Coaches in Chile are ridiculously cheap and cover the whole country. They depart regularly from the central coach station.
If you fancy a day trip head to Valparaiso. It's a short hour-and-a-half journey. This big port is the second largest city in Chile and is far more unique and representative of the country. Don't attempt to tackle the hills once there - there are handy elevators that take you to the top for one of the most stunning views in Chile. I would particularly recommend Valparaiso at New Years Eve as a huge fireworks display takes place across the whole bay.
Declared Chile's Cultural Capital in 2003, Valparaiso lies 120km northwest of Santiago
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