Flights to Santiago, Chile
One of the largest cities in the Americas, Santiago de Chile is Chile’s largest and capital city. The city houses an estimated 7 million people, with around six million people living in the city’s urban region. Since it is nestled in the country’s central valley, it exists 500m above sea level.
It was founded in 1541 by a Spanish explorer named Pedro De Valdivia. The most common features making up Chile’s picturesque landscapes are isolated hills and the famous Mapocho river. People can also see the Andes mountains from almost every spot in the city.
The name ‘Santiago’ comes from the biblical ‘James the Great’ - Spain’s patron saint. His name has had various modifications in the Spanish language - Diego, Jaime, and Santiago being some.
Not only does it have an immense cultural and political significance in Chile, but it is also home to the regional headquarters of major multinational companies worldwide.
With such beauty and importance, Santiago makes for a pretty good vacation destination. So in case you’re looking for flights to Santiago, Chile, the facilities of its airport and the many stunning spots in the city, this article has got you covered. We hope you’re ready for the ride.
Santiago De Chile Airport
The Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, better known as the Santiago International Airport and Nuevo Pudahuel Airport, is around 15kms North-West of downtown Santiago, in an area called Pudahuel. Chile's busiest airport caters to flights coming in and going from Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania.
Since it is in Chile’s most populated area, it makes for an ideal aviation facility for most airlines.
The Santiago De Chile Airport has a single building with two terminals: one being domestic and the other - international.
Airport Facilities
- Both the terminals have many eateries that are almost always open (both landside and airside).
- The two terminals also have wi-fi and a bunch of charging points to keep your devices alive. The network is named “Nuevo Pudahuel” - connect and surf.
- If you’re traveling economy - you can choose from any of the airport lounges (with showers being present in some of them)
- You can also find currency exchanges and a few souvenir shops on your way to the airplane.
Can you sleep at Santiago airport?
In case you have an overnight flight, a layover, or a quick stop at the Santiago De Chile airport - here is some information to help you out. Sleeping in airports is much more common than you’d think, and so, here we are - with all the information on if and how you can get some sleep.
If you’re looking for a warm and comfortable place to sleep, head to the airside (after-security area). You’ll find arm-rest free seats, making it easy for you to get a nap. Since the airport keeps playing loud music and continuously has some construction going on, it’s best if you carry your noise-blocking headphones.
You can also head to any of the airport hotels for a night of better and pricey sleep. The Holiday Inn Santiago Airport Terminal is located at the airport and is the quickest location if you’re awfully sleepy.
You can also choose a hotel in close vicinity by taking the free airport shuttle. Hilton Garden Inn, Diego De Almagro, Hotel Manquehue, and the Hotel City Express can all be found under 15 minutes from the airport.
Lounging in the Santiago Airport
If you’re looking to relax at the Santiago international airport after getting off of flights to Santiago, Chile, here are some lounges for you take advantage of -
- The Delta Sky Club is a member-only lounge in the international terminal. It is located near Gate 17 on the airside. The lounge has been awarded an elite status and also offers showers.
- The LATAM VIP lounge and the Salon Andes lounge are both located at the international terminal (Gate -14/15 and 17/18, respectively). Both the lounges offer payment at the door facility, and every individual can access it.
- One can obtain prepaid lounge passes for the Salones VIP Pacific Club and ‘The Lounge’ located in Gate 20A.
Here’s a tip
Avoid hiring taxi drivers buzzing at the airport exit. Their representatives and the drivers themselves will continue to bother you (if you ask the price or imply any interest), especially if you’re traveling alone or a woman. Try contacting the airport taxi drivers for a safe and affordable ride.
Flights to Santiago, Chile Airport
Avianca, British Airways, Copa, DAP, Delta, Emirates, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeroméxico, KLM, LATAM, Level, Air Canada, Air France, Alitalia, American Airline, Qantas Airways, Sky Airlines and United Airlines are some flights to Santiago, Chile.
Plane tickets to Santiago, Chile
If you’re wondering how much it costs to get flights to Santiago, Chile from America - here’s the answer. The cheap plane tickets to Santiago cost US$ 270-300 for a roundtrip and an average of US$ 160 for a single ticket.
The lowest price for the most popular American route to Santiago (New York - Santiago) costs around US$ 270. You can find a bunch of direct flights from various US cities to Santiago, Chile.
Top Tourist Spots in Santiago De Chile
- La Chascona
Chile’s famous poet - Pablo Neruda’s residence - La Chascona, is a beautiful and quirky house located in Santiago. The hall resembles a lighthouse, signifying the love Pablo had for the sea, and the Kitchen is a ship cabin kitchen - to compliment the ship-shaped house. It is believed to be named after his mistress with red, curly hair named La Chascona.
The place also has a lovely fairytale garden that attracts tourists throughout the year.
- Barrio Bellavista
This Santiago neighborhood is a place for all the artists and intellectuals. The Bohemian center of the city has almost everything to make your visit ‘fun’: galleries, quirky restaurants, and fantastic after-dark discos.
If you’re a fan of the hippy culture and spectacular parties - this is where you should be. Go for an evening walk to Barrio Bellavista and dance the night away.
- Cerro San Cristobal
A hill in Northern Santiago, the Cerro San Cristobal is a famous vacay spot. It was named after Saint Christopher. The place has a beautiful statue of the Virgin Mary and an observatory to entertain the visitors. There is also an amphitheater on the hill, holding some significant events throughout the year.
It also houses a Japanese garden, two swimming pools, and the Santiago Metropolitan Park, Santiago’s biggest park.
- Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral
Standing at the Plaza De Armas for over two and half centuries, the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral remains unaffected by the areas’ severe and frequent earthquakes.
An excellent example of architectural design, the cathedral has several towers, one of them housing the remains of Chile’s first cardinal. There is also a Museum of Sacred Arts inside the Cathedral.
- Cerro Santa Lucia
The remains of a 15 million old volcano, the Certo Santa Lucia, is a hill located in central Santiago. It was once named Huelen and renamed once the Spanish explorers took over.
You can find parks, fountains, and several sanctuaries on the hill. In case that still sounds uninteresting - you can also find a castle on this hill.
Food in Santiago
- Mote con huesillo
A Chilean summer cold-drink, the mote con huesillo is made with dried peaches, cinnamon, and some husky wheat. The drink is ideal for Chilean summer, and you can also find a few local varieties.
- Empanadas
This South American puffed pastry is a delicious dish made out of Pino (a combination of onion, raisins, ground beef, boiled egg, and olives) and cheese. It is best served hot, and you’ll probably gulp down a few before you know it.
- Fajitas
There are very few chances of being an American and not knowing what fajitas are - grilled meat served as tacos on flour or tortillas. They make for a delicious snack! In Santiago, you can find Mexican, Spanish, Chilean, and Peruvian versions of this meat dish.
Best time to visit Santiago
The best time to get on flights to Santiago, Chile, is between March-May or from September-November. The two are respectively the seasons of spring and fall in Santiago. During this time, there is plenty of sunshine and cool evenings to help you vacation.
From December to February, there is the summer season in the Southern Hemisphere. The hotel and flight prices swell during this period - making it an expensive time to visit.
If you’re a fan of vino and colorful, blossoming flowers - spring and fall are the best seasons to visit. While June, July, and August offer smog and cold weather.
Santiago has a rich history, and we don’t blame you if you’re looking to hop on the next flights to Chile. After all, who doesn’t want to enjoy a view of the Andes mountains while munching on an empanada on a hill?
Not us, for sure. Hopefully, we helped you plan a trip to Santiago. If so, don’t forget to bookmark the article!