SANTIAGO DE CHILE (CAPITAL)
The Metropolitan Region is virtually located in the center of Chile and it includes its capital city, Santiago , right at the bottom of the Cordillera de los Andes or Andes Mountain Range. The scenery created by the eternal ice deposited in the peaks exceeding 5,000 meters high is overwhelming and can be appreciated all year long. It has a temperate climate and its rains - falling between April and September - are not intense. Crossed by Mapocho river, Santiago enjoys an advantageous position near the most popular tourist destinations in the country. In fact, just one hour away from Santiago the visitor may find some excellent ski slopes, and two hours are enough to get to the wonderful beaches of the Pacific Ocean.
Tourists will find a city filled with subtle nuances, with clear traces dating from the times of Spanish domination, including most of its public buildings and most emblematic monuments, as well as neighborhoods such as Las Condes, where spectacular constructions displaying the latest designs and technological advances can be seen, typical of the first world, always surrounded by wide tree-filled avenues and ample gardens. The Central Market, located in the very center of the city, is a very traditional place, famous for its metallic structure, where the best seafood coming from neighboring coasts can be tasted. Another spot tourists cannot miss is the handicrafts fair located beside the Dominicos Church . In this reconstruction of a small town in the heart of the city, over 100 stores selling crafts, antiques and art objects can be admired. Mentioning all the attractions offered by this city where nothing is missing is virtually impossible. Shopping areas, fairs, traditional markets, restaurants offering local specialties (shellfish, lobster, spider crab, swordfish, shrimp and octopus) as well as those devoted to international cuisine: Cuban, Japanese, Mexican, Peruvian, Brazilian, Argentinian, among others. All of them offer the possibility of tasting the superb Chilean wines, exported to the most demanding markets. The most sophisticated pubs can be mainly found in Providencia. In Bellavista, nightlife is enjoyed in more popular venues, together with some clubs, theatres and live concerts. |
