ringing in the new year in chile
- Jan 20
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 26
From one of the quietest places on Earth to one of South America’s loudest celebrations, Chile snapped the world back into focus. Glaciers gave way to graffiti. Santiago welcomed me with mountains and the vibrance of a big city, and before I could fully thaw, Valparaíso had me counting down to New Year’s Eve under a sky primed for fireworks. If Antarctica felt like a dream; Chile made sure I woke up fast.
SANTIAGO
With just two nights in the city, we didn’t attempt to see Santiago in full. Instead, we settled into Barrio Italia charming, bohemian neighborhood centered around Avenida Italia. It was a hub for design, art, food and antiques, where historic houses have been converted into artisan shops, boutiques, galleries and inventive restaurants.
ACCOMODATION:
We stayed in a small but stylish boutique hotel founded by a pair of local women, set within a classic early-20th-century house and offering just eight rooms. Featured in the Michelin Hotel Guide, Maison Italia 1029 was an absolute delight. The rooms were beautifully designed, and most were equipped with charming little terraces, perfect for quiet moments amid the city.
DO:
I highly recommend taking a day trip into the Andes. We booked what was meant to be an eight-hour private excursion, which happily stretched into ten with our lovely guide, JJ. The day took us through Cajón del Maipo, up to a San José de Maipo volcano lookout where horses grazed beneath, and on to Parque Valle del Yeso/El Yeso Dam, which was stunning, windswept and dramatic. We also stopped to see a glacier perched atop a mountain. Instead of a picnic, we shared freshly made empanadas from a local farm, which was an unexpected highlight.
CONSUME:
Tio Tomate: Just near our hotel, this cozy spot was a lucky find for a late lunch. The salmon and tuna ceviche were light, fresh and just enough to tide us over until dinner.
Lusitano: Hidden in a small galería off Avenida Italia, this Portuguese restaurant was simple perfection. Slow-cooked brisket, seafood with rice, and sangria were all beautifully executed and refreshingly inexpensive.
Casaluz: This gem felt like a New York bistro with a touch of Cartagena-style décor. The warm, inviting atmosphere, seasonal dishes, and delightful bar made it a memorable spot for dinner.
VALPARAISO
From Santiago, a private transfer carried us west, leaving the mountains behind and following the road toward the sea. Two hours later, we arrived in a city completely different from the capital. Valparaíso announced itself with fog, stacked hills and shabby-chic facades. The city was an exercise in graffiti maximalism, every inch clad in tags, scrawls and murals.
STAY:
Valparaíso is one of the most famous, and busiest, places in South America to celebrate New Year’s Eve, which means accommodations book up fast. Book early. We didn’t. By the time we finally reserved a room, options were limited. We ended up at Hotel Boutique 17. It was perfectly fine, but not especially memorable. The real advantage was its location, in the heart of Cerro Concepción.
If I were to do it again, I’d aim for the nearby Hotel Brighton. Perched on one of the oldest and most traditional hills in Valpo, next to the Atkinson Promenade, it stood out immediately. Set in a Victorian-style building, the hotel felt distinctive and romantic.
NEW YEAR'S EVE:
Hours slipped away as we wandered the streets, every alley and stairway revealing fresh, vibrant layers of street art.
As New Year’s Eve approached, the city’s energy began to shift. The quiet thrill of wandering alleys gave way to a hum of anticipation. Disco balls sparkled, stages were erected in plazas, and streets seemed to pulse with the promise of the night ahead.
By nightfall, Valparaíso had transformed into a living celebration, ready to ring in the New Year in full cheer and chaos. Rather than joining the crowds in the streets, we celebrated from our hotel, enjoying a three-course meal on the terrace with a front-row view of the city’s fireworks. The cold and fog muted some of the spectacle, but bursts of color still cut through the mist over the harbor.
NEW YEAR'S DAY:
Many places were closed on New Year’s Day, so we grabbed an Uber and headed to Concón. We had a blast climbing the dunes and watching the city’s edges seemingly sink into the sand.
CONSUME:
Rosmarino: This charming, old home–turned–restaurant impressed us with impeccable service and even better machas (a beloved Chilean seafood delicacy of surf clams baked with parmesan cheese). The ceviche was also fantastic.
Inquilino: Another perfect spot for ceviche and machas, with the added bonus of sweeping views of the bay that made the meal as much about the scenery as the food.
La Concepción: For a top-rated dinner, consider this restaurant, featured on the 50 Best list. Housed in a mansion built in 1880, with a charming garden terrace, it served up gourmet Chilean and international dishes. Weather permitting, reserve a table on the terrace for sea views.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
Airport Receipt: When entering Chile by plane, you’ll receive a small but important document called the Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo). This slip proved your legal entry, was essential for avoiding hotel VAT, and must be presented when you exit the country. Keep it safe with your passport, as you’ll need to return it at immigration upon departure.
Visa: I did not need a visa to visit Chile, but, as always, check in advance, as requirements can change and visas vary by nationality.
Safety: We felt perfectly safe, but many locals and fellow travelers had advised us to be mindful of our belongings. In Santiago, this was especially important around the downtown area (Plaza de Armas and the central market), while in Valparaíso, the warning applied everywhere, particularly with the crowds that flocked to the city for New Year’s.
Wildfires: Wildfires are common in Chile during their summer months, due to high temperatures and dry weather.
Supper Time: Chileans eat later and heavier than Brazilians, but unlike Argentinians, dinner doesn’t stretch into the middle of the night.
Tipping: A 10% tip is usually included automatically on restaurant bills, so no need to calculate extra unless you want to reward exceptional service.
Currency: Chile uses the Chilean Peso (CLP), though US dollars are often accepted, especially in tourist spots.
Weather: While Santiago sizzled in proper summer heat, Valparaíso greeted us with cool, misty mornings. Layers were a must!
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