In the world of Latin American literature, few names are more prominent than Pablo Neruda. This Nobel Prize-winning author, born in 1904, has influenced generations of writers and society in general, through his writing as well as his work as a diplomat and politician. And it’s surprisingly easy to learn about his fascinating life by visiting his homes during a Chile vacation.
To get the best insight about how to trace the steps of Chile’s most famous writer, we turn to LatinFlyer’s sponsor partner, Coddiwomple Journeys, one of the most knowledgeable tour operators that specializes in South America travel. Since Coddiwomple focuses solely on South America, they understand the region like no one else, and have the insider connections to create truly unique and customizable Chile travel experiences.
Coddiwomple Journeys offers a total of seven impressive itineraries in Chile — and since they work closely with every client to design the ideal South America vacation, they can tailor all their Chile tour options to fit your budget and interests. So if the idea of following the life of world-famous Pablo Neruda piques your interest, here are some of the best ways to do it.
Check Out the Pablo Neruda Foundation
Founded in 1986, the Pablo Neruda Foundation is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the works and ideas of the Chilean writer, poet and politician. The Foundation publishes the Nerudiana journal and offers poetry workshops in La Chascona, Isla Negra, La Sebastiana and Temuco. The organization also awards the annual Pablo Neruda Award for Poetry to poets under age 40, and operates a cultural program that stages poetry competitions, exhibits, seminars and festivals.
Coddiwomple Journeys is the perfect Chile operator to connect you with all that the Pablo Neruda Foundation does. Its local experts can provide you with insider information about attractions, events and other happenings related to the writer’s life, and how to include them in your trip. Coddiwomple’s itinerary, Chile’s Central Region, for example, includes plenty of flexible in Santiago and — like all the company’s Chile tours — can be customized to include as much Neruda excitement as you like.
The Pablo Neruda Foundation also operates multiple museums and former homes that belonged to the writer and are now open to the public; read on for details about how to step inside these interesting venues.
Wander La Chascona Museum House in Santiago
Located in the upscale Barrio Bellavista district in Chile’s capital city of Santiago, La Chascona was built in 1953 for Matilde Urrutia, who was Neruda’s secret love. Here, you can learn about the writer’s life during guided tours, while also viewing collections of paintings by Chilean and international artists. Also noteworthy is the African carved wood collection, furniture and objects from the Italian designer Piero Fornasetti, and the original china and cutlery from Neruda’s dining room.
Since Santiago is the nation’s main international gateway, La Chascona is Chile’s most easily visited Neruda attraction. You can include a guided museum and house tour with any Coddiwomple Journeys tour of Chile, including the Explore Central & Northern Chile — Santiago & Atacama itinerary.
Enjoy the View at La Sebastiana Museum House in Valparaíso
The historic Pacific port city of Valparaíso — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is a true coastal treasure, packed with noteworthy architecture and graced with stunning views. For literature lovers, its top attraction is La Sebastiana, a hilltop house named for its original owner, Sesbastián Collado. At this scenically positioned home, Neruda wrote and hosted New Year’s Eve parties; the home’s antique maps and art recount his extensive international travels.
Coddiwomple’s Best of Chile itinerary includes an excursion to Viña del Mar and Valparaíso, with a stop at the Viña Matetic Vineyard. The Valparáiso city tour can include an informative walk through La Sebastiana, and as always, the itinerary can be tailored to your personal interests.
Visit Isla Negra Museum House in Valparaíso
Also in Valparaíso is Isla Negra, a beachfront spot where Neruda started building a small getaway home in 1944 (although it took some 20 years to complete). Only a few people at a time are allowed into this home, for guided tours that showcase the writer’s interests in travel, art and clothing. You’ll see some of his own personal effects as well as the large bar that served as a gathering place for social events.
Explore Central & Southern Chile — Santiago & Patagonia is yet another Coddiwomple Journeys itinerary that includes a well-planned visit to Valparaíso. And you can add and change any elements to their Chile tours, to create the ideal dream vacation in this South American hotspot.