Tour in Santiago with Pass to Funicular, Cathedral Cable Car and More

Exploring Santiago with a 3-Day Pass: Your Ticket to the Best of the Chilean Capital

If you’re planning a visit to Santiago, Chile’s lively and diverse capital, a 3-day sightseeing pass offers a flexible way to see the city’s highlights without the hassle of planning every detail. For $73 per person, this pass grants unlimited access to the Hop-On Hop-Off bus, Cable Car, Funicular, and guided tours — a package that’s particularly appealing for first-time visitors or those eager to get the most out of their stay.

What we love about this experience is how it combines convenience and variety. You can hop on and off at major landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral or Cerro San Cristóbal, all while soaking in panoramic views. Plus, the guided tour of the Metropolitan Cathedral adds a cultural touch. The second thing that impresses us is the flexibility — the pass is valid for three consecutive days, allowing you to explore at your own pace, whether you want to linger at a park or rush through the city’s historic center.

A possible consideration is that some services may have limited hours or be inactive on certain days. For example, if you plan to visit the cable car or the cathedral on a Sunday, double-check the schedule or availability. Also, since the tour focuses heavily on public transportation and guided highlights, travelers expecting a fully private or customized experience might find it somewhat structured.

All in all, this tour suits first-time visitors, culture enthusiasts, and those who appreciate efficient, guided sightseeing. It’s especially popular among travelers who want a rundown of Santiago in a short amount of time.

Key Points

• All-inclusive 3-day access to Santiago’s main attractions
• Unlimited Hop-On Hop-Off bus, cable car, and funicular rides
• Guided Metropolitan Cathedral tour with a chance to climb the bell tower
• Highlights include Cerro San Cristóbal, Plaza de Armas, and Costanera Center
• Flexible itinerary allowing you to explore at your own pace
• Cost-effective way to see multiple landmarks without separate tickets

A Deep Dive into Santiago’s Best with the Pass

The Tour in Santiago with Pass to Funicular, Cathedral Cable Car, and More is a well-rounded way to explore the city’s most iconic sites while enjoying the convenience of unlimited access over three days. At about $73, it offers good value considering the included transportation, guided tour, and entrance to major sights. It’s tailored for travelers eager to cover a lot of ground without the stress of individual ticketing or fixed schedules.

Starting Point and First Impressions

The journey begins at Av. Pdte. Kennedy Lateral 5059, in the upscale Las Condes district, a nod to Santiago’s modern side. From there, your first stop is Parque Arauco, a high-end shopping mall with global brands, a luxury district, and a variety of eateries. Here, you can get your bearings, appreciate the upscale vibe, and possibly grab a quick coffee before heading into the city’s more historic parts.

The bus tour runs from 9:30 AM to 6 PM, with buses arriving roughly every 20 minutes. You can hop off at key landmarks and hop back on later, which means flexibility is built into the experience. During busy days, you might find waiting times at major stops like San Cristóbal Hill or Cerro Santa Lucia vary, so planning your stops is wise.

Exploring Santiago’s Green Spaces

Next, the itinerary takes you to Parque Bicentenario in Vitacura — a lush, expansive park perfect for a break from urban sightseeing. Designed with multiple landscapes, lagoons, and statues, it’s a favorite for relaxation, walks, and people-watching. The park’s lagoons are teeming with black-necked swans, flamingos, herons, and fish, making it a peaceful contrast to the bustling city streets.

Spectacular Views from the Cable Car and Funicular

No trip to Santiago is complete without seeing the city from above. The Cable Car at Turistik offers spectacular panoramic views of the Andes and Santiago’s skyline. You’ll ascend to San Cristóbal Hill, where the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception statues and the Bellavista Terrace await. Travelers often mention how the view is worth the trip — “you’ll love the vistas of the city,” as one reviewer noted.

The Funicular adds a touch of history and charm. This heritage elevator, declared a Historical Monument, climbs up Cerro San Cristóbal with cars recently restored. The ride offers a heritage experience and stunning city vistas. According to reviews, “it’s definitely worth riding,” especially since it connects to the National Zoo at the intermediate station.

Discovering the Historic Heart

The Plaza de Armas, founded in 1541, is where Santiago’s modern history and colonial past converge. Surrounded by historic buildings and vibrant street life, it’s an ideal place to soak up the atmosphere. The guided tour of the Metropolitan Cathedral is a highlight; visitors praise the knowledgeable guide Janis, who made the experience engaging and informative. Climbing the bell tower provides a 360-degree view of the city, giving you a perspective that’s both scenic and historical.

A Glimpse into Political and Cultural Santiago

The Cultural Palace of La Moneda is adjacent to the square, offering insight into Chile’s government and history. The tour here includes a walk around the square and a chance to see statues of notable political figures. It’s a quick but meaningful stop, perfect for history buffs.

Discovering Santiago’s Elegant Neighborhoods

The Barrio El Golf is Santiago’s modern, upscale district. It’s filled with sleek office buildings, high-end restaurants, and boutique cafes. It’s a lively area to stroll, and the green spaces of Plaza de la Aviación extend along the Mapocho River, offering another peaceful spot for a break.

Towering Landmarks and Shopping

The Costanera Center, home to Latin America’s tallest building, is a must-see for architecture lovers and shoppers. The Sky Costanera observation deck provides panoramic views of Santiago and the Andes. The shopping mall itself offers a variety of restaurants and stores, making it ideal for a meal or some souvenir shopping.

A Neighborhood of Elegance and Gastronomy

The El Golf neighborhood showcases Santiago’s wealthy, cosmopolitan side. It’s an area full of historic mansions, modern apartments, and excellent dining options. Walking here gives a sense of the city’s economic prosperity and contemporary lifestyle.

Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

The tour concludes back at the starting point, with plenty of options to extend your exploration or relax after a busy few days. The unlimited access and the combination of guided and self-guided experiences make this a robust and convenient way to get to know Santiago.

What Reviewers Say

Many travelers praise the knowledgeable guides and spectacular views. One reviewer highlighted Janis’ excellent storytelling during the cathedral tour, while others appreciated the helpfulness of staff like Moyra on the buses. Several mention the good value for money, especially considering the included attractions and transportation.

Some reviews note that service hours can be limited or that some attractions may be closed on certain days, such as during holidays or low season. The advice is to plan your stops carefully and check opening times, especially if you want to visit specific sites like the cathedral tower.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors wanting a rundown of Santiago without the hassle of individual tickets. It’s also suited for culture and history enthusiasts eager to learn while enjoying scenic views. Travelers with limited time will appreciate how much they can see in three days, and families will find the mix of attractions engaging and accessible.

The Sum Up

This 3-day Santiago pass offers a practical, well-rounded way to explore one of South America’s most vibrant cities. You’ll enjoy beautiful vistas, historic sites, and modern neighborhoods, all with the ease of unlimited transportation and guided insights. It’s an excellent choice if you want to see the city efficiently and comfortably while soaking in its diversity.

While some services might have limited hours, the overall value and variety make this tour a smart pick for most travelers. Whether you’re interested in cultural landmarks, natural views, or shopping and dining, this pass delivers a well-balanced experience that captures Santiago’s essence.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the combination of transportation, scenic views, and cultural sites makes it a good option for families. Kids and adults can enjoy the cable car, funicular, and open spaces like parks.

How long does each stop last?
Stops are flexible, as you can hop on and off as you please. Most stops around key attractions suggest at least 1-2 hours of exploration, but you can spend more or less time depending on your interest.

Can I use the pass on the first day I arrive?
Absolutely. The pass is valid for three consecutive days from your first use, giving you flexibility to start exploring immediately.

Are the attractions included free, or do I pay extra?
The pass includes admission to specific sites like the Metropolitan Cathedral tour, cable car, funicular, and panoramic buses. Some attractions like restaurants or shops are extra.

What if some attractions are closed?
Some venues may be inactive during certain days or holidays. It’s advisable to check ahead, but the unlimited bus and outdoor experiences remain accessible.

Is it worth it if I only want to see a few sights?
If you’re only interested in a handful of attractions, a single ticket might be more economical. But if you want a broad overview and flexibility, this pass offers great value.

How does the hop-on-hop-off bus work?
Buses run every 20 minutes, and you can get on or off at any designated stop during operating hours (9:30 AM to 6 PM). Be mindful of the last round at 4 PM to finish your day.

Can I upgrade the pass or add other tours?
The offered package is fixed, but you can extend your experience by booking additional tours like day trips outside Santiago separately.

In short, whether you’re a history buff, a lover of scenic views, or simply want a hassle-free way to see Santiago, this pass provides an efficient, enjoyable way to get acquainted with the Chilean capital. Just remember to plan your stops, check opening hours, and enjoy the ride!