La Florida, Chile

Reading Time: 6 minutes

La Florida, Chile

Region: La Florida, Chile is located in the Santiago Metropolitan Region


Geographic Coordinates: -33.533300, -70.583300
Temperature Range: -5.0°C to 30.0°C (23°F to 86°F)
Population: 366916
Language: Spanish

La Florida is a commune located in the southeastern part of Santiago, Chile. It is one of the most populous communes in Santiago and is known for its beautiful parks and green spaces. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous Mapuche people before being colonized by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. The commune’s name comes from its lush vegetation and natural beauty, Which has been preserved over the years through careful planning and development. La Florida is home to several large parks, Including Parque Mahuida, Which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

In addition to its natural attractions, La Florida has a rich cultural heritage that can be seen in its architecture and landmarks. One such landmark is the historic Iglesia de la Preciosa Sangre de Cristo (Church of the Precious Blood of Christ), Which dates back to 1919. La Florida also has a thriving economy with many businesses operating within its borders. The area boasts several shopping centers, Including Plaza Vespucio – one of Santiago’s largest malls – as well as numerous restaurants serving traditional Chilean cuisine.

The commune is well-connected to other parts of Santiago through a network of highways and public transportation options. This makes it easy for visitors to explore all that La Florida has to offer while still having access to other parts of this vibrant city. Overall, La Florida offers visitors an excellent blend of natural beauty, Cultural heritage, And modern amenities. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or urban exploration opportunities, This charming commune has something for everyone.



Important Landmarks

  1. San Pedro de Atacama is a small town situated in the Atacama Desert, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, natural hot springs, and ancient ruins.
  2. Valle de la Luna is a surreal landscape that comprises sand dunes and rock formations resembling the surface of the moon.
  3. El Tatio Geysers is one of the world’s largest geyser fields located at an altitude exceeding 4,000 meters.
  4. Lauca National Park is a protected area in northern Chile featuring high-altitude lakes, volcanoes, and Andean wildlife such as vicuñas and flamingos.
  5. Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is an isolated island in the Pacific Ocean famous for its mysterious stone statues called moai.
  6. Torres del Paine National Park covers vast wilderness areas in southern Chile known for towering granite peaks, glaciers, and pristine lakes.
  7. Chiloé Island comprises an archipelago off the coast of southern Chile with unique culture and architecture influenced by indigenous peoples and Spanish colonizers.
  8. Pablo Neruda’s House Museum (La Sebastiana) was once home to Chilean poet Pablo Neruda but now serves as a museum showcasing his life and work.
  9. La Moneda Palace refers to Santiago’s presidential palace that has become symbolic of democracy after being bombed during a coup d’état in 1973.
  10. Cerro San Cristóbal Hill overlooks Santiago with panoramic views of both cityscape Andes mountains beyond it.

Primary Industries

  1. Retail: La Florida boasts several shopping centers, supermarkets, and stores that cater to the local population’s needs.
  2. Services: A variety of service-based businesses operate in La Florida such as banks, healthcare facilities, educational institutions and government agencies.
  3. Construction: Due to its growing population and development projects; construction companies operate within the area.
  4. Manufacturing: Some manufacturing companies produce goods such as textiles and food products.
  5. Hospitality: Several hotels and restaurants cater to tourists who visit the region.
  6. Agriculture: Although not a major industry in La Florida itself due to its urbanization status; it is an important economic activity for nearby rural areas that supply fresh produce to markets within Santiago Metropolitan Region including those located within La Florida itself through small local farmers’ markets or street vendors selling fruits & vegetables from their trucks or carts on main roads of residential areas during weekends or special events such as holidays or festivities like Easter Week (Semana Santa) or Independence Day (Fiestas Patrias).

Noteable History

  1. The Battle of Maipú: This battle occurred on April 5, 1818, between the Chilean forces led by Bernardo O’Higgins and José de San Martín against the Spanish royalists. The battle took place near Maipú, which is now part of La Florida.
  2. Gabriela Mistral: Gabriela Mistral was a Nobel Prize-winning poet who spent some time in La Florida during her childhood.
  3. Estadio Bicentenario de La Florida: This stadium was constructed to commemorate Chile’s bicentennial celebrations in 2010 and is home to several football clubs.
  4. The National Zoo: Situated within the boundaries of La Florida, this zoo has housed various species since its inception in 1925.
  5. Salvador Allende: Salvador Allende was a former president of Chile who had his office located within the commune during his presidency from 1970-1973.
  6. Augusto Pinochet: Augusto Pinochet was a former dictator who had his residence located within La Florida during his presidency from 1973-1990.
  7. Parque Mahuida: This park provides panoramic views over Santiago and offers various outdoor activities such as hiking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds for children.
  8. Cerro San Ramón: This mountain peak situated within the commune provides hiking opportunities for adventure enthusiasts while also offering beautiful views over Santiago’s cityscape.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Museo de Arte Contemporáneo: This museum showcases contemporary art from both local and international artists.
  2. Pucará de La Compañía: A pre-Columbian fortress that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
  3. Casa Museo Eduardo Frei Montalva: The former residence of Chile’s president, now transformed into a museum dedicated to his life and legacy.
  4. Parque Nacional Radal Siete Tazas: A national park featuring stunning waterfalls and hiking trails.
  5. Catedral de la Santísima Concepción: An impressive cathedral dating back to the 18th century.
  6. Casa del Teatro Regional del Maule: This theater hosts plays, concerts, and other cultural events throughout the year for visitors to enjoy.
  7. Monumento Natural El Morado: A natural monument located in the Andes Mountains with glaciers, lakes, and hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts to explore.
  8. Palacio Rioja: An elegant mansion that has been converted into a cultural center offering exhibitions and events for visitors to attend.
  9. Plaza de Armas de Talca: Talca’s main square featuring historic buildings and a statue of Bernardo O’Higgins, one of Chile’s founding fathers.
  10. Observatorio Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO): An astronomical observatory located in the Andes Mountains which offers tours for those interested in astronomy or stargazing experiences while visiting Chile.


Sports Teams

  1. Club Deportivo Universidad Católica: This football club was established in 1937 and is one of the most successful teams in Chilean football history. They have won 13 domestic league titles, three Copa Chile trophies, and two Supercopa de Chile championships.
  2. Club Deportivo Palestino: Founded in 1920 by Palestinian immigrants to Chile, this football club has a unique history and identity. They have won two domestic league titles and one Copa Chile trophy.
  3. Club Deportivo La Florida: This local football club was founded in 1956 and has mostly played at the amateur level throughout its history.
  4. Asociación Atlética La Florida: This athletics club was established in 1948 and has produced several notable athletes over the years.
  5. Club de Golf La Dehesa: Established in 1962, this golf club is located within La Florida commune’s borders and features an 18-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.

Overall, sports play an important role in La Florida’s culture and community life with many residents participating or supporting local teams or clubs.



Cultural Events

  1. Fiesta de la Vendimia: This wine harvest festival is celebrated every year in March and April in the town of Curicó. It features parades, music, dancing, and wine tastings.
  2. Festival Internacional de Jazz de Providencia: This jazz festival takes place every January in Providencia and attracts musicians from all over the world.
  3. Carnaval del Sol: This summer carnival is held in February or March in Viña del Mar and features colorful parades, music, dance performances, and street food.
  4. Festival Nacional del Folklore de San Bernardo: This folk music festival takes place every January in San Bernardo and showcases traditional Chilean music, dance performances, and crafts.
  5. Semana Santa en La Serena: The Holy Week celebrations take place every year during Easter week in La Serena with processions that feature religious images carried through the streets of the city.
  6. Fiesta de la Chilenidad: Celebrated during September’s Independence Day celebrations across Chile with traditional food like empanadas (a type of pastry filled with meat or vegetables), cueca (the national dance), rodeos (a traditional sport), among other activities.
  7. Feria Internacional del Libro de Santiago (FILSA): The International Book Fair of Santiago takes place annually between October to November featuring a wide range of books from different genres for visitors to purchase along with book signings by authors from around the world.

Cuisine

  • Asado: grilled meat, usually beef or pork.
  • Empanadas: pastry filled with meat, cheese or vegetables.
  • Cazuela: a traditional soup made with beef or chicken and vegetables.
  • Churrasco: thin-sliced steak served on a sandwich.

Popular Restaurants in La Florida, Chile:

  1. El Rincón de los Asados is known for their delicious grilled meats and traditional dishes.
  2. Las Delicias del Maipo offers a variety of typical Chilean dishes such as empanadas and cazuela.
  3. El Rancho de la Abuela serves homemade-style food including cazuela and churrasco.
  4. El Fogón del Gaucho specializes in Argentinean-style grilled meats and has a cozy atmosphere.
  5. Los Buenos Muchachos Parrilla Argentina is another great option for those looking for authentic Argentinean cuisine such as churrasco and empanadas.

Parks and Recreation

  1. Parque Nacional Torres del Paine is a beautiful national park that features hiking trails, glaciers, lakes and wildlife.
  2. Parque Bicentenario is an urban park that boasts a lake, bike paths, playgrounds and cultural events.
  3. Cerro San Cristobal is a hilltop park that offers panoramic views of Santiago and a funicular ride to the top.
  4. Cajon del Maipo is a scenic valley with hiking trails, hot springs and river rafting.
  5. Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo is a nature reserve with hiking trails through forests and along rivers.
  6. Laguna Aculeo is an amazing lake where visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking and windsurfing surrounded by hills for hiking.
  7. Termas de Chillan is an incredible hot springs resort with skiing in winter and mountain biking in summer.
  8. Valle Nevado Ski Resort is one of the best ski resorts in the Andes Mountains offering skiing/snowboarding during winter months.
  9. Parque Araucano offers outdoor activities such as bike rentals, climbing wall, mini golf course.
  10. Parque Forestal runs through Santiago’s city center where visitors can take walks or enjoy picnics in this long linear park.

Suitcase

Go Where The Road Takes You.


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