Cable Car, Funicular and Sightseeing Bus in Santiago two days

Experience Santiago in Two Days: Cable Car, Funicular, and Sightseeing Bus Tour

If you’re visiting Santiago, Chile, and want to see the city’s most iconic sights without exhaustion, this tour offers a flexible, convenient way to explore. For $62 per person, you get a two-day hop-on-hop-off bus pass, a cable car ride, and a funicular trip—all packed into roughly two hours of guided sightseeing. The route takes you from upscale shopping districts to historic plazas, lush parks, and panoramic viewpoints, making it perfect for first-time visitors who want a broad but manageable overview.

We love that this experience combines modern city highlights with spectacular natural vistas—all with the ease of a single ticket. Particularly, the included cable car ride and funicular are standouts, providing stunning views of Santiago’s skyline and surrounding mountains, plus seamless connections to the city’s top parks and neighborhoods. The staff are frequently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, which makes navigating the stops much smoother.

One possible consideration is that bus stop signage can be sparse, making it tricky if you’re not using the app or familiar with the route. Also, some travelers mention that the buses can be slow, especially if you’re in a rush to pack in multiple sites, but overall, the route’s breadth makes up for it. This tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic city experiences, enjoy scenic vistas, and want value-packed, flexible touring options.

Key Points

• Two-day hop-on-hop-off ticket provides flexibility to explore Santiago at your own pace.
• Cable car and funicular rides offer incredible city views and easy access to key parks and historic sites.
• Multiple stops cover everything from shopping and modern districts to historic plazas and lush green spaces.
• Staff friendliness and helpfulness enhance the overall experience, especially for non-Spanish speakers.
• Some signage issues at bus stops could make navigation a little challenging without the app.
• Great value for the price, especially considering the included transportation and entrance to major sights.

Exploring Santiago in Depth: A Practical Review

The Best of Santiago in Two Days

This tour is an excellent way to get the lay of the land in Santiago, especially if your time is limited. It’s designed for travelers who want to see the city’s main attractions with minimal fuss—think of it as a mobile, open-air city guide that you control. For just over $60, you get two days of unlimited hop-on-hop-off access, plus tickets for the cable car and funicular rides, which are often the highlights for visitors seeking breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding Andes.

The Route and Its Highlights

Starting from the upscale Parque Arauco mall, your journey quickly moves to the Bicentennial Park—a beautifully landscaped green space ideal for relaxing and snapping photos of its lagoons and sculptures. The park’s design, credited to Teodoro Fernández, offers a peaceful contrast to Santiago’s urban core. Here, you can also pick up information at the Turistik Infocenter, which helps orient you for the rest of your day.

Next, the route takes you to the Cable Car stop near San Cristóbal Hill, a favorite for panoramic city views. The ticket is included in your package, making this a stress-free way to reach the hilltop. Expect spectacular vistas from the cable car, as noted by many travelers who say it’s “a master stroke” to include this in the tour.

From there, the historic downtown district reveals itself. You’ll see the Metropolitan Cathedral, La Moneda Palace, Santa Lucía Hill, and the National Historical Museum—all within walking distance or easily accessible via the hop-on-hop-off buses. The Plaza de Armas, the city’s central square, acts as the heartbeat of Santiago, surrounded by significant historic buildings and lively street scenes. One reviewer called it “the true heart of Santiago,” and it’s easy to see why, with its vibrant atmosphere and architectural beauty.

The Neighborhoods and Cultural Hotspots

The tour doesn’t just focus on history; it dives into Santiago’s lively neighborhoods. Bellavista, with its artsy cafes, craft shops, and restaurants, is a must-visit. The Patio Bellavista area is lively and full of atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely lunch or an evening drink. Many reviewers recommend this stop for its culture and entertainment options.

Further east, the Costanera Center, home to Latin America’s tallest building, offers a viewpoint from Sky Costanera—a great way to see Santiago from above, especially at sunset. The modern architecture and shopping here reflect Santiago’s dynamic, forward-looking side. The El Golf neighborhood, with its upscale feel and the Las Condes Interactive Museum, provides a more relaxed, family-friendly experience.

The Transportation: Buses, Cable Car & Funicular

The buses are generally described as clean and well-maintained, with many staff members speaking English fluently, which is a big plus for international visitors. The unlimited hop-on-hop-off feature allows you to customize your day, hopping off at the sites that interest you most, then hopping back on when ready.

The cable car and funicular are real highlights. The cable car ride offers breathtaking views of Santiago’s skyline and surrounding mountains, making it well worth the ride, especially since the ticket is included in the tour. The funicular completes the experience, taking you from the city to the top of San Cristóbal Hill, where panoramic views and photo opportunities abound.

The Experience on the Buses

Reviewers mention that the buses are slow and sometimes lack clear signage, which can be frustrating if you’re unfamiliar with the route. However, the friendly staff and the audio guides in various languages, when working properly, make a big difference. Many travelers appreciated the helpfulness of the staff and the ability to ask questions.

The Value and Overall Impression

Compared to similar city tours worldwide, this package offers excellent value. The inclusion of multiple transportation modes—bus, cable car, funicular—plus two days of unlimited travel makes it ideal for those wanting to see a lot with minimal hassle. The price point reflects this—especially since entries to major sights are built into the ticket, saving you extra charges.

While some found the timing and stop signage a bit confusing, the overall quality of the route and the helpfulness of staff helped mitigate these issues. The spectacular views, especially from San Cristóbal Hill and the cable car, are a big selling point, making this tour excellent for photography lovers and anyone eager to get a feel for Santiago’s diverse neighborhoods.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors who want a broad overview of Santiago without the stress of planning individual tickets or navigating public transit alone. It suits those who value scenic vistas alongside urban exploration and prefer a flexible schedule. If you’re traveling with family, the easy-to-use hop-on-hop-off format combined with included cable car and funicular rides makes it especially appealing.

If you’re someone who appreciates good value and authentic city scenes, this tour will give you a well-rounded taste of Santiago without feeling rushed or overly structured. However, if you prefer to explore in-depth or dislike buses that are slow or poorly signposted, this might not be your best bet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, this tour is suitable for most travelers, including families, as it involves mostly outdoor, scenic transportation. Kids will love the cable car and funicular, and the stops are accessible for most mobility levels.

Does the tour operate on Mondays?
No, the cable car, funicular, and panoramic buses do not run on Mondays, so plan accordingly if you want to include those elements.

Can I buy the ticket on the day of my tour?
Yes, but it’s recommended to book in advance—on average, the tour is booked 33 days ahead—especially during peak travel seasons.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers unlimited hop-on-hop-off bus rides for two days, cable car tickets, funicular tickets, and scenic buses in Metropolitan Park.

Are there guided commentary services?
Yes, the buses offer audio guides in various languages, which many travelers find helpful. Some reviews suggest that the commentary can be basic or inconsistent.

How long does each stop last?
Stops are flexible—you can hop off to explore or stay on longer. The total tour duration is about 2 hours, but with unlimited hop-on-hop-off, you can spend as much time as you wish at each location.

Is signage at the stops clear?
Signage can be sparse, which is a common complaint. We suggest downloading the route map or using the app to avoid confusion.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are best, especially since many stops involve walking or outdoor viewing.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the ticket is refundable if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for unexpected changes.

In the end, this Santiago tour offers a smart, scenic, and flexible way to get a comprehensive feel for the city, making it a smart choice for most travelers wanting to combine convenience with authentic sights.