Santiago Centro has several pedestrian walkways that facilitate the convergence of city residents on the heart of the city. Intense, whirling commercial activity takes place in them, as there one can find department stores, national monuments, the renowned Cafés con Piernas, and the typical carts selling the much liked Mote con Huesillos, a traditional cool refreshing drink consisting of dried peaches cooked in a sugar syrup, with added cooked husked wheat.
The main pedestrian walkways include Paseo Ahumada, named after a Spanish family who settled on this former street in the 17th century. Parallel to Ahumada lies Paseo Estado, formerly known as Calle del Rey (King’s Street), but renamed after Chile’s Independence from Spain.
Paseo Huérfanos is the pedestrian street crossing Ahumada and Estado, and its existence also dates back to Colonial times. Throughout its history it has had several names, such as Royal Mint Street and, eventually, Huérfanos, on account of the orphanage that was set up there.
Finally, on the north side of the Plaza de Armas, lies Paseo Puente. It takes its name from the bridge called Puente Cal y Canto, the most significant and spectacular viaduct on the Mapocho River during the 18th century.
Many are the attributes of Santiago’s pedestrian walkways, thanks to which the city may be thoroughly appreciated.