Santiago: Hop On Hop Off City Bus Day Ticket & Top Stops

Summary

See Santiago’s neighborhoods by bus with stops for parks, hills, shopping and history

You’ll feel Santiago wake up as you ride past parks and plazas on this hop on hop off city bus tour. Step out for flamingos in Bicentennial Park, get lost in Bellavista’s colors, hear local stories from your guide—and end up somewhere you didn’t plan. It’s your day to explore at your own pace.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the sunlight bouncing off the Costanera Center — honestly, it’s taller than I expected. We’d just hopped on the tourist bus outside Parque Arauco (felt a bit odd starting a city day at a mall, but the coffee there was strong and needed). The driver greeted us with a “buenos días” and pointed at the little screen showing our route. The seats were comfy enough, windows big for gawking. There’s something about rolling through Santiago with the breeze sneaking in and that low city hum — not quiet, not noisy either.

I got off at Bicentennial Park because someone on the bus said you could spot flamingos there. Turns out they weren’t lying — pink flashes near the water, plus a couple of black-necked swans gliding by like they owned the place. The grass was still damp from last night’s rain; my shoes picked up that earthy smell. A local jogger grinned at me when I nearly tripped over a root (classic). Then back on — no stress about timing since you can hop on and off all day with this ticket.

Later, somewhere between El Golf and Bellavista, our guide (her name was Paula) started telling stories about old mansions and how Isidora Goyenechea used to throw parties here. She laughed when I tried to repeat her name — I definitely butchered it. We passed street art in Bellavista, bright blues and reds bleeding into each other on peeling walls; people sitting outside cafés with tiny cups of espresso and nowhere else to be. At Plaza de Armas I wandered into the Metropolitan Cathedral just as bells rang — echoing right through my chest somehow.

I didn’t expect to feel so much just watching daily life from a moving bus seat or standing under Santa Lucia Hill’s arches. There’s something about seeing Santiago this way — patchwork neighborhoods stitched together by stories and small moments. I still think about that view from San Cristobal Hill; maybe it was just the late afternoon light or maybe cities always look softer from above.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Santiago by Hop On Hop Off Bus

• Start at Parque Arauco mall
• Visit Bicentennial Park and lagoons
• Walk to Santiago Metropolitan Park and Cable Car
• Ride Santiago Funicular at Parquemet
• Explore Plaza de Armas historic center
• See Palacio de la Moneda and surroundings
• Visit Santa Lucia Hill and terraces
• Stroll Plaza de la Aviación and Avenida Providencia
• Shop and view from Costanera Center
• Discover El Golf neighborhood and Interactive Museum

Top questions

How many stops does the Santiago hop on hop off bus have?

The route includes 10 strategic stops across central Santiago.

Where does the tourist bus in Santiago start?

The main starting point is Parque Arauco shopping center in eastern Santiago.

Is there a guide on board the Santiago city tour bus?

Yes, guides are present and share stories about neighborhoods and landmarks during the ride.

Can I get off at any stop and rejoin later?

Yes, you can hop on and off as many times as you want throughout the day using your ticket.

What are some highlights along the route?

Main attractions include Costanera Center, Bicentennial Park, Santa Lucia Hill, Plaza de Armas, La Moneda Palace, Bellavista neighborhood and more.

What are the operating hours for this city tour?

The bus runs Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm; last full lap starts before 4:00 pm.

Is lunch included with this hop on hop off ticket?

No meals are included; you’re free to eat wherever you choose along the route.

Are strollers allowed on board?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers.

What’s included

Your day includes unlimited rides on Santiago’s hop on hop off tourist bus for one day—just show your ticket at any of the ten stops around town. You’ll have flexibility to join or leave at any point along the route between 9:30 am and 6:00 pm (last full circuit starts before 4 pm). No need to worry about transportation—just focus on exploring parks, plazas, museums or grabbing coffee wherever catches your eye before hopping back aboard.