Summers in Santiago run from December through February, and they are hot, hot, hot! But if you don’t mind a little sweat, you can venture out and have yourself an entertaining, fun-filled weekend in and outside of the city.
My first summer in Santiago, I was pleasantly surprised at the variety of activities available. After adding a few more summer-appropriate outfits to my wardrobe, I was ready to get out and enjoy any summer weekend. And you can, too!
Friday Evening: Sunset Rooftop Views
There’s nothing like experiencing a 9:00 pm sunset on an open-air rooftop bar with friends on a Friday night. Call me a sucker for rooftop views, but I’ve spent many a summer night overlooking the Santiago skyline with a refreshing beverage.
Here are my favorites:
- Zanzibar
- NOI Vitacura
- Luna Bar – Hotel AC
- Sky Club 23
- Red2One
No matter how sweltering it gets during the day, I love how, in Santiago, after the sun goes down, it cools off fairly quickly. In fact, I tend to bring along a light jacket when I go out at night, even in the middle of summer.
Saturday Morning: Your Chance to Hike
Saturday mornings in Santiago feel unhurried, and in the summer, it’s a golden window of opportunity to do something outdoors, if that’s your vibe. I’m a huge fan of hiking just outside the city. And during the summer, usually my hikes fall on Saturday morning. I use AllTrails to find hikes and have made a public list of hikes and mountains around Santiago here.
Just be careful if you decide to hike on a Saturday morning; it can be very crowded, depending on the hike. Quebrada de Macul, for example, is one that gets very busy during the summer. And if you’re going by car, from my experience, the parking areas for Cerro Carbon, Manquehue, and Ramon fill up quickly. I found that arriving before 7:30 am (or even earlier) is an effective way to beat the hiking crowds.
Saturday Midday: City or Nature?
Option A: For City Lovers
There’s no shortage of activities to fill a Saturday within the city limits, believe me. After a year in the area, I still haven’t checked everything I want to do off my list. But for a hot summer’s day, I prefer to find indoor activities rather than wandering the streets.
One beautiful indoor spot is Palacio Pereira. Escape the torturous sun, explore the stunning architecture inside, and grab cold water or a coffee at the cafe—that’s what my friend and I did after doing a photoshoot.
Option B: For Nature Lovers
Feeling brave enough to put up with a little heat for gorgeous nature views and a tranquil night out of the city? One late-summer weekend, I went camping at a spot called El Manzano with a few good friends. It was a sweaty hike, don’t get me wrong, but there’s plenty of shade. Plus, it’s short and appropriate for beginners.
We hauled along some food for a picnic, and mats to sleep on—no sleeping bags necessary! It’s sufficiently warm there at night. The best part? There’s a little series of pools with some gentle waterfalls nearby. We packed swimsuits and jumped in to cool off.
Saturday Night: Eating Late & Strolling Around Barrio Italia
Unless you opt for the camping trip, you’ll still be in the city. On a summer Saturday night, there are countless panoramas to check out. Barrio Italia is one area perfect for exploring, full of boutique shops, unique desert spots, highly-rated restaurants, and a few casual bars scattered throughout.
I’ve never gone to Barrio Italia and walked away disappointed; it’s a gem within Santiago. And in the evening or at night, when it’s cooled down a bit, you can stroll around and soak in the vibrant street without suffering from the heat.
Sunday Morning: Lazy Morning + Brunch
I’ve had my fair share of lazy Sunday mornings, sleeping in, whether it’s while I’m camping or at home in the city. And from what I’ve found, it’s totally normal, and many cafes or stores may not open until 10:00 or 11:00 am. One Sunday morning, in the Las Condes comuna, I drove around for about thirty minutes around 9:00 am in search of an open cafe or Starbucks.
But a brunch with reservations at an indoor restaurant, or a spot with outdoor (shaded) seating, is a great way to spend a summer Sunday morning. Here are some of my favorite brunch spots that I’ve been to:
- Cerezo Café in Barrio Italia
- Brekkie in Providencia
- Nolia Brunch Bar in Vitacura
Sunday Afternoon: Overlook the City on Cerro San Cristobal
My favorite way to spend a Sunday afternoon is to meet my friend and walk up San Cristobal hill (Cerro San Cristobal) together, chit-chatting, people (and dog)-watching along the way. We love to bring some snacks, a beverage for hydration, and a small blanket. On San Cristobal hill, you can walk up to the Virgin Mary statue, which is an iconic tourist point.
I’ve come to find many other quiet spots on this beloved hill. If you go just a bit past the stairs leading to the Virgin, you can encounter tranquil nooks to sit and absorb a colorful Santiago sunset.
Closing Thoughts: Don’t Overthink Your Summer Weekend in Santiago
When it comes to the ideal weekend itinerary in Santiago, don’t sweat it! In the summer months, you’ll easily find activities to do, whether that’s within city limits or in the surrounding mountains. As long as you remember to hydrate along the way, wear breezy clothes, and remember a light layer for nighttime, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable summer weekend!
