Santiago and The Andes

A day's travel will get you into the mountains.

Santiago and The Andes

Moneda Palace, Santiago

A military procession at the palace.

Moneda Palace, Santiago

Santiago's snow covered peaks.

A good ski resort is close by in the mountains.

Santiago's snow covered peaks.

Metropolitan Santiago

A beautiful blend of new and old architecture.

Metropolitan Santiago

Scenic Santiago

Parks, countryside and mountains.

Scenic Santiago

Santiago's first university.

Beautiful architecture from over 100 years a go.

Santiago's first university.

Santiago from Santa Lucia Hill

Beautiful gardens, monuments and a view point

Santiago from Santa Lucia Hill

Santiago at night from San Cristobal

Fountains, plazas, restaurants and nightlife.

Santiago at night from Santa Lucia

Stroll through downtown Santiago

A safe, clean friendly place to relax in.

Stroll through downtown Santiago

Cable cars at San Cristobal

An impressive view of the city, San Cristobal.

Cable cars at Santa Lucia
admin on May 17th, 2010

Once you get to Santiago, armed with your list of sights to see, you need to be able to get around.  Luckily for the independent traveler Santiago has no shortage of transport available.  The are taxis, ‘collectivos’ – a shared taxi, various types of buses, a metro system and a limited range train service.

In this article we will look at the bus to Cajon del Maipo.  If you are asking yourself “Why do I want to go there?” please use the search box top right of this website, or Google, and look at all the fun things you can do.

bus to cajon del maipo The Bus to Cajon del Maipo

Above, the MB72 is the bus to Cajon del Maipo.

(Read the full article – brought to you by the Santiago Chile Travel team.)

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admin on March 18th, 2010

Rock climbing – is there a more perfect outdoor activity where an individual can connect with nature, push themselves to the limit of their mental and physical abilities and practice team work on a life saving level?

Rock climbing in Chile is an obvious outdoor sport considering the Andes mountain range runs the entire length of the country.  But not only is there rock climbing there is ice climbing, sports climbing and the higher altitude rock/mountain climbing.

After much searching the resources here in Chile we, here at Santiago Chile Travel, have found you the ultimate source for information on rock climbing in Chile.

rock climbing near santiago Rock Climbing in Chile
(Read the full article – brought to you by the Santiago Chile Travel team.)

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ecofriendly Chile   The Ultimate EcoFrienldy Adventure Travel Destination

Chile – the long sliver of a country down the western side of South America – has to be, in my opinion, the ultimate ecofriendly adventure travel destination in the world.

Why?  This has to do with several things.  One being the shape and location of the country.  Another is the geography and ecology of the country.  Finally, there are the activities offered to the visitors or locals.

But what makes a country ‘ecofriendly’? Is it their recycling policies, emission controls, etc?  Or, can you, the tourist/traveller/adventure seeker make a country ecofriendly?

ecofriendly Chile   The Ultimate EcoFrienldy Adventure Travel Destination

(Read the full article – brought to you by the Santiago Chile Travel team.)

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admin on March 14th, 2010

Following on from our last articles on visiting Santiago, Chile, we have now the ultimate ideas for an extended city break.

We previously looked at things to do in Santiago and on the outskirts.  With more time on your hands it is possible to go further afield and spend time exploring surrounding areas.  This is done easily with public transport and also with rented transport.

Within a few hours travel of Santiago, Chile, you can be in such varied environments as forested national parks, snow capped Andean peaks, beautiful sandy beaches or the warm waters of Lago de Aculeo.

santiago chile buin zoo Santiago, Chile, An Extended City Break
(Read the full article – brought to you by the Santiago Chile Travel team.)

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admin on March 12th, 2010

From the very northern tip of Chile all the way down to the southern last few islands camping in Chile is a national past time.  Due to having such a beautiful country, an adequate supply of equipment and an adventurous nature to them Chileans go camping when ever they can.

Not only is camping possible everywhere, but from Santiago northwards it is possible all year round.  Look at Chile’s shape – in a four day/three night camping trip you could camp on a beach, then inland in a forested area and on the last night at altitude in the Andes.

camping in chile Camping in Chile

(Read the full article – brought to you by the Santiago Chile Travel team.)

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admin on March 12th, 2010

We are now used to seeing pictures of collapsed houses, piles of rubble, crushed cars and broken bridges, etc, but the earthquake here in Chile has ruined something far older than a house or car and its destruction is something that has touched the hearts of many.

Siete Tazas National Park is an area of pristine natural beauty in the heart of Chile.  Its main attraction, as its name implies, is a series of waterfalls that cascade down into a chain of pools (seven cups) through a canyon in spectacular fashion.  The park is mainly visited by Chileans, people who are passionate about their land, and some tourists who are willing to get ‘off the beaten track’.

Now, after the powerful earthquake of Feb 2010, the geography of the area has changed and it appears the earthquake cracked the rock below the river causing it to drain away into a new course underground.  The river further on pops back up to its original course downstream.

siete tazas after earthquake 2 Earthquake in Chile Destroys Beautiful National Park
(Read the full article – brought to you by the Santiago Chile Travel team.)

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admin on March 5th, 2010

Welcome to part 2 of “What is Chile famous for?”.  Here are some more interesting facts you might not know.

why is chile famous What is Chile Famous For?   part 2
(Read the full article – brought to you by the Santiago Chile Travel team.)

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admin on March 5th, 2010

In the last article we mentioned a southern route to climb San Ramon, to the east of Santiago.  In this article looking at hiking near Santiago we will cover the northern area.  This route still summits the 3250m mountain.

The beauty of this series of treks is that they use the same map, they can be combined and mixed around and if you are only after smaller routes then the map also shows hiking routes possible in half a day.  The first thing you need to do is get hold of the excellent Sierra de Ramon map made by Andes Handbook.

san ramon Hiking Near Santiago   part 2
(Read the full article – brought to you by the Santiago Chile Travel team.)

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santiago earthquake 2 Is it Safe to Visit Santiago, Chile, After the Earthquake?Many people are searching the internet asking the question “Is it safe to visit Santiago, Chile, after the earthquake?” and here is our answer, less than one week after the terrible event occurred.

Yes it is safe to visit Santiago!  However, the longer you leave your arrival the safer it will be.  Also, safe doesn’t mean you will be without problems.  Occasional water shortages or electricity cut offs can happen and the locals are still adjusting to the event themselves.

If you do have a trip to Chile which is imminent it would be preferable to keep to the north of Santiago for a more trouble free and enjoyable visit.  Should your visit to Santiago involve a tour agency, hotel, guiding service, etc, make sure you ask them as well about your safety and how much your being there will impact upon the locals – who need food and supplies more than a visiting tourist.

After the earthquake various important and historical features of Santiago have been found with damage so you have to ask yourself “Why am I visiting Santiago?”.  Also, winter is now on its way so would you be better off heading to the warmer north?
(Read the full article – brought to you by the Santiago Chile Travel team.)

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admin on March 3rd, 2010

If you have a week to spend solely in the Santiago area you a lucky individual.  There are many things to see and do.  Santiago, Chile, is interesting for both people who want to take it easy and also for the more active.

A week here in Santiago should give you an excellent ‘feel’ for the city and the surrounding area.  From drinking coffee and eating cake sat beside tree lined parks, to taking a gentle cycle tour through a vineyard – Santiago, Chile, can not be beaten.

santiago chile wine tours A Week in Santiago, Chile
(Read the full article – brought to you by the Santiago Chile Travel team.)

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