Under $100: Santiago de Chile

If you are looking to explore the South American country of Chile, no other city makes a better base camp than Santiago. It is the political and economic capital of Chile, centrally located in the country, nestled between mountains and the ocean. At the current rate, $100 gets you 62,560 Chilean Pesos. Here’s how to make a day of them.

Barrio Yungay © Jeremy Richards | Dreamstime

Bogota, São Paulo and Buenos Aires get a lot of love for their graffiti scene, but for serious street art fans in South America, Santiago’s artistic neighborhoods are must-see stops. Barrio Bellavista has a large bohemian and artistic community thanks to the Universidad San Sebastian and the University of Chile Law School. Turn on to any side road like the famous Dardignac to entire blocks devoted to artwork. Bellavista is also home to the Chilean National Zoo, accessed by funicular and offering spectacular views of the city from Cerro San Cristobal. Total cost of admission is $10.

Mercado Central, The Historic Santiago Fish Market © Jeremy Richards | Dreamstime

Barrio Lastarria is a more polished neighborhood with plenty of eateries to enjoy while admiring the graffiti. There are two fantastic markets to check out in the area, Mercado Central and La Vega. Mercado Central is famous as a chaotic seafood market, and has been featured on Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations. Lunch at Tio Willy’s or the famous Donde Augusto will run you around $15. Head to La Vega afterward for fresh-ground coffee from Brazil, Colombia and Costa Rica.

Congregacion Preciosa Sangre of Barrio Brasil © Jeremy Richards | Dreamstime

The most photogenic neighborhood will be Barrio Brasil. Before moving to Las Condes, Brasil was home to Santiago’s upper class, leaving behind plazas, palaces and a variety of architectural styles punctuated by large, vibrant works of graffiti. Street art is best enjoyed on your own, but for people not into the scene, there are providers like Urbn Stgo and Santiago Adventures which offer guided tours through the neighborhoods. If you’re looking to make a day trip to nearby Valparaiso, consider taking a tour through their vibrant graffiti scene with Valpo Street Art. Tours typically cost $20–30 per person, minimum of two people.

Yellow Staircase of Santa Lucia Park in Santiago, Chile © Jesse Kraft | Dreamstime

For dinner, head back to Barrio Lastarria and splurge a little extra cash to dine at the neighborhood’s namesake restaurant, Casa Lastarria. The place is on the pricey side, running around $25 for a meal that comes from a menu custom crafted each day. Afterward, relax on the grassy foothills of Cerro Santa Lucia and sip on a pisco sour.