Santiago de Chile is the capital of Chile, a country on the west coast of South
America. It is located in the country's central valley, at an elevation of 520 m (1,700 ft)
AMSL. Although Santiago is the capital, legislative bodies meet in nearby Valparaíso.
Approximately two decades of uninterrupted economic growth have transformed
Santiago into one of Latin America's most modern metropolitan areas, with
extensive suburban development, dozens of shopping malls, and impressive high-
rise architecture. The city also boasts some of Latin America's most modern
transportation infrastructure, such as the growing Santiago Metro (the metropolitan
underground train system) and the new Costanera Norte, a toll-based highway
system that passes below downtown and connects the Eastern and Western
extremes of the city in a 25-minute drive. Santiago is headquarters to many important
companies and is a regional financial center.
Santiago was founded by Spanish Conquistador Pedro de Valdivia on February 12,
1541 with the name Santiago de Nueva Extremadura. The founding ceremony was
held on Huelén Hill (later renamed Cerro Santa Lucía). Valdivia chose the location of
Santiago because of its moderate climate and the ease with which it could be
defended—the Mapocho River then split into two branches and rejoined further
downstream, forming an island.
The city was destroyed on September 11, 1541 by the Indian forces under the chief
Michimalonco, which led to the Arauco War.
The first buildings were erected with the help of the native Picunche Indians. The
south bank of the Mapocho River was later drained and converted into a public
promenade, known as the Alameda (now Avenida Alameda Libertador Bernardo
O'Higgins). The city was slightly damaged during the War of Independence (1810–
18), in the Battle of Maipú, which was fought south-west of the city. Santiago was
named capital in 1818.
During the early 19th century, Santiago remained a small town with few buildings
excepting Palacio de La Moneda, the building used as the Chilean mint during the
Spanish period, and a few churches and other civic buildings. The Iglesia de la
Compañía de Jesús caught fire during an 1863 church service, and 2000 people
died, one of the worst modern fires.
Santiago began its transformation into a modern city in the 1930s, with the building
of the Barrio Cívico, surrounding Palacio de La Moneda. The city also grew in
population, due to migration from the north and south of Chile. In 1985 an
earthquake destroyed some historically significant buildings in the downtown area.
Nowadays, Santiago is among the largest and most important financial centers in
Latin America.
PLACE TO VISIT
Parque Metropolitano - This vast park is home to Cerro San Cristóbal. From
the top there is a beautiful view over the city and, on a clear day, the Andes. The
summit can be reached by funicular, cable car, or a long hike. In the park there is
also a botanical garden, zoo and two swimming pools. Pope John Paul II visited its
summit in 1987.
Plaza De Armas - The capital's main plaza, also the sight of the national
cathedral and main post office. Not very clean but otherwise interesting area of major
historical importance.
Santiago Centro - The Centro (Downtown) area is a nice place for a stroll
down some of its major Paseos (streets turned pedestrian walkways), watch out for
pickpockets.
Cerro Santa Lucia - A park with fountains and stairs leading up to the top. The
summit has a great view of all but the skyscraper-obscured city center. Charles
Darwin visited this peak at one point in his travels.
La Chascona - One of three homes of the famous poet Pablo Neruda, La
Chascona (meaning tangle-haired woman, after his third wife) is located in the
artistic Bellavista neighborhood. The house is filled with lots of quirky artifacts
collected by Neruda throughout his life, as well as artwork by some of his famous
friends. Tours are given in English and Spanish.
La Moneda Palace - Presidential Palace, guided one-hour tours are free,
unfortunately with a reservation of at least 15 days in advance.
Parque Forestal - A long park that runs parallel to the Mapocho River, also site
of the National Museum of Fine Arts and Modern Art Museum.
Theatre & Dance - Santiago offers much in the performing arts, most takes
place Friday & Saturday, check listings in El Mercurio. $500-5000 CLP, most offer
discounts with student ID, even to foreigners, just ask.
Centro Cultural Matucana 100 - Inaugurated in 2002, Matucana 100 is an
excellent exhibition venue for a variety of arts. From Metro Quinta Normal, walk south
on Matucana (towards Alameda), M100 is on the left hand side.
Teatro Municipal - Historical performance venue, including international
dance and opera, worth a visit even if just from its outside.
Jazz Clubs - Santiago is home to an impressive jazz scene, with several
intimate clubs scattered throughout the city. The Club de Jazz de Santiago is
arguably the best. Located in the northern part of the Nunoa neighborhood, this
small club routinely brings in some of the best local, national, and international
artists specializing in everything from latin jazz to blues to bossa nova. Check music
listings in El Mercurio.
Festival de Jazz de Providencia - A very good jazz Festival takes place
during summer (typically each february) in Providencia. The Festival de Jazz de
Providencia takes place each year in Mapocho's riverside and showcasts the best
local bands and some international guests. Tickets are cheap (from about 3 USD in
the 2007 edition), so it's a good alternative for summer nights.
WHAT TO DO
Go wine tasting, right in the city. Concha y Toro is one of Chile's largest producers,
and they have a modern, Napa Valley-style tasting room and gift shop set up. Tours
are given regularly in both Spanish and English, and they can be booked via email. It
is probably one of the few wineries in the world that is easily accessed by public
transportation from a major city. From the center of town, it should take around an
hour to access by subway and bus. If you go to the travelers information center on
Avenida Providencia, you can get a promotional pamphlet for this winery with a
discount on the entrance fee. Also at the end of the tour you recieve a free Concha y
Torro wine glass that you use during the tasting.
Many mountains are found in and all around Chile great for climbing.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - Santiago Airport is the main gateway for travelers around the world,
and is served by many airlines from all three major airline alliances. The travel time
from the international airport in Santiago to the city centre has been drastically
reduced recently, with the construction of a new tollway, the Costanera Norte. Private
taxis will charge about $10,000 (less than USD$20)for a trip to downtown or
Providencia. Tur-bus is a nice alternative, you´ll find them in a kiosk in the center of
the baggage claim in the airport, they charge $7 USD for door-to-door shuttle service,
or $3 USD, for a bus to the Tur-Bus station, which connects directly to the Metro.
Another alternative are the Centropuerto buses, which connect you with the Metro
Line 1 (red line) and charge about $2 USD.
From the US, American Airlines and LAN operate flights from Miami, New York, Los
Angeles, Washington, D.C. and Dallas. Some flights have layovers in Guayaquil or
Lima. Delta Air Lines operates direct flights from Atlanta. Many of these flights are
overnight, and most use widebody aircraft such as the Boeing 767.
By car - Entering Santiago by car, you'll probably find yourself on the Autopista
Central. To use this freeway you need a "TAG", which you can buy from service
stations. One day passes are Ch$3500. With a bit of planning and consulting your
map before you head into the capital, you can avoid using the freeway altogether.
This is best done by not entering from Ruta 5.
By bus - There are bus connections to all major destinations on the continent.
From Mendoza in Argentina it's a beautiful eight hour bus ride crossing the Andes.
The border crossing is at about 3200m. Be aware that it is not allowed to bring fruit,
vegetables or animal products into Chile, and all luggage will get checked at the
border.
The Principals Bus Terminals are located at:
Terminal Alameda: Avda. B. O'Higgins 3750 (U. Santiago subway station, Line 1).
Private station for Turbus and Pullman buses. National and international departures.
Phone: 7762424
Terminal Santiago: Av. B. O'Higgins 3848 (Pila del Ganso subway station, Line 1).
Phone: 3761755
Terminal Los Héroes: Tucapel Jiménez 21 (Los Heroes subway station, Line 1).
Phone: 4200099
