10 Things To Do In Santiago, Chile: Tips for Tourists

On January 23, 2010, In Other Destinations, Travel, By Vanessa

Santiago, Chile right in the center of the country is an up and coming city that is great to visit.  There is tons to do in Santiago, here are some tips for tourists visiting Santiago, Chile:

1. Plaza de Armas

This is one of the main areas of downtown with a ton of historic sites.  Take a walk around the Plaza and see the Correo Central and the Municipalidad de Santiago. Also go into the Catedral Metropolitana which is really pretty inside. Go one block down to see the Casa Colorada.

2. Downtown Historic Sites

There are so many historic sites in downtown it is hard to list just one of them. You can easily walk the entire downtown area.  We would recommend after visiting the Plaza de Armas walking down Huerfanos walking street and then stopping by to see La Moneda (the Palace), Plaza Constitucion, Edificio Ex Congreso National, Club de La Union and Iglesia de San Francisco.

3. La Quinta Normal

Take the gorgeous Santiago metro down to Quinta Normal to visit the (free) National History Museum and the Quinta Normal parks.

4. Cerro Santa Lucia

This is a beautiful mountain top parks with some great sites. You can also walk to Iglesia La Vera Cruz from here.

5. Bella Vista

Bella Vista is one of the best places in Santiago by far.  Bella Vista, especially Calle Constitucion has amazing restaurants and shops.  Stop by Como Agua Para Chocolate if you loved that movie (tables are like beds!). You can also stop by Mercado Central which is very close to get some seafood (a little touristy).

6. Providencia

This is a very business area, but has some nice parks cafes and restaurants.

7. Parque Metropolitano and Las Chascona

You can visit Pablo Neruda’s house right at the base of Parque Metropolitano.  We took the acensor (elevator) up to the top and climbed up to the statue overlooking the entire city.  From up there you get a great view of the Andes as well. You can also visit the Santiago Zoo and Botanical Garden!

8. Las Condes

This is the expat and hotel area of the city. It is very pretty and peaceful, not a ton to do but some great restaurants especially Melba (amazing breakfast).

9. Vitacura

Avenida Alonso de Córdova and Nueva Costanera are the Beverly Hills streets of Santiago.  Here they have art galleries, boutiques and international labels.  Stop and get a drink at a cute outdoor cafe or make reservations at some of their posh restaurants.

10. Los Dominicos Artisans Market

This is by far the best artisan market I have been to in South America.  It is HUGE and right off the metro (at a brand new stop).  All of the tiny stores, trees, and cafes in Los Dominicos offer a place for men to sit and relax while women shop the huge variety of south american goods–leather, Lapiz Lazuli, jams, wool, and much more.

Bonus 11. Cerro San Cristobal (Cemetary) at Night

The cemetary has awesome views of the city at night.  A little spooky, but great photo opp.

Santiago is relatively safe, but you want to be careful at night and always watch your bag, but you will find food delicious (and hefty portion size) and a very friendly local people.

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10 Things to Do in Valparaiso, Chile: Tips for Tourists

On January 19, 2010, In Other Destinations, Travel, By Vanessa

Valapraiso is a small city about an hour and a half outside of Santiago on the coast of Chile.  Known for it’s artists, musicians and creativity this beach city, Valparaiso has a ton to offer to tourists.

Here are some things to do in Valparaiso, Chile:

1) Cerro Concepcion

This is the older area of Valparaiso and great for tourists.  There are a ton of hostels, little alleyways, restaurants (amazing!) cafes and galleries.  The hill also gives a great view of the city from Paseo Gervasoni.

2) Cerro Alegre

Walk up through Cerro Alegre with climbing streets and see Iglesia San Luis. Walk up to see Plaza Bismark and take Avenida Alemania to get to…

3) Pablo Neruda’s House

This is closed on Mondays, but a great site in Chile. You can also stop by Plaza de las Poetas nearby for a coffee.

4) Cerra Bellavista

Continue walking through Cerra Bellavista and check out all of the great boutiques and views atop this hilltop.

5) Museo de Cielo Abierto de Valparaiso

This museum has some works from the most famous Chilean painters.  It is huge on a massive and gorgeous garden.

6) Plaza Victoria

Walk down to the Plaza Victoria and see the Catedral de Valparaiso and some other beautiful structures in the park.

7) Vina Del Mar

Vina del Mar is a little beach town about 15 minute train ride from Valparaiso, worth it if you have a few days.  Take the train to the town and walk along the beach to see the Vina del Mar castle and some beautiful people.

8) Plaza Sotomayor

The Naval building is quite impressive and the large square in the center of the port area will give you some great photo opportunities.

9) Mercado Del Puerto

A feria de los artesanos, the port market has about 15 stands with handicrafts and souvenirs.  It is a bit pricey, but you can get some great gifts and often see jugglers.

10) Paseo 21 de Mayo

You have to walk through the port area and take the Acensor Artillera to get to the Paseo 21 del Mayo for about 300 pesos each.  The paseo is some more shops and a great view.  Do not rush to get this in, as the views are just as nice from the other cerros and the shops are similar to the port market.

You should definitely try the restaurants in Cerro Concepcion and take in the great views of this vertical city and the water!

Cruising to Valparaiso

If you are cruising to Valparaiso you can get everything done in a day.  You can even do it on foot if you do not mind hills and paying for a few funiculars.  Cabs are a bit expensive, but following our walking tour and taking the train to the subway will get you to see a lot.  If you take a shore excursion make sure you see at least Cerro Concepcion and Cerro Bellavista with the surrounding spots.

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Top Things to Do in Puerto Montt, Chile: Tips for Tourists Traveling to Puerto Varas, Frutillar and Osorno

On January 17, 2010, In Fun, Other Destinations, Travel, By Vanessa

The Puerto Montt region is a great place to visit whether on a drive through Chile or on a cruise.  There are a bunch of things you can do in the surrounding areas while you are visiting the Puerto Montt area.

1. Puerto Montt Waterfront

Puerto Montt itself is a bit industrial, but it has a great waterfront with shops and a view of the port area.

2. Puerto Varas

This is like Chile’s Aspen.  It is a beautiful little town that overlooks Lake Llanquihue (which is the second largest lake in Chile).  The lodges, hotels and wine bistros are fabulous.

3. Frutillar

This is a quaint German town outside of Puerto Montt that is totally worth the visit.  Also on the shore of Lake Llanquihue, the German cottages are protected by the historical society, cafes and little shops are adorable.

4. Petrohue Waterfalls

You definitely want to take a visit to the Petrohue Waterfalls that are a stunning blue coming off of the volcano.  You also get an amazing view of Osorno.

5. Vicente Perez Rosales National Park

Taking a drive through this national park is wonderful.  It is extremely green and you can drive along the Petrohue river and do some white water rafting!

6. Chiloe Island

This is a 30 minute ferry ride from Puerto Montt and you can see how the Island has developed it’s own style and culture.

7. Nueva Braunau

This is another tiny German town from the 1800’s.  The museum is also sweet and all of the houses have wonderful rose gardens and flowers.

8. Alerce Andino National Park

This is a beautiful reserve overlooking the Reloncavi Sanctuary.  The lagoons and large trees make for some great pictures.

9. Osorno Volcano

You can’t miss it, but you might want to drive up to take some pictures.  Also along the Lake you can get fresh salmon lunch and gaze up at the snowy peaks.

10. Lahuen nadi Park

This forest has some of the oldest trees in the world! It is a great spot to hike and see the old protected species of Pine.

If You Are Cruising to Puerto Montt, Argentina

You can do A LOT in a day if you so desire.  The shore excursions in Puerto Montt NEVER cover everything because you cannot move fast enough with 60 people in a large bus.  We highly recommend going on your own in a cab or getting a tour.  We loved GV tours: www.gvtours.com.  They actually have a test for their tour guides and pack in the day so you are moving and shaking, but not exhausted.

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Top 10 Things to Do in Punta Arenas, Chile: Tips for Tourists

On January 17, 2010, In Other Destinations, Travel, By Vanessa

Punta Arenas, one of the harshest environments to live in on earth is an amazing place to visit—especially if you are into the outdoors. Punta Arenas is a great place for tourists and is located in the Patagonia region of Chile on the shore of the Straits of Magellan.

There are tons of great things to do for tourists in this region:

1. La Cruz Hill

The center square is adorable and La Cruz hill is a great vantage point for tourists to see the valley, port and city.

2. Plaza de Armas

Plaza de Armas is a beautiful square surrounded by old buildings, trees and a handicraft market for tourists to explore and buy local treasures.

3. Patagonian Institute

Patagonia is a tourist naturalist’s dream! The institute has a botanical garden and a museum and you can see some of the history of the area.

4. Magellanes Nature Reserve

We highly recommend going up to the top of Punta Arenas and doing some hiking around the area. You can climb to the top of the mountain (super windy!) and see the whole area.

5. Salesian Church

This church is in the center of the city and you can see all kinds of documents and photographs of the history of the region.

6. Otway Bay

Here you can see the Patagonian penguins in their natural habitat! It is a bit out of the city, but worth the drive.

7. Magdalena Island

You can see the Island from various vantage points within Punta Arenas but you can take a 2 hour ferry ride out to the Island and also see one of the largest penguin colonies.

8. Fort Bulnes

South of Punta Arenas, tourists can visit this recreated fort from the original settlers of the region.

9. Kayaking

You can kayak all over Punta Arenas and the Patagonian region this is a great way to see the natural area.

10. Laguna Parrillar Forest Reserve

This is about 75 miles outside of Punta Arenas but a great park to hike and bike in.

Cruising to Punta Arenas, Chile

It is relatively easy to book your own tours instead of going on shore excursions.  We recommend doing research and getting a guide to take you to some of the natural forests.  Or better yet, Punta Arenas is filled with taxis.  You can walk the town and then hire a taxi to take you the Magallanes National Reserve for a hike and view.

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