
What to do when in Santiago? Don’t ask me!
Stepping into Chile is like stepping back into the modern world. Compared to other South American countries, this place is expensive, but also more organized! Which is no surprise as it’s one of the better economies in the continent.
During my 4 day stay in Santiago, I mostly took my time to retrieve my energy and chill. Believe it or not, long-term travel is hard work! Constantly arranging where to go next, the flights, the buses, the hotels. But also figuring out your current stay, what to do here?
My full schedule of the last few weeks at the Uyuni salt flats and Atacama desert was extremely fulfilling but draining. Now I just needed to catch up on my photos, and of course this blog.
A bit of relaxation was also on the menu for this girl, watching Netflix in my hotel room with a bottle of bubbles and a bag of chips.
So you really didn’t see anything of Santiago?
Of course I went out and explored the area, here are my personal favorites.
Downtown
My visit to downtown was both a practical and a sightseeing stop. I was thrilled to be at a place with an actual proper camera store. I desperately needed to have my camera sensor cleaned after all the dust it collected in the Atacama desert.
Being downtown also gave me the opportunity to walk among the crowds at Paseo Ahumada, which felt good and familiar.
Funicular to San Cristobal
On top of the hill of the metropolitan park is the statue of San Cristobal. A funicular brings you to the top of the hill. You can combine it with a cable car ride to the rest of the park and more stunning views. Only I visited on a Monday when the cable car is closed.
Funicular
San Cristobal on top of the hill
Patio Bellavista
Before getting to the funicular, you walk along the Patio Bellavista. This area is just a great hang-out spot with all types of restaurants.
Sky Costanera
The Gran Torre Santiago is with its 300 meters, the highest skyscraper in South America. At the base it consists of a gigantic mall covering the first 6 floors.
Santiago Gran Torre
Costanera mall
For 18.000 pesos I went up the elevator to the 62th floor, for fantastic 360 degree panorama views of the city and its surrounding mountains.
Sky Costanera 360 degrees view
Een bijzondere stad