When to Visit - Arts and Events

Chileans' cultural interests include the entire range of artistic expression, and Santiago houses the Palace of Fine Arts, the National Library, National Ballet, symphony orchestras and theatre companies. Folk music and dance are also extremely popular. Best known is the cueca, a spirited dance of conquest and submission. Rodeos with huasos, or cowboys, in colourful costumes are also very popular. Soccer is Chile's main sport, and thousands of Chileans watch professional teams in large stadiums in the country's principal cities.

Santiago Dining

Chilean cuisine is as varied as the country itself but with a predominance of red meat, fish and fruit. This particular penchant for variety, along with quantity, is summed up in Chile's famous dish, curanto, which is a stew combining fish, shellfish, chicken, pork, lamb, beef and potato. The wines in Chile are amongst the finest in South America or, for variety again, you could try the local pisco sour, which is a grape brandy served with lemon juice, egg white and powdered sugar.

Santiago Tipping Advice

You will need to tip 10% in Chilean restaurants, but just a few pesos in bars. Porters and bellboys expect no more than about CLP 50.00 per bag. Cloakroom attendants and cinema ushers are given around CLP 25.00. It is not usual to tip taxi drivers.