Santiago

Chile’s capital is safe, clean, cosmopolitan, easy to navigate, self-assured, and worldly. That is to say: unlike the rest of the continent. Santiago is a city that is unchallenging. And that’s a good thing. Exploring Santiago’s neighbourhoods and parks is straightforward and you’ll quickly get a feel for the place and an understanding of the way the city works.

Santiago’s green spaces are very impressive for a city of this size. Cerro Santa Lucia is a pocket-sized park in the middle of the downtown ‘Centro’ area of the city. It’s a perfectly manicured garden centred around a hill. It’s a short stroll to the top which affords views all over the city and across to the snow-tipped Andes.

Cerro San Cristobal in the grand Parque Metropolitano park is a more challenging walk but boasts a more spectacular view. There is a cable car to take you to the top if you want the reward without the exercise!

The Human Rights Memorial Museum is an excellent tribute to the monstrosities inflicted on the Chilean people during their period of military dictatorship. Bellavista is the the street-art adorned, university filled, hip and happening area for cafes, bars and nightlife.