James Travel

By Toni Barnett at James TravelPOINTS 

Chile is a country of 15-million people and 5-million are within the city and suburbs of Santiago.  Needless to say with a city of this size, to truly experience it you should have a knowledgeable guide, and Christian from Turismo Cocha was just that person.

Starting out on evening city tour we visited La Moneda Palace (similar to our White House) after 40 years this building has only recently been opened to the public.  Just a quick walk-through of the gardens, it was great seeing all the locals enjoying their new freedom within the walls of the Palace.  The Museum Chileno De Arte Pre-Columbino (Prior to Columbus) was our next stop, I found this an interesting small museum, the artifacts were incredibly well preserved, and I enjoyed watching the young teenagers, in their school uniforms, working on the homework assignments.  Quick stop in the Igleisa Catedral for a view of this beautiful Cathedral and on to the Plaza De Arms for some local entertainment and people watching.  Next we were off to Santa Lucia Hill, this is where 150 settlers (only 5 of them women) originally settled in 1541, the first city in all of Chile.  Here you can view the entire city in all its wonder.

Our next day we were off to visit the seaside sister cities of Vina del Mar and Valparasio.   People come to Vina del Mar to stroll along the beach, and relax.  The water is a constant 55 º year round and there is a strong undertow, so swimming is not recommended.    Known as the “Garden City”, you will certainly find just that, beautiful gardens throughout.  If you’re in the mood to gamble there is just one casino, keep in mind if you want to place a bet of $100 or more you must wear a tie.  Don’t fret, you can rent one from a local vendor. 

Valparaiso was charming and represented the real life of the locals.  It is built on 41 different hills and has the feel of San Francisco 70-years ago, it’s hard to believe that 90% of city was destroyed in the earthquake of 1906.  Valparasio is a major harbor for Chile, exporting mainly fruits and vegetables.  It is also headquarters of the Chilean Navy. (Military is mandatory for all men after graduation the term in 1-year and 4-months).  We enjoyed lunch on top of the 25th floor of a rotating restaurant Giratorio Coco Loco what a great way to enjoy your harbor, your mountain and garden views, and then start all over again.  High on the hill, was what I thought to be the highlight, a visit to La Sebastiana, one of the famous poet Pablo Neruda’s homes-turned-museum.  Here he has incorporated his poetry into his lifestyle, the colors, the furniture, the mosaics, tile, staircases, porthole windows, and heli-pade to the stars.  This was certainly a day to remember.

The last day of our whirlwind trip was spent touring Concha y Toro winery; I would have love to spend more time here.  We enjoyed a quick stop at a local craft market, it was a treat to browse through the stores without anyone hassling or pushing me to buy. Then one last view of the city high above on St. Christobal hill.

I thoroughly enjoyed my adventure to Santiago Chile I would recommend it as a stop on your way to Patagonia or on a trip that hits the highlights of South America.  Just give the experts at James TravelPOINTS a call and we’ll arrange it 1-800-538-7461/303 442-2340, www.travelpoints.com.

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