Winter vacation in Chile: ski resorts near Santiago, shopping, and family outings

Santiago de Chile is one of the favorite destinations for Argentines traveling abroad. Due to its geography, during winter vacations , the trans-Andean capital allows you to combine the scenery of the Pacific beaches with the snowy Andes Mountains , just an hour's drive from the sea or the mountains.

An essential factor that influences the decision remains the exchange rate . Each dollar is worth 933 Chilean pesos, and most products and services are 50% cheaper than in Argentina.

Chile is an attractive country for shopping for clothing, technology , supermarkets and, in winter, also for skiing .

Chile's National Tourism Service (Sernatur) estimates that it will receive 6.1 million international tourists in 2025, a 16.4% increase compared to 2024.

But the statistics for Argentine visitors are overwhelming. From January to May 2025, 1,644,009 Argentine tourists arrived in Chile , 83% more than in the same period in 2024.

Air connectivity is extensive, with several airlines operating between the two countries (such as Aerolíneas Argentinas, JetSmart, Latam, Sky Airline, and KLM). There are approximately 186 direct flights per week between Buenos Aires (Aeroparque and Ezeiza) and Santiago . Mendoza, Córdoba, and Rosario are the closest in terms of frequency.

Chile's territory has a long, narrow shape. The distance between Santiago de Chile and the main ski resorts is just 32 kilometers, for example, to reach Farellones; 36 kilometers to El Colorado; and 46 kilometers to Valle Nevado.

164 km from Santiago is also Portillo, a ski resort and hotel steeped in history in Chile.

Because it is a mountain road with curves and turns, the trip by car to the snow resorts of the Andes mountain range takes just over an hour, and it must be taken into account that during the high season , schedules for going up and down are organized due to the greater flow of cars.

Another recommended winter vacation destination in Chile's Metropolitan Region is the Cajón del Maipo , just over an hour from Santiago. It boasts ski resorts, the hot springs of Valle de Colina, the El Yeso Reservoir, Laguna de Los Patos, and the El Morado Natural Monument.

" Interest from Argentine travelers has grown steadily , driven both by a favorable exchange rate situation and the ski resort's comprehensive offering," said Ricardo Margulis, general manager of Valle Nevado, a complex with more than 40 km of slopes, half-board accommodations (breakfast, dinner, and lifts), a heated pool, and seven restaurants.

The season here started in mid-June, and they expect to receive visitors until mid-October. The general admission fee is $70 per day. There's a $59 beginner's admission, which includes access to learning areas, a two-hour group lesson with instructors, use of magic carpets, and the option to rent complete equipment from the official rental office.

For those who don't ski but want to enjoy the views: $29.

“One of the resort's great advantages is that everything is within walking distance: you don't need a car, and you can enjoy activities and entertainment for all ages,” adds Margulis.

Farellones is 32 km from the Chilean capital. In winter, the trip takes about an hour and a half, and many choose to go for the day.

A mountain amusement park operates, offering activities for skiers, non-skiers, families, and friends. A daily general admission ticket, with access to all rides, costs $54, while children's rides from 100 to 120 meters high pay $22.

There is the option to stay at the Gran Parador, an apartment building in the heart of the El Colorado ski resort, 36 kilometers from Santiago.

Those who prefer a getaway to the beautiful landscapes offered by the Pacific coast , to eat seafood fresh from the port or walk along the sand or go shopping, are also a short distance from Santiago.

Viña del Mar , the main seaside resort city in central Chile, is 130 kilometers from Santiago, via Route 68.

The beaches of Reñaca and Concón are favorites among Argentinians in the summer, although during this time you can enjoy the views of the Pacific, the shopping malls, the outlets , and the seafood cuisine.

Santiago's large malls have the shops and gastronomic variety that Argentines seek.

Parque Arauco was the first large mall in Santiago, located in Las Condes, and today it ranks second in sales.

And in Providencia there is Costanera Center - now officially Cenco Costanera - which It is the most visited. You can also go up to the Sky Costanera observation deck, the highest in South America (US$19).

If you're looking for more tranquility in a less crowded area, we recommend a stroll through the exclusive Casacostanera in Vitacura. It has high-end stores, but also an H&M (more organized and uncluttered than those in the larger malls), and a Casaideas store, selling beautiful and practical items for the home.

If your plan is to get better deals on clothing and home accessories, it's a good idea to visit the Quilicura outlets.

Without straying too far from Santiago, there are several options for wine tourism, whether it's guided tours of a winery, participating in a tasting, or having lunch overlooking a vineyard.

A 45-minute drive from Santiago, Viña Santa Rita winery, located in Alto Jahuel, Maipo Valley, offers guided tours of the vineyards and historic buildings.

The classic tour, which visits the iconic "120" winery, concludes with a wine tasting and costs $29.

For those seeking a more comprehensive experience, the premium tour includes Centenario Park, a declared Historic Monument, the neo-Gothic chapel, the Roman baths, and an ultra-premium wine tasting. It costs $54.

There's also the Carménère tour, which visits the exact spot where the grape variety was rediscovered in Chile. You can take a carriage ride or hop on the Pedal Bar Tour to see the sculptures inside the park.

All of this can be complemented with a visit to the Claro Vial Foundation's Andean Museum , which houses more than 3,000 archaeological and ethnographic artifacts from indigenous peoples of Chile and the Americas. Open Tuesday through Sunday, admission is free.

When traveling with your family, especially with kids, it's important to plan activities that appeal to everyone. Beyond exploring historic sites, beautiful landscapes, or shopping, here are some fun options for the kids: