No Jacket Required

No pants either....

03.03.2024 - 03.03.2024 31 °C

Oh warm weather, how I have missed you!

I have arrived to Santiago and after collecting my luggage, I met my private driver in the arrivals hall to take me to my hotel - Hotel Cumbres Lastarria. He had messaged me on Whatsapp to tell me he knew I had landed and told me where to meet him. This was a great service ($40) and after a long day of travelling, I did not have to think about anything. The company I used was called Welcome Pick ups. I have used them before.

I arrived at the hotel by 8:30 a.m. and knew my room would not be ready, but I was able to store my luggage and head out on foot to explore the neighbourhood, after changing into cooler clothes. Timing was perfect because I knew there would be a Free Walking Tour at 10 a.m. I like doing these tours when I arrive in a new city to help get acquainted with the surrounding areas and some of the popular tourist sights. The company I used was Guru Walking Tours. The meeting spot was a 10 minute walk and the tour lasted just over 2 hours. You tip at the end of the tour at your discretion. With today being Sunday, there were many shops and stores closed today. As the day went on, there were more things open. I am sure tomorrow will have a different vibe around the city.

After the tour, I was able to get a new SIM card for my phone. I was able to get one using the provider, Movistar. The plan is 70GB of data with 1000 minutes used in Chile. You would not even believe the price. Any guesses? Wait for it... it only cost 8 bucks! That was a fantastic deal.

I chilled by the pool later in the afternoon and met some fellow Canadians that were just finishing up a motorcycle tour trip. It sounded amazing...except for one of their buddies that fell and broke seven ribs, punctured a lung and broke his shoulder. Later on I toured the nearby park called Cerro Santa Lucia. It was totally free and offered some great panoramic views of Santiago and the surrounding mountains.