Advice

Let’s take a quick break to mention a few other highlights that deserve your attention. First up, La Piojera, a Santiago institution and dive bar. It’s what Chileans call a chingana, a slang term rooted in chingar, meaning to drink a lot. La Piojera is loud, chaotic, festive, and unforgettable. Its signature drink is the Terremoto, which means “earthquake”—named for the way it leaves you wobbling after just one glass. Chile’s other national pride is wine. Wine lovers know it: Chile, just like Argentina and Uruguay, is a true paradise for tasting some of the finest vintages. From Santiago, the classic wine route leads through the Maipo Valley, best known for its rich Cabernet Sauvignon. One of the most famous wineries in the region is Concha y Toro, Chile’s leading wine exporter. You can join a guided tour or rent a car and explore the valley at your own pace. Santiago is also a city of culture, with museums for every interest. The Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art is home to breathtaking pieces from ancient civilisations across Latin America. The Museum of American Folk Art offers a deep dive into traditional cultures, and the Museum of Memory and Human Rights is a must-visit for anyone wanting to understand Chile’s recent history and honour the victims of the dictatorship. If you get the chance, go see a football match—it’s an electrifying experience. The Superclásico between Universidad de Chile and Colo-Colo is the ultimate showdown, and the Estadio Monumental, where Colo-Colo plays, is one of South America’s most iconic stadiums. You can even tour the stadium if you’re not around on a match day. Finally, if you’re planning to extend your trip, check out Valparaíso. Just a couple of hours from Santiago, this port city is a bohemian dream with colourful hillside homes, historic funiculars, coastal views, and thriving street art. It’s a city of poets, a place to wander and get inspired, and it’s sure to leave a lasting impression. So if you’ve got a few extra days in the region, you’ve got plenty of unforgettable experiences waiting.