Our first view of Chile as we descended through the clouds was awesome. The ruggedness is simply on another level as you come into Santiago from the north.One of our first stops once we got settled into our place was the Plaza de Armas de Santiago.The architecture here is simply beautiful. The Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral sets the standard for impressing everyone.And its interior did not disappoint.One of the first things we like to do in a new city is sign up for a walking tour. We find it is a great way to get some insights into a new city. An example is this fountain. Argentina gifted it to Chile to celebrate their 100th anniversary of independence. The neat thing was the explanation of the boys in the artwork. They represent Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru playing together and hopefully getting along.The guide also recommended an incredible restaurant where we ended up having lunch. It was amazing. It was a great introduction to Pisco sours and empanadas.
Because we chose to get an apartment in the older Centro portion of the city we were nice and close to the great historical buildings here. However it also came with the wonderful experiences that come with being in the older sections of any older city. In all honesty, we never had any problems with the homeless or rather sketchy people we saw every day. We did however experience what the Carabineros refer to as the silk hands on the Metro (subway). A two person team of ladies managed to steal my brand new iPhone 17 out of a zippered pocket on the crowded subway. It has been over 12 years of full time travelling and this is the first theft we have had to deal with. On the plus side we got the opportunity to experience filing a report with the Carabineros (Police) and it was a fantastic experience. They were easy to deal with, professional, and what I would expect from any competent police service. Not to mention because I had only just purchased it in Mexico City I am able to file a claim with my credit card. Fingers crossed that works out.
Speaking of the Carabineros, we had a chance to see them keeping an eye on the Changing of the Guard at the La Moneda Palace.The military put on quite a show at the Changing of the Guard.For me, the best part was the music. These soldiers were great musicians.And who doesn’t like horses. Certainly an event worth seeing.We also learned that when the Chilean flag that flies over the palace has the Coat of arms of Chile displayed, that indicates that the President is in residence.
Another great method we like to use to get a perspective on a city is the Hop on Hop off buses. This allowed us to get to some of the further corners of the city that were out of walking range.
One of those places we wanted to see was the Gran Torre Santiago. It is the tallest building in South America at 62 stories or 300 metres.And the view from the viewing levels at the top, Sky Costanera, are pretty impressive.Another stop on the HOHO bus route is along the Parque Metropolitan de Santiago. If you plan it right you board a cable car which takes you to the top of the hill with great views the entire way. Then, after exploring the top you can take a funicular train down the mountain and re-board the HOHO bus at its next stop.It is a neat way to get down the mountain and much easier than walking.
It certainly becomes quite obvious very quickly that the European influences are strong in Santiago. But also the desire to model other places such as New York.
If you go to Google Maps and search Nuevo York, Santiago you will see where in the last century the city designers have tried to copy the look and feel of New York in their financial district.But the European look is still significantly more apparent. As can be seen in the Main Post Office.
As we were in Santiago for two weeks we spent a lot of time just wandering the streets and checking out the street art and general feel of the city.
Whereas the neighbourhood we were staying in was a bit more down to earth, we only had to walk for 15 minutes to find quaint streets with some very interesting features.As well as some lovely boulevards.As Santiago is just a short trip to the coast we thought it prudent to check out the Centro fish market. Quite entertaining, but ohhh, the fishy smell.
We are not huge museum goers, however the Museum of Human Rights in Santiago is worth a visit. It was a bit sad to see the Canadian flag displayed along with other countries who have been guilty of gross violations of human rights, however the Residential Schools horrors have elevated, or lowered us to that category.
The main purpose of the museum is to educate and remember the victims of the Pinochet regime which ruled the country from 1973 to 1990. Tens of thousands of Chileans disappeared during this time.
Overall our time in Santiago has been great. It certainly has had its challenges, but that is what makes travel such a rewarding activity. Now it is off to explore the northern reaches of the country.
So sorry to hear about the theft, Peter. Happened to me in Quito near the beginning of our nomad life. Pretty impressive that you made it thus far without an incident. We’ll be following some of your footsteps next month so appreciate the intel!
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