From visiting the Atacama Desert and exploring El Valle De La Luna, to the cosmopolitan city of Santiago, the incredible vineyards of the Colchagua Valley and the vibrant colours of Valparaiso, find out the best places to travel to in my Chile travel blogs.
Covered in street art, this is without doubt one of the most colourful cities in the world. Ready? It’s time to find out the best things to do in Valparaiso, Chile.
Valpo to its locals, Valparaiso to the masses. and a mouthful for tourists to pronounce (here goes nothing “Valpar-aa-eeee-so”)… Whatever you choose to call it, you’re guaranteed to come away agreeing Valpariso is a beautiful, vibrant mess.
As I clambered up a set of colourful mosaic steps, past an ancient red and yellow funicular, along a street with giant murals and houses painted pastel shades, I felt like I’d FINALLY arrived in Chile. After a moderately underwhelming start to my trip in the capital Santiago, this was the burst of energy I’d been waiting for! Unlike anywhere I’d been before, I could feel its South American feistiness seeping into my soul.
It’s time to take a food tour and cooking class in Santiago, Chile with Uncorked Chile!
Crates of fresh strawberries, seven varieties of perfectly ripe avocados, and enormous sea creatures with tentacles reaching out towards me. Welcome to my first day in Santiago, Chile!
Fresh Strawberries in La Vega Market, Santiago
I’m a strong believer that the best way to get to know a new place is to get stuck into the cuisine. I’ve said this several times now. My love of food (and in particular food tours) has taken me from hidden tapas bars in Barcelona, to street vendors in Istanbul and pasta makers in Milan.
From the incredible rooftop pool, to chic rooms and top restaurants, it’s time for my review of the W Hotel Santiago!
Santiago is a city packed full of hotels perfect for the most extravagant of breaks. After an enjoyable stay at the 5-star Noi in the Vitacura neighbourhood, I popped over to the W Santiago to experience a different style of luxury.
I’ll admit I’ve been longing to stay at a W hotel for a while. I’ve lusted after their hotels ever since I spent hours sipping on beautifully made cocktails in their Central London hotel, and enjoying the best view in Barcelona in their epic Dubai style skybar. With over 40 hotels in 20+ countries, I was excited to receive an invite to stay overnight in Santiago.
W do luxury differently. They’re not old-fashioned, they’re cool. They’re not stuffy, they’re playful. They rewrite the rulebook on 5-star, with their tongue in cheek signage and über fashionable décor. The W? Oh, it stands for whatever.
W Hotel Santiago
With 196 rooms, the W Santiago’s tower sits in El Golf, a region of Las Condes. It’s a desirable neighbourhood quite different from Vitacura, but still home to plenty of Santiago’s mid-to-upper class residents. Within walking distance of South America’s largest shopping mall, the Costanera Center, it’s the ideal location for those looking for a stylish break, close to the action, with great dining options. With hotel amenities including a top gourmet restaurant (Osaka) and one of the city’s best rooftop pools, if you have the budget, this is a hotel you won’t want to miss.
W Hotel Santiago
W Hotel Santiago
After navigating our way through a lift from the carpark, we made it to reception where a helpful member of staff took control of the check in. It was still early, but our room was ready so we opted to head straight up to the seventh floor. Unlike many 5-star hotels, we were not accompanied by a member of staff, and we took care of our own luggage. Service felt pretty relaxed.
As I entered the room, I was struck by two things. Firstly what a huge room it was – the king size bed looked small with so much space around it! Secondly – the incredible floor to ceiling windows looking out over Santiago. One of those moments that makes you go ‘wow’!
Looking for a luxury hotel in Santiago? My review of 5* Noi Hotel will have you even more excited for your trip!
In the upmarket Vitacura neighbourhood, the five-star Noi Hotel is attracting a stylish clientele in search of a luxurious base in Santiago. Enticing them – contemporary décor, a plush spa and an incredible rooftop pool and bar with panoramic views of the city. After 23 hours of travelling, I couldn’t wait to check in.
The Noi group is proud to own luxury boutique hotels in several areas of outstanding natural beauty across Chile, including San Pedro de Atacama, Patagonia and the Andes Mountains. They aim to deliver a unique experience via their locations and facilities – something that the Noi Vitacura certainly achieved. Close to Alonso de Córdova Street (filled with exclusive boutiques, restaurants and art galleries) and near to Bicentennial Park, Vitacura is one of the most desirable parts of the city.
From the contemporary wood-clad exterior, to the polished floors and grand lobby area with its criss-cross view of overhead walkways, arriving at the Noi was a sophisticated experience.
