Bianca Rodrigues shares:

Santiago is one of the more cosmopolitan capitals in South America. It's an advanced and modern city with an efficient metro system, leafy, tree-lined streets and an emphasis on stability and order. But with that modernity comes a certain lack of character for the casual traveler just stopping in for a short period of time.

At least it seems on the surface.

I've found that Latin American charm is alive and well here, especially in the produce markets sprinkled throughout the city. They still possess a gritty character, marked by its chaotic (and seemingly endless) rows of vendors hawking their products for sale. From the powerhouse of La Vega, to the fishmongers in Mercado Central, there is something to be found for every kind of traveler.

So, don't turn up your nose at Santiago just yet - you'll be surprised at what you'll find just around the corner.