I wanted to share a few photos from my first time in Chile (and first solo trip in South america). Despite coming on a national holiday and arriving to empty streets (which was quite an eerie experience) where everything was closed except for a few small local convenience stores, I was warmly welcomed by the shopkeepers and even made a friend after a taxi ride turned into a sight-seeing tour. I came with little expectations and left very impressed.
I first spent a week in Santiago, where I stayed in Providencia. I recommend staying around here as it's a very safe and modern area. My first day, I went exploring. I saw this cool park on Google maps and thought I’d check it out (also my taxi drivers recommendation). I ended up hiking it several times. The first time I reached the top of Cerro San Cristobal, I was in awe. Looking out over Santiago with the Andes in the background was unforgettable. The scale of the city and the number of highrises honestly surprised me. It's a truly impressive skyline that felt like I was in a Chilean Manhattan, which after reaching the top of the Gran Torre, only solidified this belief.
Parque Metropolitano is easily one of my favorite urban parks anywhere. I’d even dare say it rivals (or beats?) Stanley Park in Vancouver, where I’m from. From the Japanese Garden (criminally underrated and free!) to the zoo and the teleférico, it really has everything. I could see myself living in Santiago for the parks alone.
There was so much to do in Santiago that I could do a trip report for it alone. There is a cool little castle in the middle of the city atop a hill, Cerro Santa Lucia, that had stunning Spanish architecture. Central Santiago had so many museums, from the oldest mummies in the world, to my favourite, a firefighter museum which was completely empty but had so many cool exhibits about the history of firefighting in Santiago & Chile. I also went to Little Italy and La Londrina street which felt like a slice of Europe right in the heart of the city, with its cobble lined streets. Also of note was the markets nearby, full of fresh food and all sorts of cool trinkets if that's your sort of thing.
I was also lucky enough to explore more of the country, much of it by road. I rented a car and drove up into the Andes to Portillo, which was unforgettable. The roads were like nothing I’ve ever seen. Especially that curvy road that just keeps on going and going. If I’m being honest that was the main reason I went, because I saw it on a TV show saying it was one of the deadliest roads in the world, and I will say it definitely lives up to its name (the devil's nose) 😳
Another highlight was my road trip from Santiago to La Serena, taking the scenic D-55 through Ovalle. That drive through the north chicos was so peaceful and unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I got to experience a true local vibe, visiting countless small towns along the route. Well worth the detour.
From there, I continued through up route 5 to La Serena where I spent a few days. I then went up through the desert Punta de Choros to see the penguins. While unfortunately I didn’t get to see the penguins, I had the honor of seeing the cutest desert foxes ever, and had the best damn crab empanada I’ve ever had in my life!! I would come back just to try another one 🤤
Upon my return to Santiago, I also visited Valparaíso and the nearby sand dunes. The streets were full of color, and super friendly locals. I got to taste local food, beer, and dipped my toes in the freezing cold pacific ocean. While people warned me it was unsafe, I never felt like my safety was at risk at any time. I didn't go venturing down any side streets and kept to the main touristy areas.
Finally, I ended my trip in San Pedro de Atacama, which felt completely otherworldly. From biking through the devil’s canyon (where I ended up having my bike lock get stuck and I had to walk my bike back while it was getting dark!) to the stargazing, to the stunning hikes and scenery, I fell in love with this place. highly recommend renting a bike and riding through the valley's.
I could go on, but to sum it up: despite my limited Spanish, I quickly felt the warmth of the people. People online complained that Chileans were cold and inhospitable, but I found this to be the complete opposite. Chile surprised me in the best way possible, and I left with a lasting impression. I had an incredible experience and can’t wait to come back to this amazing country!