Santiago: A Great Weekend Getaway

As it goes, travelling through a continent as large as South America is certainly no mean feat. That is why it can prove a wise move for the intrepid traveller to break their trip up into manageable chunks; making the most of each highlight along the way.

Home to a third of Chile's entire population, Santiago is a growing metropolis and the cultural heart of Chile. However, the city has seen incredible growth in its economy which is reflected in its infrastructure and blend of modern and historic architecture. And there is no better place to witness this than in the Plaza de Armas with a view of the Metropolitan Cathedral, reflected in the mirrored windows of Santiago’s modern high rise structures.

The city itself lies in a bowl-shaped basin formed by the Andes; these majestic mountains form a breathtaking backdrop, when visible. Smog from the city can hamper visibility but on an early spring morning, visitors can be treated to a spectacular view of the snow clad peaks framing the city. But for a great view over the city, take the funicular to Cerro San Cristobal where you can take in the vista from the Metropolitan Park. What's more, Cerro San Cristobal also features the city’s Metropolitan Zoo and a Japanese-style garden.

As Santiago reinvents itself, more and more modern buildings are being erected to meet the growing demands of the city. While many of Santiago’s colonial-era buildings have fallen to earthquakes or been left to ruin through neglect, many of its unique buildings and palaces still exist to be enjoyed and experienced, including Santiago’s La Moneda Palace.

When looking for somewhere to either relax or dance the night away, try the Bellas Artes night life district; a bohemian district full of pubs, restaurants and shops. As such, during the day you can visit the National and Contemporary Art Museums, or take a walk in the nearby Parque Forestal which runs parallel to the Mapocho River.

But if you are considering travelling within Chile then it is important to understand that Chile itself has only one major airline, which services international as well as national flights. And when taking a domestic flight or travelling from the UK, it is good to know that there are many flights to Santiago available to help get your journey underway.

Santiago’s location makes it a natural base for a short weekend break or a starting point to locations such as Patagonia. And once you’ve experienced the best of Santiago, you can make the most of Chile’s public transport systems to take short excursions outside the city to the coastal cities and resorts of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar; alternatively you can use Santiago as a base for exploring Chile’s central region. Either way, you are sure to find that you will not be short of interesting things to see and do when visiting Santiago.

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Andrew Regan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

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