Flavours of Santiago
Eat and drink your way round the contrasting neighbourhoods of Santiago.
Chilean food and wine is gradually increasing in sophistication and popularity. There’s no better way to explore Santiago on a guided tour sampling local specialities as you move between the city’s blend of historic, bohemian and modern neighbourhoods.
La Vega Central is a food market stuffed with locally-produced Mediterranean style fruit and vegetables tumbling over the stalls in a riot of colour while Mercado Central is dedicated to showing off the delicious marine products of the Pacific. Having sampled a traditional Chilean empanada (pie), head to Cerro Santa Lucia, a popular romantic rendez-vous for couples on a steep hill close to the city centre. Continue to the main square, Plaza de Armas, where you’ll find many elegant buildings dating back to the colonial era, including the Presidential Palace, La Moneda.
Hungry? Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant in Providencia, an upmarket residential district. Starting off with a pisco sour cocktail, move on to a traditional menu with options for every taste and preference, all of this washed down with a glass of fine Chilean Carmenere: a variety of wine with a growing international reputation. Continue to the neighbourhood Barrio Italia, with its boutiques, antique shops, art galleries and, a few blocks down, savour your dessert: a pastry, to be enjoyed at a traditional dulcería.
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Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
