A long, narrow land straddling half the coast of an entire continent, Chile’s culture is as unique and varied as its geography. Indigenous roots and European influences come together to form a vibrant culture that’s reflected in the country’s people and felt across its communities. 

Whether you’re keen on visiting Chile or just a curious mind, learning about the Chilean culture will deepen your appreciation of this one-of-a-kind country. From remote Andean vineyards to vibrant cityscapes, it’s time to tour the many cultural charms of Chile!

The Chilean People

Chile’s colorful culture is a product of its people. Through the years, ethnic, religious, and linguistic differences have coalesced to form a distinct cultural identity unlike anything else in the world.

Ethnicity

Chileans hail from a mix of ethnic backgrounds. Many have direct European heritage, most notably from Spain, though you’ll also find Italian, French, British, and German representation in pockets.

Beyond Chile’s European and mestizo (mixed race) inhabitants, who make up about 85% of the population, the indigenous Mapuche people comprise around 9% of the country’s inhabitants — you can learn more about the Mapuche culture from our previous post here.

Religion

Chile separated church and state in 1925, but Catholicism is still a major part of life in the country — close to two thirds of Chileans identify as Roman Catholic. Religious beliefs find expression in a culture that emphasizes strong family values with respect for elders.

Other key tenets of Chilean culture include hard work, hospitality, and pride. The people are characterized as being friendly and welcoming, with a warm embrace awaiting those visiting the country as a tourist.

Language

Chile’s official language and lingua franca is Spanish, which is spoken by locals with a few of their own inflections. Around 10% of Chileans also speak English to an extent, while indigenous languages like Aymara and Mapudungun are now spoken by just 1% of the population.

The Chilean History

To understand Chile today, you must explore its past. Many different groups have called the country home through the ages, with each leaving their mark and contributing in their own way to the makings of modern Chile.

Ancient Chile

Evidence of human existence in Peru dates back some 12,500 years. Peru’s first inhabitants were nomadic, cave-dwelling hunter-gatherers, and early ancestors of the Norte Chicho people who eventually settled and formed the first agricultural communities in the north of the country.

The Inca

Many distinct cultures, including the Moche, Wari, and Tiwanaku, coexisted before the arrival of the Incas in the 1470s. Their rule was brief, buckling to Spanish colonial forces in the 1540s, though their legacy remains intact through various heritage sites and the Quechua language. 

Spanish rule

After more than two centuries under the thumb of Spain, Chile gained its independence in 1818 when José de San Martín defeated the final Spanish military forces in the Battle of Maipú. 

During this period, the native population was absorbed into the Spanish settler population to form the large mestizo population that still exists in Chile today.

Modern Chile

Various border disputes with neighboring countries broke out in the century following independence, though the perks of modernity also brought new innovations in the form of ports, railroads, and telegraph lines.

Power swung back and forth between liberal and conservative hands in the 19th and 20th centuries, with a slight shift to the left culminating in the election of Marxist president Salvador Allende in 1970.

Allende’s socialism was overthrown by a bloody military dictatorship in 1973, headed by Augusto Pinochet following a coup implicitly backed by the U.S. Following Pinochet’s exit in 1990, Chile has become more left-leaning and enjoyed strong economic growth. 

The Chilean Cuisine

Chilean cuisine brings together traditional Spanish favorites and indigenous ingredients, as well as flavors from German, Italian and French cuisine. The result of this melting pot is food that’s simple and delicious.

Seafood

Given that Chile’s coastline spans 4,000 miles, you won’t be surprised to learn that seafood features heavily in the country’s cuisine. Mussels, clams, shellfish, eel, sea bass, and salmon can be bought fresh at the many fish markets that populate coastal communities.

Seafood is also widely enjoyed in restaurants, often in the form of ceviche, curanto (steamed shellfish and meat), or paila marina (fish stew), which usually come with a healthy serving of vegetables. Empanadas de marisco (seafood empanadas) are a street-food favorite.

Meat

Like its Argentine neighbors, Chile is a meat-loving nation. Beef and pork abound, with popular meals including cazuela (beef stew), pastel de choclo (corn and beef pie), and the famed Chilean loaded hot dog.

As with Chile’s seafood, meat-based meals are typically served with an assortment of potatoes and other vegetables. If you only have time to sample one delicacy in Chile, make sure it’s empanadas de pino (beef empanada)!

Wine

Chile has a long tradition of wine-making that dates back to the arrival of the Spanish in the sixteenth century. Immensely popular internationally, Chile ranked as the world’s fifth largest exporter of wines in 2020.

Chile’s best vineyards are found in the Central Valley, a fertile strip of land that sits between the coast and the Andes in the heart of the country. If you’d like to learn more about the cultivation of Chilean wine, check out our previous post here.

The Chilean Arts

Drawing inspiration from the country’s impressive landscapes and — in many cases — their own experiences of political strife, Chile’s artistic minds have produced a number of works that have found fame both at home and abroad.

Literature

Chile is renowned for its poets, with Gabriella Mistral and Pablo Neruda both claiming the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1945 and 1971 respectively. Other acclaimed literary figures include magic realist writer Isabel Allende and prolific poet-novelist Roberto Bolano.

Art

From sculptures to street murals, art arrives in many forms in Chile. Arguably the nation’s most important painter, Roberto Matta played a central role in the international surrealist movement. The art scene today is thriving with dynamic expressions in painting, cinema, and photography. 

Music

Music is central to community life in Chile, as evidenced by the lively national dance called the cueca. Folk music still finds expression today in the form of the tonada, which now competes with a decidedly more international sound that draws on pop, rock, jazz, and hip hop.

Interested in Visiting Chile?

Not only is Chile’s culture utterly fascinating, but the country also boasts some of the world’s most dazzling landscapes in Patagonia and the Atacama Desert. It’s no surprise that, prior to the pandemic, Chile ranked as the third most popular South American country for tourists.

If you’re interested in visiting Chile, take a look at our sample itinerary here to get some more inspiration for your trip. When you’re ready to take the next step, don’t hesitate to get in touch — we’ll be waiting to help your plan your dream visit to Chile!

Learn from Travel is a leading provider of culturally-immersive travel programs. With a deep network in Chile, we’re well equipped to help you arrange your trip. Contact us today to begin planning your fully customizable Chilean travel experience.