If you look at the map of South America you will immediate notice that the shape of Chile is unusual, very long and narrow, that is because the country is 4270 km long and only 177 km wide. Hence, this country has a very unique geography with a shocking mix of extremes from the Atacama Desert in the north to the glaciers in Patagonia in the south. Our trip to Chile focused on Santiago the capital and its surroundings and of course the colorful hills of Valparaiso.
An interesting fact, Chile is the most developed country in SA. The capital Santiago, is the political and financial center of Chile and is also the regional headquarters of many multinational corporations. Santiago has been the capital since colonial times when it was founded by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia in 1541.
The historical buildings of the Spanish colonial period can be seen in the city center. The Metropolitan Cathedral is an example of colonial architecture.
Monuments in Plaza de Armes
Within the city center there are many ‘green areas’ and public parks that have heritage character. Cerro San Christobal was a 10 minute walk from our hotel, it houses the cities largest public park on top of the hill. To get to the top of the hill we took a ten minute cable car ride which gave us a panoramic view of the city below and the Andes mountains in the backdrop.
Once at the top of San Cristobal Hill we explored the view of the city from different vantage points. Before we reached the summit we stopped at a small chapel with wall frescoes dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
After walking up a good number of steps we reached the foot of the fourteen meter- high statue of the Virgin Mary which is an icon of the city of Santiago and stands 863 meters above sea level. It can be viewed from all over the city.
After spending an hour enjoying the beauty of the gardens we took the funicular with its steep decent and enjoyed the incredible views of the surrounding countryside and the city below and Grand Torre Santiago, the tallest building in South America.
Santa Lucia Hill is another small hill in the center of Santiago. This hill is the remnant of a volcano 15 million years old. This hill is comprised of a huge park area with forts or castles built of stone and lime. Santa Lucia Hill was featured in the series of Amazing Race 7. As we climbed up the steep steps to the summit of Santa Lucia Hill we were rewarded with awesome view of the Andes mountain range.
Visiting museums in Chile gave us a good insight into the culture and art of the Chilean people. An interesting fact, most museums are free. We visited quite a few of the museums and were impressed by the National museo de Bellas Artes and the National Fine Art Museum. These museums showcased not only Chilean artist but also Italian artist and Spanish and African artifacts as well.
On Sunday we took the metro to Centro Artesanal Los Dominicos a craft market located at the foothills of the Andean Mountains. This market is home to more than 150 artisans representing Chilean handicrafts from all over the country. We walked through this market and were presently surprised to find ourselves participating in an open air Beatles Concert and singing along with scores of Beatles fans.
A visit to Chile would not be complete with a visit to Bohemian and colorful Valparaiso a port city on Chile’s coast. It is famous for its steep funiculars and color full clifftop homes. The hills of Valparaiso have inspired poets and writers alike. We saw art at every turn and enjoyed walking through the narrow streets enjoying the wall art of this World Heritage City. During the nineteenth century an influx of European immigrants left their mark on the city’s architecture and cultural institutions. The Jewel of the Pacific is a perfect name for this beautiful and colorful city. We also visited Plaza Sotomayor and the monument dedicated to seamen who lost their lives in the Iquique Naval Battle.
No visit to Chile would be complete without drinking their world renouned wines and enjoying their cuisine which is a blend of indigenous and European influences. Chilean seafood is well known for its freshness and simplicity with minimal seasoning. Chilean wine is highly regarded and produced in several regions across the country. Their crisp Sauvignon Blancs and rich Chardonnays pairs well with seafood. I personally enjoyed Pisco Sour the Chilean alcoholic cocktail. Both Chile and Peru lay claims to this famous cocktail. I have tasted Pisco Sour in both countries and what I have come to understand from the bartender the difference between the two. The Peruvian cocktail his made from Pisco brandy, lime juice, egg white and a simple sugar syrup. On the other hand the Chilean cocktail is similar but without the egg white. A dash of bitters is also added. I enjoyed the cocktail while my traveling partner thoroughly enjoyed the wine.
Our trip to Chile was exciting as well as interesting. For the real adventure seekers this country has a lot to offer from color saturated mountains, turquoise waters, glaciers to soaring granite peaks of the National Parks. The seven days we were there we took in a lot and and got a feel of some of the culture and cuisine of this country. It is nice to know that Chile bears the title of the Safest South American Country.
Well friends hope you got some insight into this beautiful country. The hospitality shown to us during our stay here is something we will never forget. From Chile we travelled to another country in South America, hope you can catch up with us as the Traveling Rebellos will keep on ………………………….traveling.
So long then see you soon !
THE TRAVELLING REBELLOS 