When we think about South America’s literary canon, a series of authors, writers of romantic fiction, of novels, of poetry come to mind. From Chile, the greatest reference is, certainly, Pablo Neruda.
Author of extensive poetic works of extreme sensibility, Neruda is recognized worldwide as one of the 20th century’s great poets, and influenced an entire generation of new writers. To know his story, habits, and routine is the great dream of his admirers.
In that regard, on a trip to Chile, a visit to Isla Negra is a must. It’s in the small coastal town of El Quisco, situated about 40km south of Valparaiso, and a little over 80km east of Santiago. On a visit to either of these cities, it’s interesting to spend a whole day visiting this peaceful destination.
As has been mentioned, the greatest local attraction is connected to Neruda. Isla Negra is what the poet named the north region of El Quisco, where he bought a lovely house in 1938. For the rest of his life he considered the house a refuge: he decorated it with several souvenirs from the sea, such as replicas of sloops and other marine artifacts, and spent long seasons there.
His home has been transformed into a rich museum that tells his story. It’s probably the town’s most interesting tour, and should be taken in a leisurely manner, enjoying each and every detail of the house. There are several artifacts that belonged to Neruda, such as notebooks, notations, and other documents that are part of Chilean history.
After the visit, a nice walk along the town’s shoreline is the perfect complement. It was Neruda’s favorite activity, walking along the seashore whenever he was in Isla Negra. To complete the tour, El Quisco offers some good restaurant options, as required mainly by tourists visiting the museum.
Isla Negra is one of those destinations that, after being visited, becomes unforgettable, especially for lovers of literature. It’s an immersion in a romantic, bucolic and peaceful lifestyle: an incredible experience during a vacation.
