Chile

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Santiago & Valparaiso

Where To Stay

I went to Chile in 2008 as part of a study abroad trip so I don’t remember where I stayed exactly. I believe it was near the Bellavista/Recoleta neighborhood as we were easily able to walk to the Plaza de Armas. I think the Plaza de Armas is pretty central for all sites around Santiago so anywhere near there is probably a good bet. I recall Centro being a good neighborhood as well.


Things To Do

Futbol (Soccer) Game ♡♡: If you’re anywhere in South America and the local football (soccer) team is playing, definitely catch a game. The energy and excitement in their stadiums are unlike anything else. They chant, sing and jump up and down the ENTIRE game, regardless if they’re winning or losing. I wish I remember which team we went to (Santiago has a few club teams) but we had a ton of fun. Just a note: if you’re on the “home” side of the stadium, they make you wait for the away fans to exit first to avoid fights around the stadium!

Los Dominicos Market : Traditional Chilean and contemporary craft market which has 140 workshops representing all regions of Chile with their fabrics, stones, minerals, wood, natural products, copper, traditional clothing, art, jewelry & antiques etc. This was one of the most unique and coolest markets I’ve ever been to. I bought a ton of gifts to bring back for the holidays. Definitely check it out if in Santiago.

Palacio de La Moneda : Presidential Palace in the center of Santiago.

Teleferico (Gondola) ♡: This gondola ride up is a really great way to see Santiago. You can get to the San Cristobol Hill/Virgin Mary Statue via this Gondola.

Cerro San Cristobal : Virgin Mary statue on the top of this 860 meter hill in the center of Santiago overlooking the city. If you take the gondola, it’s about 1/2 way up. Gorgeous view from on top of the hill.

Vineyards (Vina Santa Carolina) ♡♡ : We did an awesome winery/vineyard tour of Santa Carolina. It was only about 20 minutes from downtown and was one of our favorite days in Santiago. I remember bottles being super reasonable ($15-$20 or so) and was able to bring some back to the states. Highly recommend this winery. Also, Mendoza is only about a 5 hour drive (technically in Argentina) and is supposed to be like the Napa of South America. I would love to visit on my next trip to SA!

Plaza de Armas : This is the central plaza in Santiago that is really beautiful to walk through. It has famous monuments, the Governor's palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral etc.

Santa Lucia Hill ♡ : Gorgeous hill overlooking the city. There is a really beautiful fountain, greenery and gardens along the walk up this hill. Great view from the top.

San Francisco Church : Old church in the city with red walls - It is also Santiago’s oldest building.

Villa Grimaldi (Prison) ♡ : This was a prison under the Pinochet dictatorship in the 1970’s. Villa Grimaldi was where a lot of the “disappeared” Chileans were held, interrogated, tortured and killed by DINA (Pinochet’s secret police). It was eerie and sad touring the grounds but super educational. I definitely recommending going to see it.

Day Trips:

  • Valparaiso & Viña Del Mar (1.5-2 hours from Santiago)

    • Pablo Neruda's House ( Casa Museo Isla Negra) ♡♡ : You can visit one of famous poet, Pablo Neruda’s, most beautiful houses in Valparaiso. You can enter and tour inside of the house which is super charming and nautical overlooking the ocean. The home contains unique art, the tuxedo he wore when accepting the 1971 Nobel Prize and the plot where is wife was buried.

    • Cerro Concepcion : You can take the Reina Victoria (funicular) up to Cerro Concepcion, which is the hill top town in Valparaiso. It has tons of local restaurants/cafes and local vendors/artisans where you can buy gifts. I remember purchasing an alpaca fur scarf up there that I still wear until this day, its super warm! Great views of the ocean & town from the top of this hill/neighborhood.

* ♡ = a favorite

♡♡ = a must do