I got very nervous about a month ago and moved my flight to Santiago back a whole day. What if one of my many connecting flights was delayed and I missed my LATAM flight to Easter Island? The risk was too high so I moved it allowing for potential delays. That brings me to today and bumming around Santiago. I’ve been to Santiago a number of years ago, but I enjoyed myself today wandering about.
I booked the Holiday Inn at the airport for a couple nights and arrived around 1 AM after a +24 hour travelling period. I was exhausted and slept in this morning. I have to admit that I peeked at my work email and maybe answered 1 or 2. Oh the shame!
After my wandering around, my phone died and I couldn’t call an Uber to get back so I took a taxi. Blah, blah, blah, he tried to rip me off and boy did he make a mistake. An older gentleman who kept asking if I was putting on my credit card. I was going to, but didn’t with all he questions and had cash ready when we got back to the Holiday Inn/Airport. I gave him a 20,000, a 10,000 and a 5,000. First he gave me back the 20,000 and indicated a little tear and said credit card. Nope! I switched out the 20,000. Then he had the absolute nerve to show me a 2,000, the 10,000 and the 5,000. I opened the door, put one foot out, said No and pointed back to where the police were parked. Shall we get the police to come sort this out? Didn’t think so. Asshole. While writing this, I googled black and gold taxis in Santiago. Yes, they’re criminals, don’t use them. A new learning for me ~ don’t forget my phone charger!
Cerro Santa Lucía (Santa Lucía Hill)
Located in the middle of Santiago is an urban park. The hill has an altitude of 629 m and a height of 69 m over the surrounding area and is the remnant of a volcano. The park is 65,300 square metres with ornate facades, stairways and fountains. The top of the hill has a viewpoint. The name Cerro Santa Lucía comes from the day in which Pedro de Valdivia conquered the hill, on December 13, 1540. That day celebrates “Santa Lucía.”
There are parts of the hill that are made up of hexagon shaped rocks just like the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland.
San Cristóbal Hill
Another hill and this one I didn’t walk up! A funnicular brought me to the top and a cable car took me back down. On the summit there is a sanctuary dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, with a 22-metre statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, an amphitheater and a chapel.
One more flight to Easter Island ~ I’m so excited I can’t keep still!
Happy Travels!
Jackie is “Mom” to one amazing son, an IT professional and an obsessed traveller. She spends her time reading, golfing at Ladies League and implementing software projects. Jackie has travelled to 7 continents, 5 oceans and 105 countries and she is always planning the next destination and adventure!