SANTIAGO

This is a cosmopolitan city on the banks of the Mapocho river. It is a vibrant city in its urban geography, surrounded by picturesquely traditional villages and full of modern buildings of futuristic architecture. This is Santiago, the capital of Chile, one of the most important financial hubs of South America

Central Chile is the cultural nucleus of the country. All of Chile's largest cities are located here, as are most of its universities and industries, its vineyards, finest agricultural lands, colonial and early republican architecture. In fact, central Chile is something of a microcosm of the country, balanced between deserts to the north and forests to the south, with the capital poised between the highest peaks in the Americas and a host of premier beach resorts.
Santiago, the capital, is a focal point of Latin American commerce and the point of entry for nearly all international arrivals. Clean and modern, Santiago sits in a basin between the Coast Range to the west and the Andes to the east.
World-class ski areas in the central Andes lie only forty-five minutes away, up steep switchbacks which climb over 7500 feet in twenty-six miles.
Numerous vineyards surround the capital; hotsprings, seventeenth-century colonial haciendas, and national parks in both the Andes and the Coast Range, all make easy day trips.
At night, visitors may choose from a variety of restaurants serving all types of regional and Ethinc cuisines, and excellent hotels assure a good night's sleep for business or pleasure.

HISTORY

On February 12th 1541, Pedro de Valdivia founded Santiago de la Nueva Extremadura, not realizing that 6 months later the small village would be attacked by the brave Mapuches , and that centuries later it would become the political, cultural, administrative and economic center of one of the most dynamic and progressive countries in South America.
Throughout its history, this capital has collected a series of architectural treasures that compel you to walk through it slowly in order to discover splendid buildings like the Red House, a colonial style construction of 1769, which has been turned into a Museum and the "Palacio de la Moneda" (Palace of the Mint) (1805) - in the neo-classical style and the seat of the Chilean government. What is more, you have its splendid Cathedral, built in 1785.
There are also other important spots, such as the extensive parks and the majestic Art Museum, opened in 1910, a conservative touch that provides a contrast with the adventurous design of the modern buildings and the bohemian atmosphere of the suburbs, where the surroundings invite one to take a break and have a coffee.
The capital of Chile (543 m. above sea level) is not only attractive because of its architectural contrast between the past and the present, or its busy cultural agenda, but also because of its luxurious hotels and tempting restaurants, where you can enjoy a delicious empanada (pasty) or succulent fish and seafood, while savoring magnificent wines.

Santiago is ideally located between beaches and snow-covered mountains, a perfect spot for visiting the exciting snowy ski runs towering 50 kilometers away. To the west, modern highways connect with the coastal cities of Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, and San Antonio.

Like Santiago, the central coast enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with short, mild winters and a sunny summer season lasting over eight months. Here a chain of white-sand beaches and coastal resorts offers something for every taste, from luxury hotels to secluded cabañas, picnics on the beach to fresh seafood in an open-air restaurant.
To the north, the climate grows gradually hotter and drier. The chain of beaches and resorts continues north to La Serena,, Chile's second-oldest city now known for its production of pisco, a grape brandy which follows close behind wine on the list of Chile's preferred drinks.
To the south, the central valley comes into its own. These were the fertile lands first claimed by the Spanish conquistadores; here the Chilean huaso (cowboy) still spends his day astride his horse in the traditional manta (poncho) and sombrero, honing his skills for annual rodeo rodeo competitions.
To the east, the Andes are an unforgettable presence, cloaked in white in winter and spring, storing meltwater for the rivers which irrigate Chile's heartland. Beyond that first line of peaks, visible from anywhere in the Central Valley and from many places along the coast, lies a wilderness of glacially sculpted canyons, glaciers and microclimate forests, alpine lakes and thundering rivers. Lateral roads lead into the cordillera, providing access to numerous national parks and truly endless opportunities for skiing ,hiking and mountaineering, mountain biking, horseback riding and rafting.
Santiago is divided into 32 districts or "comunas", each one run by its own town council. The central offices of banks and main government buildings are located in downtown Santiago. Commerce is gradually heading towards the east side of the city, to the districts of Providencia, Las Condes and Vitacura. Most hotels, commercial, banking and entertainment areas are located in these districts. The industrial area of Santiago is found in the districts of Quilicura, Huechuraba and Pudahuel to the north and northwest of the city. The south and west districts of Santiago are predominately residential.

LANGUAGE

Spanish is the official language.

CLIMATE

Santiago has a temperate climate with Mediterranean overtones. In summer - December through March - the thermometers will reach 30 ºC (86 F) while during the winter - June through August - there are heavy but short lived rains. Annual average temperatures are 14°C (55 F)

It only snows in the mountain range area, specifically at the winter resorts, snowfalls often starting in the second fortnight of June, and lasting until the first fortnight of October.

The Valparaiso region presents a varied climate depending on the geographical area, i.e. on the coast the climate is mild, in the mountains it can become very cold and, the central sector is very hot.

The city of Valparaiso has a subtropical climate with an average temperature of 20° C. (68 F).

WHAT TO PACK

You will need different types of clothing since the temperatures in the capital are quite cold in winter, but in summer temperatures may reach 30º C. (86 F)
You will need light clothing, overcoats, windbreakers, parka, sunglasses and sun blockers and screens.

WATER

Tap water is safe to drink in most places but we recommend you to stick to bottled water to avoid unpleasantries.

HEALTH AND EMERGENCY SERVICES

Santiago has a full range of hospitals and clinics well equipped for any emergency.

CHILEAN CUISINE.

The Chilean cuisine is very varied, we can mention a few typical dishes such as: Empanada de Pino (fried dough pastries filled with onions, meat, raisins and olives), Pastel de Choclo (corn pie prepared with sweet corn, meat, eggs and olives), Porotos Granados (tender beans cooked with squash and sweet corn), Cazuela de Ave or Vacuno (chicken or beef broth with cooked vegetables), apart from the typical regional local dishes.

Lastly, you must try the exquisite Mote con Huesillos, a dessert made out of cooked fruit and sweet corn.