Food
Culinary exploration in Santiago is a journey full of robust flavors and regional ingredients. Staple foods include Empanadas, a baked or fried turnover stuffed with meat or cheese, and Cazuela, a hearty soup with meat, corn, pumpkin, and potatoes. Santiago is also known for its seafood, especially Choritos a la Chalaca, a dish of mussels with onions, corn, and tomatoes. Finish your meal with Mote con Huesillo, a traditional Chilean summer-time non-alcoholic drink made from wheat and peaches.
Culture
Santiago's culture blends indigenous Mapuche, colonial Spanish, and other European influences. Music and dance, especially the national dance 'Cueca,' play a vital role in celebrations and festivals. Santiago's arts scene is buzzing, with vibrant street art, theaters, and museums, such as the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino, displaying pre-Columbian artworks from all over Latin America.
Travel Tips
- Currency: Chile uses the Chilean Peso. Access to cash machines is plentiful, and most establishments readily accept credit cards.
- Language: While Spanish is the primary language spoken, English is typically recognized and used within regions frequented by tourists.
- While Spanish is the primary language spoken, English is typically recognized and used within regions frequented by tourists.
- Transport: Santiago boasts an excellent metro system, and taxis and buses are plentiful.
- Weather: Santiago has a Mediterranean climate. The summer (December to March) is warm and dry, while the winter (June to August) is more relaxed and wet.
Interesting Facts
- Santiago boasts the world's most giant swimming pool, situated within the premises of the San Alfonso del Mar resort.
- It is surrounded by the world's most extended mountain range, the Andes.
- National Geographic lists Santiago's Mercado Central among the world's best markets.
Top Places
- Cerro San Cristobal: This hill offers panoramic views of Santiago and houses the city's zoo and a Japanese-style garden.
- Plaza de Armas: The heart of Santiago, featuring important historical buildings like the Metropolitan Cathedral.
- Barrio Bellavista: Santiago's bohemian quarter, filled with colorful houses, street art, hip restaurants, bars, and boutiques.
- La Chascona: Former home of the famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, now a museum showcasing his life and works.
- Vineyards: Santiago is near several vineyards, and many offer tours and tastings. Notable ones include Concha y Toro and Vina Santa Rita.
Bustling with life, history, and culture, Santiago is a city of contrasts where modern skyscrapers stand alongside colonial architecture, and snow-capped mountains provide the backdrop to a thriving arts scene. Its world-class food, warm-hearted people, and lively street life make it a city well worth exploring.
