GUEST ARTICLE: Ola Amigos!! We’ve just finished our Santiago, Chile leg and loved it!! We weren’t sure what to expect in South America, it has been given sort of a bad rap from past histories, but we can honestly say we fully enjoyed every minute of it – throw away any preconceived notions and get over there!
The Chileans are super friendly, the food excellent and wouldn’t ya know it, for the first time ever we weren’t ripped off once! Go figure?! Having the Italian lingo in our back pockets also helped us out quite a bit – unfortunately there aren’t many Chileans that can speak English.
The flight from Auckland, New Zealand to Chile took us about 12 hours and a few days to get over a major case of jet-lag. Our accommodation at the Hotel Orly was situated in the Provendencia district, just outside of the city’s centre. The feeling on the streets was very laid back, shops open up sometime after 10am and stay open only until … well honestly I couldn’t say? It seems like they close when they like, somewhere in the late afternoon?
Lunch is a frenzy at 2pm and dinner starts around 8-9pm, now that took some getting used to, lots of snacking involved! But when it comes to snacking have no fear there is no end to the multitudes of treats – all types of delicious cakes, empanadas, and mote con huesillos (a very refreshing drink made with peaches and peach juice with cooked barley on the bottom, I know it sounds strange but – yum!).
The cost of things (in pesos of course) we found to be pretty well priced, we were able to go out for a pretty nice dinner and spend about $50AUD, that’s with two main meals and nice bottle of Chilean wine ~ perfecto!
A great place to go particularly on the weekends is an area called the Bellavista, Constiticion St. to be exact, and it is lined with a multitude of different restaurants. The next street over is strictly dedicated to night clubs and salsa bars – fun!!
So one night after having a wicked dinner at a little piazza in Constitucion we went over to check out the raging night life. The streets were teaming with people, music of all types blaring and a good time being had by all with giant cervezas in hand. The buskers were some of the coolest we’ve ever seen, one man salsa bands that spin faster than Michelle Kwan while still keeping their cool rhythmic beats ~ awesome!!
We didn’t stick around too long though, we were told by our hotel staff not to hang around the streets after a certain time and after seeing the amount of drinks being downed you could kinda see where that could end up ~ Olalay!
We never once felt like we were ever in any danger even when we were on the subway and a fight broke out between some soccer fans, about 10 cops dealt with that situation asap, batons on full blow and the trouble makers dealt with within minutes, they certainly don’t fool around there!
As for tourist attractions, there are many. One day we went up in a cable car to San Cristóbal which gave a 360° view of the 6 million people living in Santiago and the breathtaking Andes surrounding the city. At the top was an old beautiful church (Santuario Inmaculada Concepción) and massive statue of the virgin Mary overlooking the city.
On another excursion we went to check out the local handicrafts at a wicked little outside market called Artesanos Los Domenicos.
The ‘artesanos’ are fantastic in a number of things like, copper work, leather bags, wood carving, pottery and fine alpaca knits, just to name a few.
The home-made Chilean food is something else, especially if you like corn (Choclo). One of their favorite dishes is called Pastel de Choclo, which is like a shepherd’s pie with a puréed corn crust baked in a clay pot, can you say yummo!!
In downtown Santiago are some massive pedestrian only streets lined with shops of all kinds and some of the famous ‘Coffee with Legs’ cafes. I’m not really sure what the attraction is to these shops, the girls wear a typical suit with mid thigh skirts? Normal for us, but I guess a real treat for the eyes for the Chileans?
We also saw a few protests, lots of salsa ranting and confetti throwing, all really friendly but we noticed the policia were always on the ready. Seafood is also really big and they can whip up a pretty mean fish with potatoes or one of the best seafood soups I’ve ever had ~ amazing!!
So amigos, if you’re up for some great ‘ankle expressing’, beautiful sights to the senses and booty shaking Santiago is the place!! We are now on the road in our little tinbox rental and off to Pucón (Southern Chile)….until then Adios amigos!
This travel diary has been written by Rob Gower, a traveller who works part-time for a Sydney minibus hire company and enjoys travelling along roads less travelled!
If you’ve travelled somewhere off the beaten track, can write well and have good quality photos I encourage you to contact me and I’ll consider publishing your travel diary here including generous attribution and links back to your website as thanks for your contribution
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Ok I will just come out and say it, I got here by accident and I’m glad I did!! From someone that never goes anyplace I do enjoy reading about the travels of others. You are ether more of a loon than me or are really brave to be traveling with all the world being as it is right now. I wish you good travels and a safe return.
Definitely a great city to visit, I went there a couple of years and I still have it taste in my mouth! Just as you said the people is great, they are very friendly, Wine is terrific!, food is fine, the view from San Cristobal simply great!, you can also go to Viña del Mar or Valparaiso in one hour, by the way a great city also! I really recommend visiting Chile!
I’ve always wanted to travel to Chile. I believe that not only would it be a great learning experience but also open my worldy vision of what else there is. The only times I have traveled extensively has been in Europe, which I loved every single minute of. I think South America or eastern Asia are the next on my list. Thanks for that little bit of motivation to make this into a reality.
My brother-in-law and sister-in-law have been to Chile and swear by it. Hubby and I have vowed to go sometime in the not too distant future. We heard the prices were great, the food is great and the wine is amazing!
Wow! great pictures! The Virgin Mary picture is absolutely breathtaking! What’s the name of the dish that’s displayed in one of your picture? May I know the dish’s name so I can try it out on this Chile inspired restaurant here in our country? Thanks…
It’s great to hear you like the pics and info on the very beautiful and interesting city of Santiago! The soup dish displayed was one of the best I’ve ever had, it is called “Congrio a la Piccola.” If you’re ever over that way, it’s a must do!!
Hi,
I never visited this place Santiago,but after reading your article i too wanted to visit this place with my family and have fun!
The food looks so good as it i wanted to taste now itself and the price is also affordable.
You said that they are friendly,i wanted to see those friendly natured people!
Thank you!
i will definitely visit this place for at least once in my life. such a lovely place. i would love to visit santiago.