On top of the world in Santiago
LOCATION: Santiago
Sometimes we do listen and today seemed a good time to heed @Lisette's advice to keep it simple and local. The goal really was just to get out and stretch the legs in preparation for all the sitting that a flight home entails.
After a leisurely breakfast, the hotel's private car service and were dropped at the entrance of the Gran Torre Costanera - billed as the tallest building in South America.
Naturally, an entry fee - followed by an ear popping elevator ride to the 61st floor. Two levels to explore - all with 360 views of a white and orderly Santiago, encircled by a ring of dust (fog, mist, smog) covered Andes. Must be spectacular in winter capped in snow.
Took in the sights, read the signage and took the ekevator to the open Sky Deck for all the tourist shots and lounged in the Cafe for a beer and hot chocolate. Why not.
Reconnected with @Deb in the shopping precinct and set out on the walk home.
Turned out to be a little further than we had first thought - Apple maps was a little short - but it was an absolutely flat stroll along the river. The river at the moment is a thin brown dribble, running through a concrete culvert. But it was a parkway, with walking path and separate bike way, that ran adjacent to the river for the length of our walk. There were so many staff looking after the grounds- the bins were lined, edges were being cut by hand with shovels, lawns and dirt paths were raked, grass was mowed, sprinklers were on, fountains were running. And there were locals in the parkland, clustered around blankets, enjoying the open air. Even had a swimmer in one of the fountains! We were never short of something to see or chat about and plenty of park benches as they were needed. A perfect stroll and admitting we were happy to see our little street of vendors.
Dinner plans had been hatched by @Lloyd a few days ago - all stomach dependent. All reported as "tight as a drum" so we headed out for our final night in Santiago.
Made it an early one to compensate for the lack of lunch and with a spring in our step and barely a glance at the map, primed like the pack of carnivores that we were, set out on our 750 m quest for meat! Took a little sleuthing to find it - it was tucked inside one of the hacienda style complexes.
And Texas Ribs did not disappoint. It was worth the walk and the wait. The waitress tried to talk @DeLoy into a "share for 2" serving of ribs but they waved that suggestion away and opted for a "single serving" to split between them. Big mistake. The hunks of marinated meat just fell off the bone - juicy, tender and so delicious. Mac hadn't been silly - he'd upsized from the beginning. With sticky sauce clinging to their faces, fingers and clothing, @Deb employed the "grab the attention of the waiter" wave that has been perfected over 43 days in South America and they ordered up a second serve! And sucked and slurped that down with ease. It was so good, @Mac, who never picks up food with his fingers - always scrapes off the last morsels with a knife and fork - couldn't bare to risk leaving a skerrick behind and succumbed to gnawing at hand held bones. And, i couldn't quite watch, but I do think there was some intense finger licking involved (a pet aversion for me.) Two for one beers and a round of cocktails added to the width of the smiles.
Dinner could only be improved with an ice cream and as "locals" we had a spot in mind. Made that last walk home, greeted as always at the hotel by the dorman and off to packing duties.
Farewell to the @DeLoys, their ride arrived promptly at 10 pm to relay them to the airport for their q.30 am departure with LATAM. We'll be 12 hours behind them flying out at midday tomorrow with QANTAS.
Safe trals @DeLoys and thanks for sharing the adventure. What a team.
Farewell to the @DeLoys, their ride arrived promptly at 10 pm to relay them to the airport for their q.30 am departure with LATAM. We'll be 12 hours behind them flying out at midday tomorrow with QANTAS.
Safe trals @DeLoys and thanks for sharing the adventure. What a team.
Can you believe this?
🌆 Key Facts About Gran Torre Costanera
- Height: 300 m (984 ft) – tallest in Latin America.
- Floors: 62 above ground + 6 basement levels.
- Location: Providencia district, Santiago, within the Costanera Center complex.
- Completion: Construction began in 2006, topped out in 2012, and finished in 2013.
- Cost: Approximately US$1 billion.
- Architect: César Pelli (also designed Petronas Towers in Malaysia)
🏙️ Amazing & Weird Facts
- Nicknamed “El Costanera” by locals, it anchors Santiago’s “Sanhattan” financial district.
- Seismic engineering marvel: Chile is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. The tower’s foundation was redesigned to withstand powerful subduction-zone tremors.
- Observation deck (Sky Costanera): Located on floors 61–62, it provides panoramic views stretching up to 50 km on clear days.
- Connected to South America’s largest shopping mall: The Costanera Center mall, with over 300 stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
- Symbol of modern Santiago: Its glass-and-steel design reflects Chile’s economic growth in the 21st century.
Survival Barometer
Steps 16 126
Weather 26 - perfect for walking
Health no problemo!
For Jesse - keeping that card at heights - tower was 300 metres today
"Lots of games to play when you get home."
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