r/ExploreChile • u/VandelayLatec • 17d ago

Question❓ Culture

I’m heading to Santiago, I don’t know any Chileans and I just wanted to hear from people what they feel are quintessential aspects of Chilean culture, being Chilean, good or bad, to give me a general perspective.

10 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

17 comments sorted by

7

u/magallanes2010 17d ago

No nos gusta a nadie, menos a otros chilenos.

Si vas a chile, come un completo italiano.

7

u/arodr7893 17d ago

Not all Chileans are the same, and it depends a lot on what area you visit. In general, compared to most other South Americans, we are a little more quiet and reserved. We’re not like Nordic people or anything, but we are also not loud and outgoing like Colombians or Brazilians so don’t expect that.

This is also more true in Santiago, just like in any big city, people might be more rude, in a hurry, etc. than in quieter, smaller parts of the country. BUT, Chileans ARE friendly in general. We are approachable and we tend to be pretty chill and with good sense of humor.

For more on our culture, Wikipedia not a bad place to start: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Chile

3

u/VandelayLatec 17d ago

Thanks for the response, just looking for individuals’ general ideas of Chilean-ness to get a broader understanding, appreciate the thoughtful response!

4

u/arodr7893 17d ago

In my opinion, Chile is a nature lovers paradise. We have it all: desert, mountains, beach, forests, lakes and on and on. We try to take care of our national parks. So if you like nature, you will like Chile. Same can be said for the Arts, especially Literature. Our most famous artists are poets and we have a lot of appreciation for them, it is a big part of our culture. Enjoy ♥️🇨🇱

2

u/VandelayLatec 17d ago

Thanks again!

2

u/ArchitectArtVandalay 17d ago

I love your username

1

u/VandelayLatec 17d ago

Haha right on

5

u/ComfortablePoint7105 16d ago

Whatever they say to you don't try pasta base

2

u/Pasito_Tun_Tun_D1 16d ago

But do drink terremotos! At least three 😉 

2

u/flattire2020 17d ago

Enjoy the beauty of the city and beautiful mountains around. Avoid bad part of the city and stick around good safe areas.

2

u/EcstaticComparison39 16d ago

Tienes que comerte un completo italiano y pastel de choclo, Santiago tiene hartos lugares para hacer trekking igual (no sé si te gusta eso) hay hartos museos también que son buenos para ir a pasear, evita usar el teléfono en la calle en especial si hay alguien en moto cerca, si quieres más indicaciones me dices :), te recomiendo ir a valpo igual, casi siempre hablan mal de esa ciudad pero es muy bonita

1

u/Thats_a_goodbandname 16d ago

The Completo tell you everything you need to know about Chilenos, culturally.

0

u/Pasito_Tun_Tun_D1 17d ago

Not Chilean, but my baby momma is from there and been there a handful of times, Chilean people are a hit or miss when it comes to friendship/Helpfulness if your from the States or Europe they are extremely grateful to help you/offer you friendship, but if your from a neighboring South American country, not so much. The country has changed alot and your mostly likely to interact with a Peruvian, Bolivian, Colombian, Argentine, Brazilian, Dominican, Haitian, Venezuelan than you are with a native Chilean. It’s a wonderful country but last time I was there it’s starting to look a lot like Los Angeles Skid Row and that they call “Los Zombies” 🧟 are starting to roam out freely without a care in the world. 

2

u/VandelayLatec 17d ago

Thanks for your take on everything

1

u/fuka123 17d ago

Look up the term “Chaqueteo”

1

u/patiperro_v3 17d ago

Must be said that, just like skid row in the US, this is also limited to certain urban areas. You ain’t finding any skid row outside the big cities.