Chile is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in Latin America. And its capital is a testament to Chile's history and its rich cultural heritage.

Chile's indigenous population mixed with a long history of European immigration are the source of an immense cultural diversity. Amongst immigrants from many different countries, immigration from Italy has played an influential role in forming today's Chilean culture and has, amongst many other things, brought a world-renown wine producing capability to this South American country.

The climate along the country's Pacific longitudinal expansion of the country offers a wide variety of natural sights and landmarks. Also, the indigenous cultural differences along the coastal line remain very visible, with the North more based on Inka culture, while the South is more influenced by the Mapuche culture.

Santiago de Chile is a vibrant city combining the diverse influences and cultural richness that characterizes Chile. Located roughly in the middle of the country, it is situated on the same latitude as Buenos Aires.

Our preferred museum

The Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino, located near the Plaza des Armas, houses a cultural overview that covers not only Chile but all of the South American continent. It offers an in-depth view of indigenous life and culture before the arrival of the Spanish, with exhibits of clothes from the Andes, anthropomorphic objects, and shamans’ instruments, amongst many other things.

Other must dos

Santiago Central Market. Located in a beautiful iron-clad building, which once was an exhibition hall, it offers a colorful exhibition of fresh products, with stands full of fish, fruits, and vegetables, surrounded by small restaurants.

La Chascona. Located in the Bellavista district, it consists of three small houses surrounded by vegetation. It served as the secret hideaway of the poet Pablo Neruda and his mistress in Santiago. As Neruda loved the sea (but disliked sailing), the dining room is modeled after a ship’s cabin and the living room after a lighthouse! It was partially destroyed in 1973.

The best time to be there

In the morning, take one of the cable cars or the funicular, which will carry you to the Cerro San Cristóbal. The summit, crowned by a gleaming white statue of the Virgen de la Inmaculada, offers undoubtedly the best view over Santiago.

Restaurants

The city will reward those who appreciate great food who can choose among hundreds of restaurants, from world-class cuisine in Bellavista and Providencia to local favorite eateries lining the pedestrian walkways of Ahumada and Huerfanos.

Astrid y Gastón. The chef of this most critically acclaimed restaurant applies traditional Andean preparation techniques and ingredients to local produce like Chilean sea bass and Patagonian lamb. Make sure to order the creamy confection called suspiro limeñna, "sigh of a lady from Lima": a meringue-topped dish of dulce de leche. Mmmh!

Liguria. Always packed, it is a bar and a bistro at the same time. The sidewalk tables are the best place to enjoy a jardín de mariscos (shellfish stew) or some cazuela (a stew of beef or chicken and potatoes).