Today we are featuring a guest blog from LocalAventura, who specialize in creating personalized Latin American adventures and are helping us with our upcoming trip next week.

Stand back Paris and Rome, Santiago Chile is coming. but rather than cobblestoned line streets or ancient ruins, Santiago Chile has got something else. Incredible Character and hidden gems. The city at first glance doesn’t seem like much, but once you discover its incredible and non-touristy spots, it will capture you.

Looking to see beyond the typical sights? LocalAventura is here to help. We’re a travel tech startup based in Santiago and with our team of local guides we hope to show travelers that local travel is indeed best. From our experience living and working in Santiago, we’re here to give you the insider tips you’re looking for. Here are our top five favorite activities to do in Santiago, that most people forget to mention.

1. Admire the street art and culture of Barrio Brazil

Perhaps one of the most underrated neighborhoods of Santiago, Barrio Brazil is the most traditional part of the city. The neighborhood features colorful houses and fascinating and eye catching  political street art. It is also home to many of the city’s artists and writers. Within the neighborhood you’ll find beautiful classic architecture like the Neo-gothic basilica and Spanish style mansions. Be sure to spend some time in Plaza Brazil to see the real rhythm of the barrio.

2. Pastry Crawl in Barrio Italia

Got a sweet tooth? Barrio Italia is the spot for you. Starting as a neighborhood for furniture artisans, it has since become the spot for shopping boutiques, artisanal goods, and the best pastries in town. Filled with little pastry shops, we recommend you spend an evening shopping and snacking on tiny sweets throughout the day. Many of the places even allow you to taste their treats before you buy them.

3. Spend a day on the top of the city

Most tourists know about Cerro San Cristobal. Yet after they take the funicular up and explore the San Cristobal statue, they head back down. However, Parque Metropolitan goes on much further and covers nearly 722 hectares. Within the park you can explore the Japanese gardens, botanic gardens, a wine museum, and a zoo.

4. Taste craft beer in Plaza Nunoa

A trendy neighborhood to escape the tourists in Bellavista and Lastarria, Plaza Nunoa is a bustling center of bars, restaurant, and culture. The area is also home to many craft beer bars and microbreweries where you can taste some of Chile’s best brews, and even some artisanal bars from abroad. We recommend you go for Cerveza Austral, or if you have a sweet tooth try Kuntzman Miel (honey beer).

5. Take a photo scavenger hunt

For those who want to wander the city but don’t know where to begin, a photo scavenger hunt is a unique way to get to know Santiago. In this photography hunt, you’ll be given a list of hashtags and will be given two hours to explore the city taking photos that go with your hashtags. The tour also includes a creative photography lesson from an international photojournalist.