A wonderful house to see in Santiago, is La Chascona, one of Pablo Neruda's three homes ( the other two are in Valparaiso and Isla Negra). It is easy to get to in the Bellavista neighbourhood (something like Montmartre in Paris).  Don't miss it; it's something unexpected, very colorful and full of joy. Note: You can only take photos in the garden.

This house designed by the Nobel-winning poet Pablo Neruda  was built to hide the love between Pablo and Matilde, his third wife, before they were married. Its name, La Chascona, which means Tousled Hair, comes from Matilde's hair (also called Medusa). The two met while strolling in nearby Parque Forestal, and for years the house served as a romantic hideaway before they married. The pair's passionate relationship was recounted in the 1995 Italian film Il Postino. Tours allow you to step into the extraordinary mind of the poet whose eclectic designs earned him the label "organic architect." Winding garden paths, stairs, and bridges lead to the house and its library stuffed with books, a bedroom in a tower, and a secret passageway. Scattered throughout are collections of butterflies, seashells, wineglasses, and other odd objects that inspired Neruda's tumultuous life and romantic poetry. Everything inside shows his great love for the sea; many parts of a ship were transformed into furniture. Local artist pieces can be also seen inside.

After visiting try to walk around on streets to get the image of the neighbourhood, with restaurants (only open in the evening), bars and cafes. Here you will find also lapis lazuli factories where silver jewels can be bought (not so cheap).

You can also see Cerro San Cristobal and maybe the Zoo in Bellavista. English tours start once an hour (3500 pesos).