My host parents made me feel like I truly had a home in Chile. It’s one thing to travel to places and stay in hotels/AirBnbs, but living in a Chilean couple’s apartment with them made it feel like I was a part of their family. They provided me great knowledge on Chilean culture and the language, and they made sure I felt like I was at home by packing my lunch, feeding me dinner (which they call once), and inviting me to all their family events. I truly felt safe and cared for in their apartment and knew that I had a loving home to return to each day and after each trips, and a happy couple who would be excited to welcome me back.

I would recommend seeing as much as you can and talking to as many people as you can! Your time there is short so really seize every moment. Yes go on trips, but also do things on the weekdays around the city. Enjoy being a long-term tourist by diving deep into areas you like and making sure to touch every crevice of Santiago.