“Where would I travel based on my MBTI personality?”
In this blog series ‘MBTI Travel’ discover different cities around the globe that suits your personality and travel style (and possibly gets into your bucket list). Let’s start the journey!
Disclaimer: The article is written based on the personality traits according to Myers Briggs Personality Test. Not sure what’s your personality type? Take the test here
By Edwina Zhu
In a land where the busy hustle of the urban city meets the natural landscape of towering mountains and extensive coastlines, Chile has it all. Entwined with history and culture, Chile is sure to satisfy the adventurous spirits of all who explore it.
INTP (Logician) – Patagonia, Chile
WHY THE PATAGONIA REGION?
Introverted and intuitive, Logicians can appreciate an immersive and well-organised itinerary in their trip. With that in mind, what better activity to pursue other than a trek across Patagonia for a new scenic experience every day?
WHERE TO GO IN THE PATAGONIA REGION?
- Torres Del Paine
The Patagonian trek is several day trips across the Chilean mountains to its neighbour, Argentina. On this 100km hike, you’ll see Chile’s famously breathtaking landscape of mountains, waterfalls and wildlife. The popular choice of route is the “W trek,” which begins in the Torres del Paine National Park, giving you a chance to experience the icy scenery of blue mountains and glaciers before travelling towards Argentina. You’ll be scheduled to reach certain points on the trek every day, ensuring you get to the best locations for any scenic sunrises or sunsets.
- Aysén, Marble Caves
Aside from the hike itself, you’ll want to make a few pit stops along the way. By the time you reach the heart of Patagonia, the Marble Caves of the Aysén region are a sight you won’t want to miss. Drifting across a lake in southern Chile, you’ll approach a network of sculpted caves and cliffs. These caves and cliffs are the product of over 6,000 years of water erosion, leaving behind marbled columns and arches. Reflecting the magnificently blue glacier waters, the marble caves are truly an ethereal sight.
WHAT TO EAT ACROSS PATAGONIA?
- Chupe de Centolla
How would a bowl of aromatic Chilean seafood Stew sound after an exhausting day of hiking and sightseeing? It’ll be sure to help you recharge all while giving you a taste of the local region. Taking much pride in its fishing industries, seafood is an integral part of several Chilean dishes. For the Chupe de Centolla, the star of the show is typically a Chilean king crab in a thick and creamy, chowder-like stew. Either eaten as a pie or dip, pair your stew with some crusty bread or simply, some grated cheese.
- Pisco Sours
If a zingy alcoholic, after-dinner drink piques your interest, why not try a pisco sour? Although claimed by Chileans as their official unofficial national drink, this claim may be disputed by their Peruvian neighbours upstairs. Composed of egg whites, syrup, lime juice and Angostura bitters, the pisco sour is a sweet treat to end the night with.
HOW IS THE WEATHER IN THE PATAGONIA REGION?
The climate in the Patagonian region is typically warm during summer days, with the temperature cooling down to below 10 degrees at night. However, situated above the Patagonian region is one of the largest ozone layer holes, meaning the sun can be extremely intense and cause sunburn easier as opposed to other areas. The best times to visit are around the later and earlier months of the year including October through to February, as temperatures are milder and more flora is in bloom.
ISTP (Virtuoso) – Santiago, Chile
WHY SANTIAGO?
The Virtuoso is observant, practical and hands-on; always keen to explore and seek out creative experiences – all of which Santiago can offer! From the local markets to the kitchen, you’ll be sure to learn something new, whether it be a new phrase in Spanish or a new recipe!
WHERE TO GO IN SANTIAGO?
- Food tours and cooking classes
For the Virtuoso, a food tour and cooking class led by locals not only provides an interactive experience with the community and culture but also offers practical culinary skills! In the pulsing city of Santiago, head towards the busy Mercado Central (Central Market) where you’ll find a range of exotic fruits and fresh produce unique to South American countries. Conclude your food tour with a hearty lunch made in a hands-on cooking class, turning your local ingredients from the market into tasty traditional Chilean meals and cocktails.
- Santiago a Mil festival
Established in 1994, the annual Santiago a Mil Festival in January transforms its city streets into vibrant and colourful stages featuring contemporary Chilean performance art and productions. Santiago Mil artists not only produce visually captivating works of art, cinema, music and performance, but also a thought-provoking experience with social commentary that is known to, “break down the (country’s) territorial, economic and social barriers.” For the creative, yet observant and thinking mind of the Virtuoso, the festival is bound to keep you enthralled for days on end.
WHAT TO EAT IN SANTIAGO?
- Sopaipilla
Should you find yourself too busy exploring the city, street food is a quick, easy and cheap solution to satiate your hunger! Sopaipilla is one of the most popular Chilean street foods and for a good reason. It’s fragrant, easy to eat and most importantly, tasty! Discs of dough made with pumpkin or squash are fried to a golden brown colour and can be eaten both sweet and savoury. Pair your sopaipilla with sweet syrup or honey and have it as a dessert or with a range of spicy sauces as a savoury snack.
- Mote con Huesillos
Another popular choice of street food is a cold and fruity treat called Mote con Huesillos. Made with dried peaches, sugar, cinnamon, orange rind and boiled husked wheat, it doubles as both an aromatic drink and snack. The fragrant beverage is typically served with large chunks of peaches and a serving of oat-like wheat kernels to chew on as your drink comes to an end.
HOW IS THE WEATHER IN SANTIAGO?
Santiago has its coldest months between June and August, where temperatures can reach 3 degrees celsius in its coldest month, July. It is also in Winter, that Santiago experiences its wettest months. Whether it be rain, hail or snow, it will usually happen during this time of year. On the other hand, Summer starts from December through to March, offering warmer temperatures of up to 30 degrees celsius and more humidity. It is then around the Autumn and Spring months that the temperature fluctuates between 25-29 degrees celsius during the day.
Chile Partner exchange university: University of Chile and Pontifical Catholic University of Chile
Keen to explore some more? Check out Brazil for more artistic culture and history!