Senior travel: Santiago
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
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Pace for a day
About 2 stops a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 84 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Plaza de Armas and the CathedralStep-free: yes · about 45 minNo steps of note.
- GAM (Centro Cultural Gabriela Mistral)Step-free: yes · about 75 minNo steps of note.
- Sky CostaneraStep-free: yes · about 90 minNo steps of note.
- Museo Chileno de Arte PrecolombinoStep-free: yes · about 120 minNo steps of note.
- Museo Nacional de Bellas ArtesStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 90 minNo steps of note.
- Cerro San Cristóbal funicularStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 120 minA few steps at stations; the summit paths are ramps.
- Cerro Santa LucíaStep-free: no (check before you go) · about 60 minSeveral hundred steps to the top by the main routes.
- La Chascona (Neruda's Santiago house)Step-free: no (check before you go) · about 75 minMultiple short flights inside and in the garden.
Getting around in Santiago
Santiago is manageable with careful planning: newer Metro stations and malls have lifts, but sidewalks are uneven, curbs are steep and the hills have stairs. Choose a hotel with a lift and use ride-hailing between areas.
- Sidewalks:
- Uneven, with steep curbs and few ramps outside the newer areas; Providencia and Las Condes are better.
- Metro:
- Lines 1, 4 and newer stations have lifts; some older stations have stairs only (check the map).
- Taxis and ride-hailing:
- Standard cars; ask for a larger vehicle if you need space for a chair.
- Hotels:
- Larger hotels have accessible rooms on request; boutique hotels may have stairs.
- Toilets:
- Accessible toilets in malls, museums and larger hotels; few on the street.
Medicines and health on the ground
The Chile guide lists no medicine paperwork. Check the official customs page for your medicines.
- Sun:
- UV is strong even on cool days; use SPF 30+, a hat and sunglasses.
- Water and food:
- Tap water is treated; many still prefer bottled water. Food hygiene in restaurants is good.
- Earthquakes:
- Know your hotel's exit; follow the drop, cover, hold rule and the alerts from Sernapred.
- Altitude:
- Santiago is at about 520 metres; no altitude issue. In the Andes above 3,000 metres (Farellones, Valle Nevado), take it easy for a day.
- Vaccines and health:
- No vaccine is required for entry; check routine vaccines with your clinic. Hantavirus exists in rural southern areas, not in Santiago.
- Clinics:
- Private clinics (Alemana, Las Condes, Santa María) offer 24 h emergency and travel advice.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.