ileThe Charming Capital
Welcome to Santiago de Chile, the capital of Chile. Situated in a basin with the Andes always in view- you will definitely be taken in by the charm of Santiago. The river Rio Mapocho runs from the Andes and flows through the city to the north where the Aconcagua valley is situated and on the other side restricted where the Cordilleras are. You can look forward to seeing the cultivation of fruit and wheat as well as wine growing. The climate corresponds to a pleasant Mediterranean climate and is in general dry but with large temperature fluctuations. The warmest time in Santiago is from December to February, you can expect an average temperature of 18.9-20.0ºC. The coolest months are July and August were the temperatures reach only 8.1-9.2ºC.
Who Knows Where the Day Could Take You
Santiago is one of the most clearly laid out city in Latin America and although it is a large city it almost has the character of a small Province which is great if you are in your rented car. It has few huge tower blocks, relatively few multi-storey buildings, and narrow streets in the inner city- let’s not forget that more than 400 million people live in Santiago. The many suburban estates of Santiago consist of wide avenues and smart shopping streets- only in the centre of the city will you find the usual hurly-burly of city life. The inhabitants of Chile are extremely friendly and receptive to visitors so it could happen that after engaging in polite conversation you could be invited to a barbeque with the family!
Art and Culture
Santiago is a famous centre of culture and attracts some of the most outstanding artists from abroad, from classical styles to modern music as well as dance and theatre. If you are interested in classical music, visit the Teatro Universidad de Chile- it is definitely worth it. Time and again the Chilean Symphony Orchestra performs in the concert hall. In the numerous small arts centres, theatres or even in pubs you can gaze in amazement at the famous local artists. Even in parks and in public places you will find performances by local theatre groups.
Enjoy the Outdoors
The centre of life in Santiago is the Plaza de Armas in the old centre of the city which can be easily reached in your car hire. Here, there are beautiful gardens with indigenous trees that originate from the 1930’s and have been planted to encircle a white marble monument. The Plaza is constantly full of life. Singers, preachers, portrait painters, shoe polishers, sweet stands and photographers gather there to attract attention. On Sunday morning and Thursday afternoon you can listen to the different bands in the Pavilion located on the south side of the Plaza de Armas. Or you can simply enjoy the fresh, green, relaxed atmosphere with the locals on one of the benches. From here you also have an excellent view of the cathedral- the pastel coloured building. There is also the Palacio de la Real Audiencia where you can find the Museum of National History- Museo Historico Nacional. In the museum you will find that many of the treasures of national history are exhibited.
When Hunger Strikes
Should you be overcome with hunger in the Plaza de Armes, its worth taking a trip to the Mercado Central that can be reached easily in your rental car- take the Paseo Ahumada off the Calle Puente in a northerly direction. Together with La Ferie, also on the river Mapocho form part of the main central market. Already, the iron construction of the existing building that houses the central market is worth seeing. In the market hall, colour dominates. You will find a large choice of fruit and seafood. Next to the hall you will find a beautiful white-washed building that is the second train station in Santiago- Estacion Mapocho, though its business has been closed down.
For Amazing Art
Close by here and again easily reachable in your rented car you will find the Parque Forestal that was designed by the French landscape gardener Georges Dubois at around the turn of the century. Part-way into the park on the northern point of the Cerro Santa Lucia you will find the Museo de Bellas Artes. The art museum is one of the most important museums in the country and also shows more permanent contemporary and old Chilean art as well as touring exhibitions.
Also worth a visit to is the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino that houses a large assortment of art from central and South America. Some of the exhibits are over 5000 years old. Besides permanent exhibits, you will also find temporary exhibitions. The artist’s quarter Bellavista is situated on the Plaza Italia and can be easily reached in your hired car. Enjoy this place which lies half in the shadow of the hill Cerro San Cristobal on the river Mapocho.
As you can see there is much to discover in Santiago de Chile. Enjoy your time in this exciting capital!
