Forget Lima or Buenos Aires — there is another South American capital that demands your attention.
Santiago is a hidden gem in Chile, a hotspot that many travellers quickly fly over en route to the mountains of Patagonia. The elegant Chilean capital boasts a vibrant dining scene, infectious nightlife, and a richly unique cultural heritage — all of which is set against the picturesque backdrop of some of the highest mountains in the Andes.
The surrounding countryside is also easily accessible to travelers via short day trips by winding roads or soaring helicopters through the Andean mountain range. Just beyond Santiago, a variety of world-renowned yet criminally underrated vineyards await wine-lovers who’ve perhaps been too distracted by the more obvious allure of the Malbec region up north in Argentina. Read on for your ultimate guide to Santiago, Chile.
Climb the steps towards the top of Santa Lucia Hill for sweeping panoramic views of the city. Opt for a guided tour to learn more about the history of Santa Lucia Hill — also known as Huelén Hill by the local Mapuche people. And if views are what you’re after, pay a visit to Gran Torre Santiago, the tallest building in South America. Arrive just before sunset for a pisco sour while you watch the sunset on the surrounding Andes mountains.
Learn more about the indigenous history of Chile by visiting the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino. The museum reflects a growing movement in Chile to embrace its native roots.
“When we started 40 years ago, and the museum opened in 1981, our message was that you shouldn’t be ashamed — you should be proud — of your Mepuche heritage,” says curator Pilar Alliende. “That was our mission: To connect people with their past.”
Afterward, make the short walk over to visit the galleries at the Centro Cultural Palacio de La Moneda, which boasts local artists from Chile and also from all over the world. Shop at the boutique, Artesanías de Chile, which is part of a foundation promoting local craftsmanship and supporting local people across Chile.
Continue your indigenous Chilean education with a dinner reservation at Borago, an establishment considered one of the best restaurants in the world. Every element of the meal — from the silverware to the garnishings — is sourced by local ingredients and handmade (or hand-grown) by local people. The inventive menu changes daily, and there’s never a quiet night, so be sure to book your reservations in advance.
For a taste of New Chilean cuisine, pay a visit to Estró Restaurant in the Ritz-Carlton Santiago — and pay a visit to the Ritz-Carlton Bar afterward for some live music and an elegant lounge atmosphere. Meanwhile, Karai at the W Santiago offers a unique blend of Peruvian, Chilean, and Japanese influences in their delectable dishes. But be sure to arrive early for your reservation in order to catch the sunset from the W Rooftop Bar, which boasts one of the best views — and some of the strongest cocktails — in the entire city.
While Argentina may get the most international attention as a South American destination for wine-lovers, Chile’s wine scene is equally enticing and sophisticated. While Argentina is known for Malbec, Chile is known for Cabernet Sauvignon. Carménère is another regional specialty, which we highly recommend tasting anywhere and everywhere it’s available. Since Chile gets very hot in the summer and cold in the winter, the best seasons to visit are the spring and fall. The harvest runs from March through May and is certainly the best time for wine-lovers to visit.
Head to the scenic Millahue Valley, a land known to the Mapuche people as “Lugar de Oro” (or Golden Palace) to visit the spectacular Viña VIK. The world-renowned vineyard produces spectacular wine varietals and boasts a gorgeous tasting room, and chic on-site boutique hotel and restaurant. The vineyard is a two-and-a-half hour drive from Santiago, but if you want to truly arrive in style, book a helicopter ride with TKOF Aero — all the better to enjoy the views of the countryside.
The elegant design of the 4,500-acre Vik Wine Estate reflects its beautiful surroundings — the gorges and valleys, the Andes mountain — in its interior decor. And this nature-focused design is reflected in the process of winemaking, as well. “Everything we do here is intended to protect our natural environment,” says winemaker Christian Vallejo. “Our wines are 100% from this terroir and as natural as possible.”
Speaking of the wine, the beauty of the surreal artwork on the bottles is no match for the exquisitely surprising flavours captured within. “Our wine is so complex that it’s like a book,” says Vallejo. “Every glass is a chapter, every sip is a page.” If this sounds like a bit of lofty praise to you right now, we promise after one sip, you, too, will be romanticizing this nectar of the Chilean gods as well.
Another can’t-miss wine destination is located just 40 minutes outside Santiago, in Pirque, where visitors can enjoy a wine tasting in the elegant underground cellars of Viña Haras de Pirque. Afterward, head to Lo Pirque Restaurant y Centro Ecuestre for traditional food and an equestrian show.
When it comes to where to stay in Santiago, we suggest hanging your hat in the high-end Las Condes district, which is home to stylish hotels, inventive cuisine, and a lively nightlife scene that entices tourists and locals alike. For the ultimate luxurious retreat, book a room at the Ritz-Carlton Santiago, and make time for a treatment at the property’s stylish rooftop spa and swimming pool. And be sure to visit the Ritz-Carlton bar before turning in for the evening to enjoy a nightcap in the elegant book-filled surroundings.
If you’re looking for a slightly trendier option, head just around the corner to the W Santiago, where a party is happening at (nearly) every hour of the day or night — whether it be the decadent Sunday brunch or the evening disco at the Rooftop Bar. The W Rooftop is one of the best spots in the city for a cocktail, a swim (the pool is as photogenic as it is refreshing), and a sundowner — you won’t want to miss the sight of the Andes mountains bathed in the pink hues of the setting sun.
Santiago’s unique blend of natural beauty and urban delight is an unmissable combination for the discerning traveller. So, pack your bags and vamos.
