Chilean Cultural Traditions

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THE SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR EVERY TRAVELER IN CHILE Welcome to chile

You’ve found us, all the way down here at the end of the world! Hanging from the edge of the South American continent, our thin strip of a country is fast becoming a hotspot for travelers seeking adventure and untouched nature. That’s why you’re here, looking for unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences in a beautiful country. Well, as you’re about to discover, you’ve definitely come to the right place! This skinny country is home to some of the best natural landscapes on Earth, a vibrant cultural scene, exciting gastronomic opportunities, and outdoor adventures for everyone.

We’re thrilled that you want to come and explore Chile with us, and to help you be as prepared as possible and get the maximum enjoyment out of your trip, we’ve prepared this guide covering the basics of what you may encounter during your stay in Chile. Learn what Chileans love to eat on a daily basis, how to master the regional slang, what kind of documentation you’ll need, how to navigate public transportation, and more!

Happy exploring!

Best, Your friends at Cascada Expediciones and EcoCamp Patagonia

Fast Facts 4

Brief History of Chile 5

Social Etiquette, Customs & Manners, and Cultural Traditions 6

Chilean Spanish (Chilenismos) 8

Public Transport 9

Currency, Documentation, and Emergency Services 10

Chilean Culture 11

Chilean Gastronomy: Food and Beverages 19

Most Popular Destinations 22

Length: 756,096 km2 (291,930 mi2) Population: 18,006,407 (2015 census) Language: Spanish National flower: Copihue National Dance: Cueca National Sport: Rodeo (most popular, football) Capital City: Santiago de Chile Religion: Roman Catholic Country Telephone Code: 0056

Long before Spanish colonizers arrived, Chile conditions improved across the board. Then, with was home to indigenous groups like the Ona, the World Wars, the economy fell and instability Selknam, Yaghan, and the Mapuches. The returned. Mapuches, a determined tribe of warriors, are legendary for being the only group to thwart the Chile grew to global notoriety in the 1970s with Incas encroaching on their territory, as well as the contentious political climate and election of terrorizing the Spanish and constantly pushing Socialist president Salvador Allende. His term back against colonization. in office divided the country over his radical reforms, and he was killed in a military When the Spanish first arrived in the coup in 1973 led by soon-to-be dictator early 1500s and conquistador Pedro de Augusto Pinochet. Lasting from 1973 to Valdivia founded the capital city of 1989, the Pinochet dictatorship was a Santiago in 1541, the Mapuches dark time. Many people fled the (known as the Araucanians to country fearing their lives and the Spanish) led bloody raids lived in exile. During his time in against them, burning cities office, Pinochet ruled with an and towns. iron fist. Suspected insurgents were arrested, tortured for After Napoleon occupied information, exiled, were Spain in the early 1800s, kept in prison on trumped the ruling elite of Chile up charges, or simply staged a junta and disappeared, all carried out started to work towards by Pinochet’s feared secret independence from Spain. police force. Finally, in 1989, After years of struggle, Chile finally Pinochet allowed democrat elections declared independence in 1818. to be held, and he was voted out of office. Political instability and skirmishes with Peru and Bolivia before and Today, Chile is one of the most stable during the War of the Pacific besieged and safe countries in South America, Chile’s early years as a young, with a thriving economy that has drawn independent republic. In the late immigrants from countries such as 1800s, global demand for nitrate Venezuela and Bolivia looking for helped the economy stabilize, and with it, the security and jobs. Recent booms in tourism Congress was able to get a foothold as well and and IT have drawn global attention as well.

Follow Us & Check out our latest stories www.cascada.travel Social Etiquette, Customs and Manners, and Cultural Traditions

Seasoned travelers know that when exploring a new country, one of the most exciting parts is discovering and learning about that country’s traditions and cultural differences. Is tipping expected, and if so, how much? How do people greet each other? But if you don’t know what to expect, you could also inadvertently offend or upset someone with a rude word or gesture, or embarrass yourself. To avoid these pitfalls, here are some of the most prevalent cultural differences that visitors may encounter in Chile.

Tipping - (in restaurants and elsewhere): In Chile, tipping is expected in bars, restaurants, cafes, etc. A 10% tip is the norm for good service, and the recommended amount is usually listed at the end of the bill, but is not automatically included. To pay with the tip, tell the waiter “con la propina” (with the tip) when closing out. Cab drivers do not have to be tipped, although gas station and parking attendants usually expect a small tip of 100-200 pesos.

Personal space - Chileans have a very relaxed sense of personal space, and are very comfortable with hugs, kisses on cheeks, being physically close with each other, and public displays of affection. This may surprise some visitors from different cultures where personal boundaries are automatically respected (especially the public displays of affection).

Lateness - Chileans aren’t sticklers when it comes to punctuality, so always allow a little more time than you think you need to get places (10-15 minutes is usually enough).

Greetings/Goodbyes -The typical style of greeting in Chile consists of a quick peck or small kiss on the cheek. This is especially common amongst women greeting other women, and men greeting women. Men usually shake hands for greeting and saying goodbye. Hugs and handshakes are also common.

Metro etiquette - When riding the metro, especially at rush hour when the cars can get pretty crowded, it can feel a little invasive of personal space and you don’t want to step on any toes - literally and figuratively. This is especially if you’re jammed into the middle of the car far from the doors and your stop is coming up. When the cars are packed and you’re at your stop, rather than elbowing past someone, first politely ask them “bajas?” This is shorthand for “are you getting off here?” If they answer no, then you can squeeze around them.

Follow Us & Check out our latest stories www.cascada.travel Be wary of pickpockets - Although Chile is one of the safest countries in South America, pickpockets are still an issue in cities like Santiago. The best ways to avoid becoming a target are: • Wear clothes that don’t make you stand out as a tourist • Don’t draw too much attention to yourself, e.g. by speaking English loudly • Invest in pickpocket-proof travel gear like shirts, jackets, jeans, and bags with hidden pockets • Keep your valuables such as passports, expensive cameras, and your wallets on/near the front of your body in pockets or bags • If carrying a bag with a strap, sling it across your body so someone can’t grab it off your shoulder and run off • When sitting at a cafe or on an outdoor bench, keep your personal items in your lap or looped around the chair leg

Street dogs - Street dogs are a regularity around Chile, but don’t worry! The dogs are almost always well-behaved and are rarely aggressive. This is because most Chileans treat the dogs kindly and with respect, giving them food, water, street shelters, and even giving them blankets and warm jackets in winters. Many street dogs will live in certain areas or barrios for years, cared for by residents without being fully adopted. The dogs are also usually clean, but still, never hurts to use a dash of Purell if you feel the need to pet one.

What’s with all the carbonated water? - Chileans have a fondness for carbonated water, so when dining out or buying a bottle of water, you’ll be asked or presented with two options: agua “con gas” (carbonated) or “sin gas” (not carbonated/regular water).

Chilean Cultural Traditions

La Once (Tea Time) - This nightly tradition is one of the most endearing and charming aspects of Chilean family life. Most Chileans eat the biggest meal of the day for lunch around 2:00 pm, so later at night around dinnertime, families gather to drink tea or coffee, and eat sandwiches, bread with butter, or bread with avocado. This gathering is known as “once” or tea time, which literally translates to “eleven.” Bread is a prominent part of “once” and other Chilean meals, so many people go on almost daily runs to their neighborhood “panaderia” (bakery) to pick up fresh loafs.

Asado - Chileans are huge fans of red meat, and barbecues are a regular occurrence for events like family gatherings, festivals and holidays, and special occasions like birthdays. Regular dishes include grilled chicken, cuttings of beef or pork, and sausages and hotdogs (like choripan, a savory chorizo sausage served in a toasted marraqueta loaf). The further south you go, asado takes on a different connotation and becomes a traditional Patagonian lamb barbecue. Patagonian asados are throwbacks to the heyday of Patagonian cowboys (known as baqueanos in Chile and gauchos in Argentina) and sheep farming in the south. A lamb is butterflied over a pit fire and slow roasted until the meat is juicy and tender. Wash all this down with some wine and beer.

Even to native Spanish speakers, Chilean Spanish is a challenge. Chileans have rapid-fire speech that matches their enthusiastic and vibrant spirit, and their language is peppered with regional slang that livens the conversation with colloquial zest. It can be a little intimidating to get used to at first, but once you understand the slang words and get used to the fast paced speech, you’ll be talking like a native in no time! Here are some of the most widely-used Chilenismos you may hear during your time here.

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Learning how to properly use the public transportation in a new country is a right of passage, and with this handy guide to Chilean buses and taxis, you’ll be a pro before you know it and never get lost! Taxis versus colectivos: There are two different kinds of taxis in Chile: regular taxis and colectivos. Here’s the difference:

• Colectivos are shared public transportation cabs that only operate within a certain neighborhood or area. They are mostly used by locals, and are fairly cheap, but it’s better to take regular cabs if you’re uncomfortable sharing a taxi with strangers.

• Regular taxis are non-shared, single passenger at a time, not restricted to a single neighborhood public transportation cabs. These are more expensive than colectivos.

Tarjeta Bip - This is the metro card used for the subway public transportation system in Santiago, which consists of 5 different lines that run throughout the city. The card can be purchased at any subway station for $1,550 CLP (about $2.30 USD), after which you can add money to the card for metro use.

Public Buses: There are two kinds of public buses in Chile, standard buses and micros. The difference is:

• Micro: The micros are public city buses, servicing a single city, town, or area. These buses are mostly frequented by locals, and can be a little crowded and dingy, especially during rush hour, but fare is cheap. Avoid if you don’t like close quarters or “pedal to the metal” drivers.

• Bus: These standard buses are the inter-city buses. Many Chileans can’t afford cars and as airplanes are expensive, these buses travel all over the country, and can be a great way to save money while traveling if you’re willing to spend some extra time on a bus. Popular companies include TurBus, Pullman, and Condor, and most come with comfortable reclining seats, entertainment options, and footrests.

Type: Peso

Symbol: $

Banknote Denominations: 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000 pesos

Informal name: “Luca” is a slang term for CLP$1000 (for example, “This costs 4 lukas” e.g. $4000 CLP)

Coin Denominations: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 pesos

Tip: Always carry some cash. Most places accept credit and debit cards, but it’s good to have cash on hand just in case.

Average USD exchange rate: CLP$600 = $1.00 USD (please note: this exchange rate varies)

Documents

Passport - When traveling internationally, you need to be in current countries that must pay a reciprocity fee to enter Chile: possession of a valid passport from your country of origin. Australia - $US 117 Before leaving on a trip, it’s important to make sure that your Mexico – $US 23 passport is in good shape, with enough pages left for entry/ Tourist Visa - For visitors traveling from countries like the US, exit stamps/visas. For safety sake, carry photocopies of your Australia, Canada, and the European Union, you do not need passport’s identification pages in your luggage in case your to obtain a tourist visa prior to entering Chile. When entering passport is lost or misplaced. Please contact your country’s Chile as a tourist, at the port of entry you’ll be given a slip of embassy if you lose your passport during your travels. paper that you must keep in your passport at all times. This slip Customs (Aduana) - When entering Chile, you’ll be given a of paper is your tourist visa, showing your name and address Customs Declaration Form where you need to list what you during your stay in Chile. Tourists can stay in Chile for 90 are bringing into the country. Chile is very careful about consecutive days (3 months), although it’s fairly easy to renew allowing certain foods, seeds, and plant life into the country, the tourist visa by booking an appointment at an immigration as it could potentially be a threat to native species. A list of office (or extranjeria) and asking for an extension. If you lose items you should declare if you are in possession of them your tourist paper, contact the PDI (Chilean International is available on the form. If you’re unsure about items, list Police) for information on receiving a replacement. them anyway as it’s better to be safe than sorry. Usually, the For specific information about your country’s visa requirements for items are allowed, but if you are caught with an undeclared visiting Chile, refer to your country’s official travel website. item, you could be fined, but if you’ve declared it, worst case scenario is that it gets confiscated. Emergency Services Contact Numbers

Emergency: 131 Reciprocity fee - For some countries, a reciprocity fee is Fire: 132 required for entry to Chile. The payment and receipt for Carabineros (Chilean Police Forces): 133 the fee is valid until your passport’s expiration. Here are the CHILEAN MUSIC

The mother of modern Chilean folk music and renowned around Latin America as the “mother of Latin American Folk”, Violetta Parra is a cherished member of the Chilean music scene. Her reinvention and renewal of folk music led to the prolific “nueva canción Chilena” (the new Chilean song) movement, a revival of Chilean traditions and culture. Her most famous song, “Gracias a la Vida” (Thanks to Life), is still regularly played and covered by modern Latin American artists. Violeta Parra She passed away in 1967.

Musician, actor, director, and activist Victor Jara was one of the most influential forces in the Chilean theater community, promoting the growth and development of local works and talent as well as exposing Chilean audiences to world classics. His folk music dealt with themes of social justice, love, and peace, and along with Violeta Parra, is considered one of the leaders of the “nueva cancion Chilena” movement, which Victor Jara flourished during Allende’s tenure. After the dictatorship coup, he was arrested, tortured, and ultimately shot dead. His music and legacy holds a tender place in the heart of many Chileans.

The rock-pop tones of Los Prisioneros has long been heralded for its influence on Latin American music, as well as marking a turning point in Chilean music, leading away from the folk-artist stylings of Victor Jara and Violeta Parra, and ushering in an era of rock. Regarded as being pioneers for “Rock in Spanish,” their music was strongly political and outspoken, going after topics like economics, social attitudes, and Los Prisioneros education. Their bold messages and hip, new sound made their songs popular for use as “protest songs” against Pinochet. Arguably, their most famous song is the catchy “We Are Sudamerican Rockers.” The band dissolved in 2006, but their influence is still widely felt.

Blending Andean folk, rock, and progressive rock to make their signature sound, Los Jaivas first formed in 1963 and has since become a multigenerational staple in Chilean music. Their prolific output has taken them all over the world, including living in France during the majority of the dictatorchip. They draw inspiration from other Chilean artists as well, such as their 1981 album based on Pablo Neruda’s Los Jaivas “Heights of Machu Picchu” poem.

Pablo Neruda is arguably Chile’s most well-known literary figure. A Nobel Prize in Literature recipient, Neruda is renowned for his moving poetry about his home country and South America. In addition to his poetry, Neruda spent much of his life working as a diplomat and politician, becoming a target of the Pinochet dictatorship due to his involvement with the Chilean Communist Party, and close professional relationship with Socialist president Salvador Allende. Pablo Neruda It is widely suspected that his speedy death at the age of 69 from prostate cancer was hurried along by foul play from Pinochet’s secret police. Some of central Chile’s most popular tourist destinations are his three whimsical houses: La Chascona in Santiago, Isla Negra in the small coastal village of Isla Negra, and La Sebastiana in Valparaiso.

Before there was Pablo Neruda, there was Gabriela Mistral. Born in 1889, her emotionally powerful verses, evoking themes like nature, love, grief, travel, betrayal, and multicultural identity, earned her a Nobel Prize in Literature, making her the first Latin American author to receive the honor. She also worked as an educator and diplomat, living and working all over the world before her death in 1957. She Gabriela Mistral currently appears on the Chilean 5,000 peso note.

Considered one of the most important and influential poets in Chile and throughout South America, Nicanor Parra deemed himself an “anti-poet” due to his style, which strayed from traditional Latin American literary styles by using more colloquial language and bold themes. His collection “Poemas y Antipoemas” is widely considered to be one of the best Spanish language poetry collections of the twentieth Nicanor Parra century. He has also worked as a mathematician and physicist. Born in 1914, he turned 100 in 2014, and as of 2016, is still living.

Isabel Allende is a Chilean-American author, who is internationally lauded for her novels and memoirs, such as “The House of the Spirits,” “The City of Beasts,” and “Zorro.” Her fictional work generally falls into the realm of “magical realism,” a popular motif in South American literature. A relative of President Salvador Allende and a journalist, she left Chile during the dictatorship for the safety Isabel Allende of herself and her family, and although she frequently returns to visit, she now lives permanently in the United States.

Are you ready to cut a rug? Then get your fancy footwork ready: it’s time to learn all about Chile’s national dance!

The delightful “cueca” is a two-person dance in 3/4 or 6/8 time, with men dressed in traditional huaso (cowboy) gear like ponchos and wide-brimmed hats, and ladies in flowered dresses fringed with lace. After extending his arm to the women and leading her around the room, the two face off and dance around each other in circles, waving white handkerchiefs in their hands. The man and woman never touch during the dance, but stay connected through eye contact, facial expressions, and the movements of the dance. The steps and basic structure are meant to be representative of a rooster courting a hen.

The cueca is a popular dance throughout the countryside, and is performed at festivals and holidays like Fiestas Patrias (Independence Day).

Want to try it yourself? Here’s a diagram for the footwork and movements - give it a whirl!

Diagram For Dancing Cueca

1 Invitación y Paseo 2 Palmas al FrenteV3 ueltas en Círculo

4 Medialuna 5 Cambio de LadoE6 scobillado

7 Cambio de Lado Vuelta de 8 Zapateo 9 Acercamiento 10 Remate

Also known as “Dieciocho,” the 18th and 19th of September mark Chile’s Independence Day, and Chileans go all out! Some schools and businesses give workers the full week off to go visit family for these days of national pride. People gather at fondas - makeshift fairs that spring up around the country - to eat and drink traditional foods, dance cueca, sing, and celebrate their country’s independence from Spain. Fiestas Patrias, September 18th

Carnaval isn’t an exclusively Rio de Janeiro affair: San Pedro in the Atacama Desert has their own rendition of this joyous occasion! The festivities are held seven weeks before Good Friday (usually late February or early March), and the whole community participates. A giant “play” is staged over a five-day period, with community members taking on different roles, wearing elaborate and brightly colored Carnaval, San Pedro de Atacama costumes, dancing, playing music, and helping tell the story.

The Tapati Rapa Nui (Easter Island Week) takes place during the first two weeks of February. The festival was first created in the 1970s as a way for the islanders to hold onto their history and heritage, and educate their children about Rapa Nui cultural identity. Singing and dancing competitions are held, two young women vie for the title of Queen of the Tapati, and sporting events such as canoe racing, horse Fiesta Tapati, Easter Island racing, and a triathalon around the island take place. One of the most popular parts of the festival is the Haka Pei, where participants slide down the island’s steepest slope on banana trunks.

When the sound of pounding drums echoes from the hills of Valparaiso, you know it’s time for the annual “Festival of a Thousand Drums.” Held every year in October, large crowds dressed in vibrant colors gather in squares and plazas to dance and play music to the beat of the drums. The event is popular with locals and tourists alike.

Fiesta de Mil Tambores, Valparaiso

A staple of Chilean street food, the completo (literally translating to ‘complete’) is a hot dog with a Chilean twist. The most common, the completo Italiano (so named because the color of the ingredients match the colors of the Italian flag), comes with diced tomatoes, mashed avocados, and a generous swab of mayonnaise. Other variations can also include sauerkraut, as well as the usual suspects like ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce. This is all stuffed into a typical hot dog bun, Completo or into a sliced-open and toasted piece of marraqueta bread.

Empanadas are one of Chile’s most prolific and beloved foods, popular both for an on-the-go snack from street vendors, to have with evening “once,” or during mealtimes. Arguably the most popular variety are empanadas de pino, which are filled with juicy ground beef, olives, and a hard-boiled egg, but other options include cheese, cheese and ham, and napolitana (a mix of tomatoes, cheese, and ham). Empanadas

Few dishes say authentic, Chilean homestyle cooking better than cazuela stew. Named for the cooking pot in which it’s prepared, a smorgasbord of hearty ingredients like chicken or beef, potatoes, carrots, corn, chunks of pumpkin, and herbs are all simmered in a light stock until everything is tender and ready. The result is the ultimate, “cure what ails ya” dish: warm, succulent, and filled to the brim with Cazuela heart. Perfect for cold winter nights.

Chile’s love affair with corn is on display in the fragrant, sweet or savory humita. Prepared with fresh corn, onion, and butter, everything is ground together to make a mash that is shaped, and then baked or boiled inside corn husks. Humitas can be enjoyed with everything from tomatoes and green chile, to sugar.

Humitas

Chile’s fine wines have earned it a global reputation for high quality vino, making it a must-visit for wine aficionados, casual drinkers, sommeliers, and everyone in between. Most of the country’s vineyards are located in the Central Region - many just a short drive from the capital city of Santiago - in the Maipo and Casablanca Valleys. Here, you can go on tours of the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and take part in tastings. The most popular grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon and Wine Sauvignon Blanc, but the local varietal Carmenere is equally luscious to a Cabernet, and many vineyards put out complex, rich blends that show off the true strength of Chile’s grapes and vintners. Plus, even cheap, boxed wine is good here!

This devilish drink will send many drinkers to their knees - just like an earthquake. A concoction made of pipeño (a type of sweet, fermented wine) and several scoops of ice cream (pineapple is the most common), the sugary sweetness deceives the drinker as to just how strong the drink is. Because if you’re not careful...to the floor you go! Usually, a liter glass will be purchased for the group, followed by a half-liter Terremoto known as the “aftershock.” Be sure to enjoy with plenty of water or you’ll be feeling the “aftershocks” in the morning!

A popular mixed drink, this easy-to-enjoy pisco-with-Coca Cola refreshment is a guaranteed crowd pleaser, and is a common sight at parties and bars all over the country.

Piscola

Chilled white wine is like manna from heaven during a hot summer, but Chileans up the ante by adding the elements of fresh fruit and powdered sugar. A melon is hollowed out with chunks of the fruit left inside, filled with chilled white wine, and then mixed with a sprinkling of powdered sugar. The result is a great summer treat for picnics, barbecues, and get-togethers. Melon con Vino

Follow Us & Check out our latest stories www.cascada.travel Most Popular Destinations San Pedro de Atacama Located in the north of the country, the Atacama Desert is the driest desert in the world, and has some of the most spectacular desert scenery anywhere in the world. Starting from the town of San Pedro de Atacama, visitors can journey to the craggy walls and bizarre rock formations of Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), the Tatio Geyser Field (which is especially popular to visit in the early morning when the air becomes steamy), high altitude lakes and lagoons where flamingos hang out, treks through valleys, and more!

Valparaiso This “Jewel of the Pacific” is just a short drive from Santiago, and is a must visit for lovers of street art, counter-culture atmosphere, and fresh, delicious seafood. In its prime, Valparaiso was a bustling sea port, but since the opening of the Panama Canal, business has slowed. It’s now the center of Chile’s bohemian culture, famous for its vibrant street murals, colorful houses, and hill-scaling funiculars. Visitors enjoy seeing Pablo Neruda’s La Sebastiana house, walking the cobblestoned streets of Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepcion in the heart of the restored tourist district, enjoying a boat ride around the harbor, taking a ride in the city’s old-fashioned trolley buses, and strolling around the historical port neighborhood.

Santiago Chile’s capital city, Santiago is the beating heart of the country. Its blend of modern skyscrapers with elegant old-fashioned neighborhoods is a fascinating mix of past and present, dramatically backed with the towering and snow-capped Andean Cordillera. When visiting, don’t miss the bohemian neighborhood of Lastarria, the La Moneda Presidential Palace, the central square and cathedral, and Cerro San Cristobal Hill.

Torres del Paine The crown jewel of Chile’s illustrious national parks system, Torres del Paine National Park is home to some of Chile’s most iconic Patagonian landmarks, including the granite Towers, Grey Glacier, French Valley, the Paine Massif, and Los Cuernos. During the Patagonian summer months of December to March, the park surges with backpackers and travelers hiking the legendary W Trek. Home to diverse wildlife such as pumas, guanacos, condors, and ostrich-like ñandús, the park is full of opportunities to enjoy nature.

Follow Us & Check out our latest stories www.cascada.travel Cascada Expediciones owns Ecocamp Patagonia located in Torres del Paine National Park.

For more information about EcoCamp visit our web page: www.ecocamp.travel

Cascada Expediciones USA/Canada 1-888-232-3813 UK 0-800-051-7095 Don Carlos 3227, Santiago, Chile Germany 0-800-182-6938 France 0-805-080-589 [email protected] Brasil 0-800-892-1291 World 0056-2-2923-5950