I was in Santiago, Chile for 2 hours before I messaged my friends saying “we should move here.” Coming from Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay on a solo backpacking trip, naturally I compared them, and Santiago just felt so much more… livable to me. The energy, the mountains, the people all clicked.
Jump to:
- Why l’d Happily Move to Santiago
- Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions
- Day 2: Cajón del Maipo & Chocolate Magic
- Day 3: Cerro San Cristóbal & Rooftop Views
- Ideas for Next Time
- Final Thoughts
Why I Would Happily Move to Santiago
- Indigenous & Andean Roots: Compared to Argentina and Uruguay, Chile feels more connected to its indigenous and Andean roots — you can see it in the fashion, the skin tones, music, and overall vibe. It’s a refreshing contrast to the European-descended majority in neighboring countries.
- Familiar comforts: Stores like Costco and Líder (similar to Walmart) make it feel easy to transition.
- Youth Culture: Grunge, rock, punk and expressive street energy dominate neighborhoods like Parque Bustamante and Barrio Bellavista.
- Wine Culture: Chilean wine is taken seriously. Festivals, Wine farms!
- Cons – it’s a little pricey. (think ~$22 USD for casual brunch
Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions
Where to Stay: Providencia — central, safe, and lively. I stayed at Hostal Providencia . The rooms weren’t luxury, but the staff was incredible, the hostel was huge, and I met so many people..
I arrived at night, dropped my bags, and immediately went outside.
Youth Parties in the Street
Within minutes, I walked past multiple outdoor gatherings and park hangouts. Near Parque Bustamante, I saw groups of teenagers in black jeans and corsets just existing, laughing, hanging out. I didn’t expect it — and I loved it.
Santiago felt alive.
Barrio Italia: Unexpected Wine Festival
I wandered into Barrio Italia and somehow walked straight into a Vendimia (wine harvest festival).
For about $9 USD, you got unlimited tastings from different vendors. There was music, art, people laughing in the streets. It wasn’t a big tourist production — it felt local and spontaneous.
Between the wine festival and the park scenes earlier, the city’s energy hit immediately.
Dinner Highlights
One thing about me — I will eat multiple dinners. I like ordering small things in different places and walking around.
- Sanguchería Ciudad Vieja – Casual place in a cute neighborhood.
- Peumayén Ancestral Food – Traditional Chilean dishes showcasing indigenous and Andean roots.
- El Palacio de la Chorrillana – Famous for chorrillana: French fries topped with beef, onions, cheese, and a fried egg. A classic social comfort food, originally from Valparaíso. I had asked people “what’s the best Chilean food” and they sent me here. To a heaping pile of French fries.
Day 2: Cajón del Maipo, Thermal Springs & Chocolate Magic
This was such a fun day. I booked a Spanish-language tour — and of the 15 people, only one other person spoke English. She kept me company all day. Funny enough, a year later when I was in her city, São Paulo, we met up again and had the best night.
We drove about 2.5 hours from Santiago into the Andes.
Termas Valle de Colina
Hot springs heated by nearby volcanic activity, surrounded by dramatic Mountain View’s. It was $75 USD for a full day tour, including transportation. Soaking in thermal water with the Andes in front of you? Worth it.
We passed through Cajón del Maipo, a stunning canyon landscape that alone is worth the trip.
On the way, we stopped at Casa de Chocolate: — a literal fairy-tale roadside chocolate house. I’ve learned to love these tour stops. Yes, of course I want artisanal dark chocolate in a magical cottage in the mountains.
We also had a lakeside picnic before heading back.
Famous Sandwich for Dinner: Fuente Alemana–
Founded in 1954, it’s a true Santiago institution. The sandwiches are massive — the kind you eat with a knife and fork. The counter is U-shaped, and you sit and watch the cooks.
It blends Chilean tradition with German immigrant influence and has been part of the city’s culinary identity for decades. No frills. Just history and very good sandwiches.
Day 3: Cerro San Cristóbal & Rooftop Views
I started the morning in Bellavista — Santiago’s artsy, bohemian neighborhood filled with murals and colorful streets. That’s where I had a $22 brunch.
Next, I hiked up Cerro San Cristóbal Hill. You can hike, bike, or take the funicular up.
From the top, you get panoramic views of the city with the Andes framing everything.
At the summit is a 14-meter statue of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, installed in 1908 as a symbol of protection over the city. There’s a small chapel nearby, and you’ll see people quietly lighting candles or just sitting. After the hike, it feels peaceful.
Rooftop Dinner: AC Hotel’s Lunar Bar — said to be Santiago’s best rooftop. Asian food, cocktails, and sweeping views of the city skyline.
Ideas Next Time:
- Chilean Wine Country – Visit Viña Undurraga or other wineries near Santiago for tastings and vineyard tours.
- Villa del Mar / Coastal Adventures – Explore Chile’s coast for a mix of beaches, seafood, and small towns.
- Valparaíso Day Trip – A colorful port city full of murals, street art, and steep funiculars; perfect for combining Andean and urban culture.
- More Andean Hiking & Spas – Extend time in Cajón del Maipo or other mountain trails to soak in the scenery and relax in thermal spas.
Final Thoughts
Of course, 3 nights is not enough. But, I definitely decided I love Santiago, sometimes you either vibe with a city or you don’t — and I did.
It has vibrant streets, the Andes literally at your doorstep, grunge youth energy, deep indigenous influence, and wine festivals. It feels modern but not disconnected from its roots.
Wine + Mountains + Costco + Grunge Youth = Perfection
Next time, I’d explore Valparaíso, spend more time hiking the Andes, and maybe even cross the border into Mendoza, Argentina for wine country.