How to Live Like a Local in Santiago, Chile
Framed by graceful snowcapped Andean peaks, Santiago’s proximity to both mountains and the Pacific Ocean allows visitors to ski and surf on the very same day.
Photo credit: Alobos Life
However, hidden between the hill and the valley, the capital of Chile lays claim to a fascinating lifestyle accentuated by a dark sense of humour that only locals can get away with. Buckle up and let us show you how you can also live like a local in Santiago de Chile.
Eat like a local…
Social gatherings around food are a ritual for Chileans. Lively conversations go on for hours amongst a table-full of local delicacies including Chilean empanadas and sweet puff pastries with ‘dulce de leche‘ and black tea.
As Chileans walk down the streets in the summertime, they usually stop to buy a drink made with wheat and peaches from a vendor cart. These refreshments are called ‘mote con huesillo’. Don’t be surprised if you hear: ‘You are more Chilean than a mote con huesillo’. Ask any local and they will tell you that the best place to buy a Mote is from ‘El Rey del Mote con Huesillo’, with its 80 years of rich Chilean history.
Photo credit: Zeb Dropkin
If you are looking for a quick meal, don’t even think of the word McDonald’s. When Chileans crave fast food, they will pick up some mouthwatering baguettes with grilled meat from any available street stand. To get a real taste of the region, head to ‘Mugget’, located on the corner of Lira street.
For lunch, Santiago locals go en masse to a wrought-iron fish market called Mercado Central. Baby eels, succulent shrimps, scrumptious fish, lobster… you name it, they’ve got it. If you had one drink too many the night before, try one of their hangover-curing fish stews like caldillo de congrio – poet Pablo Neruda’s favourite dish.
In the evening, you will find most locals dining in a place called Patio Bellavista. This complex features an assortment of bistros, cafes and restaurants where people can eat and relax while listening to live music.
Exercise like a local…
The sight of snow-capped mountains brings two sports to mind: skiing and snowboarding. 35 miles east of Santiago, you will find one of South America’s most modern ski centres, Valle Nevado, which is known as the city’s ‘local’ mountain.
Every Sunday, a main avenue is closed so locals can give ‘Eye of the Tiger’ a South American touch by running a marathon through Santiago, while others cycle through Santiago’s hidden gems and parks every day.
While visitors walk around the city to see every touristic site, Chileans’ love of nature sees them embarking on more exciting activities such as climbing and hiking on the most treasured hill of the city, Cerro San Cristóbal. A 60-minute hike to the top will reward you with a view of the whole city that you will never forget.
Explore like a local…
Given Santiago’s geographical situation, Chilean weekend getaways would turn anyone neon green with envy. Only an hour away from the capital by car, you will find white sandy beaches in Valparaíso – known as the ‘Jewel of the Pacific’ and also a World Heritage Site.
If you don’t mind cold waters, join the locals and explore the Pacific seabed. Put on your snorkel and scuba dive in Valparaíso, surrounded by soft corals, towering sponges, tie-dyer starfish, flower corals and colonies of playful sea lions.
