Chile · HALF-DAY
The 15 best half-day tours you can book today, each with what it costs, how long it takes and who it suits. The first one is first for a reason.
Review of Santiago’s half-day walking tour, with hotel pickup, historic sights, Bellavista, Cerro Santa Lucia, and an empanada sample.
“I like very much doing a city tour when I visit a place for the first time. It gives me an overview and I can decide where to go next. This did that very well. I very much appreciate being picked up at the Airbnb.”
Explore Santiago in five hours with a private bilingual guide, downtown walks, local markets, San Cristobal views, and hotel transfers.
“Guide was on time and knowledgeable. We visited the historic center, Cerro Santa Lucia, Bi-Centennial Park, the underground subway, And rode the funicular. Guide took photos and emailed them to us.”
See Santiago’s historic center, markets, hills, and modern districts on a flexible five-hour tour with hotel pickup and a local snack.
“Christian our guide was great fun. He was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. He gave us a very informative history of Santiago which in view of the protests that night were very helpful in understanding what was going on. We enjoyed the main square and the history of the government buildings. We went to market, fish market and cathedral. A great start to our time in Chile”
Raft the Petrohué River from Puerto Varas with guides, gear, transport, volcano views, native forest, and turquoise water for $52.
“Awesome! So much fun! I’m in pretty good shape and found it to be challenging, but not overly hard. I do feel the guides pace the trip down the river based on their riders. The other raft in our group had older couples ( 50s maybe 60s) and they didn’t appear to struggle or over exert themselves. There is a kayaker that leads and takes some really awesome photos. I was a little disappointed at the end when I found out we had to pay for the photos is we wanted to keep them, it was only approx. $10-$15 USD per couple depending on the number of occupants in your…”
Review of Santiago’s private four-hour city tour, with San Cristóbal views, historic districts, hotel pickup, and a flexible local guide.
“This is a great way to see Santiago our Guide Franco was super knowledgeable and fun! It was perfect because you get to walk the city center with the Cathedral and other sites as well as drive to take the funicular and see the city from the lookout!”
Review of Santiago’s four-hour small-group city tour, with hotel pickup, major sights, hilltop views, guides, value, and booking advice.
“Driver Christian was very nice and friendly. However, nothing is worth mentioning about the tour, and the tour is not worth the money charged. Metropolitan Cathedral was the only thing on the tour for viewing and it was closed. There was an impressive and long list of "what to expect," in the tour description, but hardly anything of substance. Moreover, in the description at the time f booking, Cerro San Cristobal and Cerro Santa Lucia admission fees were included. However, we had to pay the entrance fees, and we saw only one place out of two.”
Review of Undurraga Vineyard near Santiago, with historic cellars, Mapuche exhibits, four wines, transport advice, and honest value notes.
“It would be possible to do this wine tour from Santiago under your own steam - but what would be the point? This travel company would take you for almost the same price as you would pay if you went independently and you would have to also pay for your own transport. We been on a lot of wine tours and this was a pretty good one. WE tasted four wines, all of which were excellent quality, and the guide was very informative.”
Float in Laguna Cejar, see salt flats and flamingos, then enjoy snacks and a Pisco sour on this small-group Atacama tour.
“Our group had an amazing time on our tour. Our tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. There was a delicious food spread at our stop and the highlight of the trip was swimming in the Lagoon Céjar. We saw flamingos and had a nearly empty lagoon to swim in for 30 minutes. The tour even provided bath robes to use after the swim.”
Visit Santa Rita from Santiago for vineyard views, Chilean wine history, three tastings, hotel pickup, and a small-group experience.
“This winery is oriented to mass production and low cost. A lot of automatic equipment. They carry few top brands which aren’t part of the tasting. An impressive history around this winery.”
Hike the Andes foothills from Santiago with a private guide, city views, wildlife, hiking poles, transport, and a local wine and cheese picnic.
“Great fun and very steep hike. The trail was steep and difficult at times as the sand was slippery. It was a nice hike but would pick a different trail in the future. Our guide was wonderful!”
Review of Santiago’s private Andes hike, with steep trails, sweeping city views, small groups, hotel transfers, costs, and practical tips.
“wonderful experience to mountain region, unique view, friendly and funny guide, highly recommanded tour !”
Explore Vinapu, Rano Kau, and Orongo on a small-group Easter Island tour with hotel pickup, volcanic views, and birdman history.
“Uka was a great guide, very nice and interesting to listen to.”
Review of Easter Island’s 3-hour archaeology tour, including seven moai at Ahu Akivi, Puna Pau, costs, logistics, and who should book.
“Very informative. The guide was very personable. We really learned alot and enjoyed our guide.”
Review of Concha y Toro from Santiago, with private pickup, Maipo Valley views, historic grounds, three wine tastings, and practical tips.
“Great tour guide and on time . At the Concha y Toro they were awesome our tour guide was great with a lot of information The place is beautiful and great wine as well”
See El Tatio’s steaming geysers at dawn, enjoy breakfast, and visit Machuca on a practical half-day trip from San Pedro.
“excellente excursion, très bien organisée avec un excellent guide francophone. Le guide était remarquable, très sympa, toujours soucieux de notre état de santé à cette altitude. Il a préparé un petit déjeuner haut de gamme, trouvé un endroit magique pour passer un très bon moment de convivialité. On recommande fortement.”
The desert, the vineyards, the lakes and the ice, and the best day in each.
