Hello everyone! Traveling to a brand new country for a major international trade show is always an incredibly thrilling experience. Whether you are traveling across the world to source new products, meet potential business partners, or simply learn about the latest industry trends, planning your journey is the first big step. To help you plan an absolutely amazing, highly productive, and stress-free trip, we put together this friendly, conversational, and highly detailed guide specifically for your visit to Santiago, Chile. Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let us walk you through everything you need to know about navigating the city, finding a great place to sleep, and eating some of the best food in South America!
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An Exciting Look at Motortec CHILE 2026
The highly anticipated 5th edition of Motortec CHILE is almost here, and it is shaping up to be an unforgettable event. The trade show will run for three action-packed days from Thursday, June 18, to Saturday, June 20, 2026. The entire exhibition will be held at the beautiful and expansive Espacio Riesco Event and Convention Center, which is widely considered one of the premier event venues in all of Santiago.
If you are involved in the automotive industry, this is the ultimate meeting place. Motortec CHILE has rapidly grown to become the leading commercial and technological platform for the automotive aftermarket in the Southern Cone of Latin America. It bridges the gap between massive global suppliers and eager Latin American buyers, creating a vibrant space for networking and deal-making. The sheer scale of the event is impressive. You can expect to see over one hundred national and international exhibitors spread across 8,000 square meters of exhibition space, drawing in more than 7,000 industry professionals, eager students, and automotive enthusiasts.
Exhibition Highlights and Featured Displays
When you step onto the massive exhibition floor at Espacio Riesco, you will find an incredible variety of exhibits. Companies from all over the globe will showcase everything you could imagine for the automotive sector.
You will be able to browse endless rows of engine spare parts, heavy-duty transmissions, steering components, and advanced suspension systems. If you are looking for external components, there will be massive displays of body parts, aftermarket accessories, custom wheels, and commercial tires. Furthermore, the show will feature the absolute newest automotive electronics, highly advanced diagnostic software, electric vehicle (EV) mobility solutions, and complete after-sales service solutions. It is truly a one-stop shop for anyone looking to upgrade their inventory or modernize their repair shop.
Interactive Events and Industry Forums
However, you should know that this trade show is not just about looking at parts sitting on tables! The organizers have put together some truly unique and highly interactive events to keep the energy high.
While the exact schedule for 2026 is still being finalized, previous editions have featured thrilling events like the Technical Olympics. This is a fast-paced, high-stress competition where highly talented mechanic students race against the clock to diagnose and fix tricky vehicle faults while a crowd cheers them on. There are also special display areas dedicated to car owners showing off their beautifully restored, heavily modified, and custom-painted vehicles. On the educational side, the International Forum hosts expert panels discussing the long-term future of the industry, new energy efficiency standards, and the rapid growth of electromobility across South America.
Arriving at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport
Your exciting South American adventure officially begins the moment your airplane touches down on the runway. Santiago’s main airport, Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, is highly modern, very clean, and surprisingly easy to navigate for first-time visitors.
After you clear customs and grab your luggage from the carousel, you will enter the main arrivals hall. Do not let the crowds overwhelm you; getting directly to your hotel or straight to the Espacio Riesco exhibition center is very straightforward. The venue is located just about 20 to 30 minutes away by car, making the commute incredibly convenient.
Easy Airport Transportation Options
| Transport Method | Cost Estimate | Convenience Level | Best Choice For |
| Official Taxi / Uber | Medium to High | Very High | Direct, comfortable, and private trips straight to your hotel lobby. Highly recommended after a long international flight. |
| Airport Shuttle Bus | Very Low | Medium | Budget-friendly, adventurous travelers heading directly to the central Metro stations in the city center. |
| Private Hotel Transfer | Varies | Very High | A totally relaxed, pre-arranged pickup organized by your hotel concierge. The driver will hold a sign with your name. |
A quick tip for the airport: Always use the official taxi stands located inside the terminal before you walk outside. Do not accept rides from people offering informal taxi services in the hallways, as they often overcharge tourists. Alternatively, connect to the airport's free Wi-Fi and simply order an Uber, which is safe, reliable, and gives you the exact price upfront.
Navigating Local Transport in Santiago
You will absolutely love how simple and stress-free it is to travel around Santiago. The city offers excellent, modern public transport networks that are both highly safe and very affordable for international visitors.
To use the public transport system, the first thing you need to do is buy a "Bip!" card. This is a reloadable plastic smart card that you tap to pay for your subway and bus rides. You can easily buy and recharge a Bip! card at any subway station using cash or a credit card.
The Metro and Local Buses
The Metro de Santiago is the pride of the city. The subway system is incredibly fast, very clean, and highly efficient for getting across town quickly during rush hour.
To get to the Espacio Riesco exhibition center using public transport, you have two very easy options. First, you can ride the red Line 2 subway to the Vespucio Norte station. From there, you just hop on the B02 red bus, which drops you off just a short walk from the venue. Your second option is to ride the red Line 1 subway to the Tobalaba station, located in a beautiful commercial area. From Tobalaba, you can take the blue 117 or 117c bus directly to the venue.
If you prefer to drive, there is plenty of parking available. Espacio Riesco features a massive parking lot with 4,000 spaces for visitors. Additionally, if you prefer not to take the bus, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Cabify work perfectly everywhere in the city. Just type in "Espacio Riesco," order a ride from your smartphone, and you are completely ready to go!
Top Neighborhoods for Your Hotel Stay
Picking the right neighborhood for your hotel stay makes a massive difference in how much you enjoy your trip. Because you will be busy walking the trade show floor all day, you want to come back to a place that is safe, highly comfortable, and close to great restaurants. Luckily, the venue is surrounded by high-end accommodation options.
Recommended Hotel Areas in Santiago
| Neighborhood | Vibe & Environment | Why You Will Absolutely Love It |
| Las Condes | Modern, highly safe, and professional. | This is the financial district. It is perfect for business travelers wanting top-tier hotels, quiet nights, and upscale dining. |
| Providencia | Lively, walkable, and highly convenient. | This area offers the best balance of great hotel prices, lively shopping streets, and very easy access to the subway. |
| Vitacura | Quiet, premium, and very upscale. | This beautiful neighborhood is located very close to the exhibition center. It features lush parks and amazing high-end restaurants. |
If you choose to stay in Las Condes or Vitacura, you will be very close to luxury hotel brands like the Ritz-Carlton, W Santiago, Mandarin Oriental, InterContinental, and the Marriott. These hotels offer incredible service, beautiful views of the mountains, and a perfect environment to relax after a long day of business meetings.
Delicious Chilean Food You Need to Try
After a long, productive day walking the exhibition floor and shaking hands with new suppliers, treating yourself to some amazing local food is an absolute must. Santiago has a truly fantastic, world-class culinary scene that blends traditional South American flavors with fresh coastal ingredients.
You absolutely cannot leave Chile without experiencing a traditional Asado, which is a spectacular Chilean barbecue. Imagine incredible, perfectly roasted cuts of beef, pork, and chicken cooked slowly over hot coals with local spices, usually enjoyed with friends and colleagues. It is a wonderful social experience.
If you love fresh seafood, you are in luck because Chile has an enormous coastline. Take a quick taxi ride down to the famous Mercado Central de Santiago. This bustling, historic market is filled with incredible restaurants serving the freshest fish dishes in town. You must try the local King Crab (Centolla) or a rich, warm bowl of Conger Eel soup (Caldillo de Congrio). For a quick, delicious snack on the go, grab an Empanada de Pino, a baked pastry filled with savory beef, onions, olives, and hard-boiled eggs.
Finally, do not forget the wine! Chile is world-famous for its incredible, lush vineyards. Sit back, relax at your hotel bar, and pour yourself a deep, flavorful glass of local Carménère or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Essential Travel Tips for Santiago Visitors
To make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible, here are a few extra tips to keep in mind before you pack your suitcase.
First, remember that because Chile is in the Southern Hemisphere, the month of June is actually the middle of their winter! While it does not usually snow in the city, the mornings and evenings can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping to around 40°F (5°C). Make sure you pack a warm, comfortable jacket, some sweaters, and good walking shoes for the exhibition hall.
The local currency is the Chilean Peso (CLP). While credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, nice restaurants, and the Espacio Riesco venue, it is always a smart idea to carry a little bit of cash for tipping or buying small snacks from street vendors. Finally, while many business professionals at the trade show will speak English, the local language is Spanish. Learning a few simple phrases like "Hola" (Hello), "Gracias" (Thank you), and "Por favor" (Please) will go a very long way in making the locals smile!
A Warm Welcome from VP Gasket at Booth C56
While you are exploring the exciting exhibits, learning about new market trends, and connecting with new Latin American partners, we would absolutely love for you to stop by and say hello!
Our dedicated team will be waiting to greet you with a warm smile at Booth C56.
As operations specialists in international trade, we are passionate about exporting premium, high-quality heavy-duty automotive and industrial engine parts to global markets. When you visit our booth, you can get a close, hands-on look at our flagship products. We specialize in providing uncompromising sealing solutions and complete, comprehensive overhaul gasket kits designed specifically for legendary heavy-duty platforms, including the Cummins ISF, 6CT, and QSK engine series.
We know how critical it is to keep heavy machinery running without leaks or failures, which is exactly why we focus so heavily on the durability of our Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) gaskets and extreme-temperature seals. Whether you want to examine the manufacturing quality of our parts, discuss potential B2B purchasing agreements for your international trade business, or chat about your beautiful trip to Santiago, our friendly, knowledgeable team is completely ready to connect.
We are so excited to share our solutions from vpgasket.com with you, help you expand your commercial inventory, and explore great, profitable business opportunities together. Safe travels across the world. Remember to pack a warm jacket, and we absolutely cannot wait to see you in Chile!
