Welcome to our last stop in the South America tour: Santiago de Chile.
Home to nearly a third of Chile's population, the city is located at the foot of the Andes, and just two hours away from the coast.
Like any self-respecting tourist, we did the 4-hour free walking tour across the city to learn about its history and architecture.
The tour started at the central square, Plaza de Armas, a place that has seen everything - from bloody fights with the natives, earthquakes, celebrations, protests, and much more. Most buildings are relatively new (from the 18th or 19th century) because of fires set during conflicts with the native population and the many earthquakes in this area.
The square is also home to one of many sculptures in the city dedicated to the native population - the one depicted here called something like 'Face of a Broken Mapuche Indian'. Chile is probably one of the few countries where the native population successfully put up resistance against the Spanish colonists. And while the Spaniards still won, especially Mapuche Indians still make up a large part of the population. In fact around 80% of Chileans have at least some native blood.
The former "Bolsa de Commercio" (Chile's Stock Market). The offices have now moved to more modern buildings in a different part of town called "Sanhattan" (=Santiago+Manhattan).
The cell phone tower. Has absolutely nothing to do with telecommunications, but if you think back to the old clunky Nokia-styled phones you can see the similarities.
Whenever Spaniards built a city they looked for the closest hill to build a fort on to defend the city. In Santiago's case that was Santa Lucia hill. Now converted into a botanical garden with Neptune fountain, the area still has some of its old fortifications and guns from times gone by.
North of the city is San Cristobal mountain, from which you have an amazing view on the entire city - in the afternoons. As our tour guide explained, in the mornings the smog from the surrounding manufacturing plants hangs over the city, but by afternoon the winds clear the view...
On top of the mountain is a statue of the Virgin Mary. Even Pope Paul II has been here to visit. Divine photography.
Can't leave Chile without trying "Mote con huesillo", the national summer-time drink. It's made from dried peaches (huesillos), peach nectar, and fresh cooked husked wheat (mote). Sounds weird but actually tastes great!
Like in Valparaiso, we decided to stay in the artistic and bohemian part of town called Bellavista (that also happens to house the best bars and restaurants in the city). The area is easily distinguished through its colorful murals and graffiti on houses.
You can indulge in cuisines from all over the world (pizza & sushi seems to be a very popular combination here). And of course endless variations of pisco (grape brandy) with some mixer. The nightlife doesn't get started before 1am and goes until the wee-hours of the morning...
On our last night in town we met two dear friends that live here. They pointed us to a great seafood restaurant - some of the best ceviche I've ever had! Thanks Gonzalo and Patti!
Now it's time to say goodbye to South America. After:
9000 miles traveled by bus...
19 cities/locations visited...
20 hostels...
2 weeks language classes...
2 tango milongas...
4 national parks...
1 volcano...
1 broken chair...
many new friends...
....and thousands of German tourists (they are everywhere!!!)
We hope to be back soon! Gracias y bessos!!!!
Thanks for all the amazing posts and pictures!! Your South American adventure was so much fun to follow! Hugs, Emma
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