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Departing from the hotel at 10:00am, we drive to the downtown center and the iconic Plaza de Armas. Here, we 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, we 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 provide samples of some of Chile’s delicious native fruits for you to taste. We’ll stop at a small local restaurant to try one of Chile’s best homemade classics: porotos granados or cazuela, both warm and comforting soups.
Following our sampling, what better time to try one of Chile’s most typical drinks! We’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 white wine called pipeño.
We’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.
Next, we will drive uptown to Santiago’s commercial district for a sampling of Chile’s emerging gourmet industry in a premium gourmet store called Coquniaria, in the basement of the W Hotel. Here we’ll have a delicious tasting of Chilean gourmet products.
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. We will sample a delicious variety and enjoy a cup of coffee at the Emporio La Rosa café, near the verdant Plaza Peru in the upscale Las Condes neighborhood.
Meals Included: Tastings at local markets and shops
Important Note: The city markets tour is a great way to experience firsthand an important 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.
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