Chile, The Ultimate Adventure
by: Jon Steele
I’ve written a great deal on Chile but I’ve for the most part concentrated
on Santiago and the major outlying areas. In this article I’ll concentrate
more on the beach and coastal areas.
I frequent these areas just about every single weekend and had, for a
time, planned on building my cottage near the coastal areas. I can say
there’s still a great deal of readily available land for purchase in the
coastal areas also.
Prices for a lot range about $3500 to $7500, depending on the size and
locations desired. In my ebook on Chile, I have specified some
websites you can go to look at that have photos of available land lots
and surrounding areas. These areas are very attractive and rustic. The
kind of places, where a small cabin would make one feel so cozy and at
home in the environment.
CHILE COASTAL REGIONS-VINA DEL MAR
The coastal areas of Chile have a lot to offer anyone who is thinking of
living there. The most popular area or city is Viña Del Mar. It’s the most
popular beach or coastal town due to the fact that, it has a casino, which
makes it the central focal point. People travel for miles around to go to
the casino and this is where the Chilean elite and well to do play. It’s
very common to run into local tv personalities at the casino and Saturday’
s are the best for casino action. The casino hotel itself almost rivals the
MGM in Las Vegas, in terms of luxury.
If you’re not a gambler that’s ok also, because Viña Del Mar has a
wealth of shops, restaurants and waterfront activity for any and all to
enjoy. Right next door to the casino is a large city park where you can
rent scooters, bicycles and more for the kids, if you’re looking for a bit of
romance, then try a “Victoria”, which is a horse drawn carriage ride
around the city center.
Right behind the casino is the carriage stand, where you and your loved
one can take a slow ride down one of the side streets that is parallel
with the ocean. You can ride and see the waves and the sunset.
Going into the main part of downtown Viña, you will find tons of street
vendors selling anything from oil on canvas paintings of seascapes, to
handcrafted leather items and more. There’s much to see and do and
there are more small curio shops then I’ve ever seen in my life in Viña. If
you’re looking to collect unique and rare items, this would be the place
to start.
VINA DEL MAR ACCOMMODATIONS
Now as far as accommodations, the cheapest places are called
'residenciales'. These are old family houses where you can rent a room
for a very low price, you won't find luxury but it’s cheap and clean. One of
the best places can be found at:
Residencial Blanchait
Avenida Valparaiso 82-A
Viña Del Mar
Singles USD 20.00 - 25.00
VINA DEL MAR RESTAURANTS
There’s fine dining in Viña but if you want something fast and simple
there are tons of cafes and fast food type of restaurants. Fine dining is
great but this city is one with people on the move who don’t always want
to take the time to enjoy a fine cuisine. Everybody’s coming and going at
all times of day and night. The city is not as lit up as Las Vegas but
believe me when I say it has the same feel, the same energy and the
same excitement.
During the month of February, the Viña Del Mar International Song
Festival has been held each year since 1970, lasting all of six days. The
venue for this major event is the Quinta Vergara amphitheatre, and it’s
organized in three parts: the first is the international competition, which
traditionally has around ten countries taking part; then there is the folk
section, with performers coming from all over Chile; and finally the
international show, sprinkled with international stars, and the ever-
hopefuls who wish to win over the demanding audience, and let me tell
you, Chilean crowds are very tough to please when it comes to
entertainment.
VINA DEL MAR CRUISE EXCURSIONS
Many american cruise ships are starting to make regular stops now in
Viña Del Mar which is quickly making it a very international city. One of
my other favorite cities is Valparaiso. Valparaiso is only ten minutes by
car from Viña Del Mar and it’s considered a historic city. This city has the
same protection as that of Prague; nothing in this town can be changed.
It all must be preserved exactly as is.
VALPARAISO
Valparaiso is more or less a historical monument, the whole city! It’s
very old but this is its charm and character. A real treat in Valparaiso, is
a ride on an ascensore. The city of Valparaiso has been called “The
Vertical City” because it was built on large hills, and so the city is truly
divided. The shops and stores are in the lower part of the city but the
residential living is in the hilltop areas, and to get from the hills to the
lower part of the city you can take an ascensore.
That is, basically a large elevator car that takes you from the upper to the
lower part of the city and vice versa. It’s only a couple hundred pesos for
the ride but it’s a thrill you’ll always remember and cherish. The
ascensores where first built and put into use sometime in 1883 and
then there were over 83 working units throughout the city giving the
townspeople access to the lower parts of the city.
Now there are only 15 working units left. It’s amazing to see these little
boxes going up and down tracks built into the sides of hills. They work
just like old time elevators in that they use a counterweight system to
provide the lift. It’s highly suggested if you plan on coming to Chile you
make this one of the things you want to experience.
If you want more info on them you may want to get your hands on my
eMag, that’s free at my website. Valparaiso has always reminded me of
a European city, due to its architecture and styling. Narrow, cramped
cobble stoned streets, give a definite air of old world European charm.
It has always reminded me of Paris, and once you’ve walked down the
streets you’ll feel the European influence too, even some of the street
names are French. There are several good cafes that are French in
name also. One place I can recommend for cozy eating with Euro flair is
the Le Filou De Montpellier Café. Stop by and get a sandwich and a cup
of tea, you’ll be glad you did.
There’s also Casa Museo, the museum for Pablo Neruda, a great
Chilean writer. This is definitely a cultural event and worth seeing. The
Brighton Hotel is a great place to stay that also has a lounge with lots of
excitement! There are all types of places to find action in Valparaiso.
Just try to get here before June which is the rainiest month for this area,
and when it rains it truly pours!
LIVING IN CHILE
So now comes the big question; is this a good place to potentially live
in? The answer is yes it is. Rents are cheap here and that‘s because
there are no modern buildings here, remember Valparaiso is a
historical city, so there’s no new building going on.
Do keep in mind though; it’s a bohemian lifestyle here in the real sense
of the word. The apartment buildings are old and Chile is a country that
is only interested in what’s new and seemingly modern. Most do not
wish to live in an older building, as I’ve said in my previous writings.
Landlords find it difficult to rent older buildings out. This is why rents are
so low here but this is not the case in all places. No, in some parts of
the city the rent is high, because you’re living near the ocean. Overall, for
the right person, this can be an ideal situation though.
There’s very little work in Valparaiso. Most work in Santiago and
commute everyday. It’s just a little over an hour from Santiago to
Valparaiso and Viña Del Mar and for many this is the only way to make
a living. But due to the fact that cruise ships are making regular stops
here and the casino is the big draw, I suspect a persona can make a
great living teaching casino personnel English.
There are also smaller areas that are all along the coast, that make
great hideaways, and places to live. If you have a car, I’d say take a drive
down the coastal highway to Con Con (pronounced, Cone Cone). This
is a great coastal town. Sleepy, rustic but with real spirit, several
hundred apartment complexes line the ocean with the only thing
separating them from the sand is the two lane highway.
Don’t be alarmed if you happen to see so many Greek styled
apartments in this area. That’s normal.
Remember what I said about Santiago being an eclectic and diverse
city? The same is true for the coastal areas also. You’ll swear that you’
re taking a drive in Greece when you see the stylings and the color
schemes of the apartments and that’s one of the things that make Con
Con so interesting. It almost seems to be a misplaced city.
Whether you’re going to this area or coming back from it you will pass
Edelweiss. It’s a Swiss restaurant that has a breathtaking view of the
ocean and nearby cliffs. Stop and soak up more Euro styled culture at
this great restaurant and have a piece of cake and coffee. Check out the
menu for other traditional Swiss and German dishes. The best time to
go is around 4pm, any later than that and you risk running into the early
evening crowd. Just look for the large Swiss flag and you’ll know you’re
there.
Ah yes, you’re wondering now, what’s the average rent for a place in
Con Con right? Well it averages around $375 give or take, depending
again on how new or old the building is. Always expect to pay more if the
building is newer and as I have said in my past writings, you don’t want
a newer building.
Here in Chile, the newer apartment buildings do look all modern and
such but they are oh so small space-wise. The older buildings have way
more character and are alot more spacious in size. Again, go to my
website and download a free copy of Global Living and check out the
pictorial on Valparaiso and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
My only complaint, and the reason why in the end I chose to start
building my cabin elsewhere, is that the airport is very far from the
Valparaiso-Viña Del Mar area. From the airport, these areas are almost
two hours away. So I thought to myself, if I arrive from traveling and have
been on a plane for ten hours, I don’t want to spend an additional two
hours in a car just to get home.
So I ruled out building near the beach and coastal areas but I love them
so much that I spend just about every weekend in these areas. My
friends like to go to gamble at the casino (they’re gambling addicts, but
that’s another story in itself) but I like to explore and look around or find a
good place to eat.
PHOTOGRAPY IN CHILE
If you love photography, then these areas are a photographers dream!
Even if you’re not a great photographer, take lots of pictures anyway! You’
ll be glad later you did. There’s no way you can come to any of these
towns and not leave with a good feeling. I personally, doubt one can
come here and not entertain the idea of moving and living there.
Don’t think for a moment you can’t live and make it in any one of these
cities or places, because chances are with a bit of resourcefulness you
can. There’s nothing like staring out over the cities from a hilltop and
enjoying the lights and the sound of the waves hitting the shores.
It’s then that you’ll realize, just as I did, there’s so much the world has to
offer, and that there’s a place for everyone. You just have to find your
place and make it your home. Who knows, maybe the beach areas of
Chile will one day become your new home.
About The Author
Jon Steele has been splitting his time living in Chile, Europe and the US
for the last 3 years. He has several ebooks on living the 'Global Lifestyle'
and how to make and generate an income while living abroad. He can
be contacted at steel-industries@email.com or drop by his website at
http://www.travelogue.uk.tt
by: Jon Steele
I’ve written a great deal on Chile but I’ve for the most part concentrated
on Santiago and the major outlying areas. In this article I’ll concentrate
more on the beach and coastal areas.
I frequent these areas just about every single weekend and had, for a
time, planned on building my cottage near the coastal areas. I can say
there’s still a great deal of readily available land for purchase in the
coastal areas also.
Prices for a lot range about $3500 to $7500, depending on the size and
locations desired. In my ebook on Chile, I have specified some
websites you can go to look at that have photos of available land lots
and surrounding areas. These areas are very attractive and rustic. The
kind of places, where a small cabin would make one feel so cozy and at
home in the environment.
CHILE COASTAL REGIONS-VINA DEL MAR
The coastal areas of Chile have a lot to offer anyone who is thinking of
living there. The most popular area or city is Viña Del Mar. It’s the most
popular beach or coastal town due to the fact that, it has a casino, which
makes it the central focal point. People travel for miles around to go to
the casino and this is where the Chilean elite and well to do play. It’s
very common to run into local tv personalities at the casino and Saturday’
s are the best for casino action. The casino hotel itself almost rivals the
MGM in Las Vegas, in terms of luxury.
If you’re not a gambler that’s ok also, because Viña Del Mar has a
wealth of shops, restaurants and waterfront activity for any and all to
enjoy. Right next door to the casino is a large city park where you can
rent scooters, bicycles and more for the kids, if you’re looking for a bit of
romance, then try a “Victoria”, which is a horse drawn carriage ride
around the city center.
Right behind the casino is the carriage stand, where you and your loved
one can take a slow ride down one of the side streets that is parallel
with the ocean. You can ride and see the waves and the sunset.
Going into the main part of downtown Viña, you will find tons of street
vendors selling anything from oil on canvas paintings of seascapes, to
handcrafted leather items and more. There’s much to see and do and
there are more small curio shops then I’ve ever seen in my life in Viña. If
you’re looking to collect unique and rare items, this would be the place
to start.
VINA DEL MAR ACCOMMODATIONS
Now as far as accommodations, the cheapest places are called
'residenciales'. These are old family houses where you can rent a room
for a very low price, you won't find luxury but it’s cheap and clean. One of
the best places can be found at:
Residencial Blanchait
Avenida Valparaiso 82-A
Viña Del Mar
Singles USD 20.00 - 25.00
VINA DEL MAR RESTAURANTS
There’s fine dining in Viña but if you want something fast and simple
there are tons of cafes and fast food type of restaurants. Fine dining is
great but this city is one with people on the move who don’t always want
to take the time to enjoy a fine cuisine. Everybody’s coming and going at
all times of day and night. The city is not as lit up as Las Vegas but
believe me when I say it has the same feel, the same energy and the
same excitement.
During the month of February, the Viña Del Mar International Song
Festival has been held each year since 1970, lasting all of six days. The
venue for this major event is the Quinta Vergara amphitheatre, and it’s
organized in three parts: the first is the international competition, which
traditionally has around ten countries taking part; then there is the folk
section, with performers coming from all over Chile; and finally the
international show, sprinkled with international stars, and the ever-
hopefuls who wish to win over the demanding audience, and let me tell
you, Chilean crowds are very tough to please when it comes to
entertainment.
VINA DEL MAR CRUISE EXCURSIONS
Many american cruise ships are starting to make regular stops now in
Viña Del Mar which is quickly making it a very international city. One of
my other favorite cities is Valparaiso. Valparaiso is only ten minutes by
car from Viña Del Mar and it’s considered a historic city. This city has the
same protection as that of Prague; nothing in this town can be changed.
It all must be preserved exactly as is.
VALPARAISO
Valparaiso is more or less a historical monument, the whole city! It’s
very old but this is its charm and character. A real treat in Valparaiso, is
a ride on an ascensore. The city of Valparaiso has been called “The
Vertical City” because it was built on large hills, and so the city is truly
divided. The shops and stores are in the lower part of the city but the
residential living is in the hilltop areas, and to get from the hills to the
lower part of the city you can take an ascensore.
That is, basically a large elevator car that takes you from the upper to the
lower part of the city and vice versa. It’s only a couple hundred pesos for
the ride but it’s a thrill you’ll always remember and cherish. The
ascensores where first built and put into use sometime in 1883 and
then there were over 83 working units throughout the city giving the
townspeople access to the lower parts of the city.
Now there are only 15 working units left. It’s amazing to see these little
boxes going up and down tracks built into the sides of hills. They work
just like old time elevators in that they use a counterweight system to
provide the lift. It’s highly suggested if you plan on coming to Chile you
make this one of the things you want to experience.
If you want more info on them you may want to get your hands on my
eMag, that’s free at my website. Valparaiso has always reminded me of
a European city, due to its architecture and styling. Narrow, cramped
cobble stoned streets, give a definite air of old world European charm.
It has always reminded me of Paris, and once you’ve walked down the
streets you’ll feel the European influence too, even some of the street
names are French. There are several good cafes that are French in
name also. One place I can recommend for cozy eating with Euro flair is
the Le Filou De Montpellier Café. Stop by and get a sandwich and a cup
of tea, you’ll be glad you did.
There’s also Casa Museo, the museum for Pablo Neruda, a great
Chilean writer. This is definitely a cultural event and worth seeing. The
Brighton Hotel is a great place to stay that also has a lounge with lots of
excitement! There are all types of places to find action in Valparaiso.
Just try to get here before June which is the rainiest month for this area,
and when it rains it truly pours!
LIVING IN CHILE
So now comes the big question; is this a good place to potentially live
in? The answer is yes it is. Rents are cheap here and that‘s because
there are no modern buildings here, remember Valparaiso is a
historical city, so there’s no new building going on.
Do keep in mind though; it’s a bohemian lifestyle here in the real sense
of the word. The apartment buildings are old and Chile is a country that
is only interested in what’s new and seemingly modern. Most do not
wish to live in an older building, as I’ve said in my previous writings.
Landlords find it difficult to rent older buildings out. This is why rents are
so low here but this is not the case in all places. No, in some parts of
the city the rent is high, because you’re living near the ocean. Overall, for
the right person, this can be an ideal situation though.
There’s very little work in Valparaiso. Most work in Santiago and
commute everyday. It’s just a little over an hour from Santiago to
Valparaiso and Viña Del Mar and for many this is the only way to make
a living. But due to the fact that cruise ships are making regular stops
here and the casino is the big draw, I suspect a persona can make a
great living teaching casino personnel English.
There are also smaller areas that are all along the coast, that make
great hideaways, and places to live. If you have a car, I’d say take a drive
down the coastal highway to Con Con (pronounced, Cone Cone). This
is a great coastal town. Sleepy, rustic but with real spirit, several
hundred apartment complexes line the ocean with the only thing
separating them from the sand is the two lane highway.
Don’t be alarmed if you happen to see so many Greek styled
apartments in this area. That’s normal.
Remember what I said about Santiago being an eclectic and diverse
city? The same is true for the coastal areas also. You’ll swear that you’
re taking a drive in Greece when you see the stylings and the color
schemes of the apartments and that’s one of the things that make Con
Con so interesting. It almost seems to be a misplaced city.
Whether you’re going to this area or coming back from it you will pass
Edelweiss. It’s a Swiss restaurant that has a breathtaking view of the
ocean and nearby cliffs. Stop and soak up more Euro styled culture at
this great restaurant and have a piece of cake and coffee. Check out the
menu for other traditional Swiss and German dishes. The best time to
go is around 4pm, any later than that and you risk running into the early
evening crowd. Just look for the large Swiss flag and you’ll know you’re
there.
Ah yes, you’re wondering now, what’s the average rent for a place in
Con Con right? Well it averages around $375 give or take, depending
again on how new or old the building is. Always expect to pay more if the
building is newer and as I have said in my past writings, you don’t want
a newer building.
Here in Chile, the newer apartment buildings do look all modern and
such but they are oh so small space-wise. The older buildings have way
more character and are alot more spacious in size. Again, go to my
website and download a free copy of Global Living and check out the
pictorial on Valparaiso and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
My only complaint, and the reason why in the end I chose to start
building my cabin elsewhere, is that the airport is very far from the
Valparaiso-Viña Del Mar area. From the airport, these areas are almost
two hours away. So I thought to myself, if I arrive from traveling and have
been on a plane for ten hours, I don’t want to spend an additional two
hours in a car just to get home.
So I ruled out building near the beach and coastal areas but I love them
so much that I spend just about every weekend in these areas. My
friends like to go to gamble at the casino (they’re gambling addicts, but
that’s another story in itself) but I like to explore and look around or find a
good place to eat.
PHOTOGRAPY IN CHILE
If you love photography, then these areas are a photographers dream!
Even if you’re not a great photographer, take lots of pictures anyway! You’
ll be glad later you did. There’s no way you can come to any of these
towns and not leave with a good feeling. I personally, doubt one can
come here and not entertain the idea of moving and living there.
Don’t think for a moment you can’t live and make it in any one of these
cities or places, because chances are with a bit of resourcefulness you
can. There’s nothing like staring out over the cities from a hilltop and
enjoying the lights and the sound of the waves hitting the shores.
It’s then that you’ll realize, just as I did, there’s so much the world has to
offer, and that there’s a place for everyone. You just have to find your
place and make it your home. Who knows, maybe the beach areas of
Chile will one day become your new home.
About The Author
Jon Steele has been splitting his time living in Chile, Europe and the US
for the last 3 years. He has several ebooks on living the 'Global Lifestyle'
and how to make and generate an income while living abroad. He can
be contacted at steel-industries@email.com or drop by his website at
http://www.travelogue.uk.tt
 | |  | |  | |  |
FAMILY TRAVEL FUN.COM
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |