The capital and largest city of Chile, Santiago is located in the country’s central valley at an elevation level of 520 meters. Santiago is the industrial and financial center of Chile, it generates 45% percent of the country’s gross domestic income. Due to the stability of the Chilean economy, many multinational companies have chosen Santiago as their headquarters for the region. The city has a population of 5 million people.
Approximately two decades of continues economic growth have transformed Santiago in one Latin America‘s most modern metropolitan areas, with extensive development, spacious shopping malls and impressive high-rise architecture. As the city booms economically, Santiago is improving its tourist, nightlife and restaurant scene incredibly fast. Pay a visit to the city’s historical attractions, cultural centers or take a day trip to the ski resorts and wineries.
In order to relax yourself from the Chilean city life, go wine tasting. The biggest and best (sworn by the Chilean’s) wine producer: Concha y Tora has a modern, Napa Valley style wine tasting room and gift shop right in the city. Discounts cards are given to travelers coming by the information center on Avenida Providencia. Tours are given in both Spanish and English and since its located easy accessed by public transportation.
Travelers to Santiago are required to have a valid passport and visa. The city is notoriously infamous for the smog and it’s worse during summer months (December through March), rain is appreciated by locals as it cleans air. By South American standards Santiago is a safe city, but travelers should be aware of pickpocketing and other petty crimes.
