PHOTO: © IONUT DAVID | DREAMSTIME.COM
Santa Lucia Hill might not be the biggest park in Santiago, but over the centuries it played an outsized role in the transformation of this former Spanish colony into a thriving metropolis. Formed by a volcano, the peak was chosen by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia in 1541 as the site to declare Chile a Spanish colony. By the early 19th century, as Chile fought for independence from Spain — which it won in 1818 — the hill served as a fortress for Spanish troops.
Today it’s hard to imagine this lush park as a former bastion: Ornate staircases shaded by mature trees lead through a vertical greenspace filled with sculptures, fountains, chapels and dramatic overlooks.
The hill isn’t the only thing that’s changed. Beyond the ancient church spires and broad plazas of the historic center, Santiago’s outward development spans a shining sea of skyscrapers spreading nearly to the mountains and including Latin America’s tallest building.
According to the World Economic Forum, Chile is not only Latin America’s most competitive nation, but — thanks largely to exports of minerals, wood, fruit, seafood and wine — it also boasts South America’s highest gross domestic product. The country also remains one of the United States’ strongest partners in Latin America and a leader in promoting respect for the rule of law, economic stability, education, environmental protection, human rights and sustainable development.
As Chile grows, planners work to ensure infrastructure will meet demand. After five years, Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport completed its expansion project. The new international terminal, which will allow the airport to handle 30 million passengers per year, expects to open in early 2022. In 2020 the country launched Chile on Rails, a $5.5 billion investment plan to expand and improve passenger and cargo rail service. The program will also work to integrate trains with other modes of transport, including Santiago’s Metro system. An additional $330 million in roadwork projects will keep truck and automobile traffic flowing in and around the sprawling capital city.
CHECKING IN WITH JUAN JOSÉ ORTEGA PÉREZ
Manager, Chile National Tourism Service
Santiago presents a fascinating blend of old and new. What are some of your favorite places to send visitors to help them see both sides of the city?
Las Condes, in the eastern sector of the city, is an outstanding gastronomic neighborhood where visitors can also appreciate several parks and some of the newest real estate development in the city.
In the historic center, I recommend visiting Palacio de la Moneda (the presidential palace). At 11 a.m. on odd days and weekends, you can watch the changing of the guards. The Palacio stands on the Plaza de Armas, where the city was founded. You’ll also find various attractions on the plaza including the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, which houses the largest collection of pre- Hispanic art in all of Latin America.
Cerro Santa Lucia is another must-see in the historic center, offering a 360-degree view of the city. Finally, Cerro San Cristóbal Metropolitan Park is one of the four largest urban parks in the world. You can hike through the park or ride a funicular to its cable car.
© VIC36 | DREAMSTIME.COM
What would surprise first-time visitors to Santiago?
The great variety of attractions nearby. The largest skiable area in the entire Southern Hemisphere lies less than two hours from Santiago and offers first- rate services. You’ll also find more than 35 vineyards nearby where you can enjoy a world-class wine tasting, dine in their restaurants or explore by bicycle.
El Cajón del Maipo is incredibly beautiful; it offers plenty of outdoor adventure including rafting, hiking, climbing and horseback riding through the mountains. Also, less than two hours from Santiago you can visit Valparaíso. Its graffiti-covered streets were declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
What Chilean dishes should visitors try when in Santiago?
Caldillo de congrio, a hearty soup made from conger; curanto, a full meal cooked in the ground; and machas a la parmesana, baked razor clams with Parmesan cheese, are all part of our culture.
How is Santiago changing?
Santiago underwent great changes in recent years as a result of economic development and commercial openness. Chile has an open economy and many free trade agreements, which has made it an excellent place to do business. The change is noticeable in the strong real estate development, in the architecture and the new skyscrapers. Immigration has also brought talent from different cultures, which makes Santiago a cosmopolitan city filled with new businesses, services, foods and ideas.
PHOTO: © ALEKSANDAR TODOROVIC | DREAMSTIME.COM
DIVERSIONS
Santiago proves an easy and enjoyable place to spend time away from work. The Plaza de Armas anchors the historic section of the city; the elegant plaza includes several 19th-century buildings. After a stroll through the shop-lined streets of the Lastarria neighborhood, hop aboard the funicular and aerial tramway that floats above the city’s massive Metropolitan Park for views of the city. The ride ends in Bellavista, a hip neighborhood known for street art, galleries and outdoor cafés. Farther northeast, in Las Condes and Vitacura, you’ll find designer boutiques and elegant restaurants. For more low-key shopping, visit Centro Los Dominicos, an artisan village where you can wander through more than 200 stalls filled with gorgeous wool and alpaca goods, local foods, jewelry and art. Farther afield, in the coastal city of Valparaíso, street artists armed with nothing but paint and imagination transformed brick walls, buildings, staircases and even curbs into works of art. Wine lovers can visit Maipo Valley’s Undurraga Winery, established in the 19th century with vines hand-carried from France. The winery’s graceful historic hacienda hosts wine tastings.
LODGING
The Aubrey
Occupying a pair of 1920s mansions in trendy Bellavista, the 15-room Aubrey boutique hotel welcomes guests with a pisco sour at check-in. Complimentary breakfast is served in a leafy courtyard.
Constitución 317, Bellavista
$$$
Mandarin Oriental, Santiago
A parklike setting, gorgeous views and a highly regarded restaurant serving Asian fusion cuisine make this Las Condes high-rise popular with both business and leisure travelers.
Presidente Kennedy Ave. 4601, Las Condes
$$$
The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago
Situated in Santiago’s posh Las Condes neighborhood, this clubby hotel features a wood-paneled lobby bar and a rooftop pool within a glass cupola.
El Alcalde 15, Las Condes
$$$
DINING
Boragó
Hyper-local Boragó is widely regarded as Santiago’s top dining experience; in 2021 it ranked as one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Each dish, sophisticated or rustic, is a love letter to Chile’s bounty.
Av. San José María Escrivá de Balaguer 5970
$$$$
Mestizo
Though Mestizo is best known for super-fresh ceviche, tender grilled octopus and creamy mascarpone risotto, the lakeside setting on the edge of Bicentennial Park proves equally stunning.
Bicentenario 4050
$$
Restaurante 040
Dinner at 040 unfolds each night like a theater performance, with each of the 12 courses arriving like clockwork, perfectly paired with wine or a miniature cocktail.
Calle Antonia López de Bello 40
$$$$$
JUST THE FACTS
Time zone: GMT -3 in summer (Southern Hemisphere); GMT -4 in winter
Phone code: Country code: 56
City code: 2
Currency: Chilean peso
Key industries: Agriculture, mining, construction, health care, telecommunications equipment
COMING AND GOING
U.S. citizens must have a valid passport; no visa required. You will be given a tourist card upon arrival; it must be surrendered when you leave. If it is lost or stolen it must be replaced before you will be allowed to leave, a process that may take days.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
Spanish
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedFebruary 2024
Mar 1, 2024Down to Earth: Find Your Element for the Ultimate Customized Spa Experience at Chuan Spa
After a stressful pre-holiday season and a busy work schedule, there was no better time for a relaxing spa experience than during my recent trip to Pasadena with the FXExpress Publications, Inc. team. We headed to The Langham Huntington, Pasadena for the 20th anniversary of the GT Tested Reader Survey awards, which meant a jam-packed trip, but I managed to carve a little time out of our busy schedule to visit Chuan Spa at the hotel.
Sponsored Content
The Argosaronic Islands Are Calling
The Saronic or Argo Saronic Islands of Greece call travelers to explore its seven small islands and islets brimming with history, natural sites and more. With most easily accessible by boat, the islands’ proximity to ports of Athens make the Saronic Islands an ideal destination for those preferring shorter boat rides. In fact, trips from Athens ports to the islands take only between 10 minutes and two hours, depending on the island you choose, making them perfect for day or weekend trips. From Piraeus port, you can access Hydra, Spetses, Aegina and Poros directly. Come explore these stunning islands with us and find the inspiration to plan your next trip to these islands. Hydra Hydra town curves around a slope overlooking the Argosaronic Gulf like an amphitheater and is considered one of the most romantic destinations in Greece. Most unique to the island is its lack of vehicles. People on the island get around on mules and donkeys as well as water taxis, making for a peaceful and laid-back day. Hydra lies a two-hour ferry ride from Piraeus port in Athens.
Daily
Feb 26, 2024Fukui: A Culture Hub in Rural Japan Worth the Detour
In many cases, less can be more in terms of what smaller cities and small-scale museums have to offer. This is true for Fukui Prefecture, located on the west coast of the main island and best known for its coastline, terrain and quiet towns. While major cities are awash with large-scale museums, bucolic Fukui Prefecture is worth a visit for its assemblage of institutions offering a deeper dive into Japanese life, history and culture.
Daily
Feb 26, 2024Ennismore Unveils Flagship Hotel and Restaurant Openings in 2024
This year marks an exciting time for Ennismore, the world’s fastest growing lifestyle and leisure hospitality company. With plans to open new properties and restaurants across the world, Ennismore shows no signs of stopping any time soon.
Sponsored Content
Reconnecting the World: GBTA Convention 2023 Spotlights the Vital Role of Business Travel and In-Person Connection
In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Convention remains an indispensable platform for business travel industry professionals seeking to make the most of the power of face-to-face connections. Taking place August 13–15 in Dallas, the 2023 GBTA Convention provides the unique opportunity for professionals and companies to join visionaries, thought leaders and industry experts for meaningful networking, cutting-edge insights and inspiring innovation.
February 2024
Feb 26, 2024Unearth the Enduring Heritage and History of the Island Nation
Valletta, capital of Malta, was built to keep us out. The old city is protected by formidable limestone walls and crammed onto a peninsula flanked by two natural harbors.
Hôtel Norman Opens Near the Top of Champs Elysées
Daily
Feb 23, 2024Take a Peek Inside Regent “Seven Seas Grandeur”
Daily
Feb 22, 2024Daily
Feb 22, 2024Europe by Rail Never Felt So Luxe
Two of 2024’s top travel trends are sustainable travel and slow travel. Rocco Forte Hotel combined both with the Rocco Forte by Rail offer, allowing customers to fully immerse themselves in multiple destinations while traveling scenic routes.
Sponsored Content
Why Buy Annual Travel Insurance?
One affordable plan can protect an entire year of trips: business or pleasure, short or long, domestic or international.
Come Face-to-Face with Mountain Gorillas on a Trek in Uganda
Not a word was spoken as I settled into a cozy spot on the outdoor terrace just outside the main lodge at Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge in Uganda. The air was so still the ice in my single malt seemed to echo off the forest in the distance as it clanked against the glass. I sat among a handful of fellow adventurers, each sitting silently beneath the night sky for one collective goal. Moments earlier, we learned a troop of mountain gorillas had made their way down the mountain near our lodge, and we left our meals to instead sit in eager anticipation of hearing the guttural grunts of the primates below. The chills on my arms never left me that night, even as I made my way up a stone pathway to my personal banda (guestroom). Thankfully, sleep came quickly for me that night as I drifted into dreams of what my next day would bring.
ShareThis