Since X and I were headed to the end of the world, AKA Punta Arenas, for the Christmas holiday, we had to fly into Santiago, Chile’s capital and largest city. After 10.5 hours on a plane (Side note: Flying non-stop with LATAM was easy breezy), we landed at about 8am to sunshine and 80 degree weather. It’s the middle of the winter in NYC and Detroit, so we were both super happy to shed some layers.

We were flying out again the next morning at 6am, so we only really had less than 24 hours in Santiago. X’s step-dad has a house in Lampa, so we made a quick stop there first for a shower and a nap. It was wonderful lying in a hammock outside of the house just enjoying the summer breeze.

Refreshed, we headed over to Mercado Central de Santiago, the central market of Santiago. The market is actually a fish market that is known for seafood lunches. Apparently, coming here for lunch is a “must” for all visitors to Santiago!

We had lunch at Donde Augusto. While we all ordered our own dishes, appetizers were ordered for the table. Words cannot describe how delicious it was. Behold – pink mussels baked with parmesan cheese!

I, of course, had to go with the Chilean Sea Bass – when in Chile! It was stuffed with king crab meat, which is more abundant down below than it is here in NYC. Delish!

After lunch, we drove over to Teleferico Santiago, a newly reopened cable car system that brings you up to the San Cristobal Hill (Cerro San Cristóbal).

The cable cars stop at three stations: Oasis, Tupahue, and Cumbre. The last station connects with the summit of the Hill, where there is a sanctuary that is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception with a 22-meter statue of the Virgin Mary. Within the pedestal of the statue is a small chapel.

The view at the top is truly breathtaking and you can just see how big the city of Santiago is!

I’d love to come back to Santiago another time to really get to explore what the city has to offer. But for now, onwards to the end of the world!