If you love California’s coastline—the kind that makes you pull over on Highway 1 just to breathe it in—Chile might feel strangely familiar. It’s like California’s long-lost cousin: dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, wine country, snow-capped mountains, and yes, even avocado toast. But stretch it longer, add more volcanoes, swap in wild Patagonia, and give it its own rich mix of Indigenous, European, and coastal culture—and now you’ve got Chile.
I recently sat down with Paula Tejeda, longtime San Franciscan, cultural ambassador, and founder of Chile Lindo—a now-legacy business in the Mission district that serves some of the best empanadas in the Bay. Paula grew up between New York and Chile, and our conversation was full of nostalgia, laughter, and some seriously good travel advice.
From stargazing in the Atacama to sipping tea with friends along the Central Coast, this conversation was a warm reminder that travel isn’t just about going somewhere new—it’s about recognizing what feels like home.
🎧 Click on the above link to listen to the interview or listen on “Mixtape Travels” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Here are some highlights from our conversation:
🏔 Chile: Like California, but Longer, Wilder, and Just as Beautiful
Geographically, Chile feels like someone took California and stretched it down the side of South America. The similarities are uncanny—Mediterranean climate, fertile valleys, a long Pacific coastline backed by towering mountains. Paula pointed out that if you took Chile and laid it over a map of the U.S., it would run from Maine to Southern California. It’s that long. And yet, in some places, it’s only 56 miles wide—just a sliver of land between the Pacific and the Andes.
You’ll find:
A coastline that mirrors Big Sur, wild and breathtaking, but less developed (and thankfully, not trying to look like Miami)
Central valleys that could pass for Sonoma or Napa, known for their wine, olive oil, and produce
Snowy peaks and ski resorts, just a couple hours from Santiago
The Atacama Desert, which rivals California’s own deserts—but drier, weirder, and perfect for stargazing (NASA tests Mars rovers there!). It is also the highest desert in the world, which is why it has the greatest number of observatories.
As Paula said, “You could take a picture of the Central Valley coastline in Chile and mistake it for California.” It’s familiar—but with its own rhythm, flavors, and spirit.
🎿 Wait, You Can Ski There? Yes—And It’s Incredible
If you're a skier or snowboarder used to chasing winter storms in Tahoe or Mammoth, here's a twist: head south of the equator, and you can ski in the middle of our summer. Chile is home to 18 ski resorts, with options ranging from family-friendly to full-on backcountry adventures.
The Andes are no joke—high elevation, incredible views, and fresh powder from June through September. Some of the most popular ski areas include:
Valle Nevado, about 90 minutes from Santiago, with the largest terrain in South America
Portillo, known for its bright yellow hotel, iconic views, and old-school charm
Nevados de Chillán, further south, with natural hot springs to soak in after a day on the slopes
Paula told me when she lived in Chile, there were only two or three resorts—now there are nearly twenty. It’s grown fast, but the vibe is still refreshingly unpolished compared to U.S. mega-resorts. Think: dramatic alpine scenery, lighter crowds, and après ski with empanadas and Carmenère.
So yes—you can surf in the morning and ski in the afternoon. Chile really does have range!
🫶 Customs We Should Adopt
Chileans are all about community. Paula made a strong case for adopting once—afternoon tea with friends or family. It can be simple (toast and tea) or elaborate (avocado toast, pastries, cheese, and great conversation). It’s less about what’s on the table and more about who’s around it.
Unlike the U.S., where “let’s hang out” often means finding time six weeks from now, in Chile you just show up. That warmth stuck with Paula—and it is something I’d like to experience as well.
🥟 What to Eat: Beyond Empanadas
Yes, Chile is known for empanadas (especially on Sundays), but there’s so much more. Here’s Paula’s hit list:
Pastel de choclo – Think shepherd’s pie meets summer corn pudding, with beef, chicken, raisins, olives, and hard-boiled egg, topped with basil-infused ground corn
Completos – Chilean hot dogs with avocado and mayo (don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!)
Sandwiches – Like the Chacarero: steak, tomato, and green beans.
Dulce Chilenos and fine pastry line – Meringue cakes, Chantilly, manjar (dulce de leche), walnuts… drooling yet?
Chile’s food is fresh, balanced, and influenced by waves of immigrants from France, Italy, Germany, and the Middle East.
🍷 Yes, the Wine is That Good
Chile’s wine scene feels like Napa 30 years ago—wild, rustic, and full of character. Paula recommends:
Montes Winery in the Colchagua Valley (and in Patagonia!)
Viña VIK, with a jaw-dropping hotel and award-winning reds
Miguel Torres and Bouchon—from families with deep European winemaking roots
Don’t skip a visit to Isla Negra, where Pablo Neruda’s former home now houses a museum—and a poetic, plant-forward restaurant called Nobel Neruda overlooking the Pacific.
🎶 Music, Memory & Powerful Women
Chilean music is steeped in poetry and protest. Paula grew up with jazz and bossa nova, but also pointed to artists like:
Gabriela Mistral, the first Latin American Nobel Laureate in Literature
Violeta Parra, whose folk ballad Gracias a la Vida was famously covered by Joan Baez
Victor Jara, whose protest songs still echo today
The thread? Bold, brilliant women using art to shape culture.
🧭 Paula’s Travel Tips for Visiting Chile
Thinking about a trip to Chile? Paula says:
Timing is key. Don’t visit southern Chile (Patagonia, Lake District) in July–August—rain will block the views.
Go for the eco-tourism. Chile has 44 national parks and some of the best stargazing, hot springs, hiking, fly fishing, and whitewater rafting in the world.
Visit Mapuche communities. Learn from the Indigenous people who were never colonized, and still preserve their language, land practices, and artisan traditions.
And yes, it’s expensive. Prices in Chile are more California than Costa Rica. But if you know where to go, it’s worth every peso.
🇨🇱 Chile in the Bay Area
Paula keeps her roots alive in San Francisco through Chile Lindo, her bakery-turned-cultural hub in the Mission, now officially a San Francisco legacy business. You’ll find empanadas, pastries, and—if you’re lucky—a jazz night across the street at her second location. Start with an empanada, show up for a glass of Chilean wine (empanadas are traditionally eaten with red wine), and make time for people. That’s the Chilean way!
Meet Paula Tejeda
Paula Tejeda is a cultural connector, storyteller, and longtime San Franciscan who’s been building bridges between Latin America and the Bay Area since the ‘90s. Raised between New York City and Chile, Paula has worn many hats: poet, columnist, event producer, PR pro, and founder of Chile Lindo—the beloved empanada shop turned cultural hub in the Mission, now recognized as a San Francisco Legacy Business.
She’s known for championing local artists, preserving Latin American traditions, and finding creative ways to bring people together—including launching Chile Lindo Live!, one of the city’s first outdoor concert series during the pandemic. Her latest project, Focus on SF Biz Owners, highlights conversations with local entrepreneurs, continuing her mission to celebrate culture, community, and the entrepreneurial spirit that defines San Francisco.
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With much gratitude,
