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Guide to Santiago, Chile
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SantiagoThe capital of Chile, Santiago is the bustling governmental and commercial hub of the country, but dont let its capitalist image fool you. Through the citys streets are a number of architectural wonders, exciting sporting activities to take part in, and some of the best museum annexes in South America. Take a hike to the top of Cerro San Cristobal, where youll be greeted by a great view and a wonderful city park. Visit the center of Santiago and youll be surrounded by some of the greatest neo-Gothic buildings in Chile. Its all here, and its just a plane ride away. So what are you waiting for? Visit Santiago today!
When to go:
Spring and autumn are the ideal times to visit Santiago, when the weather is mild, and rainfall is low. Youll enjoy the colorful scenery of blooming flowers in springtime, or youll get a chance to see Santiagos surrounding hills and riverbanks come alive with reds, yellows, and oranges. Winter June to August is when travelers from all over the globe come to claim the ski slopes as theirs, but the city is not all that pleasant to see at this time, and many hotels are packed, making winter double as a second high-season. Stick with the warmer months and youre sure to have a great time in Santiago.
Getting there and around:
Santiagos Aeropuerto Internacional Arturo Merino Benitez is among the busiest in South America, and for this the airport is assuredly well equipped to handle any influx of travelers. Security is tight, and youre guaranteed to run into a few lines on your way through check-in and so forth, but for the most part the terminal runs very smoothly and efficiently. After you complete your arrival procedures, youll be given the choice of bus, taxi, or car rental services to get you into Santiago. We prefer taking taxis, unless it is late in the evening, in which case buses are not crowded at all and are nearly as roomy as the back seat of a cab. We advice against renting a vehicle, as it will just add to the massive traffic issues the city already undergoes each and every day.
If you can, use metered taxis to get around; theyre the safest and quickest way of getting places. However, if youre short on cash, buses are the way to go (keep a good grasp on any valuable belongings in your possession; thieves prey on unaware tourists). If youre in a park area or inside the city center, theres no need for any transit services.
Attractions:
We think starting your discovery of Santiago should start at the center, where, unsurprisingly, some of the citys best attractions are located. Within this triangular set of streets and avenues you will find the Catedral Metropolitana, Santiagos National Museum, and governmental offices. The highlight of the main square, Plaza de Armas, is the Catedral, an incredible structure taking up nearly an entire city block. It is not so much imposing as it is authoritarian; it sits in a fashion that says, I own this plaza. Another beautiful place to visit on the edge of the Plaza de Armas is the Mercado Central, which, instead of stone being its strong point, is accentuated beautifully by intricate iron work.
After youve analyzed each niche of the city center, you can make your way by foot, bus, or funicular to the top of Cerro San Cristobal, where youll be standing a the base of a beautiful statue of the Virgin Mary (on a clear day you can view the statue from nearly every section of the Santiago. Enjoy a little downtime in the park while youre there.
Take a ride over to what we feel is the best neighborhood in the city. Barrio Brasil is where you can get lost in some of the best food menus in the city, and still get some exposure to the best cultural centers the city has to offer. The Museo de la Solidaridad Salvador Allende is where youll get the chance to see some of the best Chilean art in the world. Of course, the artistry showcased here is almost all done by exiled Chileans, but many say that only adds to their desirability. The neo-Gothic Basilica del Salvador is also located inside Barrio Brasil.
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