Travel Day - Arriving in Santiago
Today was a travel day to Santiago. Although we arrived shortly after 2:00 p.m., long lines at immigration delayed us, and we did not reach the hotel until 5:00.
At immigration, I received a tourist document that needed to be presented when leaving Chile—definitely not something to lose. Trained dogs were sniffing luggage for prohibited agricultural products, and officers were opening selected bags for inspection. Chile takes the protection of its agriculture very seriously, so entering the country is not necessarily a breeze.
Afterward, I remembered that I had some nuts left in my bag from the flight from New York. Products of plant or animal origin must be declared upon arrival, so this was a good reminder to check every corner of my carry-on before going through customs. Fortunately, the dog did not take an interest in me.
Santiago, the capital and largest city of Chile, sits in a valley surrounded by the Andes Mountains. The city has a growing culinary scene, which we were happy to begin sampling on our first night. Santiago is also the gateway to the Maipo Valley, one of Chile’s most famous wine regions and particularly well known for its Cabernet Sauvignon.
Once we had settled into the hotel, Veni took us to one of his favorite restaurants, Pinpilinpausha. We celebrated our arrival with ceviche, pisco sours, and a delicious fish soup—a very satisfying introduction to Santiago.
. 
. 
. 
San Cristobal Hill
The following day, we rode the funicular to the top of San Cristóbal Hill, one of Santiago’s highest and most popular attractions. At the summit is the Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception, which includes a chapel, an amphitheater, and a large statue of the Virgin Mary.
The summit provides expansive views across Santiago and toward the Andes Mountains. Earlier in the day, the skyline was relatively clear, but by late morning, the familiar layer of smog had begun to settle over the city. The view was still impressive, although it also revealed one of the environmental challenges created by Santiago’s location in a valley.
. 
Afterwards, we got a quick tour of downtown where a government worker protest was going on in the distance. The tour company steers clear of any potential trouble so we didn't stay there very long.
. 
Undurraga Winery
In the afternoon, we went to the Undurraga Winery, a historic Chilean vineyard established in 1885. Located in the Maipo Valley, it is approximately an hour’s drive from Santiago.
Chile’s geography and dry climate provide excellent conditions for producing a wide variety of wines. The Andes Mountains, Pacific Ocean, and long north-to-south landscape create numerous growing regions and microclimates.
Many Chilean winemakers have embraced sustainable viticulture, organic farming methods, and environmentally responsible wine tourism.
The vineyard and its gardens were gorgeous, making the visit enjoyable even before the tasting began. We learned about the winemaking process, toured the property, and sampled several Chilean wines.
. 
. 
. 
My First Full Day in Santiago
My first full day in Santiago offered a wonderful combination of city views, history, and Chilean wine. Riding the funicular to the top of San Cristóbal Hill gave us a panoramic look at the capital and the Andes, while our afternoon visit to Undurraga Winery introduced us to the beauty and flavors of the Maipo Valley. It was an excellent beginning to our time in Chile.
Continue reading about the rest of my South America adventure:
Flying from New York to Brazil: What to Expect
Made It to Rio de Janeiro—Despite the Travel Hurdles
Rio De Janeiro Must-See Sights: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain and More
Iguazu Falls: Experiencing The Power of Nature in Brazil and Argentina