Bellavista

Bohemian Street Scene in Bellavista


Paris has the Left Bank. Washington, D.C. has Georgetown. Santiago has the Barrio Bellavista. This was the first residential neighborhood to be established on the northern bank of the Rio Mapocho. This traditional, bohemian quarter is full of theatres, great restaurants and bars, as well as La Chascona, one of poet Pablo Neruda's homes, filled with eclectic art. (Please be sure to read my blog entry on the homes of Pablo Neruda.) For residents and tourists alike, Bellavista is a vibrant place to visit.

Street Murals


Are We Still in South America?

Patio Bellavista


At the heart of Bellavista is Patio Bellavista, a complex of cafes, restaurants, bars, ice cream parlors, souvenir shops and art galleries. Here you will also see many jewelry stores selling lapis lazuli, a semi-precious opaque stone with a distinctive bright blue color that is a trademark of the Chilean crafts industry.

An Art Exhibit in Patio Bellavista

A Chilean Artisan

Al Fresco Dining at Patio Bellavista

A few blocks north of Patio Bellavista, is the funicular station to get to the top of Cerro San Cristóbal. A trip up to the summit of Cerro San Cristóbal is definitely one of the highlights of visiting Santiago.

Funicular Station

Train to the Summit

The funicular stops at the Terraza Bellavista, where you will be rewarded with some breathtaking views of Santiago.

Terraza Bellavista

View of Downtown Santiago

Santiago Business District


From the Terraza Bellavista, its a short steep walk to the top of Cerro San Cristóbal. The peak rises to 860 meters (2,821 feet), a point that is marked by a giant 72-foot statue of the Virgen de la Immaculada.

Climbing to the Top


Virgen de la Immaculada

Oh, Mary!

When you reach the summit, make sure you have someone take your photo!

On Top of Cerro San Cristóbal