Top Tourist Traps of Chile's Capital City
1. Cerro San Cristóbal
Believe me when I say that this site should be at the top of your tourist checklist when visiting Santiago, Chile. Cerro San Cristóbal, also known as Parque Metropolitano, is one of the major tourist attractions because it’s one of the highest peaks with a great view that overlooks the whole city and various sections from all sides. One of these attractions is La Cumbre.
La Cumbre is the most popular points on this site because of its beautiful viewpoint that makes people feel like they’re on top of the world. Before climbing up those steps (as seen in the first picture below), you can find a wall of memorial tokens decorated by both tourists and locals.
Not only does Cerro San Cristóbal have a killer view, but also an excellent Japanese Garden which is named Jardín Japonés – Jardín de la Amistad (in English, The Friendship Garden – Japanese Garden). Jardín Japonés is a small but quaint area of the park where you and your friends can take pictures. You can also listen to the soft sound of the mini river in peaceful silence.
2. Cerro Santa Lucía
This hill is one of the most attractive historic sites, located in the center of Santiago next to the Metro station Universidad Católica. Upon the top of this hill rests Castillo Hidalgo, historically known to have been built in 1816 to protect Santiago. Now, it is available for public use and events.
Before going on my trip to Easter Island, Cerro Santa Lucía was one of my favorite places in the city to visit because it’s a lovely park for people to have a picnic or wander around to admire the architecture. The top of Castillo Hidalgo has a breathtaking view of the city and the Andes Mountains. To avoid large groups of tourists, you should come before noon to have more than enough time to explore and take many pictures without being rushed or photobombed. On the other hand, there’s nothing better than watching the sunset. With a hint of gold, warm tones of soft orange and pink sweep over the city as the light from the sun begins to fade into the evening.
3. Lastarrías
After watching the sunset from Cerro Santa Lucía, you can take a quick eight-minute walk to eat dinner at Lastarrías, a long street on José Victorino Lastarría.
Lastarrías is another one of Santiago’s lovely places to visit where people usually go for their excellent restaurants and cafes. Moreover, it isn’t limited to the winding street. More dining options around the corner lie within the area.
You can also see many well-made crafts being sold such as jewelry, stickers, bags, and more!
Wonderland Cafe was one of the cafes that caught my eye. It’s located on Rosal, a small street before Lastarrías, but within the area nonetheless. It has a cozy and casual atmosphere, which allows it to be an excellent place to wind down and recharge after a long day of self-guided tours. They have good coffee, a variety of tea, and deliciously stacked desserts that would make an individual who is lactose intolerant lose their mind. Plus, they have free WiFi!
4. Plaza de Armas
If you’re coming from Lastarrías, it’s fifteen minutes walking distance in the opposite direction of Cerro Santa Lucía, positioned in front of the Metro station named after it.
This historic site considered the heart of the capital because it is the initial layout of the city when Spain first arrived in Chile. In the afternoon, the plaza is full of life as people bustle about taking pictures in front of the statues, the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral, or watch street artists create their next project.
5. Mercado Central
Mercado Central is the central market located on San Pablo and down the street from Plaza de Armas.
Are you in the mood for seafood? Then you've come to the right place. In Mercado Central, seafood is sold fresh and at reasonable prices compared to any other supermarket. Here they sell trout, salmon, octopus legs, clams, you name it. They have it all.
The restaurants inside the market are amazing as well! I cannot stress enough that everything here is fresh, so you can enjoy your bowl of Caldo de Mariscos or Curanto, a traditional dish from Chiloé, without having to worry about the quality. Although, if you're not hungry and are just passing by, then you can easily find the pop-up souvenir shops and tourism offices in the center.
Another reason why people come to this market is to have a photo shoot with a llama. Yes, you read that right. There was a llama in Santiago de Chile, which I found a bit odd because they're in the northern regions such as Tarapacá and Antofagasta.
As I walked north from Plaza de Armas to Mercado Central, I came across a man and his llama in front of the entrance. I was shocked because I wasn't expecting to see a llama that day or around the city in general. A hundred questions raced in my mind but were immediately swept away when he asked if I would like to take a picture with Carolina the llama.
A picture with Carolina costs CLP 2.500 with his camera where you have to wait for half a day for them to be processed. Or, you can pay CLP 1.500 with your phone instead. This option comes in handy for people who are in a rush to visit another tourist spot or are short on cash.
Carolina the llama. Don’t worry, she doesn’t spit!
6. Pueblito Los Dominicos
This ultimate tourist trap is on Apoquindo in Las Condes. It's a little further from Providencia, but accessible through calling an Uber or taking the Metro to Los Dominicos station. Assuming that we will be starting from the Providencia Region, it will take forty minutes by Metro and only twenty-four minutes by Uber to get to our destination. Both of those options are time-consuming, but it is definitely worth the trip.
Pueblito Los Dominicos is the perfect place to buy gifts and souvenirs. It is the center of all artisanal Chilean crafts, where you will find Lapis Lazuli, creatively molded copper, and slippers made from the wool of a llama. Artesanal products and souvenirs are one of the most charming characteristics of Chile, mainly because it is a vast country that stretches down the coast of South America. Thus, allowing unique specialties for the artisanal craft.
I first came here with my parents in January and haven't been able to return since. After living in Chile for six months, I understand why artisanal is different in various parts of the country, which is the reason why I wanted to mention this (somewhat) hidden gem.
