
Best Train Journeys Around the World in Santiago, Chile
1. Valparaíso Bellavista Funicular
A historic funicular railway that connects the city of Valparaíso with its upper districts, offering stunning views of the coastal city.
- Historical Significance: One of Chile's oldest funiculars, built in 1883.
- Affordable Transport: Inexpensive and convenient way to explore the hilly city of Valparaíso.
- Scenic Experience: Provides a unique perspective of the vibrant city and its harbor.
2. Vina del Mar Wine Train
A scenic train ride through the vineyards of the Casablanca Valley, where you can sample local wines and learn about Chilean winemaking.
- Wine Tasting: Offers a variety of wine tastings at different vineyards.
- Educational Experience: Provides insights into the Chilean wine industry and its unique terroir.
- Relaxing Atmosphere: Ideal for a peaceful day trip from Santiago.
3. Santiago Metro Railways
A modern and extensive metro system that connects various parts of Santiago, making it easy to explore the city.
- Efficient Public Transportation: Quick and affordable way to get around Santiago.
- Cultural Experience: Offers a glimpse into Chilean culture through its unique metro stations decorated with artwork.
- Accessibility: Provides easy access to many popular tourist attractions in Santiago.
4. Cerro Colorado Teleférico
A cable car ride up Cerro Colorado in the San Cristobal Hill of Santiago, offering panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
- Breathtaking Scenery: Provides a bird's-eye view of Santiago.
- Easy Access: Located within the city limits and easily accessible by public transport.
- Affordable Price: Relatively inexpensive compared to other tourist attractions.
5. Pichemapo and Pichilemu Railways
A train ride along the coast from Santiago to the surf town of Pichilemu, passing through beautiful coastal landscapes.
- Natural Beauty: Offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and its rugged coastline.
- Surfing Opportunities: Provides easy access to Pichilemu's famous surf breaks.
- Adventure Experience: Ideal for those seeking an adventure-filled day trip from Santiago.
6. Valdivia Train to Puerto Montt
A scenic train ride through the lush forests and rivers of southern Chile, connecting Valdivia with Puerto Montt.
- Natural Wonders: Provides a unique opportunity to see Chile's dense forests and rivers up close.
- Cultural Immersion: Offers insights into the Mapuche culture of southern Chile.
- Access to Pacific Coast: Serves as a gateway to the beautiful Puerto Montt and the Patagonia region.
7. Talca Valley Wine Train
A train ride through Chile's fertile Talca Valley, passing vineyards and historic towns while sampling local wines.
- Wine Tasting: Offers a variety of wine tastings at different vineyards.
- Historical Experience: Provides insights into Chile's colonial past through visits to historic towns.
- Rural Scenery: Offers a glimpse of rural Chilean life and its beautiful landscapes.
8. La Serena Elqui Valley Train
A train ride through the Elqui Valley, known for its pisco production and astronomical observatories.
- Pisco Tasting: Offers opportunities to taste Chile's famous pisco liquor.
- Astronomy Experience: Provides access to some of Chile's premier astronomical observatories.
- Rural Scenery: Offers a glimpse of rural Chilean life and its beautiful landscapes.
9. Puerto Montt to Chiloé Island Ferry
A ferry ride from Puerto Montt to the island of Chiloé, offering a glimpse into a unique Chilean culture and stunning natural beauty.
- Cultural Immersion: Offers insights into the Chilote culture and its unique traditions.
- Natural Beauty: Provides stunning views of Chile's coastline, islands, and forests.
- Access to Chiloé National Park: Serves as a gateway to the beautiful Chiloé National Park.
10. Arica Train to Lauca National Park
A train ride from Arica to Lauca National Park, passing through the Altiplano desert and its unique landscapes.
- Desert Scenery: Offers a unique opportunity to explore the Altiplano desert.
- Cultural Experience: Provides insights into the indigenous cultures of the region.
- Access to Lauca National Park: Serves as a gateway to Lauca National Park and its stunning natural beauty.
11. Calama to San Pedro de Atacama Train
A train ride from Calama to San Pedro de Atacama, passing through the Atacama Desert and its unique geological formations.
- Geological Wonders: Offers a chance to see the Moon Valley and other unique geological formations.
- Cultural Experience: Provides insights into the indigenous cultures of the region.
- Access to Atacama Desert: Serves as a gateway to the Atacama Desert and its numerous attractions.
12. Antofagasta Train to Bahía Inglesa
A train ride from Antofagasta to Bahía Inglésa, passing through the coastal desert and its unique landscapes.
- Coastal Scenery: Offers a unique opportunity to explore Chile's coastal desert.
- Natural Baths: Provides access to natural hot springs and baths.
- Relaxing Atmosphere: Ideal for a peaceful day trip from Antofagasta.
13. Concepción to Chillán Railways
A train ride from Concepción to the historic town of Chillán, passing through rural landscapes and vineyards.
- Rural Scenery: Offers a glimpse of rural Chilean life and its beautiful landscapes.
- Historical Experience: Provides insights into the history of the historic town of Chillán.
- Wine Tasting: Offers opportunities to taste Chilean wines at vineyards along the way.
14. Puerto Montt to Bariloche Train
A train ride from Puerto Montt, Chile, to Bariloche, Argentina, passing through the stunning Patagonian landscapes.
- Natural Wonders: Provides a unique opportunity to see the Patagonian landscapes of Chile and Argentina.
- Cultural Experience: Offers insights into the cultures of both Chile and Argentina.
- Access to Bariloche: Serves as a gateway to the beautiful town of Bariloche, Argentina.
15. Valparaíso Funiculars
A journey through various funicular railways in Valparaíso, exploring the city's historic neighborhoods and stunning coastal views.
- Historical Significance: One of Chile's oldest funicular systems.
- Affordable Transport: Inexpensive and convenient way to explore Valparaíso.
- Scenic Experience: Provides a unique perspective of the vibrant city and its harbor.