninth stop is the Costanera Center, the tallest building in Latin America. This 300-meter-high tower combines modernity and entertainment, establishing itself as a key tourist destination in Santiago. It houses one of the most modern malls, with numerous stores for clothing, technology, sports, and entertainment, alongside a wide culinary offering. The Sky Costanera, a viewing platform, provides privileged city views.
The tenth stop blends modernity and cuisine in the heart of the El Golf neighborhood, Las Condes. The mid-20th-century architecture reflects the wealth of families like Isidora Goyenechea, after whom the main street is named. Surrounding this stop are national and international restaurants and cafes, plus attractions like Plaza Perú, Las Condes Municipal Theater, and Las Condes Interactive Museum. The museum offers an engaging experience with 3D audiovisual productions, perfect for family enjoyment.
Before concluding the tour, savor a complimentary cocktail at one of Santiago's top bars, listed among the "World's 50 Best Bars."
* Cocktail at Siete Negronis: Renowned for its signature cocktails, this bar has been thrice recognized among the world's best by the "World's 50 Best Bars" ranking. Enjoy a cocktail of your choice (from the Stgo Pass menu) at one of the finest bars in Latin America and the world.
With the Santiago Pass ticket, indulge in a complimentary cocktail of your choice (from the Stgo Pass menu) at Siete Negronis, and relish it at one of the top bars in Latin America and the world, just a 20-minute walk from Arauco Park.
Remember, this adventure is completely flexible. Enjoy 24, 48, or even 72 hours of unlimited Big Bus access, fully adapting to your schedule and making the most of your visit with this unforgettable and vibrant Santiago experience.
