Introduction
Santiago is the capital city of Chile and one of the most visited cities in South America. However, this magnificent metropolis has many hidden gems that are often overlooked by tourists or locals. In this article, we will explore some of these gems and give you suggestions for where to go if you want to discover Santiago’s hidden side.
San Cristobal Hill
San Cristobal Hill is a hill in Santiago, Chile. It is the highest point in the city and home to the National Sanctuary of Our Lady of San Cristobal. The hill can be reached by taking Line 2 from Estacion Universitaria station or Line 1 from Universidad de Chile station, both on Avenida Pedro de Valdivia (Santiago’s main avenue).
From there, you can walk up to the top or take one of two cable car lines: one that goes directly up to where Our Lady of San Cristobal sits; another that runs along its western slope before joining up with its sister line at Plaza España at Plaza Brasil metro station.
Valparaiso
Valparaiso is a city in Chile that was founded in 1536 and has since become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s known for its colorful houses and churches, as well as its vibrant nightlife. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path and want to visit someplace unique, Valparaiso is an excellent choice!
From Santiago City Center: Take Metro Line 1 (green) towards Estacion Central until you reach Parada Quinta Normal station; then take Tramway T2 from Parada Quinta Normal Station to Cerro Alegre; once at Cerro Alegre take Tramway T1 towards Cerro Concepcion until reaching Balmaceda Station where you can get off and head towards Puente Negro Bridge where there will be plenty of buses departing every 10 minutes heading back into downtown Santiago but only during daylight hours so plan accordingly!
La Vega Central Market
If you want to get a sense of life in Santiago, La Vega Central Market is the place to go. It’s the largest market in Chile and it’s packed with fresh produce, meats and seafood. The area is very busy–and bustling with activity–but if you are patient enough to wait for your turn at a good deal on meat or fish (or even fruit), then this can be an enjoyable experience. There are also many restaurants and cafes in the area that offer great food at reasonable prices!
Cerro San Cristobal and El Morro del Parral Park
Parral Park is one of Santiago’s hidden gems and the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Located on Cerro San Cristobal, a hill in the center of the city, it has great views of Santiago and its surroundings. The park also has a beautiful fountain as well as an amphitheater where concerts are held during warmer months.
Santa Lucia Hill and Bellavista Neighborhood
Santa Lucia Hill is a popular tourist destination and Bellavista neighborhood is home to many restaurants, bars, and nightlife spots.
It’s also one of the best places to live in Santiago. If you’re looking for an apartment or house rental, this neighborhood is sure to have something that fits your needs!
Quinta Normal Park and Parque del Rio Huergo
Quinta Normal Park and Parque del Rio Huergo are two of Santiago’s hidden gems. Both parks offer a nice view of the city, with Quinta Normal Park offering a great view of Cerro San Cristobal and Cerro Santa Lucia. Parque del Rio Huergo offers visitors an opportunity to relax by the river or take a stroll through its beautiful botanical gardens.
If you’re looking for something more active, both parks have hiking trails that lead up into the hills surrounding Santiago. There are also several entrances around town that allow you access these trails without having to pay any entrance fees!
Santiago has many hidden gems to discover.
Santiago has many hidden gems to discover. Some of the hidden gems are San Cristobal Hill, Valparaiso, La Vega Central Market, Cerro San Cristobal and El Morro del Parral Park.
Santiago’s most famous hill is San Cristobal Hill that can be found at the center of Santiago city. It was named after Saint Christopher who was believed to be Patron Saint of Travelers during colonial times in Chile (1541-1810). The highest point on this hill is Cerro Santa Lucia where you can enjoy views over Santiago city including its port area and Mapocho River valley below it.
Conclusion
Santiago has many hidden gems to discover. If you’re looking for something different from the usual tourist attractions, we recommend exploring these locations in Santiago: San Cristobal Hill, Valparaiso and La Vega Central Market.
