Santiago de Chile
Santiago de Chile is a progressive capital city. Emerging defiantly through the masked haze that looms overhead, the dazzling sky scrapers are testament to Santiago’s robust economy. Cradled in a basin overlooked by the snow-capped Andes to the east and the rugged Chilean Coastal Range to the west, South America’s fifth largest city certainly commands a striking setting.
Founded in 1541 by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia, Santiago boasts an array of cultural and historic attractions from fine museums to stately government buildings and colonial churches set gracefully alongside imposing contemporary structures and immortalised on canvas by many local artists. Those with keen eye for shopping will enjoy a rummage around the bohemian outlets in Bellavista or browse to their hearts content in the designer boutiques that line Providencia, also renowned for its excellent restaurants. For a different perspective of Santiago, stroll along the labyrinth of walkways leading uphill to the top of Cerro Santa Lucia for superb panoramic vistas across the city.
To escape the bustle of Santiago’s metropolis head southeast to the Cajón del Maipú for horseriding and white water rafting, or trail east of the city and choose from a range of world-class ski resorts such as Portillo, a long-established haven for skiers and snowboarders from around the world. Alternatively, observe the wine making process of many notable wineries that occupy the Central Valleys.