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Perched atop the impressive Gran Torre Santiago skyscraper, Sky Costanera offers an unparalleled experience to visitors in Santiago. The observatory grants a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city's sprawling landscape, allowing tourists and locals alike to immerse themselves in the beauty of Chile's vibrant capital. At an awe-inspiring height of 984 feet (300 meters), it proudly holds the title of the tallest observation deck in all of Latin America.

The story of Sky Costanera's journey to existence commenced in 2006 when construction on the Gran Torre Santiago began. For six years, architects, engineers, and builders toiled diligently to shape the city's skyline and create an iconic structure. In 2012, their efforts culminated in the completion of the skyscraper, an achievement celebrated by the people of Santiago and a testament to human engineering capabilities.

However, the real crowning jewel of this monumental edifice awaited the public's discovery three years later. In 2015, the observation deck, strategically occupying floors 61 and 62, was finally unveiled, opening its gates to welcome visitors from all corners of the world. Since then, it has been a magnet for those seeking the ultimate panorama, attracting tourists, photographers, and thrill-seekers eager to capture the city's splendor from this extraordinary vantage point.

Sky Costanera has become more than just an observation deck; it has evolved into an iconic symbol of Santiago's progress and prosperity. It has found its place in the hearts of both locals and tourists, representing the city's continuous growth and ambition. Not only does it offer a chance to appreciate Santiago's urban beauty, but it also encourages a sense of unity as visitors gather to share in the breathtaking experience that the observatory offers.

Parque Bicentenario, known in English as Bicentennial Park, was created to celebrate Chile's bicentennial. The park is located alongside the Rio Mapocho. It offers numerous walking and bike trails, children's parks, outdoor gyms and spots to sit and relax.

The park is a popular spot for cultural events and displays of public art. It is also a good place to have a picnic or enjoy outdoor sports. The park's lagoon is a good place to spot birds like flamingos, black-necked swans and taguas.

Those with children will enjoy the children's parks that offer tree houses, swings and numerous slides that populate the child-friendly hills. It's a beautiful spot to take family photos or take a break from walking around Santiago.

Parque Bicentenario is open 24 hours per day. It is located within an easy walk of the Metropolitan Park of Santiago. Visitors can spend a full day exploring both parks and enjoying the lush beauty of Chile.

Araucano Park (Parque Araucano), situated in the municipality of Las Condes, Santiago, stands as a prominent green oasis. Encompassing 22 hectares, the park is bordered by Presidente Riesco Avenue to the south, Alonso de Córdova to the west, Manquehue to the east (with the Juan Pablo II park just across the footbridge), and Cerro Colorado Street to the north.

Over time, Araucano Park has evolved into a vibrant cultural hub, hosting an array of festivals and events. From the esteemed Las Condes Film Festival to captivating opera performances at the Municipal Theater of Santiago, the park welcomes concerts, culinary festivals, and chess competitions.

Since its establishment in 2012, the park has been home to the KidZania children's entertainment center. The subsequent year marked the inauguration of Selva Viva, boasting the capital's first butterfly farm. Visitors can explore various zones catering to children's games, exercise, sports, picnics, and an aviary. Additionally, the park features enchanting gardens, including a delightful rose garden, as well as a well-equipped events center.

One striking feature is the sculpture "Ofrenda," created by María Angélica Echavarría, located near the entrance on Presidente Riesco, facing Rosario Norte Street. This stainless steel artwork, erected in 2012, pays homage to the Mapuche people for their perpetual guardianship of Araucano Park. It draws inspiration from the sacred instrument kultrún, symbolizing the connection between the earth and humanity with a higher power.

The sculpture incorporates essential elements of Araucanian culture, such as the circle, representing transformation and continuity. The number 4 is also integrated, signifying the four seasons, cardinal points, and phases of the moon, all significant in the "Mapuche worldview." Lastly, the sculpture reveres water as the soul and the origin of everything: "First it was the water, then the earth, and everything else followed suit."

Those who seek the best view of picturesque Santiago de Chile should make their way to the majestic San Cristóbal Hill in the northern part of the city. The hill rises to about 880 meters, which is approximately 300 meters higher than most of the sites in Santiago. It is the second highest spot in the city, and the view it affords is quite spectacular.

At the very top of the hill stands the statue of Virgin Mary, inaugurated in 1908. There is also a church which became well known after Pope John Paul II served a mass there in 1987. The largest park in Santiago, a vast urban expanse of green space with varied landscapes and roads for vehicles, is also found on the hill.

If you go there on a sunny summer day shortly after it is rained and the smog cleared off, you can see virtually everything from the high-rising towers of Santiago to the Andes mountains far beyond.

Why You Should Visit:
The "must-see" big hill in Santiago, hands down. Many things to do in the park, like hiking its many trails, cycling, going to the pool in the summer, riding the funicular and the recently renovated cable car, visiting different corners (Japanese Garden and/or different playgrounds), etc.

Tip:
Make sure you get Mote con Huesillo at the peak! Most refreshing (made with a dried peach, husked wheat and sugar syrup) traditional drink plus an 'empanada de pino'!

La Chascona, the home of Pablo Neruda, a celebrated Chilean poet, was built in 1953. Neruda and his future wife had used this property as a romantic getaway for years before they actually tied the knot. The house is located at Bellavista, at the foot of San Cristobal Hill.

It features a unique style, with one of its most outstanding features being the library with a wide collection of paintings from Chile and around the world, as well as the books that once belonged to the poet.

Replete with winding stairs, paths and bridges, La Chascona has a secret passageway and a bedroom at the top of the tower. Various collections of seashells, butterflies, wine glasses and many other different objects allow visitors a glimpse of romantic inspiration that was responsible for Neruda's poetic creations. Today the building is a house-museum and is open to public year round.

The property was vandalized after the coup of 1973 that overthrew president Salvador Allende, but Matilde, Pablo Neruda's wife, did her best to preserve the property and lived here until she passed away in 1985.

Why You Should Visit:
Very interesting mix of architecture and history of Neruda's life that will not leave you disappointed. The house itself can be both elegant and flamboyant at the same time, reflecting Neruda's unique tastes in furnishing and design. Besides, you get an interesting look not only at a brilliant creative human being but also a general overview of the 20th century with a little Communism, Socialism, gender equality, machismo, dictatorships and human rights all part and parcel...

Tip:
Take the tour with an audio device, as it is really essential for understanding the layout. Also, make sure to see the short movie before embarking on the tour – you won't be able to see it after.

A traveler searching for a one-stop place where culture, art and cuisine combine should make their way to Patio Bellavista in the heart of Santiago. This beautiful patio is a meeting place with numerous delights: wine shops, restobars, restaurants, art, crafts, an ice cream parlor and art gallery. More than fifty shops, featuring the best quality of art souvenirs and handicrafts, can be found here, with jewelry, artwork, pottery, fine leather products, textiles and books all finding a home.

The place can be accessed from various major tourist destinations, including La Chascona, El Mercado Central and Cerro San Cristobal. This is a top destination for a nocturnal traveler who fancies some night entertainment, whereas those more active during the day could relax and enjoy this patio visiting its various shops and restaurants. There are usually several events on the go that are sure to catch the traveler's eye, including historical and cultural exhibitions, as well as traditional dances that will give you a better peek into the life and culture of the natives.

Why You Should Visit:
Despite being in the middle of a very busy and dynamic area, it has a bohemian atmosphere (especially in the afternoon or early evening), with a mixture of souvenir and craft shops, excellent restaurants (Asian, Italian, Spanish and Chilean cuisines – some have a 2nd floor with a view to the whole patio), bars, pizzerias, pubs, as well as plenty of dessert spots for crepes or the rolling ice cream that's all the craze at the moment. Great place for first-time visitors.

Tip:
Plan your trip to allow time to visit one of the open-air restaurants on the patio.

What to buy here: Copper crafts and jewelry | Crin figurines | Hand-made leather crafts | Lapis lazuli jewelry | Mapuche Woven fabrics | Prensado de Flores y Frutas | Rapanui (Easter Island Moai statues).

Easter Island is the most remote inhabited place on earth and has been part of Chilean heritage since 1888. The Moai represent ancestral chiefs who were believed to be descended directly from the gods and whose supernatural powers could be harnessed for the benefit of humanity. The massive stone figures were generally erected facing inland to keep watch over the local community.

The Moai are characterized by long sloping noses, strong brows, deeply inset eyes, and prominent chins. Some examples also wear a hat-like cylinder made of red stone on their heads. While the original moai are made from volcanic rock, gift moais’ are made from copper, wood, lapis lazuli, and many other beautiful stones. Keyrings with Moai statues start around $2. If contemplating a life-size Moai statue, be careful with your weight limit while traveling, the original Moai’s weight is over 10 metric tons.

The best place to buy a Moai statue is on Easter Island itself, however, in Santiago we recommend Patio Bellavista, a wonderful mix of 20 trendy restaurants and 50 fine crafts shops.

Santa Lucia Hill is 629 meters (or 2,064 feet) above sea level and 69 meters (or 226 feet) above the local area. This unique hill is the remainder of a 15 million-year-old volcano.

The hill was originally called Huelén in pre-colonial times. In 1541, Spanish conquierer Pedro de Valdivia claimed the hill for the Spanish and named the hill Santa Lucia. Pedro de Valdivia founded Santiago from Santa Lucia, making this hill an important historical site. During Santiago's early days, missionaries used the hill to pray and worship.

In the early 1800s, Manuel Olaguer Feliú, a Spanish military engineer, built two forts on the hill. Hidalgo Castle was built in 1820, and the fort is open to the public. Today, the site is home to an enormous park. A series of stone steps lead visitors to the top for an incredible view. The climb may be challenging, especially on a hot day.

The steep steps twist their way past terraces, trees, statues, fountains, and gardens that have been erected over the centuries. Each terrace allows visitors to rest before continuing. Don't miss the beautiful Neptune Fountain.

In 1849, United States Naval Officer James Melville Gilliss founded an American observatory on the hill. Gilliss sought to measure the solar parallax precisely. Chile purchased the equipment and formed Chile's first National Astronomical Observatory on the site.

Traditionally, an 1824 cannon is fired every day to mark the noon hour.

Tips:
Visit on a clear weekend day. On the weekends, there is less traffic, and the air is often clearer with less smog. The clearer the air, the better your view of the mountains.

What to buy here: Pisco.

Pisco is a liquor produced from grapes. While there is a heated dispute between Chile and Peru as to Piscos’ origins; drinks made with Pisco are considered an art form in Chile. Pisco is used in recipes like Pisco Sour, made with lime juice; Mango Sour, made with mango juice; and Sour Haas, made with avocados, pineapple and mint. There is even an Aji Sour, made with Chilean green chili! Pisco comes in varying proofs of alcohol, from 12° to 50°, the higher the proof, the higher the price. You get to decide for yourself if the proof improves the flavor. A nice bottle of Chilean Pisco can range from $5 to $30 USD a bottle. Bottles of premixed Pisco sour and mango sour sell for $6 to $10 USD.

The Pre-Columbian Art Museum is one of the world's top museums and a highlight of Latin American museums. Visitors will gain an important historical look at the wonderful culture of the Pre-Columbian Americas. The museum is located in the Old Royal Customs House, built in 1807.

Inside, the museum’s permanent collection includes thousands of artifacts representing more than 100 indigenous cultures. Among the exhibits are finely crafted ceramics, intricate textiles, gold and silver ornaments, and stone carvings. Each piece reveals details about the daily life, beliefs, and artistic expression of societies such as the Maya, Aztec, Inca, and Mapuche.

One of the most remarkable sections is the Andean Hall, which explores the civilizations that flourished along the Andes Mountains. Visitors can see elaborately woven fabrics that have survived for centuries thanks to the region’s dry climate, as well as ceremonial masks and musical instruments.

The Chile Before Chile exhibit is fabulous and gives visitors a real insight into the lives of the original inhabitants of this land before colonization. The Chinchorro people mummified their dead before the more well-known Egyptian culture began mummifying their dead. The museum has a Chinchorro mummy on display, dating back to 1,900 BCE.

Visitors will also learn about the Anconcágua culture, which survived for 9,000 years hunting animals that are now extinct. Other unique pieces include Mapuche totem poles which were each carved from a single tree. Visitors will be impressed by the Rapa Nui wooden statues.

The displays are labeled in Spanish and English.

Tip:
Try to arrive before lunchtime, as it is usually packed.

The Arms Square was founded along with Santiago in 1541. During the time of the Spanish colonization, it was customary to leave a city block empty and surround it with government buildings and a cathedral. If an attack happened, the city's residents could gather in the square and be defended.

Most of the buildings surrounding the Arms Square were completed in the 1800s. The beautiful Metropolitan Cathedral dominates the square. Other notable buildings in the square include the Royal Palace and the Central Post Office. A glorious fountain celebrating liberator Simón Bolívar stands in the center of the square. Over 100 palm trees shade the fountain.

There are several indoor malls with entrances from Arms Square. You'll find handcrafted goods, cafes, and fascinating corridors. The Chess Club of Santiago meets on the outdoor stage regularly. Just walk up and ask for a game.

On the weekends, you'll find musicians, painters, entertainers, and food vendors in the busy square. Dancers join together to dance the Cucea, a traditional Chilean dance.

The Catedral Metropolitana was built between 1748 and 1800. This neoclassical cathedral has baroque features, including gilded columns and gorgeous, inspiring frescos. There has been a church standing on the site since the city was founded in the 1500s. The previous churches were all damaged by fire and earthquakes. Even the current cathedral has had structural damage and repairs made due to earthquakes.

Italian architect Joaquín Toesca was responsible for the gorgeous architecture of this important cathedral. The interior is stunning. The central nave is full of statues on the walls. The altar is magnificently ornate with marble and deep blue lapis lazuli. The stained glass is intricate and beautiful. Artist Ignazio Cremonesi painted the ceiling in 1906.

The seats and pulpits are meticulously carved from wood. The floor is decorated with thousands of tiny tiles in an intricate black and white pattern. The crypt houses the remains of Chilean archbishops. The lost tomb of Diego Portales, one of Chile's founding fathers, was discovered under the altar in 2005 and moved into the crypt.

Visitors will also find a museum adjoining the church. The Museum of Sacred Arts is home to many interesting religious artifacts. Silver craftsmanship by Jesuit priests includes a silver tabernacle and silver lectern. The museum also has a lovely courtyard.

Don't miss the Sacred Chapel, designed in 1846 by Eusebio Chelli.

Tips:
Arrive early in the day as the church gets quite busy. An information board at the entrance to the cathedral outlines important statues and interesting features.