What do Chileans eat anyway? That’s the question may food-loving travelers would love to know. Find out on this tour that gets you into the heart of the Downtown’s neighborhoods and let’s you munch through Chile’s most iconic street food while taking the pulse of this vibrant metropolis.
Head west to the funky Barrio Brasil with its turn-of-the-century architecture. Daily street markets are still a way of life where residents buy the freshest produce. Shop the market, tasting exquisite native fruits like chirimoya (custard apple) or tangy olives. Since Chileans are serious bread junkies, stop at an old school bakery to see how Chile’s favorite bread, marraquetas, are handmade by artisans.
Take a short hop to the civic center. Soak up the vibe in the bustling Plaza de Armas surrounded by stately neoclassical architecture. Meader down the buzzing pedestrian walkways and pop into a Café con Piernas—coffee bars with legs. Order an intense, frothy cortado served by a lovely barmaid. Around the corner, hop up to the counter for an ethereal cheese empanada at the Santiago empanada institution dating back almost 100 years. Yum, warm, tangy cheese with chili sauce is pure delight. Take it with you to continue checking out the city’s core with majestic government palaces like La Moneda and the Stock Exchange.
Continue your culinary exploration on foot east towards Santa Lucía. Brave the line to get the city’s best completo, a hot dog with the works. Loaded with tomato, mashed avocado, and homemade mayo, it is unlike any dog you have previously savored. Chileans down them for breakfast, lunch, dinner…anytime! To make some room for sweets, head for Santa Lucía, where the colonial city was founded. Hike to the top through immaculate gardens for a sweeping 360-degree view of the city.
Hang out in the hipster Fine Arts neighborhood with stately building and grand apartments along shady parks and streets. Stop to visit a friend who has been making colonial-style sweets in Chile for over 50 years. Visit her pastry shop and let her show you the secret of making perfect meringue—and sample her magic. Finally, top off a perfect foodie expedition with luscious ice cream at Santiago’s much loved parlor. Go local and order some of their seasonal classics like manjar (milk caramel), chestnut or dark chocolate with chili. Cop-a-squat in the nearby Parque Forestal, the city’s beautiful central park.
Return to your hotel in the mid-afternoon.
Includes:
• Private first-class transportation to/from hotel with professional driver
• English-speak food-specialized guide throughout duration of tour
• Full tour including all admissions and food/beverage (non-alcohol) costs. Please note that although snacks, the total amount
is approximately a full lunch
