Travel Chile

Travel Chile
www.Traduc.cl
A Quick History of Chile

Surrounded on three sides by virtually impassable barriers, Chile's rich central
valley remained largely unknown to the outside world until the middle of the fifteenth
century, when the Incas began their great conquests of much of the continent. Under
Tupac Yupanqui, an Inca army succeeded in crossing the six hundred mile string of salt
basins that are the Atacama Desert, moving from oasis to oasis in a region so dry that
some parts of it show no evidence of ever having been rained upon. After coming at last
into the central valley, the Incas encountered the Mapuche, one of the three Araucanian
peoples who occupied the region.
The invading army seemed at first to be enjoying the same success that the Incas
were experiencing all over South America, and they advanced about half way down the
valley's five hundred mile length. However, the Incas soon found that they had met their
match in the Mapuche, who decisively defeated the Incan attempt to cross over the Rio
Maule into the Lake District. The Incas established a stable presence in the territory they
had gained, but they did not see fit to pursue the redoubtable Mapuche any further.
Less than a century later, a Spanish army attempted to do just that. In 1541, Pedro
de Valdavia crossed into the central valley, having followed the Inca road south from
Peru. He founded Santiago in February, and soon afterward crossed into Mapuche
domains and established strongholds there. In 1553, in a gesture no doubt familiar to the
Spaniard Valdavia, they bound him to a tree and beheaded him.
For the next four hundred years the Spanish, like the Incas before them, found it
appropriate to maintain a massive defensive presence in the central valley. During these
centuries the regions under Spanish control were permitted to trade directly with Peru:
smuggling flourished, and privateers swarmed along the coasts.
Chile gained its independence from Spain in 1817, after seven years of warfare. The
Mapuche region to the south, which had remained largely independent of Spanish rule,
also resisted the new Chilean government. Capable of marshalling full cavalry forces and
even modern artillery, the Mapuche succeeded in holding onto their autonomy until the
middle of the century, when large numbers of armed settlers gradually moved into the
region.
Although Chile's war of independence brought into place a system of
representative democracy, the country's political history has not always been smooth. In
1970, a Marxist government under Dr. Salvador Allende came to power, having
responded to the perceived failure of the established liberal party. Allende's attempts to
radically change the structure and direction of the country brought about a second
political crisis however, and in 1973 a right-wing government under General Augusto
Pinochet Ugarte seized power with assistance from the United States Central
Intelligence Agency. Allende was killed in the coup, and Pinochet's government
maintained power for the next decade and a half, frequently resorting to terror in order to
stifle discontent. In 1990, having failed in his bid to gain popular ratification for his rule,
Pinochet handed over the presidency to the rightfully- elected Patricio Aylwin Azocar.
Chile's political climate has since remained stable, although there is still considerable
tension between the military and the government concerning the human rights violations
of the Pinochet era. Pinochet Ugarte, Augusto,19152006, president and dictator of
Chile (197390). An army general who served as chief of staff (197273) and
commander of the army (1973), he led the coup that overthrew socialist president
Salvador Allende (Sept., 1973). As head of a four-man military junta, he resorted to
mass arrests and was responsible for more than 2,000 political assassinations. He also
returned many nationalized businesses and farms to private owners. Though condemned
for its brutality, his regime is credited with stimulating economic growth. After losing a
plebiscite in 1988, he was succeeded (1989) as president by Patricio Aylwin.
Pinochet remained as commander of the army until 1998, when he was made senator for
life, a title that brought with it lifelong immunity from criminal prosecution. On a trip to
London that year, he was arrested at the request of the Spanish government on charges
including terrorism and murder, stemming from his former regime, and held for possible
extradition to Spain. In 1999 a British judge ruled that he should be extradited;
nonetheless, Pinochet was subsequently released for health reasons and returned to
Chile.
In 2000 he was stripped of his immunity from prosecution, and he was later charged with
involvement in kidnappings and murders that occurred after the coup. The Chilean
supreme court, however, ultimately ruled that he was not healthy enough to stand trial.
Pinochet resigned his senate seat in 2002. New investigations began in 2004, leading to
charges of kidnapping and murder and, prompted by revelations of Pinochet's secret
offshore bank accounts, tax evasion, and this time the supreme court allowed them to
proceed. The tax evasion investigation subsequently extended to the other members of his
family. Pinochet died in 2006, however, before ever being tried on any charges.
Chile's population is composed predominantly of mestizos, who are descended
from marriage between the Spanish colonizers and the indigenous people. The surviving
indigenous groups consist of the Aymara, in the north, and the Mapuche, who number
roughly 100,000 and continue to inhabit the forested areas of the lake district. Chile is
also home to a number of significant immigrant groups, including minority populations
from virtually every European country. There are signifcant numbers of Basques and
Palestinians. The high proportion of mestizos among Chile's people has made race a
minor issue in comparison to class, which continues to be a source of considerable
tension. The great majority of Chile's people, as one might expect, are concentrated in the
central valley. Spanish is the country's official language, but some of the Indian dialects
remain. In the north, they speak Aymara, in the south Mapuche, and on Easter Island the
Polynesian language of Rapa Nui.
YOUR TRIP
From the Airport:

SCL Airport Formality and Documentation information:
Additionally to its safety, Santiago Airport is well-known for the quality of
the services provided to supply all the needs its users may have, almost like
a small city. Insurance companies and travel agencies, car rental,
gastronomy, money exchange, drugstores, bank offices, telephone and
internet services can be found at the airport facilities. We count on with more
specific facilities like a modern medical clinic, a dental clinic and a nursery.
1. Arrivals Documentation
Reciprocity Tax
All passengers with passports form Australia, Canada, United States and Mexico must
pay a reciprocity tax before entering Interpol control.
Tax Amount per Country
Australia US $61
Canada US $132
United States US $131
Mxico US $23
Any inquiry can be made at Cashier Boxes. Their telephone number (56 2) 690 10 63
Once the Entry Reciprocity Fee receipt is attached to your passport, you have to proceed
to immigration control.
International Police
To enter Chile, all passengers must check first at the International Police control and
show their identity documents (identity card or passport) and the stamped visa
(depending on the country of origin).
Immediately afterwards and once (Continuously and once) finished the migratory control,
the passengers will accede by means of the Shop of free sale of taxes, up to the Room of
retirement (withdrawal) of equipajes, to continue with the controls of Customs and SAG.
Customes House Offices
Passengers are allowed to pay no taxes or customs rights for all goods that are considered
as passengers luggage. The concept of luggage involves:
Travel articles (suitcases, bags, personal effects), clothes or accessories, electric
personal effects (alarm clock, camera, typing machine, portable calculator), not new and
that are proper to the use and normal needs of the passenger carrying them and which are
not for sale.
Objects considered for the exclusive use of the passenger, as long as they have been
used already, are portables, for manual use, of simple manufacture, that need no
installation for its normal use and that belongs to the profession or working activity of the
passenger.
Up to a quantity not exceeding 400 units of cigarettes, 500 g of pipe tobacco, 50 units of
cigars and 2,5 liters of alcoholic beverages per adult (older than 18 years old).
Expressly excluded from the "luggage" concept are:
House furniture.
House goods, crockery, linen and paintings.
Musical instruments
Devices, spare parts and electric/electronic instruments.
Office equipment.
At the moment of entering the country it is necessary to declare the entry of the following
products:
Milk, butter, cream and cheese.
Fresh fruits and vegetables.
Meats of any kind, cold cuts, and sausages.
Seeds, grains, nuts, dried or dehydrated fruits.
Fruit plants, ornamental plants, ofrest plants or part of them: branches, cuttings, bulbs
and others.
Flowers, dried flowers and garden plants. Soil.
Wood or barks.
Insects, snails and others. Bacteria and molds for scientific research. Bees, honey and
beeswax.
Animal semen, biological products and veterinarian medicines.
Small animals and pets (dogs, cats, other). Birds.
Alive species, products or sub products from them, or elaborated from wild fauna.
Important Issues
To make a Sworn Statement which is not true is an offense and can be penalized with
prison in minimum or medium grade (61 days to 3 years); to refuse to make the statement
is sanctioned with a fine.
Inside this area, there are the taxis, public transportation buses and official minibuses
counters. All these means are available for the passengers.
2. Departures Documentation
The International boarding zone is located in the western side of the third floor.
At the moment of entering International Police control point, passengers will be asked to
show their identity documents (Identity card or passport), the stamped Visa (depending
on the country of destination) and the boarding pass.
After the control point of Seguridad Aeroportuaria (AVSEC), there are the boarding
bridges where only those passengers leaving the country can access.
Passengers that will lately return to Chile that carry with them valuable articles must go
to the Custom House Office (ADUANA) to make an statement of temporary check out of
objects so they will not be charged upon their return to the country. The Customs Office
is located after the Interpol's cabins, at the right side of the AVSEC control point.
3. Travel tips
As a way to inform passengers and the public in general and to avoid overcrowding,
SCL, the Direccin General Aeronutica Civil (DGAC) and the Ministry of Public Works
are permanently developing the campaign Clues for the Good Traveler.
The tips are the following:
If you are traveling abroad, arrive to the airport at least two hours and a half in advance.
If you are going within national boundaries, arrive at least hour and a half in advance.
Before traveling, remember to ask the International Police officers about the
documentation you are required to present to leave the country. (www.investigaciones.cl)
Remember that parents traveling with their children must present additional
documentation such as the family record book, birth certificates, notary public
authorization, among others.
Prefer the electronic previous check if your airline allow it.
Once you have checked with the airline, enter immediately the Departing Lounge to
avoid overcrowding areas with all pertinent documentation at hand.
Dont carry sharp, pointed objects in your handbag.
If you are traveling to EE.UU. or Europe, you can carry with you up to 100 ml of
liquids (including creams, gels and sprays, not including babies food or juices, and
medicine on doctors orders labeled with the passengers name) at the moment of
checking your hand luggage in DGAC control points. Liquid amounts greater than those
allowed must be carried inside the luggage, or otherwise they are going to be confiscated.
Avoid wearing clothes with metallic embedded objects, for they can activate the
departing lounges detectors.
Do not pick up nor accept to carry third parties luggage.
There are more than 70 shops that sell handcrafts, souvenirs and jewelry, among other
products, and four Duty Free shops to buy what you need. We also have 21 restaurants
with a wide range of food supply.
Any doubts can be answered at the information desks Remember not to bring organic
food into the country, such as fruits and vegetables. As a security measure, use only the
Airports authorized transportation
Shopping and Services
4. Facts
All facts and information can be found on the Santiago Airport website at:
http://www.aeropuertosantiago.cl/english/
Transportation
RENTING CARS
An international driver's license is allowed for driving in Chile by tourists only, and must
be secured in your home country. It is available through major automobile associations.
Alamo
Location of Counters:
First Level, Central International Hall
Domestic Arrivals
International Arrivals
Open 6:30 am to 10:30 pm, every day of the year.
Telephone:
(56 2) 690 1370
(56 2) 690 1383
(56 2) 690 1513
www.alamochile.cl
Avis
Domestic Arrivals
Open 6:30 am to 10:30 pm, every day of the year
Telephone:
(56 2) 690 1382
(56 2) 690 1318
www.avischile.cl
Budget
Domestic Arrivals
Telephone:
(56 2) 690 1233
(562) 690 1489
(562) 690 1386
www.budget.cl
Econorent
Domestic Arrivals
Open 24 hours, every day of the year
Telephone:
(56 2) 690 1287
(56 2) 690 1212
Mail: reservas@econorent.clThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you
need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.econorent.net
Hertz
Domestic Arrivals
Telephone:
(56 2) 601 0477
(56 2) 690 1384
(56 2) 690 1029
www.hertz.cl
Rosselot
Domestic Arrivals
Telephone:
(56 2) 690 1374
www.rosselot.cl
SANTIAGO CITY STATISTICS
Location
Metropolitan Region, Chile.
Dialing code
56.
Population
4,950,540 (city); 6,038,974 (entire Metropolitan region).
Time zone
GMT - 4 (GMT - 3 from second Sunday in October to second
Sunday in March).
Electricity
220 volts, 50Hz; round two-pin plugs are standard.
Average January temperatures

21C (70F).
Average July temperatures

9C (48F).
Annual rainfall
313mm (12 inches).
CURRENCY RATES
1.00 GBP = 836.39 CLP
1.00 USA = 503.58 CLP
1.0 EUR = 753.75 CLP
Chileans will call $1,000 CLP one luca. So, if someone says 3
lucas that means $3,000 chilean pesos.
MAP OF THE CITY/METRO/PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
THE METRO:
Metro de Santiago is South America's most extensive and modern metro

system. The metro system serves the city of Santiago, Chile. It is a network
of five lines connecting a total of 107 stations, some of which are still under
construction. The system carries around 2,500,000 passengers per day.
The Chilean capital city of Santiago has a large, and still expanding, metro
system, which, unusually, uses rubber-tyred vehicles.
The system serves a metropolitan area with a population of 4.6 million,
which represents almost a third of the country's entire population.
A plan drawn up in 1968 envisaged the construction of five metro lines,
using rubber-tyred vehicles, and extending to a total of 60km (40 miles).
Constructon work began in 1969, with the first line opening to the public in
1975, followed three years later by the first section of Line two.
As of 1998, the system operates on five routes and has 52 stations, with a
total system length of 40.4km. It runs on 1,435mm gauge track and there is a
widespread network of feeder buses from five key stations, which serve 20
different routes.
The network employs differential (high, medium and low level) fares,
according to the day and time of travel. Through tickets are also available to
some stations on the suburban heavy rail network.
Peak-hour services run at frequencies of every three minutes, while off-peak
train intervals vary from three and a half to eight minutes.
PRICES AND TIMES OF THE METRO:
The Metro de Santiago sells tickets and is open from:

6:00am to 11:00pm Monday through Friday, 6:30am to 10:30pm on
Saturdays, and 8:00am to 10:30pm on Sundays and holidays.
The fare depends on the time of the use of the Metro. The cost of a ticket in
the Rush hour (7:00-8:59:59 and 18:00-19:59:59) is CH$460 (aprox.
US$0.75)
In the off-peak hours, (6:30-6:59:59, 9:00-17:59:59 and 20:00-20:44:59) and
all day weekends and holidays) is CH$400 (aprox. US$0.65)
and in low-use hours (6:00-6:29:59 and 20:45-23:00) is CH$380 (aprox.
US$0.60).
Senior citizens (65 and older) and students pay CH$130 (US $0.20), except
for the rush hour senior citizens pay the normal amount of CH$460.
The Bus (Micro pronounced meecro) system uses the same Bip card that
you can purchase at the metro.
ENTERTAINMENT
FOOD
Chilean cuisine stems mainly from the combination of Spanish cuisine
with traditional indigenous ingredients, with later influences from other
European cuisines, particularly from Germany, Italy, France and the Middle
East. The food tradition and recipes in Chile stand out due to the varieties
in flavors and colors. The country's long coastline and the Chilean peoples'
relationship with the sea adds an immense array of ocean products to the
variety of the food in Chile. The country's waters are home to unique
species of fish and shellfish such as the Chilean sea bass, loco and
picoroco. In addition, many Chilean recipes are enhanced and
accompanied by wine, owing to the fact that Chile is one of the world's
largest producers of wine. The countries inmense geographical diversity
also allows for a wide range of crops and fruits to be present in Chilean
food. Due to the immense variety of products available in Chile's
geographical makeup, recipes vary in different regions of the country.
There are three distinct zones that deal with Chilean gastronomy.
Cuisine of the North
Cuisine of the Central Coast
Cuisine of the South
All of the varying cuisines have received some contribution from the
indigenous people living throughout the country. Each one implementing
their own customs and host of condiments such as fish, seafood, meats
and poultry. Foreign influence has played a prominent role in main dishes
while also providing an ample range of desserts and drinks.
Below is a list of the MOST popular dishes in Chile:
Typical Chilean Dishes

Empanada de Pino The most popular/traditional Empanada.
Typical turnover filled with diced meat, onions, olive, raisins and
a piece of hard-boiled egg, baked in earthen or plain oven.
Empanada de Queso - typical turnover filled with cheese.

Pastel de Choclo - a typical Chilean summer dish. Ground corn
and meat, chopped onions small pieces of chicken, pieces of hard
boiled egg, olive raisins - baked in clay or regular oven. Similar
to a shepherd pie.
Arrollado de Chancho - Chunks of pork wrapped in pork fat
smothered in red aj (chili).
Bistec a lo pobre - beefsteak, French fries, fried onions, topped
with a couple of fried eggs. (Photo late in the page)
Carbonada - meat soup with finely diced beef and all kinds of
vegetables such as potatoes, onions, carrots, broccoli, green
pepper and parsley.
Chancho en Piedra - a typical Chilean seasoning. Tomatoes,
garlic, and onions grounded together in a stone.
Charquican - ground or diced meat cooked with garlic, onions,
potatoes and pumpkin all mashed. It is a mushy dish but great.
Cazuela de Ave - chicken soup with pieces of meat, potatoes,
green beans or peas, rice or noodles.
Cazuela de Vacuno - beef soup with pieces of meat, potatoes,
corn on the cob, carrots, onions, green beans, garlic, chunks of
pumpkin, rice or noodles.
Costillar de Chancho - baked spare (pork) ribs.
Curanto en Hoyo - a typical dish from the south of Chile.

Traditionally prepared by heating fish, seafood, potatoes, some
meat, milcaos and types of bread over red hot rocks in a hole in
the ground. The food is wrapped in big leaves and then covered
with dirt so that it slowly cooks over a number of hours. (Similar
to a hangi in New Zealand)
Curanto en Olla - same ingredients as the curanto en hoyo only

that it is cooked in a pot instead of under the ground.
Ensalada a la Chilena - sliced tomatoes and onions with an oil
dressing.
Humitas - boiled corn leaf rolls filled with seasoned ground corn.
Milcaos - grated raw potato squeezed until dry then added to
minced cooked potatoes and flattened to a bread-like form then
baked or fried. This is one of the ingredients that can be found in
a typical curanto.
Palta Reina - avocado filled with tuna fish or ham covered with
mayonnaise and served on lettuce leaves.
Parrillada - different kinds of meat, sausages and sometimes
entrails grilled over charcoal and served with potato salad or rice.
Pebre - seasoning of tomatoes with chopped onion, chili,
coriander, and chives. Usually served in a little clay dish.
Pernil - boiled whole hock (ham).
Porotos Granados - fresh bean dish with ground corn and
pieces of pumpkin served hot.
Prietas - Blood sausages. The best Blood sausages in the world,
I promise.
Sopaipilla - a flat circular deep fried 'bread' made of pumpkin
and flour.
Chilean Seafood
Almejas con Limn - raw clams with lemon juice.
Caldillo de Congrio - conger-eel soup with onions, potatoes and

carrots.
Ceviche - minced raw sea bass in lemon juice.
Congrio Frito - deep-fried conger eel.
Chupe de Locos - abalone bread pudding.
Empanada de Mariscos - turnovers filled with chopped seafood
onions and seasoning.
Machas a la Parmesana - parmesan cheese raisor clams.
Mariscal - cold soup with all kinds of raw seafood.
Ostiones a la Parmesana - scallops on the shells in melted
butter and covered with grilled Parmesan cheese.
Piure - Sea Squirts that are a dark red colour and with a very
distinct strong flavour. Often eaten with diced onion, coriander
and lemon. Best eaten near Chilo.
Also, Chile is knows as the sandwich capital of the world. Below
are a list of the most popular sandwiches.
Chilean Sandwiches
Aliado - ham and cheese sandwich.
Ave Mayo - diced chicken meat and mayonnaise.

Ave Palta - diced chicken meat and mashed avocado.
Ave Pimienta - diced chicken meat and red pepper.
Barros Jarpa - grilled cheese and ham on white bun.
Barros Luco - grilled cheese and meat on white bread.
Chacarero - sliced meat, green beans, chili and tomatoes.
Churrasco - beef sandwich.
Churrasco con Tomate - thin sliced meat and slices of tomato
on white bun.
Churrasco con Palta - thin sliced meat, mashed avocado on
white bun.
Completo - hot dog with all kinds of trimmings: mayonnaise,
tomatoes, onions, dilled pickles sauerkraut, etc.
Especial - hot dog with tomatoes.
Italiano - hot dog with avocado, tomatoes and mayonnaise.
Hamburguesa - hamburger patty. It isn't always served
between buns.
Lomito Completo - sliced pork meat with sauerkraut, mustard,
mayonnaise, ketchup.
Pan Amasado - homemade bread.
Typical Chilean Desserts (and sweet things)

Manjar - a brown spread or cake filling made from boiled milk
and sugar. Some visitors say it tastes like caramel. Manjar is

quite sweet and is used in many cakes and sweet dishes. It is
also incredible on pancakes
Mote con Huesillo - cooked dried peaches and stewed corn
served as a drink
Papaya con Crema - papaya preserves with whipped cream.
Bavarois de Lucuma - bavarois (type of custard) of a variety of
eggfruit
Alfajor - a flat round pastry filled with manjar and covered in
Chocolate
Berlin - a round donut filled with manjar or jam / jelly
Kuchen - a German fruit flan often found in the South of Chile
Safety information
Even though Chile is a country with high hygienical standards, you
should give your stomach the time to get accustomed to the Chilean
food and, at least during your first days, keep in mind the following
advice:The quality of the tap water is good, but its heavily chlorinated.
Therefore, we recommend you avoid drinks which contain tap water or
ice-cubes made from tap water. In case of doubt it is better to set aside
green salads, berries, unpeeled tomatoes and herbs, because maybe
they have been watered or washed with objectionable water.It is better
to eat cooked rather than raw vegetables. Dont eat raw fish or
shellfish.Avoid eating at market stalls or street vendors.
If you have stomach problems: take two "carpent" daily, available in
the pharmacy.
DRINKS
Below is a list of some typical Chilean Drinks. Most are alcoholic

but there does seem to be one or two non-alcoholic ones that
managed to slip in. You will notice that Pisco is the most popular
liquor in Chile. It is EVERYWHERE.
BIGOTEADO - (Warning: avoid drinking this no matter what
state you are in!!!) This 'drink' contains the leftovers of any
glasses that happen to be lying around which are then poured
into one resulting in combinations that test the most harden of
stomachs. This is usually given to someone as a joke when they
have had so much to drink that they don't realize what they are
currently consuming in front of them.
BORGOA - Cold red wine with chopped strawberries.
CERVEZA - Beer.
CHICHA - Is sweet fermented wine typically made from apples
though sometimes from grapes too. This is typically drunk
around the 18th of September for the national day celebrations.
COLA DE MONO - Aguardiente liquor with milk, Cinnamon,
coffee and sugar. Typical drink around Christmas time.
FANSCHOP - A glass half filled with tap beer and the other half
with fanta.
JOTE - Red wine with Cola.
LECHE CON PLTANO - fresh milk blended with banana.
MELON CON VINO - Melon Tuna (a type of Melon) with the top
cut off and the seeds taken out with white wine poured inside of
it.
MOTE CON HUESILLO - cooked dried peaches and stewed corn
served as a drink.
NAVEGADO - heated red wine with slices of orange and sugar.
PIPEO - a type of sweet fermented wine (semi-transparent in

appearance).
PISCO - Chilean brandy liquor made from distilled grapes.
Normally produced in the Valle del Elqui area in the Fourth
region.
PISCO SOUR - popular Chilean cocktail. Ingredients: pisco,
lemon juice and sugar, one egg white, sugar - shaken together.
PISCOLA - pisco with Cola and ice.
PONCHE A LA ROMANA - Champagne with Pineapple icecream. Typically served on New Year's eve.
SCHOP - Tap beer (sometimes written with 2 P's as in Schopp)
TERREMOTO - Pipeo (see above) with pineapple ice-cream
served in a one-litre glass. Terremoto literally translates as
'Earthquake' since you are left with the ground (and legs) feeling
very shaky. The next round usually contains the same drink
though only in a glass that holds half a litre. This is called a
Replica or 'aftershock'. Similar to the Terremoto
VAINA - sweet cocktail drink. Ingredients: port wine and sugar shaken together and after serving, sprinkled with cinnamon.
VINO BLANCO - white wine.
VINO TINTO - red wine.
Interesting Fact
Chilean Red Wine - Carmenere

The Carmenre grape variety was once heavily planted in the
Bordeaux region of France. Nowadays, it is almost impossible to
find Carmenre in Bordeaux as a Phylloxera plague in 1867
nearly destroyed all the vineyards of Europe. Fortunately, this
grape variety was imported into Chile in 1850, so it wasn't wiped
out when the plague attacked. Until recent times, wine lovers
had forgotten that Carmenre had survived in Chile. It was often
mistaken for and sold as Merlot before its true identity was
rediscovered.
Try Carmenre while you are in Chile!
Vineyards
Chile has a wonderful climate for growing wine grapes.
Located, west of the Andes, Chile's climate varies from the
heat of the arid, rocky, mountainous desert to the north and
the icy, cold, Antarctic expanse in the south. Chiles
vineyards flourish in the warm, fertile valleys that are
positioned between the two areas. Viticulture has been
established in Chile for centuries and there are a wide
selection of global wine varieties planted, including Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and many more. Many of the
wine grapes that were believed to be Merlot have recently
been determined to be Carmenre, which is a scarcely
planted variety of Bordeaux. There are hundreds of
vineyards located up and down Chile. The 2 largest directly
outside the city are Concha y Toro and Cousio-Macul. They
both offer excellent wine tours from $15-$30.
Many of Chilean vineyards are situated within the fertile
basin, bordered by the Andes and a lower coastal mountain
range that runs about 50 miles north of the capital Santiago
to 250 miles south of the city. Around Santiago, where many
of the vineyards are concentrated, the rainfall is very low
and the melted snows of the Andes provide the important

irrigation waters. Temperatures are curbed by the mountains
and by the cool waters of the Pacific Ocean and even in the
summer, rarely rise above 95 F. The vineyards are located
in the Central Valley, a plateau, bounded by two mountain
ranges and crossed by the rivers Maipo, Maule, Aconcagua,
and others.
The wine regions of Chile include some sub regions. The
northernmost region is Aconcagua, and due to its location, it
is Chile's warmest region. The hot and dry conditions signify
that there are some notable wineries here. In the
intermediate region Panquehue, conditions are better, and
some interesting wines are produced. Nearer to the coast is
one of the cooler regions, Casablanca, where large plantings
of white wine varieties, like Chardonnay and Sauvignon
Blanc are grown.
The Central Valley, which produces the vast majority of
wines, is, composed of four main sub regions. These wine
regions are the Maipo, Rapel, Curico and Maule Valleys, each
which has rivers that run west from the Andes to the ocean.
Maipo is Chile's oldest wine region. Cabernet Sauvignon and
other red wine varieties are favored by these sub regions.
Maipo produces some very good wines. South of Maipo is
Rapel with its sub regions of Cachapoal and Colchagua.
There are some wines of interest produced here, and also
further south at Maule. Maule is also subdivided with the
most significant region being Curic, which includes Lontue.
Nearby is Chimbarongo, which produces some appealing
Pinot Noir wines.
Common Phrases:
Adnde la viste!
Literally: Where'd you see that?
Implied meaning: No way!, yeah right! (No te creo)
Example: Mi amigo me dice una mentira, yo le digo: Adnde la viste!
Al tiro
Literally: Upon throwing
Implied meaning: Immediately (ahora mismo)
Example: Vamos a salir al tiro
Amermelada
Literally: marmalade
Implied meaning: a stupid person (una persona tonta)
Example: Qu amermelada ese chico!
Bakan!
Implied Meaning: Ultra cool (muy bueno)
Buena onda!
Literally: Good wave!
Implied meaning: Cool, great (un buen tipo de persona)
Example: Ese chico es buena onda.
(no) cacha ni uno
Literally: He doesn't catch a single thing
Implied meaning: He doesn't understand a thing (no entender nada)
Example: El gringo no entiende espaol, no cacha ni uno.
cachai?
Literally: catch?
Implied Meaning: Do you understand? (comprendes?)
Example: Al explicar el problema, digo: cachai?
capo
Implied meaning: good at something, smart, cool (un buen tipo de
persona)
Example: El chico es capo.
cara de palo
Literally: stick face
Implied meaning: boldly, frankly (ser franco)
Example: El me dio las noticias con una cara de palo.
Chao pescado!
Literally: bye fish
Implied meaning: See you later, alligator (Hasta luego)
Example: Al salir uno dice: Chao pescado
chueco
Literally: crooked
Implied meaning: a person who doesn't follow the rules, liar (uno que
no sigue reglas, mentiroso)
Example: El no cumpli con su obligacin, es chueco.
cuestin
Literally: question, matter
Implied meaning: thing, matter (cosa)
Example: Ellos discutieron sobre una cueston pequea.
dejar la escoba
Literally: To leave the broom.
Implied meaning: to cause a mess or disaster (causar un disastre,
dejar todo desorganizado)
Example: Mi hermano menor dej la escoba en la cocina.
echate al pollo
Liteally: throw it to the chicken
Implied meaning: get out of here!
Example: No quiero que ests ac, chate al pollo no ms.
encachado
Implied meaning: good looking, cool (ser bonito(a))
Example: El modelo es bien encachado.
(no) estoy ni ah!
Literally: I'm not even there.
Implied meaning: I don't care! (no le importa a uno)
Example: No tienes tarea? -- No estoy ni ah.
fome
Implied meaning: dumb, boring, refers to something that you don't
like (tonto, aburrido, algo que no te gusta)
Example: Esta clase es fome.
gamba
Literally: a shrimp
Implied meaning: refers to the foot, or a 100 peso coin (el pie, o una
moneda de 100 pesos)
Example: Quiero comprar un dulce, dame una gamba.
Guagua (pronounced wah-wah)
Literally: baby, infant
Implied meaning: a baby (un beb)
Example: La guagua llora porque tiene hambre.
harto
enough
Implied meaning: many, a lot (mucho)
Example: Como estudiante, tengo harta tarea.
lolo(a)
Implied meaning: teenager, young person (un joven)
Example: Los lolos jugaron al ftbol todo el da.

luca
Implied meaning: 1000 peso bill (un billete de mil pesos)
Example: Eso me cost una luca.
malulo(a)
Literally: 'mal' in Spanish means bad
Implied meaning: mischievious (malicioso)
Example: El nio es malulo.
medio(a)
Literally: middle, medium
Implied meaning: very big (bien grande)
Example: Ayer com la media sanda.
monitos
Literally: little monkeys
Implied meaning: cartoons (dibujos animados)
Example: Veo los monitos en la televisin todos los das.
pata de vaca (said "pate vaca")
Literally: foot of a cow
Implied meaning: to act badly or to have bad intentions
Example: No me quiere pagar mi dinero es pate vaca.
pato malo
Literally: bad duck
Implied meaning: bad boy, hoodlum (chico malo)
Example: Un pato malo me rob.
pega
Literally: hit
Implied meaning: work, job
Example: Trabajo todo el da en la pega.
pegar en la pera
Literally: hit the chin
Implied meaning: to mooch, to eat and socialize (conseguir comida
gratis)
Example: Vamos a pegar la pera con la familia Marambio.
pesado(a)
Literally: heavy
Implied meaning: mean, rude, bothersome (rudo, molestoso)
Example: El no me cae bien, es muy pesado.
pescar + "algo"
Literally: to fish + something
Implied meaning: to pay attention to, to notice (darse cuenta de algo,
fijarse)
Example: Le estaba hablando pero no me pesc
pintar el mono
Literally: paint monkey
Implied meaning: to goof off (dejar las responsibilidades y jugar todo

el tiempo)
Example: Ella no hace nada, solo pinta el mono.
pololear
Implied meaning: to be dating, have a boyfriend or girlfriend (tener
novio, pero no significa que se van a casar)
Example: Ellos estn pololeando hace tres semanas.
pucha
Implied meaning: disappointment when something didn't go your way
Example: pucha que fome que no result el viaje
pulento
Implied meaning: cool, as in a person (ser un buen chico)
Example: Yo soy pulento.
Que choro!
Implied meaning: entertaining, worthy of attention
sacar la mugre
Literally: To take off, or out, the filth
Implied meaning: to beat up (pelear y ganar)
Example: Si no te callas, te voy a sacar la mugre.
sapear
Literally: 'sapo' is spanish for toad
Implied meaning: to be nosy, eavesdrop (escuchar secretamente a
otros)
Example: Mi vecina siempre est sapeando.
se cree la muerte
Literally: you think you're death
Implied meaning: you think you are better than everyone else (se cree
mejor que todos)
Example: Ella tiene mucho orgullo, se cree la muerte.
tener el diente largo
Literally: To have a long tooth
Implied meaning: To be very hungry, so hungry I could eat a horse...
(tener mucho hambre)
Example: No he comido en das, tengo el diente largo.
tirar un chancho
Literally: to throw a pig
Implied meaning: to belch, to burp (eructar)
Example: Al terminar la cena, el nio tir un chancho.
(hacer) tuto
Literally: to make 'tuto'
Implied meaning: to sleep, take a nap (tomar una siesta o dormir)
Example: Tengo sueo, voy a hacer tuto.
wen
Implied meaning #1: To be an idiot
Example: Oye que eres wen!

Implied meaning #2: Something you'd call a friend
Example: Oye wen vamos a fiesta
Nightlife
Most of Santiago's popular after-hour venues are located outside

the downtown area. The Bellavista district is regarded as the
city's artistic quarter and is home to many of the most buzzing
bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Its main drag is Calle Po Nono,
a lively but sometimes tacky strip through the heart of the area.
Less hectic and more comfortable bars can be found on Calle
Constitucin, the next street across. Bellavista is where the
legendary Chilean poet Pablo Neruda used to spend his time
when in Santiago - and pockets of the area are still infused with
the same bohemian spirit, despite a creeping commercialisation.
Less discovered but perhaps more genuine is the area around
Barrio Brasil, an old part of town with turn-of-the-20th-century
architecture and a lively student population. There are several
bars, most with a laid-back, young vibe, and some fine
restaurants clustered in the streets around leafy Plaza Brasil, the
suburb's centrepiece.
Meanwhile, the tidy middle-class district of uoa is gaining in
popularity as a place for a night out among those disaffected by
the kitsch of Bellavista. The best bars cluster around Plaza uoa.
More upmarket venues but less interesting places (mostly USstyle chains) are found in the El Bosque Norte and Las Condes
areas of the city.
One area now best avoided is around Avenida Suecia. Once its
US-style bars used to attract huge crowds of Chileans and
foreigners but it has declined into a seedy shell of its former self.
Chile's legal drinking age is 18 years old but it is not as enforced
as in the USA. There are no licensing hours in operation. Most
bars stay open until 0200 and nightclubs will see the dawn in
until around 0700. Dress code is generally casual, although there
are more exclusive places where smart shoes and shirts are a
prerequisite.
Bars: Perhaps the biggest magnet for overseas visitors is

Flannery's Irish Geo Pub, Encomenderos 83, in the financial
district of Las Condes, where sports coverage and proper pints of
Guinness draw large crowds. For the most atmospheric tipple in
Santiago, head to the central La Piojera, Aillavil 1030, a
traditional beer hall-style drinking den, where carousing and high
spirits flow at most hours. The Phonebox Pub, Avenida
Providencia 1652, attracts homesick Brits. You are never short of
bar options in Bellavista, but one of the most welcoming options
is Bar Dos Gardenias, Antonia Lpez de Bello 199, which has
regular salsa nights. Over in Barrio Brasil, Caf del Teatro,
Riquelme 226, is now the upmarket watering hole of choice.
Clubs
Nightclubs tend to lag behind European and American trends in
Santiago, although fashions are just as notoriously fickle here as
they are elsewhere. One thing you can be sure of is that most
venues don't start cranking up until around midnight. Most will go
through to dawn especially on weekend nights. One club that is
still going strong is Blondie, Avenida Bernardo O'Higgins
(Alameda) 2879 (website: www.blondie.cl), in Barrio Brasil, an
indie/goth favourite for many a year. In Bellavista, Havana
Salsa, Dominica 142, is one of the liveliest and most flamboyant
of the many salsotecas in the neighbourhood. Subterraneo,
Paseo Orrego Luco 46 (website: www.subterraneo.cl), is a wellheeled club in Providencia featuring some reasonable DJs.
Live Music
Santiago has a thriving live music scene, running the gamut of
sounds from stadium rock to more intimate Latin American
bolero. Most big acts perform at the Estadio Nacional (National
Stadium), Avenida Grecia 2001, or the Teatro Municipal, Calle
Agustinas 794. Jazz fans should make the pilgrimage to the
Santiago Jazz Club, Avenida Jos Pedro Alessandri 85 (website:
www.clubdejazz.cl) in uoa and fans of up-and-coming indie
bands would do well to head to the same area - La Batuta, Jorge
Washington 52 (website: www.batuta.cl), has some of the best
shows in the city. In Bellavista, there is live music practically at

every turn - wander the streets to choose between flamenco, folk
and many other types of music at your leisure. La Chiminea,
Principe de Gales 90 (website: www.lachimenea.cl), is an
atmospheric venue tucked down a quiet alley, which has a small
stage with quality live acts most nights.
SHOPPING IN SANTIAGO
Chile's new affluence has led many European and North American
clothing chains to open stores in Santiago. It is a bustling centre
of commerce with the facilities to match, and foreign residents do
not have to live without modern conveniences. The main
shopping areas are the Paseo Ahumada, in the downtown district,
and the stretch of Avenida Providencia between Metro Pedro de
Valdivia and Metro Tobalaba. These offer a wide range of shops
and department stores, such as the homegrown Ripley and
Almacenes Paris chains.
Chile was a late discoverer of the American-style mall and several
such complexes sprang up around Santiago in the 1990s. The
most central of these is the Mall del Centro, Calle Puente 689,
in the downtown area. Arguably the best is the Parque Arauco
centre, Avenida Presidente Kennedy 5413, in the eastern Las
Condes district. This vast mall allows well-heeled Santiaguinos
(Santiago residents) to indulge their increasingly extravagant
tastes in imported luxuries.
The most popular purchases among foreign visitors are Chilean
handicrafts, such as traditional textiles and decorative
copperware, which are available all over the city. You will also find
a large lapis lazuli craft selection (lapis lazuli is a semi-precious
stone, found only in Chile and Afghanistan).
There is a large handicraft market, the Centro Artesanal Santa
Luca, Avenida Bernardo O'Higgins (Alameda), opposite Cerro
Santa Luca. The Feria Artesanal Pio Nono, on Calle Po Nono,
in Bellavista, is another flea market selling traditional art. Perhaps

the best bargains are to be had in the handicraft emporiums on
Santo Domingo, inexplicably ignored by most foreign visitors.
Haggling at these markets is possible but hard work for negligible
reductions.
RESTAURANTS
Once a culinary backwater, Santiago is now awash with an
impressive range of restaurants representing just about every
cuisine style available. Whether it's vegetarian, a meat feast or
sophisticated international fare you're after, Santiago's restaurant
scene has something for you. Chilean wines are excellent and
generally a lot cheaper than European varieties. Price indicators
give an idea of cost for a three-course meal, excluding wine.
The restaurants below have been classed into four different
pricing categories:
$$$$ (over US$40)
$$$ (US$20 to US$40)
$$ (US$10 to US$20)
$ (up to US$10)
Gastronomic
Como gua Para Chocolate
It's not just the exquisitely prepared Mexican food that attracts
diners here again and again - it's the magic realism and romance
of the dining experience. From the moment you walk into the
terracotta-hued, earthy environs of the restaurant you know it is
not going to be any run-of-the-mill meal out. That's confirmed
when your meal of choice is served onto a table shaped like a
bed-frame. Shellfish dishes are particularly recommended.
Constitucin 88
Tel: (02) 777 8740.
Price: $$$
Off the Record
This gourmet option in Bellavista is one of the in places of the
moment. Understated yet refined, it quickly became popular as
word of its fine cuisine and cultured ambience spread. Even
President Michelle Bachelet has been seen sampling the dishes
here. In fit with its cultivated image, the restaurant regularly
hosts jazz and blues artists, as well as art displays.
Antonia Lpez de Bello 0155
Tel: (02) 777 7710.
Website: www.offtherecord.cl
Price: $$$
Restaurant Centre Catal
The sizeable Catalan community centre in Santiago runs this
excellent restaurant. The menu won't surprise you (it's pure
Catalonia right up to the pork and rabbit paella), but the
excellence of the cuisine may take you aback. This unflashy
Providencia restaurant is rightly one of the favoured places of the
Santiago food critics.
Suecia 428
Tel: (02) 233 2220.
Price: $$$
Business
Akarana
Perhaps the best restaurant in the financial district of Las Condes,
Akarana specialises in dishes from the Pacific Rim. This means
seafood, clearly, but the style varies from Chilean style to seared
tuna from New Zealand (where the owner is from). It's all served
in understated, unpretentious surroundings, often to the
backdrop of some discrete live music.
Reyes Lavalle 3310
Tel: (02) 231 9667.
Website: www.akaranarestaurant.cl
Price: $$$
Confitera Las Torres
For a working lunch soaked with atmosphere at one of Santiago's
most famous eating institutions, head to this traditional bar and
restaurant on Avenida Bernardo O'Higgins (Alameda). You may
well be keeping some fine company - bow-tied waiters have
served presidents and even international opera singers here.
There is often live tango music on weekend nights.
Avenida Bernardo O'Higgins (Alameda) 1570
Tel: (02) 688 0751.
Website: www.confiteriatorres.cl
Price: $$
El Giratorio
The real draw of this well-located Providencia restaurant is the
view - unless the smog is particularly bad, you'll be able to see
right across the city as you tuck into your meal. The high-rise
restaurant also rotates so your outlook will change between
courses. Business types come here at lunchtime while couples
tend to head here in the evening for the fine panorama over
Santiago's twinkling night lights.
11 de Septiembre 2250
Tel: (02) 232 1827.
Website: www.restaurantgiratorio.cl
Price: $$$
Trendy
Etniko
This hip Japanese restaurant is impeccably furnished and attracts
a young, wealthy crowd. The ambient music adds to the calm,
relaxed atmosphere at Etniko, which serves ultra-fresh sushi and
stir-fry dishes, with some international choices. This place is so
cool that it doesn't even need a sign above the door.
Constitucin 172
Tel: (02) 732 0119.
Website: www.etniko.cl
Price: $$$
Galindo
With tables and chairs spilling onto the pavement, this goodtime
Bellavista restaurant is a hangout of choice for the city's media
smart-set. On weekend nights, you'll have to fight for your space
and the service is occasionally more frosty than cool. The menu
features traditional Chilean dishes at medium prices with
generous portions.
Dardignac 098
Tel: (02) 777 0116.
Price: $$
Zanzibar
Make no mistake - global cuisine has arrived in Santiago, not
least at this exotic restaurant. Decked out like a Bedouin tent, this
is a fun place for friends to meet and eat before they head out to
the bars and clubs. It's located in Vitacura, a bit of a trek from the
city centre, but it's worth it to witness the chef's world food
creations.
Monseor Escriv de Balaguer 6400
Tel: (02) 218 0118.
Website: www.zanzibar.cl
Price: $$$
Budget
Caf La Isla
An excellent value restaurant with plenty of organic options, this
is located in the low-key suburban streets of uoa. It stretches
on far further than you think possible when you go through the
doors - more rooms just keep appearing. The cheap lunch
specials are worth the trip as is the attractive garden during the
summer months.
Irarrzaval 3465
Tel: (02) 341 5389.
Website: www.laislaorganica.cl
Price: $
Mercado Central
Choice is not a problem at this wrought-iron fish market and
cheap restaurant enclave in central Santiago. You may well be
overwhelmed by enthusiastic waiters hawking their particular
seafood eatery. Either go for the atmosphere (and higher prices)
at Donde Augusto under the high ceilings at the heart of the
market,or barter a better deal at one of the smaller places around
the periphery.
Mercado Central
Price: $
Venezia
The Nobel prize-winning Chilean poet Pablo Neruda used to
frequent this place when he lived around the corner. Venezia is an
old-fashioned family picada which serves traditional Chilean
dishes at low prices - crowds are almost guaranteed.
Po Nono 200
Tel: (02) 737 0900.
Price: $
Personal Recommendations
El Huerto
El Huerto is generally regarded as the best vegetarian restaurant
in Santiago. Its Providencia location means it is popular day and
night with customers who are either committed vegetarians or
just want a break from the relentless meat fest of the Chilean
diet. Even dedicated carnivores are seduced by the menu here.
There is also a cheaper adjoining cafe for a quick bite at
lunchtime.
Orrego Luco 054
Tel: (02) 233 2690.
Web: www.elhuerto.cl
Price: $$
Liguria
You couldn't possibly cram more bustle, bohemia and style into
one restaurant - in fact, the owners have realised there is some
left over as more branches of this superb, efficient Santiago
eating institution keep cropping up around the city. This doesn't
seem to have eased the crowds, however - you'll need to show
early to be guaranteed a table.
Providencia 1373
Tel: (02) 235 7914.
Website: www.liguria.cl
Price: $$
Vacas Gordas
It's difficult to pick out one single reason why this is one of
Santiago's most popular eating venues. But the good value, the
throng of contented diners in the cavernous eating area, the

excellent pisco sours (the nation's favourite cocktail - a sweet,
lemon-infused brandy) and the sizzle of fresh meat barbecued on
the grill at the front all combine to make this one of the city's
most memorable meals out.
Cienfuegos 280
Tel: (02) 697 1066.
Price: $
HOTELS
Nowadays, Santiago can cater to most accommodation tastes.
High-rollers can choose between dependable luxury chains or
stylish boutique hotels while budget travellers need not stay in
dives - the city is such a backpacker thoroughfare these days that
there are plenty of low-cost places to stay. Most of the high-end
options tend to be clustered in the financial district of Las
Condes, while there are a couple of good-value mid-range hotels
in Parque Forestal. Bellavista and Barrio Brasil have the most
budget visitors.
The hotels below have been classed into four different pricing
categories:
$$$$ (over $200)
$$$ (US$130 to $200)
$$ (US$50 to $130)
$ (up to US$50)
Luxury
Hotel Orly
This is a fantastic boutique hotel of only 28 rooms, housed in a
converted mansion. Located in an exclusive back street area of
Providencia, Hotel Orly is just a short hop away from the city
centre's business districts and tourist attractions. It has a relaxed,
laid-back ambience and the dcor is smart and sophisticated.
Pedro de Valdivia 027
Tel: (02) 231 8947.
Website: www.orlyhotel.com
Price: $$
Ritz Carlton
This is the latest in hotel opulence in Santiago, where the service
is impeccable, Egyptian sheets adorn your bed and there is just
about every luxury you could possibly desire within the hotel's
walls. Gyms, swimming pools, three restaurants and an
internationally renowned sommelier are all available to those
lucky enough to stay here.
Calle El Alcalde 15
Tel: (02) 470 8500.
Website: www.ritzcarlton.com
Price: $$$$
Moderate
ChilHotel
Perhaps the most sensible option of any of the these listings,
ChilHotel is practical, comfortable and affordable. On a quiet
street within easy walking distance of the Metro in Providencia, it
is the sort of place you would be happy to put your parents on a
visit to the city with its good-value rooms (although some err on
the small side) and polite service.

Cirujano Guzmn 103
Tel: (02) 264 0643.
Website: www.chilhotel.cl
Price: $$
Hotel Foresta
This beautifully located hotel (right by Cerro Santa Luca) has
been around for a while. It has kept its old style, which means it is
chock full of character, although sometimes this spills over into a
slightly cluttered feel. However, the service is very attentive and
with the arty district of Lastarria right next door, it is one of the
best and most affordable options in town.
Subercaseaux 353
Tel: (02) 639 6261.
Email: foresta@terra.cl
Price: $
SANTIAGO KEY ATTRACTIONS

Plaza de Armas (Arms Square)
Since colonial times, Santiago's focus has been its spacious main
square, the Plaza de Armas. Surrounded by grand colonial public
buildings, most notably the Metropolitan Cathedral and the
ornate Correos Central (central post office), it acts as a haven
from Santiago's often oppressive traffic. A central corral of
Chilean palm trees shades courting couples, vendors and tourists.
Local artists display their latest canvasses in the square and on
weekday evenings the square is the scene of a thriving Santiago
institution when locals set up trestle tables and pit their wits
against each other in fiercely contested chess matches.
Museo Histrico Nacional (National History Museum)
The colonial Palacio de la Real Audiencia houses the absorbing
Museo Histrico Nacional, which has a fine series of chronological
exhibits on Chile's development from the colonial period through
to independence and the modern era, ending abruptly with the
military coup in 1973. There is a small exhibit on Chile's
indigenous culture.
Plaza de Armas
Tel: (02) 411 7000/10.
Website: www.dibam.cl/historico_nacional
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 1000-1730.
Admission charge.
Palacio de la Moneda (Moneda Palace)
Once the official mint, la Moneda became the presidential
residence in 1846. While Chile's head of state no longer lives on
site, the building's presidential offices are still used. The bombing
of Moneda Palace by air force jets during General Augusto
Pinochet's coup against Salvador Allende's Marxist government in
1973 remains an enduring image of the 20th century. Allende
took his own life in this building with a gun given to him,
according to local legend, by Fidel Castro. Visitors can stroll along
the courtyard that runs through the middle of the building and
can arrange to visit the interior with an advance booking (see
below).
Avenida Bernardo O'Higgins (Alameda), Calle Morand and Calle
Teatinos
Tel: (02) 690 4236.
Website: www.gobiernodechile.cl
Opening hours: Tours need to be arranged in advance.
Free admission.
Casa Colorada (Coloured House)

This 18th-century colonial mansion just off the Plaza de Armas is
an attraction in itself, with its elegant facade and rose-coloured
walls. It also houses the Museo de Santiago (Santiago
Museum), which has amateurish but informative displays on the
city's history from pre-Columbian times to the development of
today's modern sprawl.
Calle Merced 680
Tel: (02) 633 0723.
Website: www.munistgo.cl/colorada/p1.htm
Opening hours: Tues-Fri 1000-1800, Sat 1000-1700, Sun 11001400.
Admission charge.
Museo Casa La Chascona (La Chascona House Museum)
Nobel-Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda's Santiago pied terre is
situated in the lively Bellavista neighbourhood. A series of small
buildings, rather than a single house, La Chascona has been
meticulously restored since it was vandalised by supporters of
General Pinochet and now houses a collection of Neruda's
possessions. Visitors are taken on a guided tour (Spanish or
English) through the house, where the history behind the
furniture and possessions is explained.
Fernando Mrquez de la Plata 0192
Tel: (02) 777 8741.
Admission charge.
Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino (Chilean Museum of
Pre-Columbian Art)
If you only have time to visit one museum in Santiago, make sure
this is the one. The Museum of Pre-Colombian Art houses a worldclass collection of artefacts from Latin America's pre-Hispanic
civilisations. Located in a handsome colonial building, the Palacio

de la Real Aduana (Royal Customs House), it exhibits intricately
crafted artwork in ceramics, metals, textiles and wood. Tastefully
presented and meticulously cared for, the items on show give a
unique insight into the lost cultures of the Maya, Aztecs, Incas
and other groups which once dominated this vast continent.
Bandera 361
Tel: (02) 688 7348.
Website: www.precolombino.cl
Admission charge.
Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts)
This fine arts museum, housed in a turn-of-the-century copy of
Paris' Petit Palais, shows the city's aspirations to lift itself out of
the cultural wilderness. It occupies an entire block in the Parque
Forestal area and has Chile's best collection of painting and
sculpture. It regularly hosts exhibitions by contemporary artists
from Chile and abroad. Perhaps the most interesting displays are
from the early colonial artists charting the growth of the modern
nation.
Parque Forestal
Tel: (02) 633 4472 or 0655.
Website: www.dibam.cl/bellas_artes
Admission charge.
Iglesia de San Francisco (Church of St Francis)
Just off Santiago's hectic main thoroughfare, the thick walls of the
Iglesia de San Francisco, with the adjacent Franciscan Monastery,
provide a peaceful haven from the downtown traffic. The church
was originally built in the late 16th century by Chile's
conquistador, Pedro de Valdivia, and it has survived regular
earthquakes (although its tower has gone through several
incarnations). It is one of Santiago's oldest buildings and the

adjacent former monastery houses the Museo Colonial San
Francisco (Colonial Museum of St Francis), which contains a
collection of ecclesiastical art dating from the colonial era.
Avenida Bernardo O'Higgins (Alameda) 834
Tel: (02) 639 8737.
Website: www.museosanfrancisco.cl
Opening hours: Tues-Sat 1000-1330 and 1500-1800, Sun 10001400.
Free admission (church); admission charge (museum).
Santiago Parks
Santiago's has four large, attractive parks that offer spectacular
views of the Andes as well as welcome respite from the city's
traffic. All of the following parks are free and are open from dawn
to dusk. The landscaped hill, Cerro Santa Luca, to the east of
the downtown area, was where the city was founded by Pedro de
Valdivia in 1541. The original settlers were also besieged here by
indigenous warriors shortly after the city's founding. Beautifully
landscaped (the park was transformed by 19th-century Santiago
mayor, Benjamin Vicua Mackenna), it is popular among courting
couples by day. From its summit there are uninterrupted views of
the Andes, while the tree-lined avenues around its slopes are
perfect for a stroll.
Parque Metropolitano de Santiago contains Cerro San
Cristobl - a pine-forested spur of the Andes and Santiago's
largest open space. At its summit, a 14m- (46ft-) high white
statue of the Virgin Mary dominates the horizon. Pope John Paul II
held mass here in 1987 to celebrate his only visit to Chile (much
criticised because of the Pinochet regime's human rights record).
Its forested slopes are crisscrossed by hiking trails, and facilities
include a public barbecue area, two outdoor swimming pools and
a modest zoo. The most convenient way to reach the summit is
by the funicular railway that leaves from the terminal on Calle Po
Nono in the Bellavista area. There is also a cable car that

connects Pedro de Valdivia Norte with the top. Roads lead up the
hill from Pedro de Valdivia Norte, Po Nono or La Pirmide.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Santiago's beautiful people
would come to Parque Quinta Normal for a promenade. The
area was in decline, but there has been a recent injection of cash
and popularity after a new Metro station opened just next door.
The park retains a peaceful Mediterranean feel and is a good
place to take a stroll while waiting for a train at the nearby
Estacin Central. The park also provides the setting for some
rather neglected attractions, including four museums, all of which
have seen better days. The best of the bunch is the Museo
Nacional de Historia Natural (National Museum of Natural
History), where an extensive but dusty collection of fossils, flora
and fauna, mostly gathered within Chile's borders, is housed in an
impressive neo-classical building.
Parque O'Higgins, also a one-time preserve of Santiago's elite,
nowadays attracts visitors of more modest means. Within its
confines is an amusement park and the Museo del Huaso. A
huaso is a Chilean cowboy, rather like the Argentinean gaucho,
and this museum is dedicated to Chile's rural communities.
Cerro Santa Luca
Calle Subercaseaux
Cerro San Cristobl
Calle Pedro de Valdivia or Calle Po Nono
Funicular operates: Mon 1300-2000, Tues-Sun 1000-2000.
Cable car operates: Mon 1430-1900, Tues-Fri 1230-2000, Sat and
Sun 1030-2030.
Parque Quinta Normal
Calle Matucana
Museo Nacional de Historia Natural

Tel: (02) 680 4615 or 4624.
Website: www.dibam.cl/historia_natural
Admission charge; free on Sun.
Parque O'Higgins
Avenida Via Norte Sur
Museo del Huaso
Tel: (02) 556 1927.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1700, Sat and Sun 1000-1400.
Free admission.
Mercado Central (Central Market)
A wrought-iron structure (shipped out piece by piece from
England in the 19th century) is home to Santiago's Central
Market, on the south bank of the Rio Mapocho. With a bustling
fish market on the outside, it is the restaurants within that have
become the real attraction. Some of the central options under the
high ceiling are a bit of a tourist trap - but many visitors don't
mind paying for the memorable atmosphere.
Calle Puente and Calle San Pablo, near Plaza de Armas
Opening hours: Dawn to late afternoon.
Beaches
The most popular two beaches in Chile are Via del Mar and Valparaiso.
They are both right next to each other and are very easy to get to from the
city, about an hour away. Valparaiso is a port, not a beach and offers
incredible scenery that is very colorful and picturesque while Via offers a
long beach and family resorts.
Viia del Mar Chile's most famous beach
Concn is popular for the scenic locale and recreational sports
Reaca has a beautiful white sand beach, but swimming is not
recommended. Surfing
Valparaso is Chile's major seaport. Its five beaches have steep
dropoffs.
Quintero is both a balneario and a marina favored by yachtsmen
Horcn is a small fishing village also known as an artist colony.
Algarrobo (The local favorite) boasts calm waters and is the center
for many aquatic sports, including international competitions. It faces
the Isla de los Pajaros Nios, Santuario de la Naturaleza protecting
Humboldt and Magellanic penguins. Scuba diving, sea fishing. It also
hosts the worlds largest pool at 1,013 meeters long and covers an
area of 20 achers.
Zapallar is considered one of the most beautiful in Chile with clean
white sand and forested hills
Papudo's steep dropoff makes the beach ideal for sea fishing
El Quisco has calm waters and a steep dropoff
Maitencillo offers a wide beach and pine and eucalyptus forest
Cartagena is very popular and crowded on the weekends. Sea fishing
El Tabo has a long wide beach and is extremely popular. Sea fishing
Cachagua has a good beach and faces Cachagua island, where the
Santuario de la Naturaleza protects Humboldt and Magellanic penguins

Santo Domingo is scenic, but windy
Pichidangui is popular for its long, white sandy beach and a sheltered
cove. Surfing, scuba diving
Los Molles is another long beach with a fishing village. Scuba diving,
a favorite with Chilean divers.
Isla Negra is not only the location of Pablo Neruda's home, but also
an agate-strewn beach
Matanzas has gray-ish sand and is popular with surf fishermen
Pichilemu was originally designed like a European resort, but now
attracts windsurfers and surfers.
El Norte Chico
La Serena and as Via gets progressively more crowded and
expensive, La Serena grows more popular. Surfing is good here and it
is also where they make Pisco, the national alcohol of chile.
Coquimbo area has wide beaches. Windsurfing, scuba diving
Baha Inglesa. Windsurfing
Caldera: Windsurfing is popular here and at Huasco and Baha Salada.
El Norte Grande
The beaches of the far north range between wide sand and rocky cliffs.
Water temperature fluctuates with the season, but it is always on the
cool side.
Arica has a year-round springlike climate, and the water is warm, so
the gently sloped beaches are popular. Surfing, windsurfing
Iquique's beaches have a gradual slope which makes them ideal for
swimming and nautical sports. Surfing
Tocopilla is on a rocky section of coast but there are several sandy
beaches as well as coves such as balneario Caleta Boy where the water
has been damned to make a swimming area.
Antofagasta is a major seaport, but there are sandy beaches
scattered among the rocky coves. The best are south of town. Surfing,
windsurfing
Mejillones is one of the North's best beaches.
SKI RESORTS
www.chileanski.com
Chile has 14 major ski resorts located in the Andes Mountains. There
are 4 which are located directly outside of the city (45min-1hr drive).
Valle Nevado
Valle Nevado ski resort has some of the highest quality snow in Chile,
because of its location at 3 thousand meters of height. It counts with modern
infrastructure and the best equipments to give and excellent service to its
visitors, that want to enjoy the white sports in the wonderful summits of
chilean Mountain.
This ski resort is created with the inspiration of french ski resorts and modern
buildings, hotels and equipments, like Andes Express ski lift, the most
advanced of southern hemisphere. Valle Nevado is also close to other ski
resorts like La Parva and El Colorado so the passengers can visit them and
participate in mountain excursions in winter and summer.
This ski resort offers the biggest skiable surface of Southamerica, three
hotels, eight restaurants, apartments and all amenities for the passengers,
making of Valle Nevado not only a winter resort, but a relaxing place for all
the family.
Ski June, July, August, September and October. Just 35 miles from Santiago's
International airport, Valle Nevado ski resort is in the heart of the Andes
offering more than twenty-three thousand acres of skiable terrain. Host to
the World Cup of Snowboard again last year, packs all of the mountain,
services and comforts you are accustomed to with high-speed detachable
chairlift, a ski shop full of carving skis, top notch ski-pros that speak a dozen
languages, helicopter skiing / riding, South America's only Super Half-Pipe,
and access to three mountains back to back to back.
El Colorado
Situated in the Metropolitan region and only 39 km. from
Santiago. The maximum altitude is 3,333 with a fall of 903
Meters., which gives a ski area of 1,000 hectares. Receiving many
short snowfalls with an average of 5 meters of precipitation in a
normal year, El Colorado also has a snowmaking system to
guarantee snow throughout the season.
This center, together with La Parva and Valle Nevado, forms the
biggest and best ski area in South America.
Farellones and El Colorado are close to the center and offer a
variety of accommodations, in particular, the Apart Hotel
Colorado and the Hotel Posada de Farellones, the last one being
one of the first to be built in this resort, in the 1940's. There are
also restaurants, cafeterias, clubs, transportation, a ski school,
equipment rental, etc.
THE SOUTH OF CHILE

Torres Del Paine
The Cordillera del Paine is a small but spectacular mountain group in

Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. It is located 400 km
(244 miles) north of Punta Arenas, and about 2,500 km south of the
Chilean capital Santiago. It belongs to the Commune of Torres del Paine in
ltima Esperanza Province of Magallanes y Antrtica Chilena Region. No
accurate surveys have been published, and published elevations have
been claimed to be seriously inflated, so the elevations given on this page
are all approximate.
Peaks
The highest summit of the range is probably Cerro Paine Grande, at

510000S 730539W. Its elevation is usually claimed to be 3,050 m but
analysis of local photography suggests that it may be nearer to 2,750 m.[2]
[1]
The best-known and most spectacular summits are the three Towers of
Paine (Spanish: Torres del Paine, 505709S 725923W). They are
gigantic granite monoliths shaped by the forces of glacial ice.
The South Tower of Paine (about 2,500 m, at 505733S 725942W) is
now thought to be the highest of the three, although this has not been
definitely established. It was first climbed by Armando Aste.
The Central Tower of Paine (about 2,460 m or 8,100 feet) was first
climbed in 1963 by Chris Bonington and Don Whillans, and the North
Tower of Paine (about 2,260 m) was first climbed by Guido Monzino.
Other summits include the Cuerno Principal, about 2,100 m but often
quoted at 2,600 m, and Cerro Paine Chico, which is usually correctly
quoted at about 2,650 m.
Hiking
The Torres del Paine National Park - an area of 2,400 km - was declared a
Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO in 1978 and is a popular hiking
destination. There are clearly marked and well maintained paths and many
refugios which provide shelter and basic services. Views are breathtaking.
Hikers can opt for a day trip to see the towers, walk the popular "W" route
in about five days, or trek the full circle in 8-9 days.
The "W" route is by far the most popular, and is named for the shape of the
route. Hikers start and finish at either of the base points of the "W",
performing each of the three shoots as a day trip. The five points of the W,
from west to east, are:
Glacier Grey, a large glacier calving into the lake of the same name.
Camping is available next to Refugio Grey.
Refugio Pehoe, situated on Lago Pehoe. This site offers good views of the
"horns" of Torres del Paine.
Valle del Francs ("Frenchman's Valley"), often rated as the best scenery
in the whole park. The path leads up into a snowy dead-end, where several
small glaciers are visible.
Hosteria las Torres, a large hotel at the base of the mountain range.
The Torres del Paine themselves, large rock formations over a small lake,
high in the mountains.
The longer "circuit" walk includes all the sights of the "W", but avoids most
backtracking, by connecting Glacier Grey and the Torres del Paine around
the back of the mountain range.
Boats and buses provide transport between Hosteria las Torres, Refugio
Pehoe, and the park entrance at Laguna Amarga.
It is a national park and thus hikers are not allowed to stray from the paths.
Camping is only allowed at specified campsites, and wood fires are
prohibited in the whole park.
In 2005, a Czech backpacker camping in the park used a gas stove and
caused a fire that destroyed 160 km of the park. Replanting, with
assistance from the Czech Republic, was set to begin in September 2005.
Patagonia
Patagonia is a geographic region containing the southernmost portion of
South America. Located in Argentina and Chile, it comprises the
southernmost portion of the Andes mountains to the west and south, and
plateaux and low plains to the east. The name Patagonia comes from the
word patagn[1] used by Magellan to describe the native people whom his
expedition thought to be giants. It is now believed the Patagons were
actually Tehuelches with an average height of 1.80 m (~5'11") compared to
the 1.55 m (~5'1") average for Spaniards of the time.[2]
To the east of the Andes, it lies south of the Neuqun River and Colorado
rivers, and, to the west of the Andes, south of (39S), excluding the Chilo
Archipelago.[3] East of the Andes.
The Argentine Patagonia includes the provinces of Neuqun, Ro Negro,
Chubut, Santa Cruz, and Tierra del Fuego, as well as the southern tips of
the provinces of Buenos Aires, Mendoza and La Pampa.
The Chilean Patagonia embraces the southern part of the region of Los
Lagos, and the regions of Aisn and Magallanes. It excludes those
portions of Antarctica claimed by both countries.
Geographics
Argentine Patagonia is for the most part a region of vast steppe-like plains,
rising in a succession of abrupt 13 terraces about 100 metres (330 ft) at a
time, and covered with an enormous bed of shingle almost bare of
vegetation.[3] In the hollows of the plains are ponds or lakes of brackish
and fresh water. Towards the Andes the shingle gives place to porphyry,
granite, and basalt lavas, animal life becomes more abundant and
vegetation more luxuriant, acquiring the characteristics of the flora of the
western coast, and consisting principally of southern beech and conifers.
The high rainfall against the western Andes (Wet Andes) and the low sea
surface temperatures offshore give rise to cold and humid air masses,
contributing to the ice-fields and glaciers, the largest ice-fields in the
Southern hemisphere outside of Antarctica.[3]
Among the depressions by which the plateau is intersected transversely,
the principal are the Gualichu, south of the Ro Negro, the Maquinchao and
Valcheta (through which previously flowed the waters of lake Nahuel Huapi,
which now feed the river Limay); the Senguerr (spelled Senguer on most
Argentine maps and within the corresponding region), the Deseado River.
Besides these transverse depressions (some of them marking lines of
ancient inter-oceanic communication), there are others which were
occupied by more or less extensive lakes, such as the Yagagtoo, Musters
and Colhue Huapi, and others situated to the south of Puerto Deseado, in
the centre of the country. In the central region volcanic eruptions, which
have taken part in the formation of the plateau from the Tertiary period
down to the present era, cover a large part with basaltic lava-caps; and in
the western third more recent glacial deposits appear above the lava.
There, in contact with folded Cretaceous rocks, uplifted by the Tertiary
granite, erosion, caused principally by the sudden melting and retreat of
the ice, aided by tectonic changes, has scooped out a deep longitudinal
depression, which generally separates the plateau from the first lofty hills,
the ridges generally called the pre-Cordillera, while on the west of these
there is a similar longitudinal depression all along the foot of the snowy
Andean Cordillera. This latter depression contains the richest and most
fertile land of Patagonia. Lake basins along the Cordillera were also
excavated by ice-streams, including Lake Argentino and Lake Fagnano, as

well as coastal bays such as Baha Intil.[3]
Important safety tips!

First of all, you can be sure that Chile is one of the safest countries to
visit in Latin America. Travelers can move about freely without taking
major precautions. They should, like everywhere in the world, avoid
marginalized neighborhoods in the big cities and be careful in the city
centers. Chile has a low rate of violent crimes. However, it is possible
to become a victim of theft or pick-pocketing.
Upon arrival and once you pass customs, there is always a mass of
people which is a great working condition for a purse-snatcher or
pickpocket. Keep track of your luggage and dont get distracted!Be
careful with the large number of taxi drivers in the arrival area in the
Santiago airport. They insistently offer their services and immediately
try to take the cart with suitcases if you are the least bit diplomatic.
The majority of them dont have a license nor passenger insurance,
and in many cases they appear in a beat-up vehicle. There have been
cases of travelers being swindled by illegal taxi drivers. Therefore:
Refuse all of the offers with a firm No, gracias and direct yourself
with purpose towards the exit or towards the counters of the
authorized companies.
While walking around be aware of pickpockets. Dont allow them to
distract you in a
crowd. For example, by bumping into you or by spilling some liquid or
soda by
accident.
Try to keep your purse or backpack in front of your body. Always keep
track of your belongings, bags, backpacks and luggage. Dont let them
out of your sight.
Dont show off valuables like jewelry, cameras, etc. Hold on tight to
your cell phone while talking. A very popular thing that occurs is the
stealing of a cellphone while you are talking on it. Be aware of the
people around you.
Leave large sums of money, plane tickets, passport, etc. in a safe place
in your
residence or carry them in a money-belt or special hidden

compartment.
Make a photocopy of your passport to take with you and leave the
original in a safe place unless you really need it.
At night, avoid going for walks alone in the hills Cerro San Cristbal and
Santa
Luca in Santiago, the same goes for the hills of Valparaso, and for
some parts of the downtown.
Beware of a very special trick: seemingly nice and well educated (most
often
young) people approach foreigners and present a social, political or
ecological campaign theyve allegedly been planning. With a very valid
argument and psychological pressure they always work in groups
they convince their victim to donate a large sum of money. These
groups tend to work in Cerro Santa Luca and in Parque Forestal in
Santiago.
Buses and Metro
Beware of pickpockets on the urban buses (micros) and in the metro.
Many times they are well-dressed and practice their art in pairs (one
distracts while the other takes your wallet).For travel on longer bus
rides, leave your valuable belongings in yourcarry-on bag and dont let
it out of your sight. Its best not to leaveyour backpack or handbag in
the overhead compartment, but stow itunder your seat instead. If you
leave luggage in the exterior storage,make sure you get a receipt. Only
with a receipt can you make aclaim in the case of loss, although the
transport companies will notreimburse more than approximately $200
USD.
With Taxis, Check to see that the taxi meter is working and is within
sight. In Santiago, there is a base price of 200 pesos (USD $0.35) plus
around 100 pesos for every 200 meters of distance (or per minute
while standing). That means that a kilometer is approximately 700
pesos (USD $1.25), while evening/nighttime rates can be double.
For longer distances its recommended to first negotiate a fixed price
with the
driver.
Dont count on the taxi drivers sense of direction. Quite often they
dont know how to get to the requested destination. The more
instructions you have for getting to the desired place, the better. If the
taxi driver seems lost insist that he pause the meter while he finds the
way.
When paying, be sure to count the change and dont leave any
valuables in the
vehicle.
Its always safer, especially at night, to call a radio taxi instead of
waiting for any
taxi on the street corner. Radio taxis are just a little more expensive
than normal taxis, arrive within 10 minutes and offer more
comfortable and modern cars. In case of problems, you can make a
claim with the company responsible. See the Yellow Pages under
"Taxis". NEVER TIP TAXI DRIVERS.
With rental cars, When parking the car, especially in cities, dont leave
anything visible inside thecar, take out the radio or the panel, and lock
the doors and close windows. Never leave a labtop or valuable item in
plain sight.At no time should you trust the informal car watchers at
on-street parking. They wont take responsibility if something is stolen
from your car. Even more, they are sometimes in cahoots with the
criminals themselves.At night, park the car in a secure place,
preferably indoors, and dont leaveanything within sight.
In cafs or restaurants, never hang your purse or bag from the seatback andnever leave your belongings unattended. Some restaurants
provide special straps for tying bags to the seats. Better yet, keep it in
your lap or at your feet under the table. Especially if you are seated
outdoors.
In hotels and Hostels, Ask about security measures in the house or
building.
In shared accommodations, always lock your room door when going
out.
Ask your hosts about the best place to keep your valuable belongings
(laptop,camera, money, etc.) especially in the case of a long absence.
Check with your insurance company about coverage (if there is any)
for claims of theft from a residence.Dont expect your hosts to take
responsibility for losses due to a break-in: the large majority of
Chileans dont have home owners insurance.
Never try and be a hero, just because chile is an undeveloped country
doesnt mean the thieves are stupid and by themselves. Like I said
they almost always work in groups. If something does happen, despite
the low probability, dont resist! Hand over your valuables without
hesitation and do what you can to avoid that you or others suffer harm.
In the case of a robbery or assult
Call the police, which are known as the Carabineros,, or go to the
nearest police station. The Carabineros are the most respected police
force in South America and are known to not be currupt.
That being said, Its unlikely that the police will be able to do much in
the case of robbery. But, if you want to make an insurance claim, ask
for a police report.
Regarding insured belongings its enough to ask for a simple
constancia
(written report) about the incident with a detailed list of the stolen
items.
Only in the case of serious crimes is it recommended that you make a
denuncia (accusation). This will start you on the judicial process (in
the municipality of the crime), that could demand a lot of time and
energy.
Also ,Write down, on a separate piece of paper, credit/debit card
numbers so that you have them on hand in case of loss or theft.
In the case of loss or theft of cards, call the issuing bank or
corresponding
emergency number. These numbers are listed in your Travel guide.
Visa: 1230-020-2136
Euro/Mastercard: 123-00-202012
AmEx: 800-381002
Diners Club: 800-220220
FULL List of cities in Chile
Algarrobo
A serene and beautiful ocean resort in the central region
of Chile at about the same latitude as Santiago, it's only
about 1 1/2 hours by Hertz rental car from the capital. It's
noted for warm ocean waters and a surf without waves,
picturesque marinas and beautiful landscape add to its
distinctive charm.
Ancud
A small town on the north western tip of the big island of

Chiloe it's a town steeped in its maritime heritage from
it's museums to its unique seafood cuisine.
Antofagasta
An older city, Antofagasta is the most important sea port

in the north of Chile. You have probably seen on TV or in
books a picture of the rock formation out at sea in the
shape of a gigantic arch called Portada, that's here too. It
also has good beaches with a warm surf (20C). It is
located in the world's richest copper mining area and is
the site of the world's largest open pit copper mine. Some
great Marlin fishing can be found in the surrounding
ocean.
Arica
Known as the city of eternal spring, it is only 30 miles

south of the Peruvian border. It's known for delightful
restaurants and comfortable, modern hotels. Arica also
has a lively night life with the gambling casino open all
year round. This city of eternal spring also features some
of the nicest beaches in Chile. In addition it was the
center of a number of pre-Colombian Indian cultures and
in it's museums can be found mummies that pre-date the
Egyptians by 2,000 years! It is a great vacation spot.
Bahia Inglesa
Located in the northern end of the bay by the same name

(translated English Bay) it has excellent beaches and
camp sites. The restaurant Portal del Inca features an
excellent menu not to be missed.
Calama
Great for sight seeing , Calama is close to El Tatio

Geysers, the geoliths of the Atacama Desert, and just lots
of fun stuff to explore. In the middle of an incredibly
beautiful desert, Calama is so dry the locals attach their

postage stamps with staples rather than lick them!
Caldera
Caldera is located 75 km northeast of Copiap. In the old

days it was the port for the city of Copiap, it was there
that minerals extracted from the mine of Chaarcillo were
exported. Today it is one of the most important resorts of
the region. Caldera is made up of 3 bays with warm
waters, interconnected by paved roads. The first is Playa
Mansa located right opposite the city, Playa Brava lies to
the extreme north, and finally Playa Loreto, 3 km
southeast. During the year, the port has a very varied
commerce, ranging from the first grapes of the year,
destined for international markets, to the transport of
copper concentrate. Its also an important port for
traditional and industrial fishermen. While there you
should visit the San Vicente Church, built in 1862, and
near the coast, the Old Railroad Station built in 1850.!
Castro
The second largest town on Chiloe island it is located on

the coast side facing the continent. Castro was founded in
1567. Its unique and delicious local cuisine features
Curanto which is seafood and pork cooked in the ground
with hot stones. That may sound a little strange but the
taste is great.
Chaiten
The capital of Palena Province boasts 3,500 inhabitants,

it is important as a port for ferries to Puerto Montt and
Quellon and is a growing center for adventure tourism
and fishing excursions. Off shore there is a Sea Lion
colony on Puduguapi Island that can be visited by boat.
Chillan
A sleepy, dusty agricultural town about 280 miles south of

Santiago on the Panamericana like everything else. It's
claim to fame is a ski resort about 40 miles away. It is the
birthplace of Bernardo O'Higgins, liberator of Chile and
good buddy of San Martin, of course they're both dead
but there is a very nice park there in his honor. Chillan
also has one of Chile's largest tourist flea markets where
you can buy all manner of tourist stuff at not so bad
prices. The ski area deserves special comment. It is about
a 1 1/2 hour drive from Chillan and it features hot mineral

baths, saunas and other ways to relax . They are great to
have handy because it's ski slopes can certainly give you
a workout. There are a number of hotels there with all the
ski type stuff, bars, restaurants and of course beds.
Colchagua Valley, Wine Area
The Colchagua Valley is one of the World's best wine

growing areas. In fact in 2005 it was voted the World's
best wine producing area. It is located about 75 miles
southwest of Santiago and easily reached by Chile's main
North/South highway, the Panamericana. The Colchagua
Valley itself is about 73 miles long and approximately 23
miles wide. As with all premier wine growing area the
keys to its success are weather and soil. The valley has a
balmy, climate matched only by parts of France and
California also known for a reputation of producing fine
wines. The air is exceptionally clear without smog or
pollutants, and blessed by abundant sunshine and pure
water. The average annual rainfall is an ideal 25 inches
and happens mostly in Chile's winter months (May to
August) and freezing temperatures are very, very rare.
The Colchagua Valley is not unlike the Sonoma and Napa
valleys of California.
These ideal situations from a vintners point of has made
this area the home of Chile's most honored wine
producers. A tour of it a must do for anyone who really
wants to understand Chile's wine producers and who
appreciates fine wines.
Colina
Located about 60 Km north of Santiago, Colina is an

agricultural town that once was the site of a large Inca
settlement. Mixing the old with the new, nearby is the
joint NASA and Chilean University satellite tracking
station.
Concepcion
One of the largest cities in Chile (after Santiago of course)

with about 300,000 people it is primarily a commercial
center. Located on the huge Bio Bio river, it is only a short
drive to the seaport of Talcahuano. It also features one of
the larger Universities in Chile, the University of
Concepcion
Concon
Less than 30 minutes from Vina Del Mar via a picturesque
ocean side highway there you will find mini-castles, cafes,
street vendor stalls and some of the most outstanding
restaurants in Chile. Try Congrio ( an eel like fish) either
fried or in a casserole, abalone, or crab pie accompanied
by some of the great local wines.
Copiapo
This small town is located about 500 Km. south of

Antofagasta is situated in the fertile Copiapo River valley,
an oasis in the desert. Good day tours are available to see
the valley and in Copaipo the San Francisco Church and
Convent founded in 1662 is certainly worth a visit.
Coquimbo
This picturesque and once thriving port seems somehow

to be frozen in time. Houses with endless steps seem to
have come directly out of a century old photograph. Not
to be missed is its market featuring handicrafts unique to
the region and at very good prices.
Coyhaique
One of the newest cities in Chile it was founded in 1929 to

encourage settlement in this sparsely settled region far to
the south, it today boasts 40,000 inhabitants. It also
features an unsquare town square ( shaped like a
pentagon), a large agricultural college and the nearby
Coyhaique Natural Reserve awaits the nature lover/hiker.
Curico
A small town in the center of the wine country. It is about

200 Km. south of Santiago on the Panamericana, there
called Ruta 5 Sur. Curico offers a quite pastoral setting
with old world charm.
Dichato
A small town in the center of the wine country. It is about

200 Km. south of Santiago on the Panamericana, there
called Ruta 5 Sur. Curico offers a quite pastoral setting
with old world charm.
Easter Island
In Chile it's called Isla de Pascua and the natives there call
it Rapa Nui or Te Pito te Henua ( world's belly button). It is
14 miles long by 7 miles wide and it's actually about the
only city not on the Panamericana, it's about 2,332 miles
off the coast. Known for its Moais (stone statues), it is a

must for people into ancient mysteries. Some of these
Moais weigh up to 50 tons and are over 25 feet high. Also
ancient shrines, some 240 in all, dot the island. It is about
a 3 day do. Don't expect a lot of discos and movie houses,
but its natural beauty more than makes up for their
absence. There are frequent flights from Santiago that
take about 4 or 5 hours.
El Colorado
One of the newer ski areas, El Colorado is located only 40

Km. from Santiago at an altitude of 10,000 feet (3,000
meters) and is the highest of the two sister ski villages
(Farellones being the other) . This is a modern ski
complex with 19 ski lifts, lodging, ski shops, restaurants,
night clubs and artificial snow making equipment ( just in
case) El Colorado is a great place to have that weekend or
longer ski holiday.
Ensenada
Located right on the shore of Lake Llanquihue, it is one of

the ports of call of the regular boat tours originating in
Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt. Things worth seeing are
the beautiful Green Lagoon which gets its unique color
and name from a peculiar algae and the nearby Vicente
Perez Rosales National Park.
Entre Lagos
Located 45 Km from Osorno this small lake port serves

the timber industry of region. For some of the best steaks
available be sure and stop at the Pub de Campo.
Farellones
One of the hot snow ski areas, it's only 50 Km from

Santiago and features over 16 ski lifts it shares with its
sister city El Colorado.
Frutillar
World renowned for it's music weeks (Semanas Musicas)

held every year in February, Fruitillar is also a summer
resort. A center of German immigration founded in 1856 it
boasts of the having the most southern living palm tree in
the world. Worth seeing are the Settler's Museum and the
German Cemetery.
Iquique
Once the center of the mining of nitrates ( used in
explosives and fertilizer), Iquique still maintains the

nostalgic mood of that bygone era in many of the older
buildings that have been preserved. It was also the site of
one of the largest naval battles in history. It features a
duty free shopping area and beautiful white sand beaches
for those who just want to relax. Just off the coast the
sportsman will find excellent salt water fishing. Iquique is
located about 350 km. south of Arica.
Isla Negra
This is a small and beautiful village located on a rocky

point on the coast roughly parallel to Santiago and is
flanked by some of the best beaches in Chile. The Cordoba
Lagoon is one of the highlights, but the main attraction is
the former beach house of Pablo Neruda a Noble Prize
winning writer . Unique and world renown are the Isla
Negra Weavers who have created an special style of
embroidered tapestry prized around the world for its
beauty.
Jahuel
Traveling east from Santiago one encounters Los Andes,

San Felipe, Almendral and finally at an altitude of 1180
meters Termas de Jahuel. With a breathtaking view of the
valley it features hot spring baths and really great eating.
La Herradura
Just 12 minutes south of La Serena it is in a unique cove

with a strong mining history and a heavy tourist
inclination these days. In almost no time it has grown
from a 1 hotel cove to now boasting a large selection of
sophisticated hotels and restaurants. Close to just about
everything, and having some of the best beaches in Chile
it is the "in" spot of the region.
La Parva
A winter ski center, it is a little over an hour by car from

Santiago. It is so close to its neighboring resort cities of
Farellones and El Colorado that you can actually shift
between all three by using different lifts.
La Serena
This is one of the fastest growing tourist areas in Chile. It

is known for the beauty of its colonial and neo colonial
architecture. It also has one of the largest handicraft
markets in the area where you can find the unique Indian
pottery of the Diaguitas Indians, woolens and articles

made of the beautiful Guayacan wood. It also has great
beaches and modern hotels.
Las Trancas Ski Area
Las Trancas is on the main road from Chilln City to

Nevados de Chilln. Nevados de Chillan (also known as
Termas de Chillan) has world class skiing, with some of
the best powder snow in South America, set in pristine
native forests. It has unmatched snow conditions, and is
regularly used for Olympic ski training for skiers from the
Northern Hemisphere during their summer months. Las
Trancas itself is 65 km (40miles from the city of Chillan
via paved road, and just 8km (4.5 miles) to the ski resort.
The village has a number of bars, restaurants and small
supermarkets, it has a good number of tourist facilities
including resorts at a considerable cost saving over the
one at Nevados de Chillan.
La Union
With less than 20,000 people it is located on the banks of

the Rio Bueno ( Good River) and has a decidedly German
flavor. Founded as a support for German immigrants its
main business today is agriculture.
Lican Ray
Now it is a small but lively summer tourist destination

located on the shores of Lake Calafquen in the Lake
District near Villarrica. In 1958 it was a quaint village of
settlers connected to the rest of the world only by boat.
In that dark year the land the town was on was targeted
to be flooded by the construction of the Pullinque dam.
Well it didn't happen so instead the government targeted
it as a new tourist development. From that dark hour to
today it has developed into a small but thriving tourist
area with a complete infrastructure for enjoying its many
charms.
Linares
Founded in 1794, Linares is the now center of the sugar

beet industry . It is a smallish agricultural town in the
center of Chile.
Los Andes
Two and a half hours north of Santiago by car, it is famous

for its Chilean style rodeos and it holds on to its cowboy
traditions. Chilean cowboy traditions.
Los Angeles
A city of about 70,000 people in the near south or about

340 miles from Santiago, it lies on the banks of the
Quilque river. Founded in 1739 it is now an agricultural
center with a strong emphasis on dairy products. It is just
to the north of the lake country but not actually "Lake
Country" It is on Panamericana, as is almost everything
else in Chile, and has very limited and spotty air service.
It is a nice little agricultural town, just like
"LA"(California) give or take 7 million people.
Los Vilos
If you are going to Coquimbo or La Serena it is a

mandatory stop about three and a half hours north of
Santiago. Its largest group of inhabitants seem to be the
Pelicans but it also has a lot of summer camps, good
hotels and great seafood.
Maitencillo, see also Marbella
Actually it is an ocean resort made of two long beaches,

interestingly broken up here and there by rock formations
and tidal pools.
Marbella, see also Vina Del Mar, Maitencillo
Actually more of a resort than a city it is only 145 KM. by

good highway from Santiago and only 40 minutes from
Vina Del Mar. It features a variety of hotels and villas in
the Mediterranean style, 18 hole championship golf
course, restaurants and night clubs. A great place to get
away for a week or a weekend. It is fashionable for the
corporate vacationer and conventions.
Osorno
In the heart of the Lake District and the German presence

in the south, Osorno has breath taking scenery year round
but is especially nice in the summer, their summer. It is on
the Panamericana and also has fairly frequent air service
from Santiago. There is some really great fishing there.
Close by Antillanca is a favored ski area with firm snow,
fine hotel and 4 ski lifts.
Panguipulli
The guide to pronunciation not available, but you don't

have to pronounce it to find it and it's worth it when you
do. Part of the Interlake transportation service in the
south it is located around a cove of a lake of the same

name. If the beauty of the scenery wasn't enough the
inhabitants have embellished it with roses that abound.
Peulla
In the Lake District, Peulla is the eastern port of Lake

Todos Los Santos. The emerald green waters that
surround it are almost as exciting as the launch rides
across it. After stopping at Ensenada, Petrohue Falls and
Petrohue Village the daily ferry takes you across All
Saints Lake to Peulla. You can either stay at the very
comfortable hotel or go through Perez Rosales pass to
Casa Pangue in Argentina and continue to San Carlos
Bariloche. Peulla is a great place for honeymoons or
getting away from it all.
Pichidangui
Another phonetic exercise it is located very close to the

Pan-American Highway just before Los Vilos on the way to
La Herradura. It has a very nice beach and is well liked by
local water sports enthusiasts
Portillo
This is one of the oldest and best known ski resorts in

Chile, starting operations in 1946. It is located next to the
Inca Lagoon high in the Andes 145 KM. from Santiago. It
has a variety of slopes with 12 lifts and reaching a summit
of 3,350 meters. Its ski slopes will challenge both the
experienced and beginning skier. The hotel with over 400
beds, heated swimming pool, saunas, discos, solarium,
movies and restaurants insure its popularity. See also
other Chilean ski areas like Valle Nevado, El Colorado,
Farellones etc.
Pucon
In the Lake District, set in the southeast shore of Lake

Villarrica, Villarrica Volcano provides not only a dramatic
backdrop behind the town but also slopes for skiing in the
winter. Fishing here in the summer is superb and there is
gambling for the more adventurous.
Puerto Aysen
With only 14,000 inhabitants it has long been pioneer

country and bears the burden of its harsh climate. When
you leave Coyhaique going south to Puerto Aysen you
pass by two great scenic spots the Rio Simpson National
Park and the Velo de la Novia (Bride's Veil Falls) both

worth the stop.
Puerto Montt
Located at the end of continental Chile it offers

everything: a gateway to Puerto Varas and the scenic
lakes of the south; launching site for the fabulous boat
tours that take tourists to the southern channels region it
is also a busy port and center for the agriculture and
timber trades. You know those gigantic trout you hear
about, well fisherman come to this area for great fly
fishing. It is about 1,000 KM. south of Santiago. This is a
truly great place for those that love the outdoors.
Puerto Natales
The biggest point from the view of the tourist is that it is

the entrance to the Torres del Paine, magnificent and
complex granite peaks in a microclimate that attract
tourists from around the world. Located in the far south,
from here you can take one of those famous boat rides to
the area's glaciers where you can toast with a scotch on
the rocks, with ice over 20,000 years old. The area offers
the rugged scenic vistas Chile is known for.
Puerto Puyuhuapi
It is a small seaport in the south located between Puerto

Montt and Coyhaique. It offers just basic tourist services
but among them are 2 very comfortable hosterias run by
German immigrants. To relax the tourist, nearby thermal
spas are just the right thing.
Puerto Varas
A great vacation city in the Lake District, just a short ride

north from Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas has casinos,
restaurants and hotels. Called the city of roses, it stands
beside Chile's largest lake, Lake Llanquihue. Across the
lake scenery is provided by two magnificent volcanoes. If
you are to see just one city in Chile this is it.
Puerto Williams
The Southernmost city in the world. Jumping off point for

tours of Antarctica, the Darwin Mountains and the Beagle
Channel. Once the hunting grounds for nomadic indian
tribes, it first gained notoriety because of the many
cruises of Charles Darwin. It is located on Navarino Island,
separated from the mainland by the Beagle Channel.
Punta Arenas
The capital of the southern area of Chile it sits on the
western shore of the Straits of Magellan. It is the world's
southernmost city. Just across the big island of Tierra del
Fuego this is a busy city of around 100,000 caters to the
oil, sheep and coal industry. This is the kick off point for
boat tours of the Straits and a lot of great scenery. It can
get cold here in the winter, it's very close to Antarctica.
Putre
Inland and further north than Arica it's a good place to

acclimate yourself before going on an excursion of the
highlands of Chungara Lake, It's 3,500 above sea level.
You won't feel crowded either, there are only 600
inhabitants.
Puyehue
Near Osorno (75Km), on the road to Argentina, and the

hot springs. It has spacious accommodations and a hotel
with a hot spring fed swimming pool. Just a bit south is
the Puyehue National Park where another thermal resort,
Aguas Calientes can be found.
Quillota
Fifty one Km from Con Con lies this agricultural

community once the center of the Inca administration for
the large valley . Quite steeped in history, Quillota's valley
is the fruit producing area of the region. Lots of old
buildings and pastoral surrounding make for a relaxing
stay.
Quintero
A beach resort located only minutes north from Vina Del

Mar, its quite clean beaches offer some of the finest sun
worshipping in the world.
Rancagua
A largely industrial and agricultural center an hour south

of Santiago, Rancagua has a very fast growing economy.
Coupled with its growth for the future it also has some
important links with the past. It was the site, actually in
the town square, where patriots made a brave stand
against the Spaniards ( something like the Alamo in
Texas) and today it is called the Heroes Square. It has
some interesting colonial architecture in La Casa de Pilar
de la Esquina and La Casa de la Cultura, its Regional
Museum also deserves a visit.
Renaca
It's only 6 km from Vina del Mar and halfway between

Vina and Concon . Really only starting in 1947 its recent
growth and development with fashionable hotels ,
restaurants, boulevards, cafes, and discos have made it
the must see of the Chilean seaside resort cities .
Rinihue
Starting from Villarrica, you go through Lican-Ray and

then Lake Rinihue. It was formerly a main port and ship
loading area but now the main port has moved leaving it
to the vacationers. It is so close to Rininahue (they even
share area codes) even the locals sometimes end up in
the wrong place.
Robinson Crusoe Island
Yes it is !! There was really a Robinson Crusoe (actually

Alexander Selkirk) and Friday and the island where he was
marooned. It's still there off the coast of Chile. Of course
with hotels and airplanes it's tough to get marooned
unless you want to, sometimes not a bad idea! If you do
there is flora and fauna galore, from brilliant red
hummingbirds to the incredible number of sandalwood
trees.
Salto Del Lajas Waterfalls
This is really not a city but a scenic location about 400

miles south of Santiago or about 100 Km south of Chillan.
It is a beautiful waterfalls surrounded by trees and
greenery. It boasts a number of smaller resorts and the
main resort there has accommodations with a magnificent
view of the falls and all the amenities including a
conference center. It is called the start of the South of
Chile.
San Antonio
Really a bustling and growing seaport roughly on a line

with Santiago and about an hour and some to its west, its
growth has been phenomenal. It arguable has the best
seafood restaurant in the world, La Juanita.
San Carlos
A small (40,000) agricultural town on the Panamericana

about 250 miles south of Santiago. This is the home of the
Hussars, a hunting and fishing club. A town noted for its
friendliness, it annually features one of the largest fairs in

the region.
San Felipe
In the center of the northern farming country, it offers a

slice of the agricultural life. There you can see Chile's
links to the colonial period in buildings dating back to the
1700's.
San Fernando
A strong agricultural past is obvious here in this city

founded in 1742. It is in a beautiful valley noted for its
warm days and cool evenings. Of special note is Los
Lingues, actually 15 Km away, a true colonial house now a
hotel , but more than a hotel it is a tradition. Managed by
the descendants of the original owners Los Lingues is now
listed in Relais and Chateaux, it is really one of the
highlights of any visit to Chile.
San Pedro Atacama
Atacama says it all, dry hot and your basic desert. It is at

2,440 meters and has only 900 inhabitants but
surprisingly has good accommodations and even taxis for
hire. However, near here are some incredible and
mysterious monoliths and petroliths and a bunch of other
liths, "Chariot of the Gods" type stuff.. Also not to be
missed is the Archeological Museum founded by a priest,
Father Gustavo Le Paige. The story of how he built it
single handed is impressive enough until you actually visit
it and see the wonders there, from mummies to pre Inca
artifacts it is a real lesson of the distant past of the area.
Santiago
The capital city is Santiago with 5 million people, a

modern, clean, cheap and efficient Metro, opera, modern
hotels and restaurants. It is quite cosmopolitan with
shopping malls that would rival any in the world and
trendy areas like El Bosque and Bellavista with great
dining and trendy shops. Spanish is the language and
there are many in Chile who speak English, however
finding them is difficult, so don't count on it. You can
count on the Chilean hospitality that almost more than
makes up for language problems you may have. Santiago
is the business center with the government offices, stock
exchange and for transportation features a large and
modern International Airport at Pudahuel, about 25 KM.

from Santiago. Santiago has some great tourist things like
San Cristobal hill (mountain) that has spectacular city
views if the smog doesn't get in the way, yes they have
that too.
Major Districts are:
Downtown/Central Santiago has Chiles major government
and financial institutions, museums, the Presidential
Palace (La Moneda), libraries and is the historic center of
Santiago. Here you will find Santiagos largest outdoor
market. It is 18 miles from Santiago's airports and is
Santiagos transportation center with its main train and
bus stations.
EL Golf is the ultra-chic area of Santiago, where world
class golf courses can be enjoyed and some world
renowned hotels are located. It is located in Northern
Santiago, 22 Miles from Santiagos airports.
Las Condes, located in the upper northeast of Santiago is
centered around Apoquindo Avenue, most of the large,
high-end hotels are located in this area as are newer
business centers. It is adjacent(east of)to Providencia and
23 miles from Santiago's airports.
Providencia is known for trendy shops, boutiques, and
restaurants. This is one of the best parts of the city for
nightlife and diversion. In Providencia you will find
moderately priced hotels among the very expensive ones.
It is the center of most major business and financial
institutions, and quiet upscale residences. It is just east
of Santiago central and 22 miles from Santiago's
International and Domestic Airports.
Pudahuel is located in the northwest of Greater Santiago
18 miles from the center of Santiago, Pudahuel is the
location of Santiagos International and Domestic
Airports.
At exactly 12 noon they fire a cannon so don't worry if you
hear it, it's loaded with blanks, only worry if it shoots
more than once. It is an easy city to get around in and has
more buses per capita than anywhere, and they are all
yellow. Cabs are cheap but they are not yellow, well the
tops usually are, and the Metro (subway) is clean and very
efficient and only charges about 45 cents to go where
ever you want. For airport to hotel transfers for only $5
per person each way guaranteed click here.
Santo Domingo, or Rocas de Santo Domingo
115 Km from Santiago, roughly west of Santiago on the

coast, at the mouth of the Maipo river, it is the elite place
for summer vacation for Santiago dwellers. The golf club
is superb but most of the area is under a condominium
system so access is limited.
Socos and Termas de Socos
Located about 270 Km north from Santiago, you leave the

Pan-American Highway by turning right on the road to
Ovalle. After 2 Km you leave the paved road and take the
dirt road where the is a kiosk of Socos, that will take you
straight to it. Seriously, it is a bit tricky to find and once
you have you encounter a vegetated area (which here is a
luxury), thermal pools, a campsite and other
accommodations. It is definitely off the beaten path,
pretty nearly off any known path!!!!!
Talca
It is a fairly large agricultural and industrial city with

about 130,000 people. It is about 145 miles from Santiago
(south) on the Panamericana. It is not a great tourist city,
mostly business. Ever been to Lubbock, Texas?...that's
about it.
Talcahuano
With over 200,000 inhabitants it is the leading port in the

area and actually the sea port for neighboring
Concepcion. It actually has two ports on at Concepcion
Bay and one at San Vincente Bay. Of tourist interest is the
big fish market featuring small restaurants with food that
is good and even by Chilean standards cheap. Another
point of interest is a visit to the Huascar, at one time one
of the most powerful iron clads afloat. It was captured
from Peru in the Pacific War over 100 years ago.
Temuco
In the Lake District, 640 Km. south from Santiago, Temuco
was the capital for the Mapuches Indians, who were never
actually beaten by the settlers. They ruled most of the

south of Chile and spent their time smoking, drinking, and
playing hockey...yes hockey. They let their women do all
the hard work. That was then, now it is the fastest
growing city in Chile and largely business. As to sight
seeing Nielol hill and the National Park should not be
missed. In Temuco you'll find Huasos (cowboys, Chile
style)at work. There is also a large indoor flea market
where you can find that special treasure.
Tongoy
Located 60 Km south of La Serena in the north of Chile

after a short detour off the Panamericana you'll discover
Tongoy and its beaches, one over 14Km . It is a summer
place with private summer homes but there are also
accommodations for vacationers, restaurants, and water
sport facilities. Torres Paine
Actually a national park in the far south of Chile, it is
accessed from Punta Arenas by road. Once you actually
enter the park you will find a park road that acts as a self
guided tour . It can boast of some of the most beautiful
mountain scenery in the world. Most noted are the group
of mountains known as the Cuernos (Horns) whose
dramatic rise into the clear southern skies is truly
breathtaking.
Valdivia
A beautiful town that sits on the banks of the Calle-Calle

river it was founded in 1552 and now has a population of
over 120,000. The overwhelming beauty of the river
makes sightseeing of the islands, the ancient forts and
surrounding an experience few can resist. Before leaving
be certain to try the crab dishes washed down with a crisp
local white wine. For the sportsman, go east toward the
mountains you will find the world's best fly fishing.
Valle Nevado
The "IN" place to ski in Chile. A short distance (more or

less except that it is straight up!) 60 KM from Santiago by
car, this is one of the newer and more popular Chilean ski
resorts. It is located in one of the most spectacular
regions of the Andes and features all the amenities one
would expect in an international class ski resort: large
modern hotel; 8 lifts ( 2 chair); ski lessons; apartments

etc.
Valparaiso
This is the working sister city to Vina del Mar. They

actually border on each other, more or less. It is about
120 Km west of Santiago. This is the site of the Naval
College, and it is the largest sea port for Chile. Its older
streets and buildings speak to you strongly of the days
when there was no Panama Canal and almost every ship
that came around The Horn stopped and left a little of
itself and its crew here. Being situated 1/2 on the plane
and 1/2 on the surrounding hills its cable cars and
dwellings perched on the bluffs offer a unique look to the
city. Excellent restaurants, old sailors bars, Viennese
coffee shops...this might be your city. 120 KM. west northwest of Santiago and has excellent roads going there.
Vicuna
About 70 Km. from La Serena to the north lies this little

village that was founded in 1821. With less than 2,000
souls it an ideal place to relax. It is famous as the birth
place of Gabriela Mistral, the Chilean Noble prize poet.
Villarrica (see also Lican Ray)

This small friendly town sits on the southwest corner of
the heavily wooded shores of Lake Villarrica. In the winter
fishing on the Tolten River is replaced by snow skiing as
the favorite recreation. Its views of the Villarrica volcano
are part of the inescapable charm of the city
Vina Del Mar (see also Renaca)
Sister city to the largest Chilean seaport, Valparaiso

which it actually borders "Vina" as the Chileans call it is
Chile's "Riviera"... with casinos, restaurants, night clubs,
discos ( yes discos) swimming beach and other resort
facilities. Only 120 KM. by car from Santiago it is
Santiago's playground and can be very crowded in the
summer, Chile's summer months (October to May). In Vina
you must dress smart, otherwise you will feel like the ugly
duckling so leave your Wrangler bluejeans cutoffs at
home.
Zapallar
One of the treasured beaches to Santiago's elite, it is in a

sheltered cove with a tremendous boulder in the
middle...very recognizable. Beautiful trees and carefully

manicured gardens surrounding mansions characterize
this resort.

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Travel Chile

A Quick History of Chile

From the Airport:

SANTIAGO CITY STATISTICS

Average January temperatures

Average July temperatures

MAP OF THE CITY/METRO/PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Metro de Santiago is South America's most extensive and modern metro

PRICES AND TIMES OF THE METRO:

The Metro de Santiago sells tickets and is open from:

Typical Chilean Dishes

Empanada de Queso - typical turnover filled with cheese.

Curanto en Hoyo - a typical dish from the south of Chile.

Curanto en Olla - same ingredients as the curanto en hoyo only

Caldillo de Congrio - conger-eel soup with onions, potatoes and

Ave Mayo - diced chicken meat and mayonnaise.

Typical Chilean Desserts (and sweet things)

and sugar. Some visitors say it tastes like caramel. Manjar is

Below is a list of some typical Chilean Drinks. Most are alcoholic

PIPEO - a type of sweet fermented wine (semi-transparent in

Chilean Red Wine - Carmenere

and the melted snows of the Andes provide the important

Example: Los lolos jugaron al ftbol todo el da.

Implied meaning: to goof off (dejar las responsibilidades y jugar todo

Example: Oye que eres wen!

Most of Santiago's popular after-hour venues are located outside

Bars: Perhaps the biggest magnet for overseas visitors is

shows in the city. In Bellavista, there is live music practically at

in Bellavista, is another flea market selling traditional art. Perhaps

throng of contented diners in the cavernous eating area, the

the small side) and polite service.

SANTIAGO KEY ATTRACTIONS

Casa Colorada (Coloured House)

civilisations. Located in a handsome colonial building, the Palacio

incarnations). It is one of Santiago's oldest buildings and the

Nono in the Bellavista area. There is also a cable car that

Museo Nacional de Historia Natural

Santuario de la Naturaleza protects Humboldt and Magellanic penguins

THE SOUTH OF CHILE

The Cordillera del Paine is a small but spectacular mountain group in

The highest summit of the range is probably Cerro Paine Grande, at

Tower of Paine (about 2,260 m) was first climbed by Guido Monzino.

excavated by ice-streams, including Lake Argentino and Lake Fagnano, as

Important safety tips!

residence or carry them in a money-belt or special hidden

FULL List of cities in Chile

A small town on the north western tip of the big island of

An older city, Antofagasta is the most important sea port

Known as the city of eternal spring, it is only 30 miles

Located in the northern end of the bay by the same name

Great for sight seeing , Calama is close to El Tatio

beautiful desert, Calama is so dry the locals attach their

Caldera is located 75 km northeast of Copiap. In the old

The second largest town on Chiloe island it is located on

The capital of Palena Province boasts 3,500 inhabitants,

A sleepy, dusty agricultural town about 280 miles south of

a 1 1/2 hour drive from Chillan and it features hot mineral

Colchagua Valley, Wine Area

The Colchagua Valley is one of the World's best wine

Located about 60 Km north of Santiago, Colina is an

One of the largest cities in Chile (after Santiago of course)

This small town is located about 500 Km. south of

This picturesque and once thriving port seems somehow