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- Live in Vitacura
21/07/2017, updated 20/10/2023
Where is Vitacura in Santiago?
Vitacura is a very posh area of Santiago, located on the north of Las Condes, and very popular amongst wealthy Chileans families (Like in El Golf, having a postal address here is a status symbol).
You can not go there by metro, including using the new lines that are planned to open in 2018. Therefore, you need a car to live there, or you have to work really close. Indeed, public transportation (bus) that connect Vitacura with the metro can take up to 30-45 minutes during pic hours.
Below a small map so that you get an idea:
There are limited problems of insecurity. Please note though that the concentration of wealth attracts thieves. Therefore, most houses are protected by electrical fences and monitored by patrol cars from both the city AND from private security companies.
What type of accommodation can you find in Vitacura?
- Quite recent apartments. Good quality of construction. Mostly 2 bedrooms and above.
- A lot of houses, with a very wide price range, depending on the quality of construction, the current state (some are not renovated at all) and the localisation (the closer they are from an international college/school, the more expensive they are).
Average cost of accommodation in Vitacura
- 1-bedroom apartment: $600,000 à $1,100,000
- 2-bedroom apartment: $780,000 à $1,700,000
- 3-bedroom apartment: $1,000,000 à $2,200,000
- House: $1,200,000 à $3,500,000
The location will really impact the price. Houses near colleges, or flats with a nice view of the polo club, for example, will be way more expensive than others located 2 blocks away.
You can manage to hear about cheaper houses, but they usually don't show up on the market. Chileans rent to friends and family. Furthermore, the cheapest ones are usually not or poorly renovated. They are far from the quality an expat would expect.
We recommend Vitacura for
- Expat families with or without kids, especially if kids go to the French college or to the Bradford School
Examples of houses and apartments for rent in Vitacura
The following selection of photos is for reference only. This is not our current portfolio of available properties. If you are looking for a property for rent in Vitacura, please contact us and send us all the details of what you are looking for (budget, size, number of bedrooms, furnished or not...). The more details you provide us with, the better.
Vitacura Neighborhoods: Where to Live
Vitacura is divided into several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and advantages. Understanding these areas will help you choose the best location for your lifestyle and needs.
Lo Curro
Lo Curro is one of Vitacura's most exclusive residential areas, featuring luxury homes with mountain views and excellent connectivity.
Property Types:
- Spacious houses on large lots (typically 1,000-3,000 sqm)
- Recently remodeled Mediterranean-style properties
- Two-level homes with excellent mountain and garden views
- Properties range from $1,500,000 - $4,000,000 CLP monthly
Key Features:
- Mountain views of the Cordillera
- Stone pathways and landscaped gardens
- Solid construction with premium finishes
- Quiet, flat sector with tree-lined streets
Advantages:
- Excellent connectivity to Costanera Norte highway
- Close to top international schools
- Proximity to premium supermarkets and services
- Family-friendly environment with security patrols
Best For: Wealthy expat families seeking luxury homes with mountain views and large outdoor spaces.
Santa María de Manquehue
This prestigious neighborhood is known as the embassy district, housing numerous diplomatic residences and high-end properties.
Property Types:
- Luxury houses with expansive grounds
- High-end apartment complexes with resort amenities
- Properties often include pools and extensive gardens
- Rental range: $1,800,000 - $3,500,000 CLP monthly
Key Features:
- Embassy district with diplomatic security presence
- Located between Cerro Manquehue and Mapocho River
- Historic wine-growing area converted to luxury residential
- Premium construction standards and architectural design
Amenities Nearby:
- German Embassy and other diplomatic facilities
- Exclusive boutiques and art galleries
- High-end restaurants and cafes
- Private clubs and recreational facilities
Best For: International executives, diplomats, and wealthy families seeking prestigious addresses with security and exclusivity.
Jardín del Este
A family-oriented neighborhood popular with local Chilean families, offering a mix of housing options and excellent amenities.
Property Types:
- Mix of older and newer houses
- Quality apartment buildings
- Properties with private gardens and pools
- Rental range: $1,200,000 - $2,800,000 CLP monthly
Key Features:
- Family-friendly community atmosphere
- Well-established neighborhood with mature landscaping
- Mix of architectural styles from different decades
- Strong sense of community among residents
Nearby Attractions:
- Club de Polo y Equitación San Cristóbal
- Boutique shopping district
- Excellent restaurants and cafes
- Parks and recreational areas
Schools Nearby:
- French International School (Lycée Antoine de Saint-Exupéry)
- Bradford School
- Various private Chilean schools
Best For: Families with children seeking a community atmosphere with excellent schools and recreational facilities.
Bicentenario / Alonso de Córdova Area
The commercial and residential heart of Vitacura, combining luxury shopping with high-end apartment living.
Property Types:
- Modern furnished apartment buildings
- One-bedroom apartments: $1,050,000 - $1,755,000 CLP monthly
- Luxury penthouses with city views
- Mixed-use buildings with retail on ground floor
Shopping and Dining:
- Alonso de Córdova: Santiago's "Rodeo Drive"
- Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Armani flagship stores
- Faba Lapis Lazuli luxury store
- High-end restaurants and cafes
Key Features:
- Walking distance to Parque Bicentenario
- Excellent public transportation connections
- 24/7 security and concierge services
- Underground parking and storage
Amenities:
- Art galleries and interior design stores
- Exclusive clothing boutiques and jewelers
- Premium supermarkets (Jumbo, El Corte Inglés)
- Banking and professional services
Best For: Young professionals and couples who prefer apartment living with walking access to shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Transportation and Connectivity
Public Transportation:
- No direct metro access (major disadvantage)
- Bus connections to metro stations take 30-45 minutes during peak hours
- Private transportation strongly recommended
Highway Access:
- Excellent connectivity to Costanera Norte
- Easy access to Autopista Central and other major highways
- 20-30 minutes to Santiago center by car (traffic dependent)
- 45-60 minutes to Santiago airport
Private Transportation:
- Most residents own cars
- Uber and taxi services readily available
- Parking available in most residential buildings
- Some areas have organized car-sharing among neighbors
Shopping and Services
Supermarkets:
- Jumbo Vitacura: Large selection, premium products
- El Corte Inglés: Upscale department store with groceries
- Local markets and specialty food stores
Healthcare:
- Clínica Alemana: Premium private hospital
- Clínica Tabancura: High-quality medical center
- Numerous private medical practices and specialists
Banking:
- All major Chilean banks represented
- International banking services available
- ATMs throughout the area
Lifestyle and Recreation
Parks and Green Spaces:
- Parque Bicentenario: Large municipal park with walking paths, bird exhibit, and lagoon
- Club de Polo y Equitación San Cristóbal: Exclusive polo club
- Numerous pocket parks and tree-lined streets
Dining:
- High-end restaurants featuring international cuisine
- Traditional Chilean restaurants
- Cafes and bistros along main commercial streets
Cultural Activities:
- Art galleries along Alonso de Córdova
- Cultural centers and exhibition spaces
- Regular community events and festivals
Schools and Education
International Schools:
- French International School (Lycée Antoine de Saint-Exupéry)
- Bradford School
- Close proximity to other Las Condes international schools
Chilean Schools:
- Several high-quality private Chilean schools
- Bilingual education options available
Safety and Security
Security Measures:
- Private security patrols throughout the area
- Electrical fences on most residential properties
- 24/7 building security in apartment complexes
- Police presence and quick response times
Safety Considerations:
- Generally very safe area with low crime rates
- Wealth concentration attracts some property crime
- Gated communities and condominiums provide additional security
- Well-lit streets and regular security patrols
Cost of Living in Vitacura
Housing Costs (2025):
- 1-bedroom apartment: $650,000 - $1,200,000 CLP monthly
- 2-bedroom apartment: $850,000 - $1,850,000 CLP monthly
- 3-bedroom apartment: $1,100,000 - $2,400,000 CLP monthly
- Houses: $1,400,000 - $3,800,000 CLP monthly
Utilities and Services:
- Electricity, water, gas: $80,000 - $150,000 CLP monthly
- Internet (high-speed): $35,000 - $50,000 CLP monthly
- Building maintenance (apartments): $50,000 - $200,000 CLP monthly
- Private security services: $30,000 - $80,000 CLP monthly
Do you want to go more in detail?
I wrote the Chile Handbook for Foreigners for anyone and everyone looking to move permanently and enjoy life in Chile. It's a 265-page book that goes over all aspects of relocating to Chile. Here is what you get:
✅ Practical tips based on 7-year relocation experience
✅ To-do lists to help you start
✅ Last updated in 2025
