It's the first post in the series for February, my birthday month. And this time, we're going to cover the first city in Chile to see how we can explore with $10 USD. The first city we're going to cover today is the capital city, Santiago.
We've never covered any place in Chile before, so it's totally our first time to publish an article about the country. However, if you're planning to explore South America next time you travel, you may also need some insights about how to travel on the budget in Lima, the capital city of Chile's neighboring country, Peru.
Today, Roxanne of Faraway Worlds will share with us how far you could get in Santiago, Chile. So, what could you get in Santiago for $10?!
Santiago de Chile may not be the cheapest country in South America, but $10 USD will still get you an enjoyable afternoon out. With around 7,500 Chilean pesos (clp), you'll be able to see one of Santiago's best attractions, and still have enough money left for a tasty lunch.
Did you know?
Santiago is located in the center of Santiago Basin, a large bowl-shaped valley consisting of broad and fertile lands surrounded by mountains. The Andes Mountains, the world's longest mountain range, can also be seen from most points in the city.
Barrio Bellavista and Cerro San Cristóbal
Start by taking a stroll through Barrio Bellavista, admire the street art (many shops commission murals in an effort to attract customers) and make your way to the base of the hill, Cerro San Cristóbal.
The hill is part of Parque Metropolitano, which extends across 722 hectares of green space and is Santiago's largest park.
Cerro San Cristóbal is very accessible. For as little as 2,000 clp on weekdays for a seat on the old clattering ride up the different sections of the hill.
On this side of the park, you can access the zoo, botanical gardens, a children's playground (complete with wooden play equipment and a water fountain) and public pools.
The highlight is near the top of the hill where you'll find Terraza Bellavista with beautiful views of the city.
Continue up until you come to the 14m high statue of the Virgen de la Inmaculada Concepción. She sits above an outdoor church, where Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass in 1984. It's a peaceful spot with lovely views and a pleasant walk back down to the city.
Enjoy your Lunch with Chile's Famous Cuisine
After your excursion up the hill, you'll be ready for lunch and Chile's famous “sánguche” is the perfect option.
Loaded with meat, these huge sandwiches are a staple of Chilean cuisine. They're widely available and very accessible for tourists. While there are some great places to get sandwiches in Bellavista, they tend to be on the pricier end, so it's worth walking for a few minutes to find a cheaper option.
La Terraza, near Plaza Italia, is a great choice. The sandwiches are made with fresh ingredients, there's a fun, young crowd and a range of beers on tap.
Order the classic chacarero sandwich (4,000 clp), which comes with churrasco-style slices of steak, sliced tomato and green beans, with spicy green ají peppers on the top. A seriously delicious sandwich, it was named one of the 13 best sandwiches in the world by Time magazine in 2014.
You should have just enough cash left to enjoy a beer with your sandwich, so grab a table outside and have lunch in the sunshine. If you're really lucky, you'll hear a few songs from a local musician while you eat.
Contributor: Roxanne from Faraway Worlds
Roxanne de Bruyn is a writer who travels as often as she can, usually with her husband and young son. She is interested in ancient history, slow travel and sustainable tourism. She also loves cooking, yoga and dance.
