Santiago Information

Santiago, the capital city of Chile is a study in opposites. Shiny office towers, giant supermarkets and large shopping malls are as much a part of the cityscape as are the poorer suburbs on the outskirts. Chile's capital city and cultural and economic center of the nation Santiago occupies a spectacular intermontane basin at the foot of the highest peaks in the Andes. Safe and modern Santiago features excellent restaurants and hotels, cultural events and shopping. Ski areas, national parks, colonial haciendas and wineries all make easy day trips from Santiago.

Major Attractions

The Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino
he Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino is Santiago 's finest museum, with a beautifully presented collection of pre-Hispanic art drawn from with pre-Columbian cultures from Central America to the Andean region. Highlights include elaborate Meso-American incense burners, Andean textiles dating back as far as 3,000 years, and Maya carvings, not to be missed on any account.

Cerro San Cristobal Cable Car
For a breath taking ride and matchless views of the city, take the cable car over Cerro San Cristóbal - concluded off with a plunge in the magnificent hilltop pool, Piscina Tupahue.

Bellavista
Bellavista has evolved from a sleepy, older part of town into one of the liveliest nightlife areas in town. The narrow streets and village-like atmosphere of Bellavista, the capital's arty, bohemian quarter, make for a great wander. Tucked between the river and San Cristóbal hill, it harbors scores of restaurants in all categories -including many fine ones-, cultural centers, theaters and a busy street-vending culture that blossoms on Friday and Saturday nights