It was kind of warm today, high of around 90 degrees, but I still ended up spending a lot of time walking and exploring the city (one of my favorite things to do). My first impressions of Santiago? I was spoiled by Buenos Aires! That’s not fair, I know. Unfortunately, the architecture in Santiago has been influenced by leaders trying remove references to history and having to rebuild due to earthquakes. I found some impressive areas though, and I really like the neighborhood in Providencia where my hotel is located.
Here are some pictures from my day of 27k steps…
Plaza de Armas. It is the main square of Santiago, and the centerpiece of the initial layout of the city, which has a grid pattern. A very popular gathering place!The National History Museum, located on Plaza de ArmasThe Metropolitan Cathedral, located on Plaza de Armas. Initial construction was completed in 1800, with further alterations ordered at the end of the 19th century.The Central Post Office Building, located on Plaza de ArmasSanta Lucia Hill – a small park located in the center of the city.A view from the top of the parkA view of Palacio de La Moneda, the seat of the President of the Republic of ChilePalacio de La Moneda also houses the offices of three cabinet ministers: Interior, General Secretariat of the Presidency and General Secretariat of the GovernmentThe Club de la Union building, located adjacent to Palacio de La MonedaThis is a neat art installation in a pedestrian underpass. It’s called Paseo Bandera.More of the underpass. That is a real women with her bike, not part of the painting!Food trucks in the underpassI liked this artwork on the stairs…MG is still selling cars. Who knew? (BTW, that temp converts to 82F)
Friday, February 8 – Santiago
Another 90 degree day in Santiago. But it’s a dry heat! I ventured to the northwest of the city centre to explore some green space.
First stop was Parque de las Esculturas – a small park featuring sizable sculptures by Chilean artists
My next stop was Parque Metropolitano de Santiago. The park covers around 1,800 acres, making it the largest urban park in Chile and one of the largest in the world (for reference, Central Park is 840 acres; the combined Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens is 625 acres). The park contains San Cristobal Hill, with an elevation of 2,900 ft. On one side of the park, a two stage cable car system takes visitors to the summit, on the other side a funicular is used. I was on the side with the cable car, so let’s do this! (This is now my 3rd cable car / chair lift ride of the trip!) And it turns out I showed up at the park at an opportune time, as it was half-price Friday for the cable car ride. My cost for the round trip journey? $2!
Departing stage 1The building on the right is Gran Torre Santiago. Its height is nearly 1,000 feet, making it the tallest skyscraper in Latin America. Climbing stage 2 (Are you seeing something depressing in this picture? Details to follow…)Nearing the summitThe funicular climbing the other side of the hillAt the summit of San Cristobal Hill is a statue of the Virgin MaryAlso at the summit is a depressing view of Santiago’s smog (there are mountains back there, trust me!)Gran Torre Santiago is part of a complex that includes the largest shopping mall in Latin America. And it happens to be located very close to my hotel. So, on my way back from the park, I stopped in and discovered this enormous grocery store! (with an appropriate name – Jumbo!)There must be 40 checkout lanes, broken out into sections. No wait when I checked out.Dinner time! My trusted empanada (bigger here than in Argentina), and a piece of baklawa (their spelling). Three bucks!
4 thoughts on “JE 18”
Over double the size of Central Park?!! That’s crazy!
You were able to find a lot of pretty areas though! Love the pictures in the park. It’s too bad about the smog though….you can tell it’s not as clear as your previous stops.
Over double the size of Central Park?!! That’s crazy!
Hi Ali! I thought you’d like that comparison!
You were able to find a lot of pretty areas though! Love the pictures in the park. It’s too bad about the smog though….you can tell it’s not as clear as your previous stops.
Thanks Holly! I’ve enjoyed my time in Santiago. And I’ll be back towards the end of March to go to Easter Island and then fly back to the States.