Why Travel to Santiago?

The capital city of Chile receives millions of visitors a year from all over the world, but what makes these people travel to Santiago?

Is it the fact that it is the cleanest and safest city in South America?  The excellent public transport system?  What about the beautiful mixture between the new and old architecture?

I’m sure when travellers get home, families are reunited or in the future people are bragging about their exploring of Chile they will all have different reasons why they enjoyed Santiago so much.

As a seasoned traveller who has visited Rio de Janeiro, Caracas, Bogota, Quito, Lima and La Paz (as well as many other capital cities throughout the world) I have to say that my attraction to Santiago is the warmth of the people, the cleanliness and the relaxed atmosphere.  Living here, my Chilean wife and I, only a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas, we don’t feel like we are locked in our appartment whilst the lawless thugs rampage through the city at night.  For sure, you have to be careful of your belongings and ladies don’t walk around on their own after dark, but that is the case where I grew up in England, never mind the capital city of Chile.

Some people travel to Santiago because they have to – it’s the departure point after a long trip, or, this is the starting point for their vacation and they are itching to see the sites of Chile….. well, newsflash, Santiago is one of those sites.  But for me it isn’t a ‘visual site’ it is more of a ‘feeling’.

What about those people who travel to Santiago and want to do something?  Well, a look out of any window facing east will give you an idea of the size of the playground on your doorstep.  The Andes loom over Santiago, just screaming out to the traveller who craves adventure.  The list is endless:

• Horse Riding
• Mountain Biking
• Mountaineering
• Dirt Bike Riding
• Paragliding
• Trekking
• Rafting
• Skiing
• Snowboarding

Obviously if you don’t have you own equipment and are not experienced you will have to go with an agency.  Or, even hiring a guide to show you the best areas is a wise option even if you have your own equipment.

So, what is stopping you from travelling to Santiago, Chile?

Is it lack of equipment? – Buying Camping Equipment in Chile – Part 1
Concerns about your kids? – Travelling to Chile with Children
What to bring with you? – What Do I Take When Travelling To Chile?

Or, if we haven’t answered the question “Why travel to Santiago?”, ask you specific questions below and we’ll do our best to help you have the perfect vacation.

Tags: Exploring Santiago