Unforgettable six months in Santiago!

Between the snowcapped Andean peaks to the east and a smaller coastal mountain to the west, lies Santiago, one of the most spectacular cities in the world. If you wake up and feel like skiing on some powder, just get a bus that will take you to the mountains. It won’t take you more than two hours. On the other hand, if you are tired and want to relax on the beach just go the other direction and enjoy the sunny beaches in “Valpo” (Valparaíso) and feel the mystic of this peculiar coastline city. Feel the artistic presence of Pablo Neruda. Santiago is the combination of a booming economy and huge development with the exciting and unique Latin culture. Make sure you taste the famous “pisco sour” (a local typical alcoholic drink) and don’t miss the unforgettable “carrete” (party) with Chileans.

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Weather

Be prepared for all types of weather. Prepare yourself for rainy days, low temperatures and even snow in winter. However, you will also experience extremely hot days during the summer (above 35ºC). Due to its rapid industrialization, large population and increasing living standards adding to its geographical location between two mountains, smog and pollution are characteristic of Santiago.

Sights

Earthquakes happen here and very often local constructions do not always meet seismic safety standards. Therefore historic buildings are much scarcer than for instance Buenos Aires or Lima. However, those constant earthquakes always contributed to the creation of probably the most developed city in terms of infrastructures. Anyway, make sure you don’t miss the famous Plaza de Armas and the Palacio de la Moneda. Take a walk along the Mapocho River and climb both Santa Lucia and San Cristobal hills so that you can enjoy a view from a different perspective. If you are interested in the indigenous culture, do visit the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombiana.

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Skiing

Chile has a great international reputation among skiers. Even if the most well-known is Portillo which still is a bit far from Santiago, you can find other closer destinations such as Farellones, La Parva, Valle Nevado or El Colorado. Those small ski resorts differ from Western ones for the size (about 40 km skiable) but also for the fact that you never have to wait in long queues and most of the times the descent is all yours! A one day trip will cost you at most 60 USD and includes transportation, ski rental, forfeit and lunch.

Soccer games

Chileans are absolutely fanatic about football. If you have the opportunity, attend a football match (Colo-colo and Universidad de Chile are the top teams) and you will be astonished with the environment supporters create even if the level of the football played is mediocre.

Horse racing (Grand Club Hípico)

Going to the races is a thrilling experience and an excellent way to spend an afternoon. Observe the specialists making their bets and give it a try!

Foods & Drinks

Santiago has an immense variety of restaurants in general. You will be able to eat well at a good value. Barrio Bellavista and Providencia are great places to eat. If you are looking for a different meal, try Barrio Brasil. Don’t miss the great steaks. Also try the prestigious Chilean wine which is not expensive at all. As an initial cocktail, order the famous “pisco sour”.

If you feel good and want to try something completely new, try a typical “coffee with legs Café”.

Drinking and clubbing

This is definitely the sector where Santiago rules! Barrio Bellavista is a great place to have some drinks before going clubbing! In terms of discos, just keep in mind two names: “las Urracas” and “Sala Murano”. However, be prepared to listen to reggaeton all night long and dance like in Daddy Yankee video clips.

Transportations and travelling

Chile and its neighbor countries are great for backpacking. In Chile, transportations are efficient and more comfortable than in any other South American country. You will be surprised with the quality of LAN Chile, the local airline. Internal flights are cheap if you buy a round ticket (even if you are not planning to go back, a round ticket will be cheaper anyway). On the other hand, if you plan to take a bus, take your time especially if you are used to travel in Europe where cities are very close between each other. Taxis inside Santiago are cheap and a great way to move around. Moreover, the underground is surprisingly efficient and will take you almost everywhere (just buy a Bip! Card which is equivalent to the oyster card in London).

Studying in Santiago

I was studying at the Pontificia Universidad Catolica. The level of difficulty is below European standards. Exchanges programs are starting to become popular and I felt that more and more foreign students were coming to Santiago. Since it is a very elitist university, I felt that even if people were very nice and willing to help at a first instance, it was rather difficult to establish a more deep friendship with local students.

Costs & Money

Chile and particularly Santiago are above Latin America standards. Even though, you will feel comfortable when comparing to Western Europe and US prices. I would say prices are 20/30% lower than in Western Europe.

Dangers and annoyances

You feel very safe when compared to other cities in South America: policemen are everywhere and seem to be much more efficient than in other countries. However, pay attention to pickpockets and always carry your documents and values on the front pocket.

Visa

No Visa is needed for European and Americans: a valid passport is enough.