Santiago Layover Guide (SCL)

What are you looking for in SCL?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Santiago international airport (SCL) also known as the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport and Nuevo Pudahuel Airport. It is located in Pudahuel 15 km (9.3 mi) northwest of downtown Santiago. This airport was opened in 1967 and is one of the busiest and largest aviation facilities in the city. Santiago is the capital city of Chile and is known as the center of the nation’s railroads. It is known as the most important economic, cultural, and media center of Chile. Also famous for its vibrant nightlife and with some renowned landmarks like the Plaza de Armas.

Can you leave Santiago Airport (SCL) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
It's possible to leave the airport during the layover, visa is required in some cases. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Chile Organized Tours

Valparaiso, Viña del Mar, & Casablanca Valley Tour

A trip to Santiago is incomplete if you do not tour the amazing places like Valparaiso, Viña del Mar, and Casablanca Valley. You can marvel at the colorful confection of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. Your tour guide will also take you to some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Where you can experience riding on a vintage funicular. Also, get an immersive experience of the greenery in the Vina del Mar also known as Garden City. From there you can visit a coastal area and observe some sea lines before you travel to your next stop the Casablanca Valley. » book this tour

Tour the Maipo Valley

Visit Maipo Valley and taste some of the finest and world-famous wines. While your visit to Maipo Valley you can also learn more about the wine making process and explore the historic cellars of wine estates. Like the Santa Rite, Aquitania, Undurraga, Concha y Toro, or Cousiño Macul. Moreover, enjoy your visit to two of three of the most popular wineries in Chile and you can also choose a delicious gourmet picnic in a vineyard or a great lunch in the beautiful restaurant. » book this tour

Valle Nevado and Farellones Tour

If you are in Santiago, then there is no better way to spend your day than visiting Valle Nevado and Farellones. You can spend you day in the dramatic wilderness of the Andes Mountains. Also, visit the first ski resort in the Chile in Farellones and take part in its winter and other sport activities in El Colorado. » book this tour

Chile Things to do / Sightseeing

San Cristobal Hill

A trip to the San Cristobal Hill is a must thing to do where you can get the exotic night views of Santiago. You can enjoy traditional Chilean cuisine and a folklore show at the top culinary center. Take a panoramic tour of the downtown area and head t the top of San Cristobal Hill and then to the Civic Center, where you’ll see La Moneda Palace, Plaza de la Constitución, the Municipal Theater, and Mercado Central.

Time required: 5 hours.

Airport to here: 54 minutes via private transport.

Cajon del Maipo Hot Springs

This is another great thing to do because you can discover beautiful waterfall and take a dive into volcano hot springs. So, you can relax in volcanic waters at the Colina hot springs and can enjoy a traditional Chilean barbecue. Also, you can learn about the local culture while visiting the Cajon del Maipo. And relax in the medicinal hot springs, enjoy a traditional Chilean barbeque, and see the stunning Veil of the Bride waterfall.

Time required: 10 hours.

Airport to here: 40 minutes via private transport.

Laguna del Inca and Portillo

Trip to the Chilean town of Portillo is also a great thing to do where you can see the town boasting snow fields and a lagoon. Cross the Chacabuco Tunnel and to the Aconcagua valley. You can see Mount Aconcagua which has the tallest summit in the country. In addition, enjoy the stunning views of the Inca lagoon and experience the serenity of snow-capped mountains.

Time required: 9 hours.

Airport to here: 2 hours and 19 minutes via public transport.

Concha y Toro Winery

Visit Concha y Toro Winery and discover its beauty. You can visit its parks, amazing lagoons, and cellars, and also taste the wines of Latin America’s leading wine producer. Take a stroll through the gardens of the Concha y Toro family summer residence. And learn about the grapes used in Concha y Toro’s wines in a garden with 26 varieties of vines.

Time required: 5 hours.

Airport to here: 2 hours and 20 minutes via private transport.

Sky Costanera

When you are in Santiago, Sky Costanera is a perfect place to spend your time. Where you marvel at the unforgettable panoramic views of Santiago from the observation deck of the iconic Sky Costanera. Also, let your jaw hit the floor as you are elevated 62 floors to fantastic 360-degree views over the Andes mountains. Enjoy the beautiful sun set over the city while you visit to this skyscraper.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: 24 minutes via public transport.

Cajón del Maipo and El Morado Pool

This is one of the major attractions of tourist in Santiago. You can visit the Cajón del Maipo, situated in the Andes Mountain range while your trip from Santiago. Moreover, you can enjoy lunch and can shop for organic products and unique architecture. Also, visit Lodge El Morado a great place to relax and enjoy the Spa and Pool in the mountains.

Time required: 10 hours.

Airport to here: 56 minutes via taxi.

Cajón del Maipo and Volcán San José Hike

For adventure enthusiasts Cajón del Maipo and Volcán San José Hike is a great thing to do. Where they can explore the heart of the Andes and get astounding views of the waterfalls, rives, and glaciers. You can hike in the wilderness with a guided walk to the Cajón del Maipo gorge. And enjoy the breathtaking views of the active volcano of San Jose.

Time required: 10 hours.

Airport to here: 32 minutes via public transport.

Colchagua Valley

Visit Colchagua Valley which is one of the country’s most popular wine region. It is located in the heart of Central Valley, and it is considered the epicenter of wine production in Chile. You can get a panoramic gondola ride overlooking Santa Cruz Vineyard and a horse-drawn carriage ride at Viu Manent Vineyard.

Time required: 11 hours.

Airport to here: 2 hours via taxi.

Things to Do in Santiago Airport (SCL)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
There are multiple lounges available at the national and international terminal of the airport. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Hotels are available inside and near the airport. » view all or book an airport hotel online

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
There is no designated rest or sleeping area inside the Santiago Airport.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: WiFi is available at Santiago Airport, connect to “Nuevo Pudahuel” network.

SIM Card: You can buy the SIM cards from the Entel shops available at the airport. » buy a global sim card for Chile, Santiago that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: There are two types of taxis available which include a basic taxi which runs on a meter and the other is tourism taxi which is based on a fixed rate according to destination. You can find taxi counters at the exit gates inside the Arrivals Halls.

Train: There is no train service available at the Santiago Airport.

Bus: Centropuerto bus service provide transportation facility at the airport. (more info).

Shuttle: Some hotels run shuttle bus services.

Car rentals: Different car rental agencies are available at the first level, international arrivals. It includes lamo, Avis, Budget, Chilean, Econorent, Europcar, Mitta, Rosselot » view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Parking lots are available at different rates which are Express 2 car park and Mainten long stay car park.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

You can store your luggage by the use of airport's secure left luggage facility. It is located Airport Lobby, landside, 1st floor (Gate 1). » book a luggage storage or locker at Santiago Airport (SCL) online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Santiago Airport (SCL) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks