The Natural Beauty surrounding Santiago Chile

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Many tourists are really impressed with the city of Santiago in the Southern American country of Chile. I know I certainly was. This is a very large, modern, organized, clean city full of very friendly people with so many wonderful and interesting attractions.

However, there is a lot more to experience if you ever find yourself visiting Santiago Chile, as the city is absolutely blessed, being surrounded with so much natural beauty in virtually any direction you travel.

 

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The city of Santiago is basically at the foot of the Andes Mountain range.

 

The biggest and most obvious natural beauty (by virtue of its sheer size and proximity) is the Andes Mountains which form an impressive backdrop to the east of the city and can be easily seen from just about anywhere. This magnificent mountain range has so much to offer anyone who loves nature and in recognition of that, there is a separate article done on the Andes alone which you can see by clicking here.

Even putting the Andes aside, there is still so much beauty surrounding Santiago that would be impossible to do proper justice to here. So instead I have included a summary of the favourites that I really enjoyed during my visit.

Let’s begin with the coastal region, some 90 minutes’ (120 Kilometers or 75 miles) drive north-west of Santiago…

 

Contents

Valparaiso

This is a charming coastal city and major port for Chile. The city displays some wonderful (and colourful) architecture with houses and businesses all built on 41 hills facing the ocean. Declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003, Valparaiso has been nicknamed “The Jewel of the Pacific”. On a clear day, you can see right through to the Andes Mountains which sit behind Santiago. It is a beautiful sight.

 

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Valparaiso harbour with the backdrop of the Andes Mountains in the background.

 

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Valparaiso is such a pretty city with vibrant colours and friendly people.

 

Valparaiso was my port of entry to mainland Chile, having just visited Chile’s Easter Island on a cruise that travelled the South Pacific from Sydney, Australia. As a person who loves the ocean, I could just imagine being very happy living in one of those colourful houses on one of the 41 hills overlooking the ocean.

Although this is a busy port city the attraction for many are the beautiful nearby beaches which are all around the wider bay area and the water here looks very clean as does the city itself.

 

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So impressed with how clean the beach is being next to a populated area.

 

Vina del Mar

Situated right next to Valparaiso on the waterfront is Vina del Mar. Translated from Spanish to mean ‘Vineyard of the Sea’, Vina del Mar was initially a land of wineries but in recent decades it has transformed into a premier beachside city.

This is where I was told that many of the elite and wealthy in Santiago society have a second or holiday home that they use on weekends and vacations. Like Valparaiso, Vina del Mar has beautiful beaches and lovely beachside cafes and amenities.

 

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Accessibility to the beach isn’t a problem in Vina del Mar and they maintain the area really well. Photo: Nicole Anderson.

 

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Apartment living in Vina del Mar right on a waterway leading out to the Ocean. Photo: Nicole Anderson.

 

Making up part of the greater Valparaiso region, Vina del Mar is often referred to as ‘La Ciudad Jardín’ (‘The Garden City’) with one of Vina del Mar’s most famous features, the Flower Clock, visited by many tourists. And yes, I got my photo taken there also, along with many other visitors that day.

 

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Me in the park with the famous Flower Clock at Via del Mar. Photo: James Visser.

 

So, having had a quick look at the coastal centres of Valparaiso and Vin del Mar, let’s now look inland.

 

Driving between the coast and Santiago Chile

There are so many interesting towns and settlements that you can experience by not sticking to the main highway. These are located amidst a more natural setting where you are still surrounded by the hills and valleys that make up this scenic countryside.

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Leaving the highway also means climbing some ranges which afforded some views of the area. Photo: Nicole Anderson.

 

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Interesting to note the changes in vegetation at different levels as we slowly made our way toward Santiago. Photo: Nicole Anderson.

 

Santiago 27The group we travelled with drove off the beaten path a bit and enjoyed a much more scenic route than most would, stopping off at a restaurant to experience Chilean cuisine.

It was at this place that I was first introduced to a national drink ‘pisco sour’, which I thought takes some getting used to. However, it was still part of the enjoyable time getting to know a little bit about the local culture.

 

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The restaurant we stopped to have lunch on the way. Photo: Nicole Anderson.

 

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Another nearby restaurant off the beaten path. Locals know where to find these authentic places. Photo: James Visser.

 

Wineries

The Maipo Valley, virtually surrounding a lot of the city of Santiago got its name from the river in that region. Here you will find the home of many first-class wineries that are world renowned for the quality and award-winning wines they produce.

While in the area, James and I visited the Undurraga winery which was a lovely experience. We took their classic guided tour, which is offered in Spanish and/or English. It included a complete visit of the park, including the vineyards, soil analysis test pit, vinification plant, entertainment garden, underground cellars, and ending with a great tasting of their wines and a souvenir wine glass.

I loved exploring the fields of vines and the wonderful gardens designed by the famous French landscape designer Pierre Dubois. The winery has done a great job of maintaining the beautiful flora that has been cultivated over generations since they first started here in 1885. It was both interesting and enjoyable.

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Within the landscaped gardens of the Undurraga winery. Photo: Nicole Anderson.

 

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Out in the vineyard having a look at the vines. Photo: James Visser

 

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Close up of some of their different grape varieties, which we were encouraged to sample. Photo: Nicole Anderson.

 

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In one of the cellars where the wine was fermenting in barrels. Photo: James Visser.

 

There are of course other great wineries in the Maipo Valley area and it would take some time if you were to try to visit them all.

 

And when it comes to being within the city limits of Santiago itself, there are a couple of things I would recommend doing.

 

Sky Costanera

Sky Costanera is a viewing platform at the very top of the Costanera Centre. 300 meters (984 feet) tall, the building offers the tallest man-made 360-degree viewpoint in the whole of Latin America.

 

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A shot of Costanera Centre, atop of which, sits Sky Costanera. Photo: James Visser.

 

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A comparison display on the deck of the Sky Costanera, showing the Costanera Centre to be the 5th tallest building in the world and the tallest in Latin America. Photo: Nicole Anderson.

 

From here you can really get a stunning perspective of the size of Santiago and the enormity of the Andes mountain range. On a clear day, you would be absolutely amazed how beautiful such a vista can be. Probably not the best place though if you are afraid of heights. Once you are done taking in such a glorious panorama, you can also indulge in a bit of retail therapy by taking the elevator back down to a world-class shopping centre.

 

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This wall-sized shot shows the things you can really see at this height on a clear day. Photo: Nicole Anderson.

 

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Its a long way up here and the view wasn’t as clear when James snapped this shot but it did get a lot better – although we forgot to shoot again then! Photo: James Visser.

 

 

San Cristóbal Hill and Santiago Zoo

San Cristóbal Hill is located in northern Santiago and rises to a height of 880 meters (or 2,890 feet). Many enjoy hiking this hill which is not small and it certainly doesn’t have much in the way of gentle slopes. Most visitors take the Funicular Santiago to travel the steep journey to the top.

 

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A funicular carriage full of people nearly at the top of the hill. Photo: Nicole Anderson.

 

At the summit, there is a sanctuary with a 22-meter statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, an amphitheatre and a chapel. Of course, being up this high provides a pretty good view of the Santiago Chile region and this proves to be a popular spot for visitors and photographers.

 

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The gardens and final hill up to the summit to reach the Blessed Virgin Mary statue. Photo: Nicole Anderson.

 

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Looking down from the summit onto some of the gardens before the hill further descends to the city. Photo: Nicole Anderson.

 

Irrespective of whether you hiked up or used the funicular, you can visit Santiago Zoo on the way down as the entire zoo is set on the side of the hill, providing multiple levels of exhibits. They did a good job of integrating this into the hill and wherever possible, maximizing the existing natural elements to blend in with the hill.

 

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As you can see, every effort was made to integrate with the hill environment and provide as much shade as possible within the zoo. Photo: Nicole Anderson.

 

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Just loved the flamingos! Photo: Nicole Anderson.

 

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One of the advantages of a multi-level zoo built into the side of a hill is that you can come face to face with a giraffe who is standing on the level below you! Photo: Nicole Anderson.

 

What I have shared above is not all that I was able to experience here by any means. However, I am mindful that there should really be a limit to what is included in any one article. There is certainly so much you can see and do here and I also spent a bit of time doing other things unique to Santiago itself. Things like watching the changing of the guard at the Presidential Palace, walking through some of the many beautiful parks in this city, conversing with the locals, visiting their monuments, old castles and sampling their cuisine. The city itself has a fabulous carefree, laid-back atmosphere that is completely missing from many other major cities of comparable size.

The region of Santiago Chile was very special to me and this is definitely within my personal ‘Top 10’ of places I have visited so far. It just has so much to offer. Heck, even if you regard yourself as more of an indoors person, there is still so much to see and experience. The shopping is amazing. The museums covering history and culture are fascinating. Santiago is definitely up there in terms of development, its amenities and infrastructure to rival pretty much anywhere else in the world. Its people are warm, friendly and engaging despite the fact that I don’t speak a word of their official language of Spanish.

I began the visit not knowing what to expect and just wanting to keep an open mind. On departing on a flight from Santiago bound for the USA, I felt elated and so pleased to have included Santiago and Chile more broadly on my itinerary. I was sad to leave, feeling I wanted more time there. I have a definite feeling this trip won’t be my last to this wonderful part of the world.

 

 

This article is part of the Natural Beauty Travel Series, authored by travel writer Nicole Anderson.

Founder and Publisher at | Website

Outdoor adventure enthusiast that loves nature having travelled locations across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.

Passionate Travel Writer, Blogger and Influencer.

126 thoughts on “The Natural Beauty surrounding Santiago Chile

  • January 26, 2023 at 12:30 pm
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    Thanks for the great review of Chile. I’m just doing research in South America to organize travel. I admire the nature and people of this country!

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    • January 26, 2023 at 10:03 pm
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      I couldn’t agree with you more, Charlotte! Chile has such stunning scenery and such warm and friendly people. I hope your research goes well and that you have a wonderful time exploring this beautiful country.

      Reply
  • June 2, 2021 at 7:23 pm
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    We bypassed Santiago and went right into the countryside for wine tasting. It was a great day but I can see we need to visit Santiago when we are next in the area. So fascinating to read that this area is in your Top 10. We would love to start high with panoramic views from the Sky Constanera. I am sure we would be stunned by that view of the Andes mountain range. A funicular is always a fun ride, especially if we found the Santiago Zoo at the top.

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    • June 3, 2021 at 8:40 pm
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      So pleased you are open to returning to see so much more of this lovely area, Linda. While we also loved visiting the beautiful winery area, this region is so deserving of much more time than a single day and there really is a lot to see and experience. Thank you for reading and sharing your experience and I do hope you will return to enjoy a lot more here.

      Reply
  • December 18, 2020 at 11:40 am
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    Santiago Chile is Still on my bucket list. I dream of the famous Maipo Valley with its wineries. I want to do wine tasting in this beautiful scenery. I want to go to the top of Sky Costanera. I had no idea that it is so high, 300 meters. It is so impressive. The area offers so many attractions that I need more time than I planned.

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    • December 18, 2020 at 9:25 pm
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      I’m sure you would love to spend time in the Maipo Valley, Agnes. The wineries there are all lovely and the quality of their wines is broadly and generally acknowledged as being extremely good. The Sky Costanera does give such great views of the region if it is a clear day. So pleased you intend to plan more time on your trip to ensure you see as much as possible. Hope you have a wonderful trip.

      Reply
  • April 20, 2019 at 4:48 pm
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    As a fellow backpacker, this is intriguing indeed! I can’t even imagine doing this…but I think it’s a must!

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    • April 21, 2019 at 9:22 pm
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      I do hope you push the boundaries a bit and make a visit there Debra. It is a great destination for those who love nature, seeing majestic sights and interacting with friendly locals. Thanks so much for reading and commenting.

      Reply
  • April 19, 2019 at 11:04 pm
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    I would love to visit chile one day! looks like such a beautiful country 🙂

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  • April 19, 2019 at 3:12 pm
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    Great article, thank you for sharing! I really love seeing the mountains in the background of the city…how beautiful! I love hearing how friendly and charming the people are – I always find that learning more about culture and food from “the locals” really makes a trip spectacular for me.

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    • April 21, 2019 at 9:17 pm
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      I totally agree Jim. I am drawn to places of natural beauty but the people you meet can also make the experience extra special. The Chilean people were so nice and welcoming and are a big part of making you want to return.

      Reply
  • April 19, 2019 at 1:41 am
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    I want to go to Chile one day, it’s on my travel bucket list

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  • April 18, 2019 at 9:56 pm
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    Chile has never been on my travel radar before, but after reading your post, it’s now on my list of places to see. The mountains are just gorgeous!

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    • April 21, 2019 at 9:13 pm
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      Thank you very much for such a lovely comment Tracy and I do hope you make the trip. If Mountains are something you enjoy also, then do check out my post on the Andes Mountains trips I took while in this region as there are a lot more photos actually in the mountains within that post. It’s somewhat hard to take a bad photo up there, it is that beautiful.

      Reply
  • April 18, 2019 at 5:18 pm
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    The scenery is amazing. I’d love to visit the wineries. Love your take on things. What a wonderful trip.

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  • April 18, 2019 at 1:03 pm
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    I am always attracted to natural places and Santiago seems like a must visit place for me. Definitely adding it to my travel list. 🙂

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  • April 18, 2019 at 12:27 pm
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    Chile is also known for having good wines, and that is actually the main reason why I am keen to visit this country. Its natural beauty is making every sip more intense.

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    • April 21, 2019 at 9:06 pm
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      Thanks Blair – I must admit I love some of the wines Chile produces. Great quality without question. I was lucky enough to enjoy a picnic with Chilean wine on a trip to the Andes Mountains (separate post to this one but still in the region). Sipping delicious wine and enjoying their cheese, grapes and other lovely foods while surrounded by wonderful scenery was really very special.

      Reply
  • April 17, 2019 at 4:48 pm
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    Beautiful pictures. I can just imagine how clean and refreshing the air is.

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    • April 18, 2019 at 2:51 am
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      That is so true Kara, particularly the case up in the Andes. Of course, the higher up parts that we visited also had thinner air there, but beautifully fresh nonetheless. Thank you for reading and leaving a comment.

      Reply
  • April 17, 2019 at 11:44 am
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    Wow, this looks amazing. I’ve heard many good things about Chile especially Valparaiso. That photo with the Andes backdrop looks incredible and I love Maipo wine so I guess I need to plan another trip to South America.

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    • April 18, 2019 at 2:47 am
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      If you haven’t been to this part of South America, then I would certainly recommend planning to do so in the future, Sarah. There is simply just so much to see. Thanks so much for reading and your comment.

      Reply
  • April 17, 2019 at 11:29 am
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    Wow, the first picture with the Andes in the background, that is simply stunning! Great capture:). Santiago sounds like a gorgeous town, the pictures certainly do justice. Valparaiso Is my top pick on must visit places, love the vibrant colours of the neighbourhood.

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  • April 17, 2019 at 1:11 am
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    Would love to glamp in Santiago, Chile and hike the Andes Mountains! So exciting!

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  • April 16, 2019 at 5:58 pm
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    Santiago seems to have everything to leave a tourist enchanted! The amazing mountains, colorful houses, beautiful flowers and birds. This is the kind of natural beauty that makes the trekking worthwhile. Nice to know about the tallest buildings in the world.

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    • April 17, 2019 at 3:46 am
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      Totally agree that trekking there is a wonderful experience. The tallest buildings to me are great if they can overlook a place with as much natural beauty as the Andes. Thanks so much for reading and leaving a comment.

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  • April 16, 2019 at 2:27 am
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    Valparaiso is such a photogenic place! The photographer in me fell in love with the place instantly. There is a similar flower clock in Geneva Switzerland, cool attraction! I can relate to the sorrow of leaving a place, been through it several times. I hope you get to visit again. 🙂

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  • April 15, 2019 at 11:46 pm
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    I love Chilean wine. It’s so good and stands up with almost anything from California. The price is good too. I want to visit Chile soon and see all the natural beauty for myself.

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    • April 17, 2019 at 3:41 am
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      I enjoy Chilean wine as well and they have won many global awards. Hope you are able to visit soon and enjoy the wineries when you do, among all the other lovely attractions.

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  • April 15, 2019 at 11:28 pm
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    Oh my the Andes are a beautiful backdrop for Santiago. With 41 hills of colorful houses, Valparaiso looks amazing. I would love to visit the Maipo valley wineries too. Looks like I need to plan a trip!

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    • April 17, 2019 at 3:38 am
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      That’s for sure Sherianne! So much to see, so I hope you allow some time to get around and experience as much as possible. Don’t hesitate to contact me beforehand if you think I can help with any additional info and thanks for reading and leaving a comment.

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  • April 15, 2019 at 1:09 pm
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    Santiago looks absolutely wonderful! It includes so many of my favourite things to see when traveling, namely wine lol! I’d never heard of the famous flower clock before reading this, and Maipo Valley really sounds like my kind of place! I don’t know when I’ll ever get to Santiago and Chile, but I hope it’s one day soon.

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    • April 17, 2019 at 3:36 am
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      Thank you so much for reading and commenting Lisa. There is certainly so much variety of beauty in this region and I do hope you will visit at some point to enjoy it first hand.

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  • March 22, 2019 at 6:37 pm
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    Chile looks insanely gorgeous! For sure a place I would love to visit one day!

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  • March 12, 2019 at 2:01 pm
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    Love all the colorful houses, how cute! And I bet it’d be quite nice getting to stay in one of the vacation homes at Vina del Mar. Thanks for putting Santiago on my radar. Definitely adding this to my 2019 list!

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  • March 8, 2019 at 5:18 pm
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    What a delightful and adorable place Santiago turns out to be. I knew Chile has a lot to offer to its visitors but wasn’t aware of the variety of things Santiago offers. The backdrop of the Andes is enchanting against those colourful rooftops, the wineries look divine and inviting. I can never afford to buy an apartment in that posh area but must confess that it looks super-beautiful.

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    • March 15, 2019 at 11:16 pm
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      The good thing about it all Meenakshi is that we don’t have to own real estate there in order to enjoy such a wonderful place. Just turn up as a visitor, stay for a while and enjoy! Thank you very much for reading and leaving your comment.

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  • March 8, 2019 at 8:27 am
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    I have not touched South America yet and plan to do so next year. One if the main reasons to visit this part of the world is due to the natural beauty it has in abundance and your post shows that clearly. Never thought that Santiago and the other cities are so well organised. For me being a sucker for beaches Vina Del Mar would be a sure visit. Overall so much to see and do. Thanks for sharing.

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    • March 15, 2019 at 11:11 pm
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      Thanks so much for reading and commenting Amar. I’m so happy you will be visiting South America next year and that this post gave you some idea of the beauty to be found and enjoyed there.

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  • March 7, 2019 at 10:50 pm
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    Santiago looks divinely beautiful, especially when you have the Andes are your backdrop! And you absolutely had me at wineries! The Maipo Valley region sounds delightful and I would love to do a tour of the Undurraga winery – the gardens look beautiful. Shame that the view wasn’t so clear when you went up Sky Coastenaro, but I could imagine that on a clear day it would look amazing from Sky Coastenaro.

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    • March 15, 2019 at 11:08 pm
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      Thanks so much Soraya. The Maipo Vally region was definitely worth exploring and I also loved the gorgeous gardens within the winery. In regards to the view from high up on the deck that day, there were also photos on display showing the sights on a clear day. We were unlucky with the weather that day but then again, you can’t expect everything to always be perfect. The main thing for us was we were lucky that the weather on the ground in each place we visited was really good. Thanks so much for reading and your comment.

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  • March 6, 2019 at 4:25 pm
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    Thanks for the informative post about these beautiful areas in Chile! I haven’t been to South America yet, but we hope to go soon. The view of the Andes Mountains from Valparaiso is stunning! I also love the colors in the city that you were able to capture in your photo. The wineries also sound lovely, and it sounds like the perfect trip all around.

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    • March 15, 2019 at 10:59 pm
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      It is true that there is really so much variety with regard to things to see and do there, so you are never stuck being bored or uninspired. Thank you for your lovely comment and I do hope you also visit and experience how beautiful this place is soon.

      Reply
  • March 6, 2019 at 8:22 am
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    Santiago, the name itself has a nice musical ring to it and its surroundings has so much to offer. Apartment living in Vina del Mar right on waterway and flower clock really piqued my interest. Nonetheless, mountains are my favorite. To watch them all day long while living in its foothills is lovely.

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    • March 15, 2019 at 10:55 pm
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      I would have to agree with you Stuti. This region is just blessed with so much natural beauty and the closer you get to the Andes, the fresher the air is and the views continue to get better and better. Thank you very much for reading and commenting.

      Reply
  • March 6, 2019 at 5:27 am
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    I love Santiago. I was there just last December. A great day trip is to head down to Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. Such colourful buildings. The only thing I havent done is visited a local winery.
    Thanks for sharing.

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    • March 15, 2019 at 10:53 pm
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      I’m so glad you spent some time there Jane and thank you for sharing that. I also love Valparaiso and Vina del Mar with such lovely character. The people are friendly and the surroundings so scenic.

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  • March 2, 2019 at 10:48 pm
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    Man…. I need to get out now. These places are beautiful!

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  • March 2, 2019 at 6:59 am
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    Wow this place looks beautiful. Where do you fly into to go there ?

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    • March 15, 2019 at 10:47 pm
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      Hi Jennifer. Santiago is one of the main cities in South America and the largest city in Chile. As such it has it’s own large international airport with direct flights into the US as well as a number of other South American countries. So you can reach Santiago pretty easily with lots of services there each day and you are then ready to explore and enjoy!

      Reply
  • March 2, 2019 at 2:22 am
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    This looks like it would be so very fun! This area is so very beautiful.

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  • March 1, 2019 at 9:21 pm
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    Wow,
    I never knew that so many places are around Santiago (Chile). Valparaiso looks on the pics a little bit like San Francisco! Sky Costanera looks like Salesforce Tower (The highest building in California). I’m planning to visit Chile in September. How many days would you recommend for first timers?

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    • March 15, 2019 at 10:38 pm
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      Thanks very much for reading and your comments Andrew. That’s a tough question you have asked because there is really so much you could do, but the answer all depends on a number of things. For example what interests do you have and what do you like to do? What are the things that you would like to see and do most in that region and what budget and/or time restrictions do you have etc, etc. I think it’s most important for you to have a clear understanding of these things if you are to get the best out of your trip. I hope it all goes well for you in September and I would be happy to provide more info on specific questions if you like.

      Reply
  • March 1, 2019 at 12:20 pm
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    Chile in general looks like so much fun Nicole. I dig it. Santiago feels like a blast too. Long on my travel list.

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  • March 1, 2019 at 9:14 am
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    Santiago was the first city in South America that I have ever visited. I was surprised on how European it looks like! Unfortunately I stayed only for a day but I would love to go back especially for Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. I love the ocean as well so I would be happy too to live in one of those cute colorful house and breathe the ocean breeze! Chile is a beautiful country that I want to explore more deeply so I’m definitely going back. I didn’t know the other places you mentioned besides Valparaiso and Vina del Mar so thank you for giving me ideas for my next trip to Santiago!

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    • March 15, 2019 at 10:30 pm
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      You’re very welcome Sara and thank you very much for sharing your experience and how you felt about Santiago. I’m so happy you are keen to return to have the opportunity to really check out the places I’ve mentioned here and more as well. I love the oceans and seas as well and I would have to agree with you that living on the coast there could be quite wonderful. Hope you get to go back soon.

      Reply
  • February 28, 2019 at 11:09 pm
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    We’ve only stopped in Santiago de Chile on our way to Patagonia. I didn’t realize how beautiful this area is, but I should have guessed it considering how gorgeous the rest of the country is. I’m glad to have discovered all these attractions. Next time we’ll go to South America I’ll make sure to spend at least a few days in Santiago.

    Reply
    • March 1, 2019 at 12:49 am
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      Well, of course, Patagonia is rightfully world-renowned for its natural beauty Anda and I’m sure you would have really loved your trip there. I’m so pleased you feel that the region surrounding Santiago would be worth a further visit and thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.

      Reply
  • February 28, 2019 at 8:03 pm
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    I mean I always knew Chile had lots to offer but Santiago looks delightful. The Andes mountains range looks heavenly. I loved Valparaiso. This came as a surprise. Those colorful houses have got my eye. Then there is so much to do, the countryside, the vineyard and more.

    Reply
    • March 1, 2019 at 12:45 am
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      As a tourist, there is certainly not a lack of beautiful things to see and do Manjulika. I hope this post may attract you to visit yourself one day. Thank you very much for reading and leaving such a lovely comment.

      Reply
  • February 28, 2019 at 2:34 pm
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    Chile is definitely on my bucket list and after reading your blog am totally convinced to go here ASAP. I really loved Valparaiso , I mean how cool does those colorful buildings look??

    Reply
    • March 1, 2019 at 12:43 am
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      I loved the colorful buildings as well Aareeba, not to mention the surrounding ocean and countryside. I imagine it would be such a lovely place to live with lovely sea breezes. Hope you enjoy your trip as much as I did.

      Reply
  • February 28, 2019 at 8:07 am
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    Chile has been on my bucket list for ages! I dream of going there and your list is making me even more excited to visit it one day soon. As beautiful a city as Santiago is, the surrounding nature makes it even better!

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    • March 1, 2019 at 12:40 am
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      I think you hit the nail right on the head with that statement Lyosha! Santiago is one of the most loveliest, cleanest, modern cities with all the amenities but the surrounding region is just gorgeous. Such a fabulous combination for anyone to enjoy. Thank you so much for your comment.

      Reply
  • February 27, 2019 at 1:54 pm
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    Santiago is truly a beautiful city and your photos are proof of that. I need to visit that region of the world.

    Reply
  • February 27, 2019 at 9:53 am
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    It’s nice when you go somewhere in the scenery is the best part of the vacation. I love to travel to beautiful places!

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  • February 27, 2019 at 12:39 am
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    These pictures are beautiful! And, after reading your post, it’s a shame I have never had Chile on my bucket list!

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  • February 26, 2019 at 11:25 pm
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    These pictures are also amazing! It’s crazy that mountains and Beach can exist so close to each other. So beautiful!

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    • March 1, 2019 at 12:28 am
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      Not too many places where you can swim in the ocean and then travel up to the snow in a mountain range like the Andes all in the same day but it sure is possible there Liz! Thanks for commenting.

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  • February 26, 2019 at 11:13 pm
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    It’s amazing that all this natural beauty surrounds a huge city. My husband really wants to go and it’s on his bucket list, maybe one day.

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    • March 1, 2019 at 12:25 am
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      It’s true that you certainly wouldn’t normally expect to find this all around a big city like Santiago Jenn, but there it is. Thank you so much for reading and your comment and I do hope you and your husband decide to visit one day.

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  • February 26, 2019 at 10:11 pm
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    I haven’t thought about Chile at all, till that huge mine tragedy happened! I was so heartened by how everyone came together to rescue those who were trapped. Ever since then, I’ve been wanting to visit Chile, but never figured out a concrete plan!
    San Chirstobal Hill and the wineries would top my list of to-do things.

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    • March 1, 2019 at 12:23 am
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      The mining tragedy certainly did show the united community spirit of the Chilean people Bhushavali. During my entire time in the country, I never met anyone that wasn’t so nice and welcoming. I do like the choices of your top to-do things and thank you for commenting.

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  • February 26, 2019 at 4:50 am
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    Wow, these are few really beautiful places that you have listed here. If I am ever heading to Santiago, I am surely going to visit a couple of places from your list. I liked Valparaiso most among others. It is a picturesque town where I would love to spend few days before moving ahead to the next.

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    • March 1, 2019 at 12:18 am
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      Valparaiso, as well as Vina del Mar, were both beautiful seaside locations Shreya which I am sure you would love. There are also many lovely inland towns as you head toward Santiago and the Andes, most of which are worthwhile stopping at and enjoying. Thank you for commenting.

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  • February 25, 2019 at 11:36 pm
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    Wow, these photos are gorgeous!!! I can’t wait to start traveling when my munchkins are a little older!

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    • March 1, 2019 at 12:15 am
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      Definitely travelling becomes easier once children have reached a certain age. Thanks so much for your comment about the photos Tiffani. I am not a professional photographer by any means but it is hard not to take a good photo there.

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  • February 25, 2019 at 5:30 pm
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    This is beautiful! I don’t get a chance to travel much at all but this is now on my bucket list!

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  • February 25, 2019 at 4:00 pm
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    Wow, this is really gorgeous! That restaurant you stopped at looks so beautiful!

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    • March 1, 2019 at 12:10 am
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      It really was Barbara although not exactly very convenient and close to the city – which in my opinion made it all the more special. Thanks so much for reading and for leaving your comment.

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  • February 25, 2019 at 1:17 pm
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    This is one our bucket list. Just amazing how many beautiful places surrounding this region. Love those colored houses and building. It’s always nice to explore places like this.

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  • February 24, 2019 at 9:46 pm
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    Chile is on my list of places to visit – so this list you whipped up will serve useful when I do plan a trip there. The view of the Andes from the Harbour just increased my urgency to make it there and see it for myself!

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    • March 1, 2019 at 12:06 am
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      Definitely seeing it in person is so much better than any photo can convey Adele. I couldn’t get over how beautiful Chile was, as well as how lovely the people were.

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  • February 24, 2019 at 10:06 am
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    Its so true, so much to discover if we don’t stick to the main routes!! Conversing with the locals is on my list too!

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    • March 1, 2019 at 12:03 am
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      I’m with you there Chichi! The path less travelled often produces a much more fulfilling experience in an area as beautiful as this. Speaking with the locals is key as they often are very proud of their region and want others to appreciate it as well.

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  • February 23, 2019 at 2:26 am
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    Wow I haven’t been there but it looks like you got to go to all of the beautiful places! I didn’t know Santiago had so much and I will definitely need to add this to my bucket list!

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    • March 1, 2019 at 12:00 am
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      Well, I’m sure I didn’t get to see all the beautiful places that exist there Hoang, but I definitely loved what I did manage to see and experience. It’s great to know you would love to visit also and I do hope that you do at some future time.

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  • February 23, 2019 at 1:13 am
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    I would love to see the Andes Mountains! I honestly never realized all of the things Santiago had to offer. This is definitely on my travel bucket list!

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    • February 28, 2019 at 11:58 pm
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      I loved visiting the Andes Mountains which of course are so well known to this region, Kristy. Like you, I also didn’t realise all the other beautiful sites around the area of Santiago and was so delighted to wander and explore. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the post and commented.

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  • February 22, 2019 at 7:28 pm
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    I haven’t been there but I must say that the entire place is awesome and lovely…

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  • February 22, 2019 at 6:39 pm
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    This is such a beautiful place. I would love to visit one day. Everything about it just sounds amazing!

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  • February 22, 2019 at 5:49 pm
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    In 2017, we spent over two weeks in Santiago, Valpo, and Easter Island. I loved the beautiful murals in Valpo and the drive down from Santiago. This post made me relive our trip!

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    • February 28, 2019 at 11:52 pm
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      That’s so lovely of you to say, Ketki. I loved each of those places as well as experiencing the journey between them. I am quite surprised I don’t hear more people talking about how beautiful Chile is although many people do visit each year.

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  • February 22, 2019 at 5:36 pm
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    I have ALWAYS wanted to visit Chile, I mean, since like, I was a little kid. I think actually this will be the first country I visit (other than Canada of course).

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  • February 22, 2019 at 5:07 pm
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    I would love to visit South America and see Chile. I’m sure there is so much to do there! It looks like you had a wonderful time. So much to see!

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    • February 28, 2019 at 11:46 pm
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      You bet Marysa! I think you would need to stay there a very long time to see all the beauty this region of Chile has to offer. Hope you will also be able to visit someday soon.

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  • February 22, 2019 at 12:00 pm
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    I loved the view of Valparaiso and like to see colorful cities like that. The isolated Easter island is a dream and hope I can teach there one day maybe. Chile is still on my bucket list, thanks for putting it a bit higher on the list.

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    • February 28, 2019 at 11:43 pm
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      You’re very welcome Anita and thank you for your comment. It would be great to have a stint based in either Santiago or Easter Island. I am grateful to have visited both and it’s great to hear that you are intending on getting there as well.

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  • February 22, 2019 at 10:18 am
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    Chile also houses some best wines (recently bought 3 bottles for my nightly sip) and every time I have them, I was thinking what would be like living next to a huge vineyard and winery. From your story, Santiago is such a gorgeous place and based on your photos I think I can stay in Santiago for a month! I admire how Valparaiso have their colored houses concept, looks like in a children’s book.

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    • February 28, 2019 at 11:40 pm
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      I agree that Chile definitely produces some beautiful wines of great quality Blair. A month staying in Santiago would certainly make for a great vacation and opportunity to visit the surrounding regions. Thanks very much for reading and commenting.

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  • February 22, 2019 at 2:00 am
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    Wow, I never realised the beauty of this region around Santiago. So many great attractions and activities to enjoy, making it a great place to have a vacation. This has convinced me to make Santiago part of my travel must-go list.

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