The first stop on my South American adventure was the bustling capital, Santiago. I embarked on a city walk through the historic old town, which I found to be quite charming and picturesque. As a transit point, Santiago doesn’t require an extended stay, but it’s worth exploring for a day or two.
The old town, while beautiful, can be a bit chaotic and overwhelming. I chose to stay at a hotel near the airport, which turned out to be a wise decision. The hotel’s gates are all iron railings, and there’s a good reason for that. You need to be extremely cautious about potential theft and pickpocketing.
I was perhaps a bit too bold, wandering around the old town with my camera in hand, snapping photos of the vibrant stalls. As I was remarking to my companion about how the area felt increasingly oppressive and grimy, my phone was suddenly snatched away. Fortunately, I managed to catch up and retrieve it (I’ll share more about this incident in another post). It’s crucial to keep a close eye on your belongings at all times!
Overall, I would strongly advise against girls traveling alone in the old town. The main attractions and check-in spots are quite concentrated, making it easy to see everything in a short visit. However, I don’t think I’ll be returning anytime soon.
