A Whirlwind Adventure: My Brief Yet Unforgettable Trip to Santiago, Chile

View of Santiago from the cable car at San Cristóbal Hill

In a bid to retain my Delta Airlines status for 2024, given the upcoming changes to their loyalty program, I embarked on an impromptu trip to Santiago, Chile. This journey was not just about maintaining airline status; it was a leap into a new adventure. I found a reasonably priced flight that fit perfectly into my schedule: leaving Salt Lake City on a Wednesday morning and returning by Friday afternoon. This arrangement was ideal as it meant minimal disruption for Erik, who could rely on daycare for our daughters during the day.

My preparations for the trip involved extensive online research. I delved into blogs and reviews to plan my itinerary in Santiago, focusing on sightseeing spots and restaurants. Despite coming across mixed reviews about safety and the advisability of traveling alone as a female, I decided to go ahead with my plans. I even ordered Chilean Pesos online, accepting the extra fees for the convenience.

Two days before departure, I reached out to My Chile Rides, a service I found in my quest for safe and reliable transport in Santiago. Gonzalo, the owner of the company, was busy on the morning of my arrival but offered to assist later. His initial advice to avoid the Santiago center alone spiked my anxiety. Yet, after more conversations, Gonzalo agreed to pick me up and chauffeur me around the city. This arrangement, unexpectedly, eased my nerves.

The night before my flight was a restless one, filled with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Despite my worries, I was determined to set a brave example for my daughters. After a quick workout and helping with breakfast, I was ready to leave. The emotional goodbye with Madi was challenging, her tears reflecting my own internal conflict.

Once aboard my flight to Atlanta, I began to feel a surge of excitement. I indulged in the in-flight breakfast, opting for quiche Lorraine accompanied by a fruit cup and a croissant. I also tried a strawberry guava hard seltzer, which, despite my love for both flavors, was a bit of a letdown. Nevertheless, it was a minor hiccup in an otherwise enjoyable flight.

During my layover in Atlanta, I took advantage of my Delta One ticket to access the Sky Club, a luxury I knew might soon be a rarity. The lounge was busy, but I managed to find a spot to enjoy some small sandwiches, cheese, and meat, along with mac and cheese and cornbread – the latter becoming the highlight of my snack. I paired this with a glass of cabernet sauvignon, savoring the quiet moment before boarding my flight to Bogotá.

The wait for the flight to Colombia was marked by frustrating delays and a lack of communication from the airline staff. Once on board, I settled into the comforts of Delta One, which included a plush comforter and pillow, a small amenity kit, and a seat with a built-in massager. For dinner, I chose BBQ Beef Short Ribs, which were served with a side salad, bread, salmon, and cheesecake for dessert. The meal, accompanied by a glass of red wine and warmed nuts, was delightful. The beef was tender and flavorful, perfectly complementing the mashed potatoes and vegetables. Attempting to rest, I only managed a brief nap due to a restless toddler nearby. As a parent of toddlers myself, I could empathize with the situation and it reminded me of my own experiences. This, however, gave me an unexpected opportunity to delve into some in-flight media, allowing me to enjoy a movie which made the flight more enjoyable and helped pass the time.

In Bogotá, with a couple of hours to spare before my final leg to Santiago, I seized the opportunity to FaceTime Erik and the girls and unwind in the Latam lounge. The lounge was a peaceful haven, offering a chance to relax and observe the hustle of the airport from above. After speaking with my family I relaxed with another glass of wine and some snacks before I boarded my flight to Santiago.

Despite my exhaustion, I stayed awake for the dinner service, choosing slow-cooked beef with a side of grilled shrimp, a side salad, bread, and cheesecake for dessert, all paired with a glass of Syrah. The meal was satisfying, particularly the shrimp and beef combination, but my fatigue meant I couldn’t finish it. Gratefully, I had the opportunity to take full advantage of the lay-flat seats. As the cabin lights dimmed, I reclined my seat, wrapped myself in the provided comforter, and managed to drift off into a few hours of much-needed sleep, rejuvenating myself for the adventures that awaited me in Santiago.

Arriving in Santiago early in the morning, I opted to wait for Gonzalo from My Chile Rides. To pass the time, I visited the fairly new Latam lounge, where I enjoyed a refreshing shower and a hearty breakfast of eggs, potatoes, pancakes, and yogurt, along with essential coffee. After feeling refreshed I breezed through customs in a surprisingly empty line, which took a mere ten minutes. Choosing to wait near the taxi stations inside the airport, I found myself engrossed in people-watching, observing the competitive hustle of taxi companies vying for passengers.

However, plans took a slight detour when I learned that my driver, Gonzalo, was delayed in Valparaiso due to road closures from the Pan American Games triathlon. With the original plan to meet at San Cristóbal Hill now in flux and time ticking away, I made the spontaneous decision to dive into the city on my own, catching a taxi to the renowned hill.

The taxi ride to San Cristóbal Hill was an experience in itself. I chose a driver in a black and yellow vest from a less aggressive booth, conscious of the risks of being a solo female traveler. The journey ended with a minor dispute over the fare, which I resolved firmly, and a slightly comical moment when the taxi door accidentally hit a stop sign.

San Cristóbal Hill greeted me with its grandeur. The view from the cable car and at the top was a stunning panorama of Santiago, framed by the mountains and the sprawling city. The weather, contrary to the rainy forecast, was pleasant, with only a brief sprinkle of rain.

The highlight at the top was the majestic statue of the Virgin Mary. I also took the funicular down the hill, immersing myself in the experience. Soon after, I received a message from Gonzalo, who was nearing, so I ascended the hill and took the cable car back to meet him.

Upon Gonzalo's arrival, I felt a wave of relief. His presence, both protective and friendly, transformed the rest of my day into a guided exploration. Our first stop was La Casa Vieja, a restaurant exuding authentic Chilean charm. The menu, entirely in Spanish, was navigated with Gonzalo's help. I chose Cazuela de vacuno, a hearty beef stew perfect for the chilly day, and savored a half bottle of Carmenere, a wine with a fascinating history linked to both Italy and Chile.

Our next destination was Mercado Central, bustling with the sale of meat and fish. Here, I found soft Alpaca souvenirs for my daughters. A short walk led us to La Piojera, where I tried the Terremoto, a sweet concoction of Pipeño wine, grenadine, and pineapple ice cream, while being serenaded by Chilean musicians.

Gonzalo then took me to Plaza de Armas, a compact yet vibrant square, where I marveled at the architecture of Iglesia de Santo Domingo and Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago de Chile. The plaza's bustling atmosphere underscored Gonzalo's earlier advice about the importance of cautious navigation.

Further exploration brought us to Los Dominicos, a hub of quaint shops, where I purchased a lapis lazuli condor, a symbol of Chile. Our final stop was at CH PE Libre Republica Independiente del Pisco. Here, I sampled various Pisco cocktails, each a sweet testament to the day's experiences, and engaged in enlightening conversations with an American couple.

The day concluded with a scenic drive back to the airport, passing by Palacio de La Moneda and through various neighborhoods, each offering a glimpse into Santiago's diverse architectural beauty.

This whirlwind day in Santiago, made memorable by Gonzalo's guidance, opened my eyes to the vastness and richness of South America. It ignited in me a deeper interest in Spanish and a yearning to explore more of Chile and its neighboring countries. The prospect of returning with my family, possibly to visit the wineries or the beach in Valparaiso, left me excited for future travels.

The transition back began smoothly at Santiago's airport, where I navigated through security without any hiccups. The long line moved surprisingly fast, allowing me to reach the Latam lounge in good time. There, I indulged in a smorgasbord of tasty snacks, including beef, salmon, cheeses, and mashed sweet potatoes, accompanied by a glass of red wine and water. This brief respite also gave me a precious moment to call my girls and let them know I wouldn't be able to speak with them before school due to my travel schedule.

At the gate, a small confusion arose with my seat assignment showing differently on my boarding pass and the Delta app, but the gate agent clarified it for me in my broken Spanish. Boarding the flight to Los Angeles, I was grateful to sink into the comfort of my seat, ready for the long haul ahead. The Top Business cabin on Latam airlines offered a luxurious experience with its 3-point seatbelt, cozy bedding, and an array of amenities, including a water bottle and a goodie bag filled with essentials like socks and slippers. Notably missing, however, was the massage feature of the previous flights, but the added space and large storage area more than made up for it.

As we took off, my exhaustion began to settle in. The in-flight dinner, served after midnight, started with mixed nuts, and I opted for the chef's choice – hake, a type of white fish, which was surprisingly good for an airplane meal. After eating what I could, I readied myself for some much-needed sleep, brushing my teeth and utilizing the earplugs and eye mask provided. The sleep was intermittent but refreshing, waking only for a brief restroom visit and later for the breakfast service. The frittata, yogurt parfait, orange juice, and coffee for breakfast were a delightful start to the day, reinforcing my satisfaction with choosing to fly Delta One/Top Business.

Landing in Los Angeles, I was uncertain about the time it would take to navigate through security and reach the domestic terminal. Fortunately, it was a swift 15-minute transition since I didn't have to worry about transferring my luggage. Once there, I decided to make use of the Delta Sky Club access my ticket provided. The club offered typical American breakfast options, which I enjoyed alongside a small plate of food and coffee. With time to spare, I visited the bar, indulging in a Bloody Mary, Mojito, and a Colorado Bulldog – a decision that left me slightly tipsy. On my way out, I couldn't resist a blueberry doughnut from a cart, a sweet end to my lounge experience.

The final leg of my journey was a sleepy affair. Despite starting a movie, I dozed off through most of it. Arriving in Salt Lake City a little after noon, the joy of seeing Erik and the anticipation of picking up my daughters from daycare filled me with warmth.

Reflecting on this whirlwind trip, I acknowledge its eccentricity and environmental impact. Traveling solo for just a day to another continent was a mix of thrilling and daunting experiences. However, the entire journey, from the luxurious flights and lounge experiences to the enriching day in Santiago, guided by the incredible Gonzalo, was nothing short of amazing. The most challenging part was facing the customs officers in Santiago and Los Angeles, who were quite inquisitive about my short trip. Despite the language barrier and their skepticism, everything eventually smoothed out, leaving me with invaluable memories and experiences.

This trip reinforced my belief in the power of embracing new cultures and adventures. For anyone considering such a journey, my advice is to go for it. While it's important to be cautious and well-prepared, the joy and excitement of discovering new places and cultures are incomparable. Connecting with locals like Gonzalo can immensely enrich your experience, offering safety and insider knowledge. Exploring the world, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone, is a rewarding adventure that I eagerly anticipate continuing in the future.