Are you one of those people who loves connecting with the heart of the countries you visit? To help you become an honorary Chilean, here are 7 authentic experiences you must try if you travel to Chile.
From trying a “completo” in Santiago to facing the Patagonian wind in Punta Arenas, adding local traditions and activities to your itinerary is the key to experiencing the country like a Chilean.
The best experiences in Chile to feel like a local
1. Eating “completos” at Portal Fernández Concha in Santiago
It’s one of the most popular urban rituals in Santiago’s historic center. In the traditional Portal Fernández Concha, located in front of Plaza de Armas, you’ll find classic soda fountains where you can taste the iconic completo italiano.
This Chilean version of a hot dog is made with bread, sausage, avocado, tomato, and mayonnaise. It’s a quick and affordable option, perfect for lunch before you continue exploring the capital.
2. Going up and down the hills of Valparaíso
Exploring the hills of Valparaíso combines history, art, and stunning views. Taking the funicular up lets you appreciate its colorful hillsides, while walking down reveals murals, stairways, and alleys full of local life. It’s no wonder the city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Valparaíso is about 120 kilometers from Santiago, and you can easily get there by bus from the Alameda or Pajaritos terminals. Remember to wear comfortable shoes; the streets are steep and cobbled.
3. Eating “sopaipillas” when it rains in the south
In southern Chile, the rain is an invitation to stop and enjoy a traditional treat that everyone loves. Sopaipillas are fried dough made with pumpkin, which gives them their color and slightly sweet flavor.
They are eaten plain or with pebre, avocado, or in sweet versions with powdered sugar or soaked in chancaca, a syrup made from cane sugar, cinnamon, and orange peel. You can easily find them at local fairs and food stalls, especially on cold or rainy days.
4. Relaxing in the hot springs of Pucón
Surrounded by native forests and volcanoes, Pucón is Chile’s premier hot spring destination. From this magical city, you can visit various thermal baths on a wellness route that combines native forests with exquisite mineral waters of volcanic origin.
Just two hours from Pucón are the Termas Geométricas, which connect 17 pools of water reaching up to 45°C. The experience is memorable year-round, even in winter, surrounded by rain or snow. To get there, you’ll find both private transport and tours.
5. Saying hello to the sea lions in Valdivia
At the Valdivia Riverside Market, you’ll see its most famous residents: a large colony of sea lions, one of the most characteristic sights of southern Chile.
The market is buzzing with the sale of fresh seafood, while these animals approach the Calle-Calle riverfront, becoming part of the daily landscape. Greet them from a distance! It’s very important not to feed them or get too close to protect them and respect their space.
6. Battling the wind in Punta Arenas
The Patagonian wind is no myth. Walking through Punta Arenas lets you feel the power of Patagonia firsthand. Gusts can exceed 100 kilometers per hour, especially between October and March.
On some corners, you’ll find ropes to hold onto while crossing the street—known by locals simply as “pasamanos” (handrails)—allowing you to experience the local identity of the Magallanes Region. This is one of those Chilean experiences that connects you with the life and culture of the country’s far south.
To get there, you can take a flight of about 3 and a half hours from Santiago. Punta Arenas is the gateway to Chile’s southern region and offers access to memorable experiences: from exploring the landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park to sailing through the Strait of Magellan or embarking for Antarctica.
7. “Mote con huesillo” on San Cristóbal Hill
If there’s one thing that defines summer in the central zone, it’s mote con huesillo. It’s not just a drink; it’s a dessert served in a glass that requires technique. It’s made with dried peaches (huesillos) cooked in a cinnamon and chancaca syrup, served ice-cold over a bed of cooked wheat grains (mote).
To be an honorary Chilean, you must master the art of using the plastic spoon to rescue every last grain of mote and pierce the huesillo without splashing your clothes. That’s the real final exam!
- The classic spot: The top of San Cristóbal Hill (Parquemet). After a hike or a ride on the historic Funicular, there’s no more authentic reward than a giant mote while looking out over the city from above.
- How to get there: You can hike or bike up the trails if you’re looking for exercise, or take the Cable Car (from Pedro de Valdivia) or the Funicular (from the Bellavista neighborhood) for a more scenic and relaxed experience.
