Introducing Santiago

Spanish-style arcades, beautiful palacios, and neo-classical cathedrals — Santiago has it all. Santiago is a fast growing city located in the central valley of Chile between the Andes mountains range to the east and the Cordillera of the Coast to the west. The metropolitan area has about seven million inhabitants.

Santiago de Chile, usually shortened to Santiago, is the capital and economic centre of Chile. With its museums, events, theaters, restaurants, bars and other entertainment and cultural opportunities, it is the political and cultural centre of the country. Its central location makes it a convenient base point to further explore the country. Due to its proximity to both mountains and the Pacific Ocean, It is possible to ski in the nearby Andes and later be on the beach, all in the same day.

Founded in 1541, Santiago has been the capital city of Chile since colonial times. The city has a downtown core of 19th-century neoclassical architecture and winding side-streets, dotted by art deco, neo-gothic, and other styles. Santiago's cityscape is shaped by several stand-alone hills and the fast-flowing Mapocho River, lined by parks such as Parque Forestal.

Climate

In summer, the temperature is always around 30°C but may fall down to 15°C at night. In winter, the close proximity to the Andes is ideal for winter sports enthusiasts. Regardless of the weather, you can always explore the city’s charming cafés, fine museums, and an up-and-coming art scene.