Discovering Santiago de Chile
Before you launch into the adventurous lands that lie in Latin America You probably have several options in mind. Each of them is surely capable of deploying a sublime magnetism ; none will make you repent or go back in the vicissitudes... especially Chili , with an infallible combination of natural paradises, volcanoes, national parks, vineyards , picturesque facades, beaches and more landscapes on stage.
On this occasion, we will not delve into one of the riches that you must visit at least once in your life, its most precious jewel, Chilean Patagonia, but rather crossing will revolve around the city of the restless spirit: Santiago de Chile.
Santiago de Chile combines parks, mountains and natural paradises
And here we cannot avoid mentioning the tumultuous circumstances that occurred from October 14 of last year until the beginning of December. Yes ok from a tourist point of view the situation is much calmer and the city can be visited without major inconvenience, the fervent struggle and claim of this South American people continues latent.
Therefore, the tour begins in Italy Square , renamed after the demonstrations as Dignity Square , where we can come across the most recent traces of the loud declaration of the chilean people , Like the creative murals that still remain in the square. Definitely a prime site to understand the chilean uprising against inequality.
Very close, it is worth crossing the Bustamante Park , a small urban oasis, to later get lost in the Bustamante Park Literary Cafe , a silent escape full of books that allows you to enjoy a delicious drink on the first floor and sit down to rest, or just admire the construction of the place erected by the architect German Bannen Lay.
The Paris-Londres neighborhood in Santiago de Chile
We continue on our way and enter a tiny but charming neighborhood called Paris-London . This is what they have called him for his ability to captivate anyone who decides to parade among his cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, and an undeniably European atmosphere.
From there we allow ourselves to be guided by the closeness and next visit is to Cerro Santa Lucía , one of the must-sees that has become a public walk in 1872 with the desire to commemorate and honor the history of the city.
On the hill you can find vast green areas, viewpoints, trails and a chapel at the top that is interspersed with traces of the Chilean colonial past at 69 meters high. Also, they offer free tours on Sundays and Mondays at 10:00 a.m.
Art lovers will succumb to the Contemporary Art Museum , erected in 1947 and with a collection of 2,800 artistic pieces. Among them, there are many paintings, sculptures, photographs and drawings stretching from the 19th century to the present day. The museum is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday.
European ornamentation on Cerro Santa Lucía
On the other hand, GAM, the Center for Arts, Culture and People is another notable suggestion in the area. It is characterized by promoting diversity and different artistic expressions, it is common to witness free exhibitions, debates and readings in a coffee room.
If at that moment you feel like having a drink or giving in to the temptation of a culinary break , deserved after an exhausting walk, Liguria is a typical Chilean restaurant , located a few meters from Cerro Santa Lucía and becomes an excellent option to order a glass of wine or a beer in the elegant bar on the second floor.
We go to the nearest metro and get off at the Central Station, there we will find the Matucana Cultural Corporation 100 , a space for theater and contemporary art that combines shows by dance, music, visual arts and film.
It stands out for its extensive billboard, the café 100 and artistic creations for those who decide to spend some time in this local building.
Also in this area stands the Museum of Memory and Human Rights . A vehement reflection of the atrocities committed in Chili during the dark days of dictatorship between 1973 and 1990. They are one of those difficult visits but on many occasions necessary to better understand the past, heritage and burden that this town has had to endure.
Why not dive into the Park of the family ? It currently holds a dazzling light installation inspired by oriental culture. There is an entrance fee to enter, but it is really worth it.
A Santiago de Chile you have to appreciate it from above, so we recommend you take the Cableway at the Oasis station. Although the journey is not too long, the views of the Cordillera and the metropolis are extremely picturesque.
The most interesting thing is to get off at the Cumbre Teleferico station and from there take the mythical funicular that will lift us through the famed San Cristobal Hill.
Santiago must be appreciated from the cable car
Located in one of the largest urban parks in Chili Here we can enjoy the Bellavista Terrace Viewpoint (the last stop of the funicular that offers a beautiful postcard of Santiago) as well as the Children's Park for the little ones, the Chagual Botanical Garden, the Japanese, the Immaculate Conception Cerro San Cristóbal or the Pablo Neruda Antitheatre.
But beyond Cerro San Cristobal, the hipster area of the city outcrops in the Bellavista neighborhood and there is a place where it is worth taking refuge: the Mallinkrodt Garden , a space filled with food stalls, signature cocktails and craft beer.
With live music , a menu for all tastes and a ideal garden to enjoy in summer , is open every day, except Tuesdays, from 6 pm to 1 am.
In The Counts , and especially on Isidora Goyenechea street, you will find great culinary options. A recommendation for dinner? Tiramisu , their pizzas are a delight, the grilled chicken more than tempting and the most pleasant atmosphere. Besides, while you wait for a table, you can wait at the bar and drink the traditional pisco sour.
In the Italy neighborhood is another of the gastronomic poles of the city. You only have to walk a few steps to find amazing places. One of them is Warehouse Italy , a former garage that opened in August 2019.
Offers boards of entrails, variety of native potatoes, hamburgers and vegetable stew. To drink? beers and cocktails made with pisco sour, golden rum and elderflower liqueur.
And because certain classics never fail, if you are looking for a place to stay, Hotel NH Collection Plaza Santiago It is located in a privileged location, just a few blocks away from the Tolababa metro station and in front of the Costanera Center shopping center.
The Bahá'í Temple on the outskirts of Santiago
Don't forget to enter the skyscraper Sky Coastal , with 360 degree panoramic views. The sunset looks magnificent from the tallest building in Latin America , although it is advisable not to climb a cloudy day or with a lot smog . The viewpoint is open every day of the year from 10 in the morning.
On the outskirts of Santiago de Chile, in Peñalolén, you cannot miss the Baha'i Temple . Inaugurated in 2016 by the Canadian firm Hariri Pontarini Architects , this monument praises the Bahá'í faith, coming from Iran, and is unique in South America. It has a wonderful design and amazing views of the Chilean capital.
In turn, they can choose to plunge into the San Carlos de Apoquindo Natural Park and why not go hiking in the Water Park of Don Ramon . A natural beauty with waterfalls that has triumphed as a true oasis in Santiago de Chile.
The cultural side of Santiago emerges like never before, with that spirit that champions nature, parks and is easily combined with an unmistakable hipster vibe.
Installation of oriental lights in the Parque de la Familia