Today we said goodbye to the ms Noordam, and her crew. We had a great adventure over the last 23 days. Now, on to the next phase of our South American tour.
Santiago is set against the monumental backdrop of the Andes, Santiago is a city of layers. It is where 19th-century neoclassical architecture meets sleek glass skyscrapers, and where traditional “fuentes de soda” stand alongside some of the world’s most innovative restaurants.

Neighborhoods to Know

Santiago is a sprawling basin, and choosing your “base” changes your entire experience.

• Providencia: The perfect middle ground. It’s safe, incredibly walkable, and filled with tree-lined streets, boutique shops, and excellent metro connectivity.
• Lastarria & Bellas Artes: The bohemian heart. Come here for small museums, independent cinemas, and a high concentration of coffee shops and wine bars.
• Las Condes: Often called “Sanhattan,” this is the sleek financial district. Go here for luxury hotels, rooftop bars, and the towering Costanera Center.
• Barrio Italia: A former industrial area turned design district. It’s the best spot for antique shopping and weekend brunching in restored courtyards.

The Best Views: Cerro San Cristóbal

For the ultimate orientation, head to the Metropolitan Park. You can ride the historic Funicular up from Bellavista and then take the modern Teleférico (cable car) across the ridges. At the summit, the city stretches out toward the mountains in a 360-degree panorama.

The Historic Core: Plaza de Armas

Walk through the city’s founding square to see the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Central Post Office. A few blocks away sits La Moneda, the presidential palace. If you time it right, you can catch the changing of the guard, a ceremony steeped in tradition.

Sky Costanera

If you prefer your views with a glass of wine, head to the 61st floor of the Gran Torre Santiago. As the tallest building in South America, it offers a literal bird’s-eye view of the Andes, especially stunning at sunset when the mountains turn a deep pink (the “alpenglow”).

Santiago’s culinary reputation has exploded recently, blending indigenous Mapuche ingredients with modern techniques.

• The Classics: Try a Completo Italiano (a hot dog loaded with avocado, tomato, and mayo) and a Pastel de Choclo (a savory-sweet corn and meat casserole).
• The Markets: Mercado Central is famous for its seafood, but for a more authentic, gritty experience, cross the river to La Vega Central. It is a chaotic, colorful maze of the freshest produce in the country.
• Modern Gastronomy: Boragó is a world-renowned destination for hyper-local, foraged Chilean ingredients. For something more casual, try the “bistronomy” at 99 Restaurante.

Day Trips: Mountains and Vines

One of Santiago’s greatest strengths is what lies just outside its borders.

• Cajón del Maipo: A deep gorge in the Andes perfect for hiking, hot springs, and visiting the stunning turquoise waters of Embalse El Yeso.
• Maipo Valley: Some of the world’s best Cabernet Sauvignon is grown just 45 minutes from downtown. Visit Concha y Toro for the history, or Viña Santa Rita for the beautiful grounds.
• Valparaíso: About 90 minutes away, this colorful, gritty port city is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its steep hills and incredible street art.

Essential Tips

• Transport – Get a Bip! card. It works for both the Metro and buses. The Metro is exceptionally clean and efficient.
• Safety – Like any major city, be mindful of your phone in crowded areas (like Plaza de Armas). Stick to well-lit areas in Santiago Centro after dark.

Santiago is often used as a jumping-off point for Patagonia or the Atacama, but it’s a city that deserves its own time. It is a place that feels simultaneously grounded in its history and racing toward the future.