Barrio Bellavista, Santiago

The Bellavista neighborhood in Santiago lies between the northern bank of the Mapocho River and the San Cristóbal Hill. It is bordered by the communes of Providencia to the east and Recoleta to the west, with Pío Nono Street serving as its central axis.

Originally known as La Chimba during colonial times, Bellavista's development progressed with the construction of the Cal y Canto bridge, integrating it with the rest of the city in the early 19th century. Once a Catholic and aristocratic area, the neighborhood has evolved over time to become a vibrant district where popular bars coexist with cultural centers and diverse national and international gastronomy. Today, it is renowned as the country's main bohemian neighborhood.

Bellavista offers several attractions, including the renowned "La Chascona" House, which belonged to the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. Constructed in 1953, now, it was transformed into a museum. The area also boasts upscale restaurants offering diverse gastronomic delights on Constitución Street, as well as around the corner of Mallinkrodt with Dardignac. Additionally, Loreto Street is dotted with various eateries, bars, cités, and old mansions from the 19th century.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, the neighborhood provides access to the Metropolitan Park of Santiago through the funicular at the end of Pío Nono Street, which nearly reaches the top of Cerro San Cristóbal. From there, visitors can continue on foot to reach the statue of the Virgin. The Metropolitan Park encompasses the entirety of Cerro San Cristóbal and its surrounding lands, offering a recreational center, nursery, forests, and a popular zoological garden.