OVERVIEW
Santiago de Chile was founded in 1547. The location of the Chilean capital is quite spectacular: the snowcapped mountains of the Andes provide the backdrop for the city.
Santiago is very much the center of the world as far as Chileans are concerned. For nightlife, eating out, or anything at all this is the place to be. Some of the best places to experience these things are the Barrio Suecia and Bellavista neighborhoods. The young, colorful Barrio Brasil neighborhood is undergoing a renaissance and also offers many excellent opportunities for people watching and eating, including the famed Las Vacas Gordas steakhouse on Cienfuegos.
For a good view of the city, take the funicular to Cerro San Cristobal. Santiago offers some great possibilities for daytrips as well. Valparaiso and Vina del mar are not far away, the mountains have great hiking opportunities, and the ocean is nearby. And, of course, wine lovers have easy access to the Concha y Toro vineyards as well as other producers in the Maipo valley. There are several winter resorts in the nearby mountains. The Ski season opens in june and last past august.
SIGHTS
Bellavista neighborhood
This neighborhood is the center for shopping as well as nighlife.
Los Graneros del Alba
Another good shopping spot is the Los Graneros del Alba shopping village behind the Church of Los Dominicos.
Statue of the Virgin
Begin with an overview of the city: Take the funicular to see the Statue of the Virgin atop the hill of Cerro San Cristobal and observe the city below.
Plaza de Armas
found at the Plaza de Armas especially on a Sunday when families put on their best and head to the plaza to listen to music from the bandstand or watch the street performers that crowd the square.
GETTING THERE
By air
Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez is Chile's international airport, located 21 kilometers (13 miles) from downtown Santiago. Taxis are plentiful from the airport. Fares range from $15 to $20 to most downtown destinations. Buses, as well as shuttle services are also available. Buses operate 24 hours a day, servicing major points from the airport to the city center and costing a measly $2. For a few more dollars, you can ride a shuttle or a minibus, which can drop you at the doorstep of your requested address. Average travel time from the airport to the city center is an hour and a half.
NOTICE
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