Santiago is an energetic city full of character, and this full day tour will lead you through the heart of the city’s most important markets for a cultural and gastronomic experience you will not soon forget.
Santiago is an energetic city full of character, and this full day tour will lead you through the heart of the city’s most important markets for a cultural and gastronomic experience you will not soon forget.
Santiago’s Mercado Central is THE place to go for fresh seafood in the capital
Departing from the hotel at 10:00am, you drive to the downtown center and the iconic Plaza de Armas. Here, you will learn a bit of the history of the founding of the Republic of Chile as well as discuss how the Spanish colonial past continues to influence Chilean cuisine today.
Continuing through the Plaza, you will walk the short distance to La Vega Market, Santiago’s largest and most vibrant produce market. A combination of four markets, La Vega Central has been the largest market in the center of Santiago dating back over 200 years. Local families shop for their meals alongside buyers from Santiago’s top restaurants. Your guide will take you by a food cart for a simple but tasty sopaipilla and then on to an eatery that dishes out fresh home cooked meals daily for a sampling of different Chilean classics rarely found at brick and mortar restaurants.
Following your sampling, what better time to try one of Chile’s most typical drinks! You’ll taste a homemade “cola de mono” (monkey’s tail), a creamy drink usually served around the holidays, or a “terremoto” (earthquake), made with pineapple ice cream and an artisan white wine called pipeño.
You’ll head out of the market on foot and cross the Mapocho River to enter the Mercado Central, Santiago’s famous seafood market, where you will witness the bounty of the Chilean seas. Of course, the experience will not be complete until you sample a fresh seafood empanada (alternatives available upon request) paired with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc from Chile’s San Antonio Valley.
And let’s not forget the most important course in the Chilean meal, “el postre.” Chileans are experts when it comes to dessert, and the sheer quantity of diverse cakes and tarts makes it impossible to try them all. You will sample either some artisan ice cream or another dessert spread accompanied by coffee, tea, or herbal water.
Recommended trip combinations:
The Mercado Central is a popular lunch spot for families on weekends
This tour is available every day, all year round.
This tour includes a mix of walking and driving. Please be sure to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk the equivalent of walk 8-9 city blocks. Please notify us in advance of any dietary restrictions or preferences.
Price per person (US): $231.00
*based on a minimum of 2 travelers
*Prices valid through August 31st, 2015.
Important Note: The city markets tour is a great way to experience firsthand an interesting part of Chilean culture. However, please keep in mind that the markets are quite crowded and, at times, hectic with lots of activity happening simultaneously. For this reason, it is very important that you remain vigilant and avoid bringing items of value (expensive cameras, watches, jewelry, etc.) which could make you a target for petty theft.
Chirimoya is a sweet fruit native to Chile — be sure to try it in juice or ice cream form while you are here
Price Includes: