Santiago travel guide

Santiago, Chile - Overview

Santiago is the capital of Chile. It is one of the most populous cities in South America. Santiago has been a favorite destination for the travelers for its beautiful landscapes, archeological wonders, shopping malls and high-rise architecture. It was founded by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia in 1541.

Santiago has a long history. In 1541, the city was destroyed by native forces, which led to the Arauco War. In the 19th century, the city was a small town with few buildings.  The nitrate fertilizer in Northern Chile brought development in the country and promoted the capital city.

The important landmarks were built in the first quarter of the 19th century.  In 1930s, Santiago started to develop into a modern city. A lot of inhabitants from the north and south of Chile started to migrate in this period.

Santiago features Mediterranean climate. The summers are relatively hot with 35 degrees Celsius on the hottest days and 13 degrees Celsius temperature in winter.

Santiago is the country’s economical and financial center. It generates 45% of the country’s GDP. Along with São Paulo and Buenos Aires, Santiago is the financial and economical center of South America. Many multinational companies have their headquarters in Santiago including Intel, HP, Reuters, JP Morgan, Yahoo, Motorola, IBM, Ford and Microsoft.

There are a lot apartment complexes and modern houses throughout the city. The city has a big skyline, which includes a lot of skyscrapers.  A number of mega projects are under construction in Santiago.

Santiago enjoys a European feel, spectacular environment and wonderful landscapes. The city is dominated by the mighty Andes Mountains and coastal area. Santiago is a favorite travel destination for tourists from all over the world. Chile is a healthier country than the rest in Latin America and Santiago is a financial, economical and cultural hub of Chile.

There are world-class hotels and restaurants in this city. The population of Santiago gets to 5 million inhabitants.  Santiago has modern transportation infrastructure including Santiago Metro, local buses, taxis and a train system.

There are 37 municipalities in Santiago city. The cities of San Bernardo and Puente are joined with Santiago to make the Greater Santiago conurbation.

Santiago is full of wonders and cultural life. There are a lot of museums, historical places, theaters, sports complexes, churches and recreational parks. Visiting and exploring Santiago can provide you an unforgettable experience.