This Underrated, Culturally-Rich South American Destination Belongs On Your Bucket List

Tucked between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, Chile is a nation of drastic, gorgeous landscapes. It's a rocky coastline that meets snow-peaked mountain ranges, both seemingly stretching on forever. In the north, there's the Atacama Desert, the driest on Earth, and an ideal stargazing destination, while all the way in the south are the epic fjords of Patagonia. Chiloé Island is another epic place to visit and one of the best spots to see blue whales. Affectionately called "pais de los poetas" (country of poets) by locals after their literary giants Gabriela Mistral and Pablo Neruda, Chile offers much more than just world-class natural beauty. 

Its capital, Santiago, is the cultural and economic heart of the nation, blending modern sophistication with rich heritage. In terms of South American cities, it can sometimes be overshadowed by places like Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Lima. But with its contemporary art, literary heritage, and living political memory, this metropolis of 7 million people is more than a stopover; it's a cultural destination in its own right.

It's full of creative, buzzing neighborhoods, each with a wonderful mix of architecture, green parks offering panoramic vistas, and a great culinary scene for any budget. The airport receives direct flights from 19 countries, so getting there is straightforward. The shoulder seasons are an ideal time to visit with mild weather and fewer crowds. But remember Chile is in the Southern Hemisphere, so the seasons are reversed, meaning September to November has streets lined with purple blossoming jacaranda trees while the autumn colors pop from March to May. Whether you're an art fan, a foodie, a history enthusiast, or an adventure seeker on their way deep into the Andes, a visit to Santiago is sure to make a lasting impression.

The size of Santiago means there are accommodation options for all types of visitors, from backpacker hostels to a luxury hotel with large suites, on-site restaurants, an outdoor lagoon swimming pool, and everything in between. Finding the right neighborhood that fits your travel vibe is as important as the hotel itself. There are many trendy "barrios" (neighborhoods) like Bellavista or Lastarria, and Santiago routinely rates as one of the safest cities in Latin America, so it's fairly easy to choose a locale.

While surrounded by jagged Andean peaks, Santiago is relatively flat and has many bike lanes, so that's one way to move and take in the sights. The city is also pretty well-connected via public transport, and many recommend getting the local BIP card to make traveling around the city easier. As a bonus, the metro stations are artistic and beautifully designed, featuring murals, paintings, sculptures, and even book exchanges and vending machines that make fresh slices of pizza — seriously. 

A visit to the historic city center should start at Plaza de Armas, home to the main cathedral with a muted grey exterior that hides a blast of color and detail inside. Another must-see nearby is the central market. Check out the commotion, and stop at a restaurant inside to try some fresh fish, an arrollado huaso (pork roll), or ajiaco (meat soup) — here's what you should know about dining etiquette in Chile. Next, take a mote con huesillo (sweet tea with dried peaches and cooked wheat — it sounds weird, but it works) and hike or take the funicular up to the outlook Cerro San Cristóbal for panoramic views of the city and the Andes. Pro tip: it's particularly clear after rain.

There are free walking tours in the city, which operate on tips and are always a great way to get a deeper understanding of a city or neighborhood. Plenty of paid tours are available as well that take travelers to explore the old town, hop between a few famous eateries, or shuttle outside the city to a nearby vineyard for a wine tasting. But with so many museums, ornate churches, and thought-provoking street art, touring Santiago on your own terms is a breeze. For more culinary delights, grab a pisco sour and sample many dishes under one roof by stopping at Portal Fernández Concha, featuring dozens of food stalls selling fully-loaded 'completos' hot dogs, 'lomitos' pork sandwiches, and more.

For cultural attractions, the Museo de la Memoria is a somber but important window into the dark history of Chile's recent military dictatorship, while Palacio de las Bellas Artes has Chilean paintings and sculptures, offering an introduction to the nation's art scene. The bohemian neighborhood of Bellavista is wonderful to wander any time of day, as it's known for its colorful street murals and eclectic bars, making it an ideal place for a night out. If in the area, don't miss La Chascona, poet Pablo Neruda's whimsical former home.

Barrio Lastarria ​​is another must-visit, full of calm streets with restored neoclassical buildings, excellent restaurants, galleries, bookshops, and a weekend flea market. The nearby Centro Gabriela Mistral is an art hub that hosts dance, theater, and music performances year-round, while Cerro Santa Lucía is a charming park not too far away that offers beautiful architecture and expansive city views. With its blend of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty, Santiago surely belongs on your bucket list.