Araucano Park, Santiago (must see)

Araucano Park (Parque Araucano), situated in the municipality of Las Condes, Santiago, stands as a prominent green oasis. Encompassing 22 hectares, the park is bordered by Presidente Riesco Avenue to the south, Alonso de Córdova to the west, Manquehue to the east (with the Juan Pablo II park just across the footbridge), and Cerro Colorado Street to the north.

Over time, Araucano Park has evolved into a vibrant cultural hub, hosting an array of festivals and events. From the esteemed Las Condes Film Festival to captivating opera performances at the Municipal Theater of Santiago, the park welcomes concerts, culinary festivals, and chess competitions.

Since its establishment in 2012, the park has been home to the KidZania children's entertainment center. The subsequent year marked the inauguration of Selva Viva, boasting the capital's first butterfly farm. Visitors can explore various zones catering to children's games, exercise, sports, picnics, and an aviary. Additionally, the park features enchanting gardens, including a delightful rose garden, as well as a well-equipped events center.

One striking feature is the sculpture "Ofrenda," created by María Angélica Echavarría, located near the entrance on Presidente Riesco, facing Rosario Norte Street. This stainless steel artwork, erected in 2012, pays homage to the Mapuche people for their perpetual guardianship of Araucano Park. It draws inspiration from the sacred instrument kultrún, symbolizing the connection between the earth and humanity with a higher power.

The sculpture incorporates essential elements of Araucanian culture, such as the circle, representing transformation and continuity. The number 4 is also integrated, signifying the four seasons, cardinal points, and phases of the moon, all significant in the "Mapuche worldview." Lastly, the sculpture reveres water as the soul and the origin of everything: "First it was the water, then the earth, and everything else followed suit."