Where to Find the Best Santiago Citywalk with Cherry Blossoms in Spring? 🍒

📍 **Two-day Tour Itinerary**
DAY 1: Savor a delicious lunch at the charming Italian restaurant, IL Pazzo → Ascend to the top of San Cristóbal Hill via a scenic cable car ride → Explore the vibrant Zoo → Indulge in authentic Japanese cuisine at Osaka
DAY 2: Start with a spicy and flavorful Sichuan meal at Shuxiang Hotel → Embark on a city walk through Plaza de Armas, visiting the Cathedral, National Museum, and Santa Lucia Castle → Discover the bustling local market → Conclude with a sumptuous king crab dinner at Aquí Está Coco

⛪️ **San Cristóbal Hill**
We opted for an exhilarating cable car ride up the hill and a nostalgic funicular descent. Begin your journey by taking a taxi to Oasis station, where you can board the cable car and ascend slowly, enjoying a breathtaking 360° panoramic view of the Andes and the city’s skyline.

At the summit, under the serene white statue of the Virgin Mary, the vista of Santiago feels like a warm embrace, reminiscent of home. The city is impressively modern, with excellent infrastructure, evoking the vibe of Shenzhen.

🚠 The aerial tramway experience is akin to the iconic Peak Tram in Hong Kong. After descending, the zoo is conveniently located right next to the station, and it’s free to enter!

The city walk kicks off in the afternoon of the second day. The three main attractions at Plaza de Armas are within walking distance of each other.
🔸 **Metropolitan Cathedral** – A stunning architectural marvel
🔸 **Museum of National History of Chile** (Free) – Dive into the rich history and culture
🔸 **Santa Lucia Castle** – A historic fortress with panoramic views

🛍️ **Visit the Local Market, Santiago Central Market**
Cherries and blueberries at incredibly low prices! 🍒
These fruits are unbelievably affordable, with cherries and blueberries costing just 1000 pesos per kilogram, approximately 7 yuan! The Grade 3J cherries are plump and juicy, making them a delightful treat. If I lived in Chile, I could easily make a meal out of these cherries 😥 Cherry season runs from November to February of the following year.

📌 **Safety Tips**
Be mindful of your belongings, as the city center can be quite crowded. It’s best to wear your backpack in front. (A companion’s backpack zipper was tampered with; I noticed someone suspiciously close, so I stayed alert, and when they made a move, I caught them, and they fled)

✨ “From the ethereal clouds of San Cristóbal Hill to the lively bustle of the market, Santiago soothes jet lag and fatigue with the refreshing Andean breeze and the sweetness of cherries. There’s no rat race here, only the laid-back charm of South Americans and the freedom of fruit-scented air.” ✨