La Chascona, Santiago

This is one of Pablo Neruda's houses that now is a museum open to the community. In this place you can see how this famous poet lived, and enjoy all those beautiful corners where he shared many times with his woman and friends. This property is managed by a private foundation that is in charge of all his inheritance. A 40 minutes audio guided tour inside the house-museum is available for the visitors for $CLP 7,000 (USD 11). To visit this place is highly recommended.

La Chascona might appear at the bottom of your list for tourist attractions if you don't know who Pablo Neruda is. I actually had never read beyond glancing at one of Neruda's poems (maybe someone had posted one on FB) before going to La Chascona. Nevertheless, I found the audio tour a great way to learn more about Chile through the life of one man. I had been at the Museum of Memory and Missing People earlier that day, and the two sites helped me understand the narrative Chilean people are trying to tell about socialism, Pinochet, and their current government.

We saw this poets house in Valparaiso so naturally we wanted to see his home/museum here in Santiago. Like my title states, this is a peaceful compound with lots of foliage. The house is broken up in to different sections on the property. The home is a time capsule back to the 1950's to 1970's. Like his home in Valparaiso, it feels very intimate. Simply don't walk in and look around. Be sure to take advantage of the audio guide.

Museum, as it should be - admission is rather pricey by Chilean standards - but it's fully worth every peso - perfectly maintained, with properly narrated audio-guide & friendly English-speaking staff. House is tastefully decorated by it's owner and it contains a lot of hidden gems. Was also surprised by souvenir shop - all of them are tastefully designed and together with museum itself, create complete identity. Bravo!

There was a long line to get in, we waited about an hour. But it was very interesting to learn more about Pablo Neruda's life. Once you are inside of the house, you are not rushed, you are free to take your time and view everything.