Santiago (Chile)
Travel Guide > South America > Chile > Santiago
Introduction
Santiago (or Santiago de Chile) is the capital of Chile, with a population of approximately 5.5 million people. Alongside Buenos Aires and São Paulo, Santiago is one of the leading economic hubs of South America. But Santiago is also stunningly beautiful, its modern skyline set against the backdrop of the snow capped Andes mountains.
Sights and Activities
- Cerro Santa Lucia, a hill in the centre. The site where Pedro de Valdivia founded the city.
- Pablo Neruda Museum
- National Museum of Fine Arts (Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes)
- Parque Metropolitano is a 700+ hectare park and recreation area complete with swimming pools, a zoo, restaurants and a botanical garden. On a clear day, you can experience sweeping views of the city from Cerro San Cristóbal, the city's highest point.
- Plaza De Armas, the city's main square.
- Wander the streets of Bellavista
- La Moneda Palace, the presidential palace.
- Mercado Central, the city's distinctive wrought-iron market.
Events and Festivals
Weather
Getting There
By Plane
Most international flights arrive in Santiago at Aeropuetro Internacional Arturo Merino Benitez. LanChile is the national carrier of Chile, but many other major airlines fly into Chile as well.
Some travellers arriving by air are required to pay a "processing fee." This processing fee is in response to fee levied against Chileans travelling abroad, and will match the amount of the fee charged to the Chileans. Citizens from the USA pay $US 100, Citizens from Canada pay $US 55 and citizens of Australia pay $US 30. This fee can be paid in US dollars, Chilean Pesos or with travelers' checks.
By Train
By Car
By Bus
By Boat
Getting Around
The Santiago Metro has five operating lines. Two subway lines (Line 4 and 4A) and an extension of Line 2 were inaugurated during late 2005 and 2006. The system is under expansion, and extensions are going to be built on Lines 1 and 5 throughout 2009. Maps of the lines can be found at the official subway website.
By Car
By Public Transport
By Foot
By Bike
Eat
Drink
Work
Learn
This is version 9. Last edited at 5:39 on May 15, 08 by GeoBot (+58). 5 articles link to this page.
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