If You Only Have Three Days in Santiago

“Chile has nearly 4,000 miles of coast, one of the most arid deserts on earth, and mountains that climb to 22,000 feet. Imagine the diversity,” marvels Rodolfo Guzmán. The chef behind Santiago’s restaurant Boragó is on a mission to promote his country’s over-looked ingredients, such as the superacidic copao fruit, which grows in the Atacama desert. “We want to show diners something that is only found here.” Many chefs source locally but then use European techniques in the kitchen. Guzmán, however, bakes his grouper and basil chlorophyll in a mud oven—a technique the indigenous Mapuche people have used for centuries. Avda. Nueva Costanera 3467, 56/(0) 2-953-8893. This appeared in the October 2012 issue.

The privately owned “Fashion Museum” is one of those quirky places in Santiago that is fun--especially if you have a love for fashion. Founded by the Yarur Bascuñán family, one of the textile moguls in Chile in the early 20th century, the museum’s permanent collection spans several centuries. Attractions include John Lennon’s jacket and Madonna’s conical bra (designed by John Paul Gaultier) alongside dresses from Lady Di. Temporary exhibits have ranged from World War II uniforms to “Back to the Future” theme and currently Brazilian soccer. There’s a café to linger on afterwards with an espresso.

Parque Forestal is Santiago’s lung and central park. Created for the first centennial celebration in 1910, the park has become an iconic area of the city with elegant residential apartment buildings along the perimeter. One of the most enjoyable ways to spend an afternoon is walking under the century-old trees and then strolling the cobblestoned streets of the adjoining Lastarria area. Parisian-style facades, cafés full of intellectual life, boutiques, museums like Bellas Artes (a copy of the Petit Palais in Paris), restaurants, and bars all bring this neighborhood to life.

Santiago’s municipal theater and opera house is the most prestigious venue for stage performing arts in the city. Home to the Santiago Philharmonic and Santiago Ballet, the theater hosts many concerts, operas, and ballets throughout the year in its exquisite neoclassical structure inaugurated in 1857. Located in the downtown between Santa Lucía Hill and the main square, a night out on the town to see a performance and then have post dinner at restaurant Opera is divine. For major functions, purchase tickets in advance or online.

Want to try hearty, rustic specialties that are considered true Chilean cooking? Look no further. This sprawling place on the outskirts of the city, in the foothills of the Andes, is a winner. Agustina Gómez de Olivares (aka Doña Tina), now 72, started decades ago selling “pan amasado,” homemade dimpled bread along the road. Years later, the whole family is involved. She’s stickler for seasonality so visit her during the summer months when corn is in season to try the heavenly national dish “pastel de choclo” or “humitas,” fresh corn tamales with basil. However, faithful capitalinos make the schlep east for her baked beef empanadas with juicy stuffing. Camino Los Refugios del Arrayán 15125, Lo Barenechea Phone: 56 (2) 2321 6546