Santiago Travel Forum

My wife and I are arriving in Valparaiso on Feb 5, 2009, we will be completing a 16 day cruise that originated in Buenos Aires. Our flight leaves from Santiago the same day that our ship arrives (11:00 pm). We are not even sure what type of transportation is available from the cruise terminal to the airport. If anyone can offer suggestions as to whether we should find transportation when we arrive at the port or whether we might be able to hook up with someone who could take us to sites in the area, or should we just go directly to Santiago and tour that area. We also need information regarding weather conditions and what type of clothing we should wear for that time of the year.
Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated, since we have now clue as what to see and do for the 12 hrs that we have to spend before our flight.

In February, the weather will be summer. cooler on the coast and hot in Santiago. you will have no problem with finding transportation to Santiago at the cruise pňrt. YOu could take a tour to some wineries on your way to Santiago.

Check first that your package doesn't include an airport transfer. If it doesn't you have the option of taking a taxi - expensive - at least $100US - or using public transport - very cheap and efficient. As you will have your luggage with you from the ship you might find it easier to go to the airport first and leave your luggage there in the left luggage office. There are no buses directly from Valparaiso to the airport but if you go to nearby Vina del Mar buses go from there to the airport at regular intervals. There is an excellent metro service between Valparaiso and Vina del Mar with a station near the port or you could take a taxi.

You may be able to check in early, otherwise you can leave your luggage in Left Luggage, you then have several options, depending on how confident you are in strange cities.

The Traveller's Aid Office at the airport can usually arrange tours for people with a few hours in the city - if there are others there, the cost is shared.

Take a taxi or a bus back in to Santiago. The bus will drop you right in the centre of the city on the main thoroughfare - the Alamada - giving you time to have a look around, have a meal, etc, before you have to return to the airport. Santiago's an easy city to walk around with several of the main sights in close proximity.

You can also take a combination of bus and metro back into the centre if you the bus back to Pajaritos (all the buses stop there) and then take the metro to the centre - get off at La Moneda (also on the Alameda and it's a direct line). This will save you quite a bit of time as you will avoid the inevitable snarls of Santiago traffic by going underground.

Personally, I'd leave my luggage at the bus station at Vina del Mar, check on the bus timetables to the airport, and then hop on the train back to Valparaiso and spend my time there as I love the city. If you do the same, take Ascensore Concepcion up to Cafe Turri for a sunset dinner overlooking the harbour.

leyle

Have you deducted the three hours for check in, plus the 2-3 hrs to get to Santiago from Valparaiso which leaves 5-6 hrs of sightseeing in Santiago. That is, if no lost time are spent. Some people ending their cruise in Valparaiso arrange a tour with a group from the ship that includes sightseeing in Valparaiso, vina del mar and santiago with drop off at the airport in time for their departure.
Another option is to take the taxi from the port where the shuttle drops you off,to the Turbus Terminal, buy your tickets in Chilean pesos (equiv.USD7) then take a taxi to the airport, again in chilean pesos (equiv. 15USD).