Santiago, Chile: Mixed Feelings and Graffiti Everywhere

We explored Santiago, Chile's capital during a road trip south to Puerto Montt en route to Antarctica. The city evoked mixed feelings—amazing street art, yummy food, cute cafes, Las Condes neighborhood, park performers, and practicing Spanish—contrasted with widespread graffiti from 2019-2022 riots and protests known as Estallido Social, triggered by metro fare hikes, inequality, and living costs. Lowlights included brutal COVID entry requirements, grimy Centro Historico, scams, unsanitary markets, and brown river water. Travel tip: Stay in or near Las Condes for a nicer experience.