Categories: Patagonia

Santiago Budget Travel On A Shoestring

Our Santiago Consultant Veronica gives you her top 5 places to visit for UNDER $5!!

1. Free Walking Tours of Santiago

The Spicy Chile Tour Company offer 3 different walking tours of the city of Santiago. These tours get great reviews and are free of charge, although tips are welcome. Tours run rain or shine from Monday – Saturday.

2. Explore Providencia and Bohemian Bellavista

Providencia is a gentile neighbourhood, easy to stroll around with a myriad of gourmet cafes and chic boutiques. Each January a galaxy of top international performers join Chile’s finest jazz musicians at the Providencia International Jazz Festival in the Parque de las Esculturas. Join the throngs of jazz-lovers under the stars from US$6.

Set within Providencia, Barrio Bellavista is a melting pot of artisans, artists, entertainers and some of Chile’s best ethnic and local cuisine. Don’t miss a visit the quirky home of Nobel poet Pablo Neruda at Fernando Marquez de la Plata 0192.

3. Santiago Fine Arts Museum

The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is located at Parque Forestal, Santiago. Aside from an impressive array of Chilean and European art, the museum is home to one of the world’s largest collections of paintings, sculptures and tapestries of renowned artist Jean Lucrat. Entry is FREE on Sundays.

For under $1, you can visit the incredibly moving Museum of Memory and Human Rights – A fascinating and interactive presentation of the history and suffering of the Pinochet years. Located at Matucana 501, Santiago, Chile

4. Parque Metropolitano

Enjoy the panoramic views of the city and Andes from the Parque Metropolitano at the top of San Cristobal Hill. The energetic can either walk or cycle up and down the hill (bicycles are available for hire); alternatively one can catch the funicular railway from Bellavista for a mere US$4 (return).

Cool down from the walk with a refreshing local speciality – Mote con Huesillo (pronounced Mow Tay con wess ee yo) which is a sweet, ice cold concoction of rehydrated dried peaches, wheat, and sugar…simply delicious.

5. Metropolitan Cathedral, Plaza de Armas, Santiago, Chile

An oasis of calm in this busy city, this ornately decorated Catholic cathedral was built between 1748 and 1800. Located in one of the busiest squares in the city, the Plaza de Armas, the cathedral represents the seat of the Archbishop of Santiago de Chile. Take time to enjoy the architecture and stunning display of original stained glass windows.

Don’t forget, there are a huge range of activities within easy reach of the urban sprawl. Wine tours, trekking, climbing, horseback riding, skiing and kayaking are just a few of the exhilarating possibilities on Santiago’s doorstep. Aurora Expeditions can also arrange pre and post itineraries for you. Contact us today to find out how.