By travellers for travellers
Hola amigos!
If you are wanting to visit Chile, then we would highly recommend you base your trip around the dates of the 14th to the 19th of September. Why? Well, Fiestas Patrias of course! This is Chile's biggest and most highly celebrated annual event and its origin dates back to 1810, when Chile gained its independence from Spanish rule. “Razón o la Fuerza” is on top of their national crest and it stands for “by reason or by force”. Obviously a massive reason to celebrate and dive in to what Santiago has to offer!
So what can you do and where can you go?
The first thing you need to know is that pretty much all of Chile celebrates this holiday and for a period of 3-5 days. During this time you will find that most shops will be closed. So book yourself a hostel that has self catering facilities and cook for yourself! We would highly recommend to going to the country's capital to start with - Santiago, and stay at The Princesca Insolente Hostal. Fully equipped with a kitchen, comfy beds, clean rooms, lockers, a bar with the cheapest beer you will find and the best staff around! There is no better place to base yourself! Find them here. We stayed for a bit over a week, we partied with the staff, made friends with other travellers and the team that run the hostel are very knowledgeable, easy going and will show you the best time! Like us (and some of the staff) you may find it hard to leave!
The staff here put on a traditional Chilean BBQ for us all and it only cost 5000 Chilean Pesos, including a couple of drinks. As a vegetarian, I would also suggest to make it known, as most places will be able to cater for you and you can have your own, animal free, Chilean feast, for a cheaper price too! You will also be able try one of Chile's most popular drinks called the Terremoto! Named after one of the worst earthquakes in the countries history, a mixture of sweet but incredibly potent white wine, pineapple ice cream and a dash of grenadine... The locals would say, this drink will leave you laying on the floor! We confirm this to be true.
Following a big lunch, and a few drinks it is time to hit the city and find your local fondas. A fondas is a big festival that will be located all around the city, so be sure to ask the staff which one is best and how to get there! We went to Hasta Pronto. Multiple stages with live music, traditional dances, markets, variety of street foods, BBQ and of course... More bars! You can either walk around checking it all out, find a place to sit and chill with your drinks and food, or pick a tent, listen to music talking to your new travel buddies and enjoying Fiestas Patrias!
After Fiestas Patrias, if you are wanting to keep the good vibes going and drinks flowing, you need to head to the area of “Bella Vista”. This is Santiago's nightclub district.. Not
just the typical single street lined with a few clubs, but an entire district of bars and clubs. An adults playground! The night club are is around 4-5 blocks in size and has a different vibe in each venue! It is a must see area!
Outside the party scene of Santiago there is so much to do and see, particularly during this crazy celebration! Our recommendation is to take the free walking tour. Of course you pay a tip at the end but usually 5000 to 10000 pesos is more than enough. You will meet a group and have a private tour guide to give you a full fun down on the cities history. The group meets at 10am and at 3pm for 2 different tours and it is a great way to explore the city, learn about it’s diverse and somewhat dark history, but best of all meeting new people from all sorts of places! The guides are brilliant, very knowledgeable and for the price of a tip, you can not find better.
Afterwards, for a great View of the city you can climb to the top of San Cristóbal Hill and get a full 360 view of Santiago! It is well worth the climb!
In your free time, you must visit some of the cities markets! Particularly Vega! 7 blocks by 14 blocks, over 250 stores and 1000 staff. The locals say Vega is after God. Because if God does not have it, Vega will! With first hand experience, you can find the best, freshest and local produce here while all the other shops are closed for celebrations! Aside from this market, there is fish markets, meat markets, more fruit and veggies and any thing else your heart desires!
Special mention - Vegetarian dining
Eating and dining out is quite the experience if you do not speak any spanish you may find yourself ordering a crazy dish! All in the name of travel though right?! For all the vegos out there, travelling as a vego is quite easy. You have the option to cook for yourself, many places will have vegetarian options, however there are a few places I will recommend that are based for purely for vegans and vegos!
Verde te quiero Verde - 12pm-4pm. Modern vegetarian dishes
Emporio vegetal - burgers, empanadas and “plato del dia”
Puro Verde - Mainly fast food with an amazing seltan
Govindas - One of the cities BEST eats
Arte vegetal - small and delicious vegan snacks.
For more follow us on instagram at “rysys_world_tour” and “ethanharwood80”.
